8 unmissable holidays in Europe for May half-term 2017

May half-term is always a good time to try something different. But it isn’t one of the longer school holidays. So think city breaks with activities built in; home-grown family adventure in some of the UK’s prettiest countryside; smaller European countries which cram a lot into a few days; or even tailored trips to unusual places before prices get summer-silly. Here are eight fun half-term holiday ideas that fit the bill this May.

1/8 Whale watching, geysers and blue lagoons in Iceland

Iceland is one of Europe’s smallest countries, but it’s packed with a disproportionate number of natural wonders. The weather is fresh and warming up nicely in late spring. Travelling around Iceland is a pleasure in itself and you can cram a lot into four days, without feeling rushed.

This holiday is based in bustling Reykjavik just at the right time of year for whale watching off the west coast. On the famous Golden Circle Tour kids can see legends like Gullfoss, Strokkur Geyser and the Kerid Crater before the summer crowds. There’s plenty of time to explore the Icelandic capital too. A day floating around in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon is perfect to wind down before heading home.