When you’re trying to decide where will offer the best family holidays, Europe is a great place to start. All of the destinations on the continent are just a short flight away from the UK – perfect for making sure the kids aren’t bored by the travelling. Plus, most family holiday destinations here are well-established, offering up a whole host of activities and attractions.

1. Majorca

It’s little wonder that Majorca is considered one of the best family holiday destinations, as it offers something for everyone. Sandcastle-friendly beaches, waterparks, playgrounds, the list goes on. In the south, Palma Nova is popular for its close proximity to Katmandu Park, a top-rated theme park with interactive video game rides and a mysterious legend about Boro the Yeti. In the north, Alcudia is also a favourite for its four-mile stretch of sand.

2. Tenerife

Year-round sunshine and Saharan-sand beaches make Tenerife a great pick for a family holiday in any season. Plus, it helps that in the south, the island is home to one of the world’s best waterparks – Siam Park. Plunge 28m through a shark tank on the Tower of Power!

3. Lanzarote

This Canary Island is as close as family holiday destinations get to taking a trip to the moon! That’s because the volcanic terrain has created a unique lunar-like landscape. Kids will be wowed by Timanfaya National Park, where craters and volcanoes have sculpted otherworldly rock formations.

4. Costa Blanca

This sunny slice of Spain is home to Benidorm, one of the biggest and brightest resorts on the Mediterranean. It’s one of the best holiday destinations for kids too, as there’s the fascinating Terra Natura zoo, thrilling Terra Mitica theme park and exciting Aqualandia waterpark all within easy reach from the centre of the resort.

5. The Algarve

Portugal is a perennial favourite for sun-soaked family holidays and the Algarve is the most popular region to visit in the country. The cliff-backed, silky-sand beaches are the real draw here, but you’ll also find there are plenty of seafront hotels with a whole host of on-site activities and entertainment.

6. Crete

The Greek islands are a firm favourite when it comes to family-friendly holidays. Crete, Greece’s largest island, has Heraklion on one side and Chania on the other. Both have airports, so you can fly into either, then explore the culture-packed towns and lively resorts in the area. History fans will love the fascinating museums on the island, while water parks and beaches provide the perfect settings for days under the Greek sun.

7. Gran Canaria

Desert-like dunes, deep ravines and lush green forests… exploring Gran Canaria is like crossing continents so it’s great for a mini-adventure. Along with lots of natural wonders to discover on the island, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including the Aqualand waterpark and even dolphin-watching on the Atlantic Ocean.

8. Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands feature heavily on our list of best family holiday destinations and Fuerteventura encapsulates everything that’s great about them. We’re talking reliably sunny weather, sparkling gold beaches and lots of welcoming resorts. Stay in Caleta de Fuste and you won’t have to travel far to reach Oasis Park, a huge parkland zoo where you can feed giraffes by hand!

9. Antalya Area

Turkey offers some great value compared to some of the other family holiday destinations that are closer to home. Plus, in the Antalya area, there’s a wide choice of luxurious all inclusive hotels that will help your budget stretch even further. Some of the region’s four- and five-star hotels offer so much on site, you may not need to leave the complex for your whole holiday – think waterparks, golf courses and even rollercoasters!

10. Costa Dorada

PortAventura World puts the Costa Dorada on the map for the best family holidays. Europe has a great selection of theme parks, but PortAventura Park has the added benefit of being in a sun-soaked resort that’s close to the coastline. It has a huge selection of rides, including the mighty Shambhala, which is 83m tall and reaches speeds of up to 83mph.

11. Ibiza

Ibiza may be famous for its clubs and bars, but it’s also one of the best holiday destinations for kids too. The east coast of the White Isle has peaceful, sandy beaches based around Santa Eulalia. Plus, Playa Es Cana offers some wicked watersports that are always a popular with families with older kids.

12. Cyprus

The marvellous Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a real winner for beach-loving families. It’s ringed with beautiful Blue Flag bays that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean, and there’s plenty of culture and history to explore too. Team this with water parks, mini golf courses and amazing restaurants, and you’ve got a fun-packed island that all ages can enjoy!