Best family holiday destinations in 2024

Whether you want sandy beaches, cultural excursions or thrilling theme parks, these ten family holiday destinations are bound to hit the right note.

1. Algarve

Huge beaches, family-friendly resorts and reliable summer sun have all helped to make Portugal's Algarve region a hit with families. Sporty types will love the wide range of activities – from horse riding and golf to watersports and coastal hikes – on offer, while a little R&R comes easy in the region’s luxury spas.

What's more, there is a huge choice of accommodation that caters for all budgets. From small self-caterers to sprawling all-inclusive resorts, families won’t struggle to find their perfect fit here. For a got-it-all resort town (think sandy beaches, restaurants and theme parks), try Albufeira.

2. Balearic Islands

The Spanish islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza have a well-deserved reputation for hassle-free family holidays. Hundreds of direct flights take off from UK airports every week, with many families lured back year after year by the sunny climate, stunning scenery and mouth-watering cuisine.

Families seeking an active holiday should consider Majorca, where elegant capital city Palma and the island’s pretty inland towns will keep you busy when you’re not lazing on the idyllic beaches of Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa. In Menorca, Cala'n Bosch is the perfect choice for a relaxing beach break, while Ibiza is remarkably family-friendly when you look beyond its neon-lit strips and buzzing beach clubs.

3. Canary Islands

Families have been flocking to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura to soak up their glorious year-round sun for years – and the islands have plenty to entertain the little ones as a result.

Los Cristianos in Tenerife and Playa Blanca in Lanzarote are among the most popular resorts for families, with safe, sandy beaches and thrill-filled waterparks within easy reach. Choose Maspalomas or Playa del Ingles on Gran Canaria for lively resorts with everything families need for a hassle-free holiday or head to Fuerteventura for some of the Canaries’ best beaches.

4. Cyprus

Cyprus’ wealth of sandy Blue Flag beaches makes it a firm favourite with families seeking a classic fly-and-flop holiday. You’ll find many of the best along the south coast, stretching from the resort towns of Ayia Napa and Paphos all the way to the wild and remote Akamas Peninsula.

Year-round sunshine also makes this Mediterranean island nation appealing to families, as does its range of kid-friendly accommodation. Many resorts have their very own on-site waterparks – ideal for keeping children entertained without needing to spend a penny more.

5. Florida

Disney World and Universal Studios make Orlando the first port of call for many families heading to Florida – but the Sunshine State is so much more than its theme parks.

Once the kids have raced, laughed and shrieked their way around the main attractions, there are clean, sandy beaches in buzzing cities such as Miami; a string of paradise islands from Tampa to Fort Myers; and wildlife parks to explore. Getting around is easy in a hire car, and a multi-base trip is a great way to see a lot in a short time.

6. France

Whether your family loves city tours, the great outdoors or Mickey Mouse, France has it all on tap. You can marvel at the yachts in St Tropez and Nice, ride the waves in Biarritz, gorge yourselves on seafood in Brittany or mix high culture with Disney fun in Paris – the choice is yours.

For an invigorating change, Alpine resorts such as Chamonix offer skiing in the winter and climbing, hiking and mountain biking during warmer months. Best of all? Travel by ferry and you can fill up the car with everything you need.

7. Greek Islands

Gorgeous beaches and clear blue seas tempt thousands of families to the Greek islands every year, but look beyond the obvious to be rewarded by remote mountain towns, ancient ruins and olive oil straight from the source.

Corfu, Crete, Rhodes and Kos are popular picks for families as there’s plenty to see and do away from the sun-lounger – think waterparks for the kids and historical sites for the grown-ups. Quieter islands, such as Zante and Kefalonia, provide a beautiful backdrop for more relaxing getaways.

8. Mexico

Head to Mexico’s Caribbean east coast to resort areas such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen for a long-haul family holiday to remember. All swaying palms and powder-white sand, the beaches here are nothing short of spectacular. Historic Mayan sites, such as Chichen Itza and Tulum, make easy and informative days out, while further inland, picture-postcard cenotes (natural underground pools) are utterly breathtaking.

On the western Pacific coast, try popular Puerto Vallarta or family friendly and affordable Mazatlan.

9. Spain

Spanish coastal resorts such as Benidorm on the Costa Blanca and Marbella on the Costa del Sol are hugely popular with families – and their beautiful beaches are just the beginning. Just two-to-three hours from the UK, with tasty and affordable eating out options and tons of focused entertainment, Spain’s sunny southern coast is an easy pick for a relaxing family holiday.

Away from the coast, Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Madrid also offer fantastic value for money and boast attractions from cool art galleries to white-knuckle rides at nearby theme parks.

10. United Kingdom

You don't have to go far to enjoy quality time with your near and dear ones. Attractions such as Madame Tussauds in London and Edinburgh Castle make UK city breaks just as much fun for children as adults.

For a more relaxing staycation, Cornwall’s St Ives is a classic choice, with its sandy beaches and cute holiday cottages, while the Lake District is a wonderful pick for family walks and outdoorsy adventures. Or, for cheap and cheerful family fun, why not head to one of the UK's many holiday parks?

If you’re looking for something a little different for your 2024 family holiday, why not try a cruise? Many ships cater to families and leave from UK ports such as Southampton, Dover and Liverpool so you can dodge the hassle of airports. Even better, many cruises are 'all-inclusive' (except for alcoholic drinks and excursions), meaning you can keep costs down while the little ones enjoy endless drinks, snacks and ice creams, and stay entertained in kids’ clubs designed for all ages.

For adventures on land, self-drive holidays are hard to beat. With ferries from the UK to Europe and Ireland, it's easy and cheap to pack those bags and head off to explore. You can set your own pace, stay in hotels, holiday or camp parks, and be totally free to create your own holiday. A proper adventure for families, self-drive holidays will give you fantastic memories without breaking the bank.

Renting a private villa is another great family holiday option. With the complete freedom to do as you please, splash in your own private pool and cook in the comfort of your own home-from-home, villas are a cost-effective choice for larger groups. Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and Greece are all great destinations for a family villa holiday in Europe; further afield, try Florida.