The Best Multi-Generation Holiday Destinations

Thursday, 04 October 2012

It is National Grandparent Day on the 7th October, and what better way to show your appreciation than some relaxing down-time with the whole family, sprinkled with some winter sun.

We have compiled a list of the best short-haul destinations that the whole family will love – from tantrum-prone toddlers to grumpy granddads!

Tenerife

Tenerife enjoys average temperatures in the 20’s in winter months and longer days of sunlight than the UK, whilst not being too hot for little ones.

Best Hotel – The Costa Adeje Gran Hotel is a 5*in Costa Adeje that starts from an amazing £28.50 per night with lowcostholidays.com, and is within easy walking distance of the resort centre and beaches. Children will love the choice of pools, evening entertainment and disco, whilst the adults can enjoy the tropical gardens of the hotel and the nearby golf course.

Must See Attraction – Siam Park is not your usual water park. Not only are there the thrilling rides and slides you would expect, but the Thai themed park also offers relaxing cabanas by the man-made pool - where you can relax, read and enjoy the gentle waves, a floating Thai market for lunch and a water play area for babies. You can easily spend the whole day here.

Where to Eat – Rosso Sul Mare is right on the water’s edge in La Caleta, Costa Adeje. There is an outside play area where the children can play whilst adults enjoy some of the delicious and reasonably priced Italian dishes.

Malta

With its stunning countryside and rich history, Malta holidays have always been popular with the older generations. But the small Mediterranean island offers safe beaches and fun theme parks for kids, elegant spas for mum and lots of sports for dad.

Best Hotel - The 4* Seashells Resort at Suncrest Malta is great for all ages. Right next to the sea and with a bunch of fun swimming pools, the comfortable hotel also has an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, restaurants and easy access to the Popeye Theme Park and the capital city ofValletta.

Must See Attraction - The Medditerraneo Bio Park is a brilliant family attraction in Malta. Here you can watch sea lion shows, learn how to protect marine wildlife, pet turtles, lizards and snakes and even swim with the dolphins!

Where to Eat - Ta’Pawla restaurant in Bugibba has familiar dishes for any fussy eaters, with plenty of steak, pizza and pasta options. However if you want to try the local cuisine, Ta’Pawla serves up delicious, fresh seafood dishes and the Maltese favourite, rabbit stew.

Algarve

The Algarve has been welcoming families to its golden beaches for more than 50 years, the mix of natural beauty and the charm of southern Portugal are perfect ingredients for a family holiday.

Best Hotel - The Monica Isabel Beach Club is perfect for a family stay in the Algarve. Kick back and relax with a beautiful beach side setting, or let the kids get active with the fully managed kids club. You can stay for seven nights with return flights starts from £155 per person with lowcostholidays.com. See here for more details.

Must See Attraction - The Algarve’s biggest attraction has to be its beaches; with 70 plus blue flag beaches to sample the coastline is one of the most celebrated in Europe. Head to Praia da Marinha for the best of the Algarve beach life, the beach is an inlet of orange limestone cliffs, golden sands and rural fauna, making it one the most photographed beaches in the world

Where to Eat - Head to the family friendly Os Arcos restaurant in the Old Town of Albufeira, away from the crowds the restaurant is a great for sampling the Algarve’s rural dishes, but also has a child friendly menu.

Majorca

One of the best-loved holiday spots for Brits abroad, Majorca offers beautiful Blue Flag beaches, nature reserves and excellent facilities for sailing.

Best Hotel – The THB Felip Hotel in Porto Cristo will be perfect for balancing the needs of grandparents and younger generations: being right next to the harbour, you can easily watch the world go by, or take advantage of the relaxing spa facilities to truly unwind. Grandchildren might appreciate the Wi-Fi on offer so they can send pictures home to their friends.

Must-See Attraction – The Caves of Drach are one of Majorca’s best natural wonders, where the chambers of rock can be up to 25 metres high. There are daily classical music concerts held on an underground lake to really create a unique atmosphere.

Where to Eat – Holidays to Majorca are all about great food, so don’t miss Sa Punta Restaurant near Cala Bona, which offers Mediterranean favourites that everyone will love, accompanied by home-made puddings. There are nearly 200 types of wine on offer and you might spot tennis star Rafael Nadal here, as he lives nearby and has been known to drop in for dinner.

Paris

City breaks in Paris with the family make an interesting change from a beach holiday - everyone will fall in love with the stunning views, amazing food and endless list of things to see and do.

Best Hotel – The cool Color Design Hotel is in one of the most fashionable areas of Paris and each room has an individual style and décor. There are loads of tourist attractions, pavement cafes, restaurants and museums nearby, so you can take it in turns to decide what you do each day.

Must See Attraction – A river cruise along the Seine is one of the best ways of seeing the city, you get to see most of the main attractions from the water and without any moaning about having to walk long distances!

Where to Eat – Berthillon is one of Paris’ worst kept secrets – the ice cream flavours here are out of this world, you can have a different flavour every day… twice, and still have flavours that you really want to try! Find this lovely little café on St Louis en Ille.