Dreaming of sun holidays right now? Well here’s some good news. We have all the sun you need, summer and winter, right here. Find out why we love holidays to Corsica, Sardinia, Gambia and Cape Verde this year. The sun definitely factors in, but it’s not the only reason, take a look.
Sardinia is the perfect island for active family holidays this summer
Plan perfect sun holidays with real family travel experts
The Gambia Experience, The Cape Verde Experience, Corsican Places and Sardinian Places are experts in sun holidays. When we say ‘experts’, we really mean that in the truest sense of the word. As well as over 35 years experience in the travel industry, every single team member has spent significant time in each destination. And not just for work, these are places where they choose to go on their own family holidays.
So when you speak to one of the team about your holiday, you have the benefit of their first hand knowledge. Plus, as parents themselves, they understand what’s important to you and what will work best for the ages and stages of your children. Which are the best villas in Corsica with private pools – and pool alarms? What islands will teens like most in Cape Verde? Where are the exciting water sport beaches in Sardinia? How can you arrange a school visit in Gambia? You only have to ask and you’ll have your answer, based on real experience.
Of course, talking to another parent also makes booking travel and organising details like airport transfers or car hire, easier too. Plus you have the advantage of personal recommendations when it comes to picking your perfect resort, hotel or holiday home. What more could you want?
Family villas with private pools and spectacular views, Corsican Places
Corsica is sunniest for summer holidays in France
Anyone who has ever visited Corsica finds it hard to believe that this magical Mediterranean island is only a little over two hours from the UK. It’s French, but there’s plenty of Italy woven into its soul too. However, what you will notice most is its distinctive Corsican charm.
Dramatic Corsica is great fun for kids
A remarkably dramatic island, mountain bikers and hikers love it here. In fact the GR20 path which stretches north to south for over 180km is known as one of the world’s top hiking trails. You might not want to take that challenge on with kids, but even easier walks reward you with wonderful scenery, pretty towns and villages and astonishing sea views.
There’s no shortage of history in Corsica either. Of course it’s famous as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, but the island’s past goes back much further and makes for fascinating exploration. Expect to be awed by sights like the clifftop town of Bonifacio or the elegant waterfront city of Ajaccio. But you’ll find just as much to love about Corsica’s smaller villages and lively little ports.
Idyllic Mediterranean beach holidays with wonderful water sports
Beautiful Mediterranean beaches are a clear winner on sun holidays and Corsica has some of the loveliest in Europe. Naturally lazing on the sand or in the shade of pine trees is a perfectly wonderful way to spend your time. Although you’ll probably be tempted to be a little more active thanks to a great choice of water sports available around the coast.
Corsican Places offers wide selection of family villas and apartments all over Corsica. Many have private pools as well as exceptional sea views, and a range of holiday packages are available which include flights, accommodation and car hire.
Summer sun holidays in Sardinia are easy with kids
Sardinia is a captivating island for summer sun holidays and with direct flights from the UK taking under two hours, it’s a perfect choice for families. You’ll find some of the best beaches in Italy here whether your taste runs to long, silvery stretches of sand or dramatic natural features like caves and cliffs.
Sardinia has it all from beaches and mountains to historic cities
Needless to say, sailing is a very popular activity and a great way to explore the fabulous coastline or even island hop a little. If you like to walk, the island interior is marvellously untamed and mountainous, so there’s plenty of scope to stretch your legs. Alternatively, you may want to take a few easy road trips for the reward of quaint mountain villages and pretty much endless awesome views. Or when you want a slightly more urban experience, the island capital, Cagliari gives you that, along with stunning architecture and enough history to warrant several days out.
Italian families love Sardinia, not least of all for its amazing fresh seafood – and food in general. If that isn’t enough of a recommendation, the team at Sardinian Places also choose to holiday here with their kids. So for a first hand account of where to go, what to see and where to stay, just call and speak to an island expert.
Gambia is a fantastic introduction to African culture for kids
Think about Gambia for sunshine this winter
Winter sun holidays in Gambia are a great fit for February half term. Although the country’s temperatures sit at 29 to 34° year round, so it’s one of the best destinations for family beach holidays any time really.
Gambia is a perfect introduction to Africa for kids
We mention beaches because with its long stretches of gorgeously sandy coast, Gambia excels at those. Plus, even at peak winter sun times, one thing you won’t find is crowds. Coconut palms for shade are another blissful addition to most Gambian beaches, especially for younger kids. But we would have to say that the ‘fruit ladies’ are a particular highlight in a day the sea. Who doesn’t love fresh, juicy fruit in the sun? And naturally, because it’s Gambia, every piece is sold with a great, big friendly smile.
The ‘smiling coast’ that’s drenched in accessible culture
In fact Gambia is known as the ‘smiling coast’ and it’s definitely the locals who do most to justify that charming title. Not only are the people incredibly friendly and welcoming to guests, sharing their vibrant culture is as natural as breathing here. So don’t be surprised if your kids bring back some African drumming or traditional dancing skills from winter sun holidays.
Mix beaches with wonderful wildlife and inland adventures
However, the natural beauty of The Gambia isn’t just on the coast. Astonishing wildlife and stunning landscapes are all part of the holiday adventure. River cruises and road trips are great fun and amazingly easy to do. Even getting involved in day-to-day living is a hugely rewarding experience with guided tours of schools, villages and colourful markets offering a fascinating perspective on Gambian daily life.
Gambia is just a little over six hours from the UK and only The Gambia Experience offers direct daytime flights from Gatwick. Overnight return flights are another advantage for families.
Cape Verde is ideal for winter sun beach breaks and island adventures
Cape Verde is another great choice for winter sun holidays
Another popular destination for winter sun holidays, Cape Verde sits off the west coast of Africa and, again, enjoys warm temperatures year round. It’s actually a 10 island archipelago and as well known for outdoor adventuring as its fabulous coastline.
Sal and Boa Vista are the beachiest islands for winter sun holidays with kids
Sal and Boa Vista are probably the most famous Cape Verde islands and very much the ones to choose for family sun holidays. Either one is a good choice for water sports, diving or just lazing by the sea. Although if you want to surf, Sal is the ideal island for that. But Boa Vista edges out in front for spectacular shorelines thanks to its seemingly endless white sand dunes.
Introduce teenager to outdoor adventure on Sant Antão or Fogo
For stunning mountains and vivid green countryside, you want islands like Sant Antão. Or by complete contrast, islands such as Fogo features an almost lunar landscape. However, both have the power to astonish with the sheer drama of ravines, volcanic craters and villages which teeter on the edge of cliffs.
Kids of all ages love Loggerhead Turtles and whale watching
Visit for winter sun holidays between February and May and kids will be thrilled to spot migrating whales along the Cape Verde coast. Alternatively, come in summer, and you’re in time to watch Loggerhead Turtle hatchlings making their mad dash to the ocean on several of the country’s protected beaches. Just a few of the unforgettable experiences which make this enchanting archipelago so much more than a mere sun holiday.
Travel to Cape Verde in under eight hours from four UK airports
Families can visit as many islands as they want with The Cape Verde Experience. If you want to go exploring, not only can private transfers between islands be arranged, The Cape Verde Experience will also help plan itineraries depending on your interests and the ages of your children.
The Cape Verde Experience offers direct flights from Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham or Manchester. Plus dedicated UK airport lounges make travelling with kids so much easier and flights take just under eight hours.