Three Incredible Beach Holiday Destinations for Families

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There’s nothing like a wholesome beach holiday. Soaking up the sun with sand between your toes, and immersing yourself in gently lulling, turquoise ocean waters gives many people a sense of catharsis and rejuvenation. Sharing these moments with your family offers a chance to switch off and concentrate on spending quality time with the most treasured people in your life. 

However, it can be said that some beaches are superior to others, whether due to the quality of the water, cleanliness of the sand, or the local amenities or attractions. To help you pick the perfect place to relax and play, we’ve rounded up three of the most incredible beach holiday destinations for families. 

The Maldives

For those with a taste for the finer things in life, the ethereal archipelago known as the Maldives is the epitome of luxury beach holidays. From the moment you set foot on the resort, you’re transported into a world of chalk-white beaches, swaying palms and the clearest ocean water in the world. Thanks to the abundance of coral reefs that surround the islands, the water is pristine and calm, making it the perfect place for all ages to snorkel and swim.

Family focused resorts in the Maldives feature multiple activities and adventures to keep the little ones busy. You can set sail on a yacht out onto the iridescent Indian Ocean and see shoals of colourful fish dance amidst the reefs, and keep an eye out for passing dolphins. Or, for thrill seekers, there’s watersporting opportunities aplenty. 

Many family resorts also have kids clubs so you can nip off to enjoy some well-deserved pamper time in the spa, whilst the children enjoy a range of fun activities including crafts, sports and even cooking. Or for some family downtime, why not collect small amounts of sand, shells and rocks from the shore and use them to create nature crafts as a holiday keepsake?

Turkey

With some of the world’s longest and most diverse coastlines, Turkey has some incredible beaches, and over 400 of them are Blue Flag certified. With coasts bordering the Aegean, Black and Mediterranean Seas, Turkey has many different types of beaches to suit any variety of family. 

On the Aegean coast, traditional fishing villages have expanded into vibrant towns that draw artists, watersport and windsurfing enthusiasts, and expats who crave a simpler way of life. In the Bodrum and Izmir peninsulas, you can visit an underwater museum, swim in the mesmerising cove of Bardakci, and travel back in time to explore the ancient ruins of Pegamon. For serene lagoons and sand dunes, head to the Mediterranean coast, where beaches such as Patara offer up to 18 km of award-winning shoreline, and the Turkish Riviera boasts a Roman harbour, plus many vast, clean beaches and immaculate family resorts. 

As a country with such a rich history and culture, ancient monuments and inland attractions, plus a wide range of diverse beaches with everything from black to golden sand – Turkey is a fantastic family destination.

Crete

When it comes to Greek islands, Crete is arguably the best for families. With plenty of children-friendly activities and dreamy beaches to explore, you won’t ever want to leave this picturesque wonderland. On the west coast, you can find pink sparkling shores at the Falassarna and Elafonisi beaches, thanks to the millions of broken seashells mixed into the fine sand. For white sands and shallow azure waters, head to Balos beach and lagoon, which is quieter and accessible by a short boat ride.

In central Crete, you can find laid-back resorts with less busy beaches such as Bali and Hersonossis, where the water is calm and shallow – perfect for the little ones. Crete has an interesting history, and you can combine sightseeing and beach-going at Matala beach, which is surrounded by cave tombs built by the Romans some 2000+ years ago.

On the east coast, you’ll find more irresistible beaches, hiking trails, watersports and plenty of nearby historical and cultural sites to discover. For a fun day trip, be sure to head to the ancient Venetian town of Rethymno, where you can embark on a thrilling pirate cruise to explore caves and hidden beaches in the area. 

Where will you go?

We all know how important it is to spend quality time as a family, and the beach is the perfect place to do so. With sun, sea and sand (plus maybe a parcel of chips and an ice-cream), you really don’t need much more to feel rejuvenated and connected with your loved ones. So, with these top three beach destinations in mind, where will you go for your next family adventure?