The usual family holiday spots can start to feel a little predictable and while there’s nothing wrong with a classic getaway, sometimes you want something a little different.
And the good news is you don’t need to compromise on sunshine or entertainment to find a destination with a little more character.
Tropical escapes in Cape Verde
Long-haul island getaways don’t have to mean expensive flights and jet lag. Cape Verde holidays are perfect for families, particularly the island of Sal, with its warm, shallow waters and relaxed vibe. Stay in Santa Maria, where you’ll find colourful streets and family-friendly beachfront restaurants.
If you fancy a break from sunbathing, take a boat trip to see wild dolphins or head to Shark Bay, where you can wade into the water and watch harmless lemon sharks swimming right up to your feet.
The island of Boa Vista features vast dunes and lunar-like landscapes that make it feel like you’ve landed on another planet. The kids can roll down sand hills and ride quad bikes across the desert.
Beach holidays in Albania
The Riviera offers stunning, crowd-free beaches and a price tag that won’t have you wincing at every meal out.
Base yourself in Ksamil, a picture-perfect coastal village with soft white sand and shallow turquoise waters ideal for little ones. Unlike some of the Mediterranean’s busier resorts, you won’t need to fight for a sun lounger and you’ll still get the full summer holiday experience.
Take the kids on a short boat ride to the uninhabited Ksamil Islands for a real castaway adventure or explore the nearby UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint.
Educational trips in Malta
If you like the idea of a holiday that entertains and educates, travelling to Malta offers the perfect alternative to Rome or Athens. This tiny island nation is packed with history, from prehistoric temples to medieval cities, and it’s small enough that you can explore a lot in just a week.
Start in Mdina, the island’s old capital, where cobbled streets lead to ancient palaces and hidden courtyards. Just outside the city, the Rabat Catacombs offer an underground adventure through centuries-old burial chambers.
Adventure holidays in Slovenia
Lake Bled delivers in a way that keeps both adults and kids entertained. The lake itself is breathtaking, with an emerald-green hue and a tiny island topped by a fairy-tale church.
Hire bikes and cycle the scenic 6km path that circles the lake, stopping for a slice of the famous Bled Cream Cake at a waterside café. For something more exhilarating, take a rafting trip down the Sava River, where gentle rapids provide just the right amount of thrill for families.
If your kids love heights, head to the Vintgar Gorge where you’ll find wooden walkways clinging to the rock face, rushing waterfalls and turquoise pools.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post