Where to go when in the school holidays

School holidays are that well-deserved break from the daily routine, a golden opportunity to relax and recharge. But it’s also a chance to embark on exciting adventures, taste delicious new foods and create wonderful memories. From winter breaks in the balmy Canaries to spending summer amid Italy’s lakes and fairytale castles, here are some top trending destinations to explore on a family holiday to Europe and beyond.

February: Tenerife - A warm winter hotspot

Break up the long winter with a trip to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. As mainland Europe shivers, this sun-drenched isle has average temperatures of around 21 degrees on both land and in the sea.

Away from the lively locales, there are exclusive, upscale spots if you know where to look. Royal Hideaway Corales Suites is a shining example; this seafront haven has stylish designer apartments and Michelin-star restaurants, as well as clubs for kids and teens. When you’re ready to ramp things up, take a cable car to the summit of Mount Teide, traverse neighbouring La Gomera by jeep or have a blast at Siam Park – voted the number one water park in the world (nine times in a row!) by TripAdvisor.  

Faraway favourite: Dubai is a wonderland for families, offering endless thrills among desert dunes, theme parks and aromatic souks, framed by jaw-dropping skyscrapers and gorgeous shorelines. Water babies will be in their element at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, a candy-coloured hotel with a lazy river, slides and a splash zone.

Easter: Cyprus – Springtime splendour

Spring brings pleasant weather in Cyprus and the island comes alive with vibrant wildflowers. Cypriots are big on Easter celebrations, so you can expect to see lots of egg-shaped decorations and locals feasting on Flaounes (Easter cheese pies) and Tsoureki (a sweet Greek bread). Discover ancient history at archaeological sites like Kourion or wind through charming villages in the Troodos Mountains. Limassol is a wonderful place to pitch up, with Blue Flag beaches and excellent water sports – Mediterranean Beach Hotel hits every mark for a great-value family stay.

Faraway favourite: April is prime time in the Maldives. The lagoons are calm and as clear as glass, making observing the marine life effortless, and low rainfall means you’ll enjoy the alfresco dining and dolphin-watching cruises even more. With a welcoming vibe for all and a superb selection of restaurants and room types (we adore the Two Bedroom Beach Houses), Kuramathi Maldives is a winner with families.

May: Greece – A Dodecanese dream

Head to Greece in May before the sizzling summer heat arrives. The Dodecanese Islands are the most southerly group of Greek islands, known for their rich history, beautiful landscapes and sun baked coasts.

Kos proves popular for all ages, with its buzzy towns and captivating cultural attractions. Visit the Asklepion, a healing centre of antiquity, or take a day trip to Nisyros Island and stand in awe of its volcanic crater. We’re sure pool and beach days will be high on the agenda, so choose a resort with the best of both. Seafront Grecotel LUXME Kos Imperial has six pools and a mix of family rooms with separate sleeping areas – a big box tick for parents.

Further south, Rhodes is another gem with Blue Flag beaches and so much to do. Stroll the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town, marvel at thousands of winged beauties in the Valley of the Butterflies and don’t miss the whitewashed village of Lindos with its iconic acropolis perched on the hill. If you’re a foodie-loving tribe, you’ll love Grecotel LUXME Dama Dama, LUX ME Resort, where six restaurants make for a diverse dining experience.

Faraway favourite: Little ones will delight in building castles from icing-sugar sand and encountering those adorable pink flamingos in Aruba. At Tamarijn Aruba All-inclusive, families come together for daily fun and nightly entertainment, although you’ll see many youngsters bolting to the kids’ club.

August: Italy - Lakeside bliss on Lake Garda

Lake Garda beckons in August with its warm waters and postcard scenery. Explore the nearby cities of Verona or Venice and hop aboard a ferry to see enchanting castles and leafy lakeside towns.

Thrills await in Gardaland, one of Europe's top theme parks. And grown-ups can soak up the soul-stirring surroundings during a spa treatment – children can join too at the newly-opened Hotel Gardea Soulfamily Resort. Kids are welcome in the spa which offers teenie facials, scents-of-the-forest massages and mini manicures. Beyond the hotel grounds, let off steam with fresh air hikes, cycling and forest picnics.

Faraway favourite: From July to late September, the world's most renowned wildlife show, The Great Migration, takes centre stage. Our Kenya Fly-In Family Safari combines Lion-King-style adventures with time to unwind on Malindi’s white sands.

October: Portugal - autumn sunshine in the Algarve

The Algarve in Portugal still basks in sunshine in October. With its dramatic cliff-cocooned shores that echo tales of pirates, world-class golf courses and fabulous hotel havens, it’s a fantastic all-round choice. Water parks like Slide & Splash are a hit with the kids, as are the local culinary dishes: grilled piri piri chicken and the region’s famed custard tarts. Choose a townhouse with a private pool at Martinhal Quinta Do Lago Family Resort for a relaxed retreat, or head to the award-winning Pine Cliffs Resort for action-packed days. There are football and tennis academies available at extra cost, and the Porto Pirata kids’ club turns spooktacular over Halloween with pumpkin carving, face painting and bewitching décor.

Faraway favourite: Summer is just getting started in Mauritius and has the perfect weather for beach and water activities. Stay at the idyllic Preskil Island Resort and enjoy unlimited waterskiing, windsurfing and snorkelling as part of the all-inclusive package.

December: Gran Canaria - Festive fun

Celebrate the holiday season with a family getaway to Gran Canaria. In December, the Canaries maintain their warmth, making it a go-to place to escape the winter chill. Get behind the wheel of a VW Beetle convertible and roam mountain villages, pad across Maspalomas' mesmerising sand dunes or take the child-friendly hike to Roque Nublo, known as ‘the rock in the clouds’. Add a wild twist and stay at Lopesan Baobab Resort, a grand, safari-themed sanctuary with tribal décor, jungly gardens and lifesize elephant statues.

Faraway favourite: With two weeks to play with, make the most of it and tour the tea plantations, temples and tropical beaches of Sri Lanka. Our Sri Lanka Suggested Family Itinerary includes a private car and driver so you can sightsee at your own pace.