Top 10 Family Holiday Destinations

RC Travel Expert Picks

Family holidays are not just about finding somewhere with a pool and a kids’ club. The best family destinations make the whole trip easier: manageable flights, the right accommodation, activities for different ages, good dining options and enough flexibility that parents can relax too.

This ranking is based on destinations I would confidently recommend to families looking for a well-matched holiday, whether that means theme parks, beaches, culture, adventure or simply somewhere reliable where everyone can enjoy themselves.

These are not the only good family destinations, but they are ten of the strongest options I would put forward when helping families choose the right holiday.

10. Algarve, Portugal

Best for: Easy-going beach holidays with younger children

The Algarve makes this list because it is one of the most reliable family holiday choices in Europe. Flight times from the UK are manageable, transfer times can be kept sensible, and there is a strong choice of villas, family hotels and resort-style accommodation.

It works particularly well for families who want beach time, pool time, relaxed meals and the option of a few days out without overcomplicating the holiday.

Advisor insight: The Algarve is often a better fit than a more adventurous destination for a first family holiday abroad. Keep the resort location practical and you can make the whole experience feel much easier.

9. Disneyland Paris, France

Best for: Short-break magic without long-haul travel

Disneyland Paris is ideal for families who want the excitement of Disney without committing to a full Florida holiday. It is especially strong for younger children or families wanting a special birthday, Christmas or school-holiday break.

With two Disney parks, Disney hotels and Disney Village, it gives families plenty to enjoy in a compact format. The opening of World of Frozen within Disney Adventure World in March 2026 adds another major reason for families to consider it.

Advisor insight: Disneyland Paris is not always the cheapest short break, so the value comes from planning it properly: the right hotel, the right dates and a realistic park strategy.

8. Costa del Sol, Spain

Best for: Great value, sunshine and simple logistics

The Costa del Sol remains popular with families for good reason. There are regular flights, a wide choice of accommodation, family-friendly beaches and plenty of resort areas that make day-to-day holiday life easy.

It suits families who want warm weather, familiar comforts and the option of activities without needing a fully scheduled itinerary.

Advisor insight: The key is choosing the right resort. Some areas are lively and better for older families, while others are calmer and more suitable for younger children.

7. Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Best for: Winter sun, theme parks and polished family hotels

Dubai and Abu Dhabi work brilliantly for families who want sunshine, comfort and lots to do. The hotels are generally excellent, standards are high, and the destination works especially well during UK winter, Easter and October half-term periods.

Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is particularly strong for families, with Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi all available as part of the wider theme park offering.

Advisor insight: This is a destination where hotel choice really matters. A family can have a very different holiday depending on whether they choose beach, city, theme park access or a split stay.

6. Crete, Greece

Best for: Beach, culture and resort choice

Crete is one of the best Greek islands for families because it has scale and variety. Families can choose from relaxed beach resorts, luxury all-inclusive options, family hotels and areas with easy access to history, villages and scenic days out.

It works well for families who want more than just a fly-and-flop holiday but do not want the complexity of island hopping.

Advisor insight: Crete is large, so location is important. A beautiful hotel in the wrong part of the island can mean longer transfers or less convenience than expected.

5. Orlando, Florida

Best for: Big family memories and theme park holidays

Orlando is still one of the ultimate family holiday destinations. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, waterparks, shopping and villa accommodation make it a huge draw for families who want a holiday packed with experiences.

It is best suited to families who are comfortable with a more active itinerary and who want a holiday that feels like a major event.

Advisor insight: Orlando rewards planning. Tickets, accommodation location, rest days, transport and park strategy all make a huge difference to the experience and the overall value.

4. Majorca, Spain

Best for: Classic family holidays done well

Majorca is a family holiday staple because it combines short flights, beautiful beaches, quality hotels and a broad choice of resorts. It can work for toddlers, school-age children and multi-generational trips, provided the resort is matched carefully.

From larger family resorts to quieter coastal areas, Majorca gives families plenty of flexibility without feeling difficult.

Advisor insight: Majorca can be excellent value, but the best family-friendly hotels are in high demand. Early booking makes a real difference for school holiday dates.

3. Turkey

Best for: Family all-inclusive value

Turkey earns a high place because it offers some of the strongest family all-inclusive value, particularly for families who want good facilities, spacious hotels, waterparks, entertainment and plenty included.

Regions such as Antalya and Dalaman offer a wide choice of family resorts, from lively hotels with lots going on to more polished beachfront options.

Advisor insight: Turkey can offer excellent value, but not all all-inclusive hotels are equal. The difference between a good family resort and an average one can be huge.

2. Greek Islands

Best for: Families who want relaxed charm and beautiful beaches

The Greek Islands are a superb family choice because they combine sunshine, food, scenery and a relaxed atmosphere. Islands such as Rhodes, Corfu, Kos and Zakynthos all offer strong family options, while more premium resorts in Greece and Spain now offer structured childcare, kids’ clubs and teen facilities. Ikos, for example, lists crèche, kids’ club and teen options across its family offering.

This is a great option for families who want a holiday that still feels like a proper destination, rather than only a resort stay.

Advisor insight: The right island depends on the family. Some are better for beaches, some for history, some for shorter transfers and some for a more premium hotel experience.

1. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Best for: Year-round family holidays

Tenerife takes the top spot because it is one of the most dependable family destinations available from the UK. It works across multiple school holiday periods, has year-round appeal, offers a wide choice of family hotels and gives families the option of beaches, pools, waterparks, boat trips, Mount Teide and easy resort life.

It is particularly strong for families who want sunshine outside the main summer season without going long-haul.

Advisor insight: Tenerife is not one-size-fits-all. The south is popular for sunshine and resort facilities, but the best area depends on whether the family wants lively, relaxed, luxury, self-catering or all-inclusive.

Final Thoughts

The best family holiday destination is not simply the one with the most activities. It is the one that fits the ages of the children, the parents’ idea of a holiday, the budget, the travel time and the level of structure the family actually wants.

For some families, that might be a simple beach resort in Majorca. For others, it could be Orlando, Dubai, Crete or a carefully chosen Greek island.

The value of expert advice is in narrowing the choice. A good family holiday should feel exciting before you go, easy while you are away and worth every penny when you come home.