Find the top family holiday destinations for 2022. Handpicked for kid-friendly atmosphere and easy travel. We’ve even found you the best hotels. Ready to start on your 2022 family travel wish list? Take a look at where’s good to go.
1/10 Crete: the largest island and one of the top family holiday destinations in Greece
Crete has rich history, world famous beaches and some of Europe’s best outdoor adventures. It sounds like one of the most perfect family holiday destinations for 2022, because it is. Take kids sea kayaking and snorkelling. Go mountain biking in the hills is popular. Hike the legendary Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe. Explore charming Chania town. And visit Knossos for minotaur myths and Spinalonga Island for the views – both World Heritage sites.
Where to stay: Domes of Elounda sits on the beautiful north east coast of Crete, looking towards Spinalonga Island. It’s luxurious, but laid-back and idea for families with younger children. Family rooms and suites come with sea or garden views and the resort has three swimming pools and its own private beach.
Find more kid friendly luxury resorts on Crete for family holidays in 2022
2/10 Tuscany: still one of Italy’s best family holiday destinations
Tuscany is one of the world’s great family holiday destinations. And it easily tops the list of places to take kids in Italy. Aim to go in spring with younger kids. Summer tends to be very busy, especially in Florence. And you don’t want to miss out on this legendary Renaissance city. Even walking around is a history lesson. Just remember, whenever you visit book ahead for anything from tours of El Duomo to a wander around the Uffizi.
Where to stay: Firenze Camping In Town is a fun alternative to hotels in Florence. Each cute little holiday home has its own private terrace. The site has a restaurant and bar, plus there’s an outdoor swimming pool in summer.
Find more kid friendly places to stay on family holidays in Tuscany in 2022
3/10 The Cotswolds: one of England’s prettiest family holiday destinations
The Cotswolds offers country walks, cream teas and quaint English villages. Outdoorsy families can head to the Cotswolds Water Park. The Cotswold Farm Park is home to 50 rare breed animals which kids love. Cotswold Wildlife park has rhinos and giraffes. And the National Arboretum is home to over 15,000 species of tree and 600 acres to run wild around.
Where to stay: Dumbleton Hall Hotel sits in the heart of the Cotswold’s countryside. It’s a grand 19th century manor house with a warm, friendly atmosphere. Expect large family rooms and extensive grounds for exploring.
Find more places to stay in the Cotswolds on family holidays with kids in 2022
4/10 The Maldives: the family holiday destination for luxury winter sun breaks
The Maldives is an amazing family holiday destination. The best time to visit is December to April. When you’re choosing resort islands, factor in things like kids’ clubs and plenty of water sports for older children. And it’s worth remembering that after a long haul flight from the UK, you’ll want an easy transfer to your resort. So think about resorts in North or South Ari Atoll and look for deals that include seaplane or speedboat transfers.
Where to stay: LUX* South Ari Atoll is just 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport. It offers a range of family suites and villas, beachfront and overwater, some with their own pools and all with the warm, family-friendly atmosphere that’s the signature of LUX* resorts worldwide.
Take a closer look at family friendly resorts in the Maldives for winter sun breaks 2022
5/10 Barcelona: the kid friendly city for Parc Guell and Mediterranean beaches
Barcelona is a great family holiday destination year round. It gives you one of Europe’s most remarkable cities and Mediterranean beaches. Wander down Las Ramblas. Drop in on La Boqueria food market. Go see the Gaudi architecture and marvel at the Barri Gotic. Kids love the friendly atmosphere, not to mention tapas and hot chocolate with churros.
Where to stay: Barcelo Raval is a four-star family hotel with a bright and contemporary look and a good central location . It also has a swimming pool and a rooftop restaurant with spectacular city views.
Find more kid friendly city centre hotels in Barcelona for family holidays in 2022
6/10 The Algarve: Portugal’s beautiful, sunny and beachy southern region
The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most popular family holiday destinations. It also has some of Europe’s loveliest beaches. Step away from the coast and the interior’s fun for walking and cycling. Cities like Faro and Albufeira are famous for waterparks but also have historic old towns. And if you want to go island hopping head east to Tavira and sail to play for the day on Praia da Ilha de Tavira.
Where to stay: Teens will enjoy The Magnolia Hotel in Quinta do Lago. A Miami Beach aesthetic is referenced in pastel colours, inflatable flamingos and retro sun loungers. Family rooms are big, bright and come with private balconies. Stunning Praia de Vale do Lobo is less than 10 minutes drive from the hotel.
Take a look at more family resorts for kid friendly Algarve holidays in 2022
7/10 Corfu, Greece: the garden island with gorgeous beaches
Corfu is rich in culture and natural beauty. Corfu Old Town is a World Heritage site and easy to explore with kids. Island hopping boat trips make great days out. The beaches are beautiful and different on every side of Corfu. Adrenaline junkies will love Hydropolis waterpark. And clambering round fortresses and castles is the easiest history lesson ever.
Where to stay: MarBella Corfu has long been one of Corfu’s most luxurious family resorts. It sits on a private beach, has mini-waterpark, kids clubs and a wide range of activities. Plus rooms and suites come with Aegean views.
Find more kid friendly places to stay in Corfu on family holidays in 2022
8/10 Dubai: one of the easiest family holiday destinations for hot winter sun
Direct UK flights to Dubai take from under seven hours, year round. It’s a very kid friendly city with an ever growing line up of attractions and some of the world’s top family resorts. Visit between October and February for beach weather and desert adventures. Don’t miss Burj Khalifa, earth’s tallest tower. Make a splash at Wild Wadi. Visit Dubai Mall, another enormous world record holder. Explore the historic souks and museums. Spend the night at a Bedouin camp. And make the most of Arabian Gulf beaches.
Where to stay: Atlantis The Palm is most recognisable resort on Palm Jumeirah. Famous for its on-site aquarium and the biggest waterpark in Dubai, it also has a beautiful private beach and excellent kids clubs.
Find more kid friendly luxury resorts in Dubai for family winter sun holidays 2022
9/10 Tulum, Mexico: the family friendly destination with celebrity endorsement
Tulum is an Instagram icon thanks to its laid-back vibe and A-list celebrity-endorsement. Visit ancient Mayan sites to see families of wild iguana. The Yucatan peninsula’s also the place for cenotes: technically sink-holes but really stunning, wild swimming pools. Head to Coba Archaeological Site in the jungle, a chance to see more Mayan ruins and splash around in two lagoons. And Akumal is where to turtle watch at the right time of year.
Where to stay: Habitas Tulum is a gorgeous, barefoot eco-resort right on the beach. All rooms have garden or sea views, there’s a wonderful infinity pool and the atmosphere is exactly what you want in easy going, beachy Tulum.
Find more family hotels and resorts in Tulum Mexico for kid friendly holidays in 2022
10/10 Lanzarote, Spain: top kid friendly island for year round sunshine
Lanzarote is a good choice for relaxed, luxury family resorts. A famous surfing island, kids can also try snorkelling and paddle boarding here. The Rancho Texas theme park is a fun day out. You can ride in a submarine at Puerto Calero. And if that’s not enough adventure, there’s go-karting at San Bartolomé.
Where to stay: Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel is a five-star family resort in Playa Blanca. It’s home to the excellent Kikoland kids club, gives you a choice of eight restaurants and overlooks lovely Playa Blanca beach.