Families have been enjoying Mediterranean holidays for decades. The sun-drenched coastline, clear, azure waters, and family-friendly culture make it an enticing choice for a break at any time of year. There are bustling cities, quiet coastal villages, and plenty of opportunity for adventure and relaxation.
How do you choose the perfect Mediterranean retreat for your family when there’s so much choice?
What type of holiday does your family enjoy?
Think about the type of holiday your family enjoys:
Sporty adventures such as coasteering or paragliding.
Relaxation on a quiet, secluded beach with opportunities for snorkelling in coves.
Watersports on a lively beach filled with amenities.
Visits to historical sites.
Casual dining, or fine food and great restaurants.
The convenience of an all-inclusive hotel, the flexibility of a self-catering villa or something in between?
I love to travel and explore different parts of any country we visit, so a road trip is usually my holiday of choice. However, we’ve also very much enjoyed all-inclusive resorts with childcare and watersports. For me, it all depends on what type of adventure we’re looking for at that particular time.
Which location works best for your family?
The Mediterranean is a large and diverse area of Europe, with each region offering a different experience. Tourists can visit ancient historical sites such as the Acropolis in Athens, Colosseum in Rome and the pyramids of Egypt. There are well preserved medieval towns, castles and architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can hike around the Gorges du Verdon in France, party in Ibiza or island hop in Greece. There really is a holiday for every taste and budget.
The Italian Coast
The Italian coast offers dramatic coastlines, charming towns, historical sites, and fantastic food. Visitors can head to the Amalfi region for breathtaking scenery, Tuscany for rolling hills, or Sicily and Sardinia for stunning beaches, watersports, and plenty of family-friendly accommodation options.
Photo by Frans van Heerden
Costa Brava, Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands
Spanish coastal towns are often lively, with plenty of family-friendly entertainment, hotels, and restaurants. The Balearic Islands are also very popular with tourists, offering the option of a lively holiday or a more relaxed retreat.
Croatia
Croatia is a slightly more unusual and often more affordable Mediterranean holiday destination. Its crystal clear waters and beautiful islands offer plenty of opportunities for water sports, exploration and relaxation.
A stay in luxury villa in Croatia is a great way to enjoy a Croatian holiday, with villas for every size of party and all the amenities you could wish for.
Greece
The sun drenched Greek Islands are a holidaymakers dream with stunning beaches, ancient history and incredible food. Tourists can find a vibrant nightlife if they wish, but there are plenty of quieter locations too.
One great idea is to explore package holidays to Skiathos. It has 50 gorgeous beaches, a beautiful old town and opportunities to island hop to Skopelos, Lalaria Beach and Koukounaries.
Photo by Lazar Krstić
Top Tips for a Family Mediterranean Holiday
Visit local markets for fresh food, local crafts and souvenirs.
Try local cuisine. An all inclusive hotel is a great way to try lots of different food options without the risk of not enjoying them.
Learn the language basics!
Consider the quieter spring and autumn seasons when there are fewer crowds, prices are lower, and the weather is less scorching hot.
Start dreaming and get ready to soak up the sun, sea and magic of your perfect Mediterranean family retreat.
Leave a Reply