The 10 best family holidays in the world to try this year

Looking for a break that combines all the things your family members want from a holiday can involve tedious hours of triangulating Tripadvisor reviews and mapping out routes on Google Maps. Quinta do Lago sidesteps this planning malarkey by bringing all the finest components of a Portuguese break together in one well-planned, immaculately-tended estate in the Algarve’s golden triangle. This means that everyone gets what they want – from beaches to golf, kids’ football training, biking, pedalos, padel and gorgeous family dinners – all  in a stunning setting and within easy reach of a friendly, informal hotel.

Best for: An all-in-one family holiday.

A holiday in Crete can be a transformational experience for families. The largest Greek island, it has vast expanses of gold sandy beach, hidden coves, winding mountain passes, ancient villages and towns and thousands of years of history. Hire a car and you’ll be able to make the most of the place, from the wealth of shady gorges that offer stellar hiking to the simple tavernas where you can snack on mezze under a canopy of vines. The Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort is well placed to let you explore at your leisure – or just to immerse yourself in the relaxing delights it has to offer.

Best for: A family introduction to the joys of Greece.

There’s a quiet revolution going on in paradise. The Maldives, for years a haven seemingly reserved exclusively for honeymooners, is opening up its pristine beaches to families. With fabulous weather almost the whole year round and all the palm trees you could wish for, its tiny coral reef islands have the relaxation element that appeals to adults down pat – and now a new breed of resorts and hotels are adding some excitement for the younger generation. First choice for nature lovers should be the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, home to the Manta Trust. Nestled in the Raa Atoll, the resort manages to combine the luxury the Maldives is known for with a genuinely thrilling conservation programme that gets you up close and personal with the gentle giants of the sea. Joining one of the annual Manta Retreats will inspire kids and adults alike. Meanwhile on the other side of the country, Kandima Maldives is perfect for families who want their slice of paradise served with a side of fun.

Best for: Big splurge final family holidays before the kids go their own way.

Historic splendour, manicured gardens set in rolling Yorkshire countryside, an adventure playground straight out of ‘Swallows and Amazons’, and the IMDb credits of a veteran thesp... Castle Howard is the country pile that does it all. The estate rents six super-comfy, pet-welcoming cottages, each offering a beautiful combo of elegant modern decor, olde-worlde vibes, beds to sink into and living rooms you’ll never want to leave.

Best for: Pet-loving families reluctant for their fur babies to miss out on holiday fun. 

With sunny beaches, fantastic theme parks, and the world’s largest comic book convention, there's no such thing as bored children in sunny San Diego. Plus, like a good Pixar flick, the best kid-friendly activities work brilliantly for adults too. We promise parents will love mingling with exotic animals, splashing through waterfront fountains and marvelling at towering Lego sculptures right alongside the kids. Avoid rowdier crowds and embrace calm waves alongside other families at Mission Beach, Coronado Beach or La Jolla Shores.

Best for: Best-of-both-worlders looking to mix urban thrills with some beach time.

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world. Its vast water networks are home to crocodiles and hippos, while lions and cheetahs hunt on its plains. It is also where sustainable, locally-run safari company Wilderness runs a handful of luxury camps. Each one caters to families keen to experience the joys of a safari both on land and on the water. With one of the best chances of seeing the Big Five in Africa, this is a once in a lifetime, awe-inspiring destination that will become the stuff of family legend.  

Best for: Families with teenagers looking to create collective memories before they fly the nest.

Climbing up a steep, rainforest-studded hillside on the island’s north-west coast, Windjammer Landing may well be the best family-friendly resort on St Lucia. Accommodation options run the gamut from conventional rooms to palatial villas with private infinity pools and views out over the Caribbean Sea. The sprawling setting means that whatever option you go for, you get the privacy of secluded surroundings as well as access to Windjammer’s extensive facilities. There’s an in-house reef for snorkelling and water activities including water-skiing and paddleboarding. Or you could always take a cable car into the rainforest and zipline back out, if you and the fam are feeling adventurous.

Best for: Water sports-loving junior beach bums.

Marbella used to be an absolute hotspot for Brits taking a Mediterranean break. Recent years, however, have seen it somewhat overshadowed by new upstarts in Greece, Croatia and further up the coast in Spain. However it still has a lot of charm and is being reinvigorated with new developments and updated classics that are bringing fresh life to this pretty stretch of coastline. Prime among these is the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá, a place with lavish grounds, huge pools, terrific service and a super-friendly kids’ club, making it the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with your family.

Best for: A blissed-out break in the sun.

Rule by Asians, Europeans and Africans over the centuries has given Sicily eclectic architectural riches and a distinguished fusion cuisine. While this might appeal to the grown members of your clan, pool-obsessed, beige-food-loving kids might need some convincing. Mangia’s Brucoli, perched on the rugged eastern coast, is the perfect way to balance both sets of interests. The resort allows easy access to the architectural treasures of Syracuse while also offering the joys of infinity pools, ice cream stations, football pitches, boat trips and tennis courts for when the kids have had their fill of history. 

Best for: Families that need a bit of mental stimulation to go with their sun lounging.

Everything about this sylvan retreat is geared towards wholesome family enjoyment, from the beautiful woodland setting and the myriad invigorating activities to the brilliantly designed accommodation and the gourmet restaurant (complete with its own soft play palace). Leap aboard a golf buggy and cruise around the resort, where you can hop on thrilling flumes in the aquatic centre, get a massage at the spa, play mini golf with your kids or watch them whizz through the treetops on zip-wires. The stunning natural backdrop will leave you in a laidback and chipper mood, as will the bill, which is likely to be surprisingly low.

Best for: Families in desperate need of a break from the city.