From Costa Brava to Montenegro and Seville, we reveal the best short-haul breaks — with or without kids
WHETHER you have them or not, kids will surely factor into where you decide to go on holiday this year.
Either you will want to keep your little angels occupied . . . or you will be keen to avoid other people’s.
Here, JACOB LEWIS picks out great short-haul breaks, with or without kids.
Fantastic family fun
Costa Brava
THE little ones will love the sun-kissed Malgrat De Mar in the popular Costa Brava region.
It is home to Marineland Catalunya, a water park with dolphin and bird shows and plenty of fantastic beaches.
The three star Papi Hotel offers something for everyone with a main pool, children’s pool with slides and a play area and a kids’ club.
There is also a restaurant serving Mediterranean and international cuisine and evening entertainment for both adults and kids.
Seven nights’ half-board at the Papi Hotel costs from £270pp based on a family of four sharing, including return flights departing London Southend on August 26. See or call 0871 474 3000.
Malta
THE secluded northern peninsula is one of the most picturesque parts of an already idyllic island and a top spot for spending quality time with the family.
The Ramla Bay Hotel is ideal for a getaway with the kids in tow.
It has its own 350-metre private beach, three outdoor pools, an indoor pool, tennis courts, a children’s club, a diving school, free use of pedalos and canoes and a free trip to the Island of Comino.
For the grown-ups there is a spa offering various treatments, a fitness room, two restaurants, a bar and an entertainment programme.
Seven nights’ B&B at the four star Ramla Bay Hotel in Malta costs from £355pp based on two adults and two kids sharing a Twin Seaview Room, including return flights from Gatwick on July 5 and transfers. See or call 0333 999 3287.
Montenegro
ULCINJ in south-east Montenegro is one of the country’s oldest coastal towns.
With its restaurants, cafes and galleries, there’s no danger of getting bored, while the entire region is famous for its sandy shoreline.
Holiday Village Montenegro is a brand-new resort opening this year, boasting family swim-up rooms.
There’s all sorts to keep the kids entertained including a high ropes course and a football academy.
Guests can enjoy the powder-soft beach, loads of activities and a top pool scene.
Seven nights’ all inclusive at First Choice’s four star Holiday Village Montenegro costs from £938pp based on a family of four sharing, including flights from Gatwick on July 29 and transfers. See .
Sicily
HEAD for the east coast of Sicily and enjoy crystal clear seas and poolside relaxation in warm sunshine from as early as April until late September.
Kids will love Etnaland, southern Italy’s largest theme park, with action-packed rollercoaster and rapids rides, plus a separate water park full of slides and pools.
While mum and dad will enjoy the coastal towns of Taormina, above, and Acireale and the vineyard-covered slopes of Mount Etna – the ideal place to taste local wines.
Enjoy the luxury of your own private pool at Villa Cocuzzolo set in leafy Mediterranean gardens between Acireale and Taormina.
One week’s self-catering at the three-bedroom Villa Cocuzzolo costs from £235 pp, based on six sharing.
See or call 020 7193 7302.
No kidding...
Costa del Sol
WITH miles of sun-drenched coast and a laid-back atmosphere, is it any wonder many return to this stretch of southern Spain year on year?
One of the Costa del Sol’s top spots is the adults-only Sensimar Riviera, boasting a state-of-the-art wellness area, a speciality restaurant and smart bedrooms.
The modern resort has a TripAdvisor Certificate Of Excellence and ticks all the right boxes with its contemporary looks.
Rooms feature a stylish slate-grey colour scheme and come with plump beds and soundproof double glazing, while premium rooms even have hydro-massage baths.
Seven nights’ half-board at the four star TUI Sensimar Riviera costs from £787pp based on two sharing, including flights departing Gatwick on July 26 and transfers. See .
Greece
GREECE never goes out of fashion and Thomas Cook’s stylish new adults-only offering proves it is still in vogue.
The latest in its range of adult-exclusive hotels, Sunprime Pearl Beach, opens in June and has a modern design, relaxing atmosphere and quality facilities.
Situated on a Blue Flag beach in Marmari, Kos, seven miles from Kos Town, it has 97 chic and comfy rooms, some with private or shared pools for an extra touch of luxury.
There will also be a state of the art spa.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four star Sunprime Pearl Beach in Marmari costs from £867pp based on two sharing, including flights departing Gatwick on June 10 and transfers. See or call 0844 412 5970.
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La Palma
THIS is one of the smallest and most laid-back islands in the Canaries.
Why not jet off for a child-free, seven-night stay at the three star La Caleta Apartments? They are in the peaceful resort of Los Cancajos which has a number of fab little tapas restaurants and a stunning Blue Flag beach.
A week’s self-catering at La Caleta Apartments costs from £377pp, including return flights from Gatwick on June 7. See or call 0871 474 3000.
Seville
IT was named by Lonely Planet as the city to see in 2018 – so there has never been a better excuse to visit stunning Seville, above, for a fully authentic Spanish experience.
Book with superbreak.com and visit many of the city’s top attractions including its cathedral, Plaza de Espana and more on a sightseeing tour.
Then take a full-day excursion to the nearby cities of Jerez and Cadiz to sample some of the region’s best wines.
Four nights’ self-catering at the AC Hotel Sevilla Forum hotel costs from £599pp based on two sharing, including return flights from Bournemouth on March 12, a full-day excursion to Jerez and Cadiz and a sightseeing tour of Seville. For details, see or call 0800 042 0288.