When the weather outside is frightful, these sun-soaked destinations are so delightful. Whether you’re looking to swap a white Christmas for white sands, or simply escape the English chill, we’ve rounded up the best spots for some family fun in the sun this winter!

Portugal

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, some of Europe’s best beaches and a terrific-for-tots flight time, Portugal’s primed for a winter warmer with the whole clan. Beach broods should head for the golden-trimmed Algarve, where days are spent building sandcastles, investigating rock pools and relaxing in the rays.

For active families, the milder temperatures make the perfect setting for a stroll along the Alvor Boardwalk. This winding path will guide you through a wildlife-rich wetland, with birds of every shape and colour soaring above you. At the end of the walk, you’ll arrive at Praia de Alvor, a glittering stretch ideal for sandy siestas with tired-out kids.

Lanzarote

This volcanic island has always been a long-reigning favourite with families, thanks to its year-round sunshine and catalogue of kid-friendly sights. With a lovely, balmy climate over the winter months, a beach day with the whole clan is bound to be on the cards and luckily, Lanzarote boasts plenty of perfect-for-paddling beaches. Whether it’s unspoilt Calas de Papagayo Beach or everything-at-your-fingertips Playa Bastian, you won’t be left feeling disappointed.

Kids and adults alike will be in awe at the Timanfaya National Park, with its lunar-like landscape and ochre-tinged mountains. And there will be plenty of open-mouthed-gapes at the geothermal demonstrations too, which showcase the power of Mother Nature. Afterwards, if tums start to rumble, you can tuck into some nosh in the restaurant at the top of the volcano where the food is cooked on the ground using only geothermal energy!

Tenerife

Sunshine and smiles are two things guaranteed on a winter holiday to Tenerife. This crowd-favourite is synonymous with imagination-inspiring landscapes. Mars-like National Parks? Inky-black beaches? Mist-cloaked mountains? You name it, this volcanic wonder has got it! One of the best ways to experience Tenerife’s natural beauty is taking the cable car to the summit of Mount Teide. In the winter, its peak is likely to be snow-capped, which only adds to the magic, and provides an unforgettable backdrop to those family snaps.

Then there are the epic attractions, like the world-famous Siam Park. This aquatic mecca is just as popular with fun-loving adults as it is thrill-seeking kids, thanks to a plethora of spiralling slides that make you giggle and gasp.

Paphos

The Cypriot sunshine lingers throughout those cooler months which means west-coast-walks are a must-do for all the family. Sandcastle business is serious business on Lady’s Mile beach. It’s a hot spot with families thanks to its shallow waters and nearby eateries.

Take a break from the beach at Paphos Zoo, where kids can meet the residents and spend the day surrounded in nature. Make a date with some furry friends when you visit the lemur enclosure, or see how smart the owls are, they’ll amaze you down in the amphitheatre.

Antalya Area

This jewel on the Turkish Turquoise Coast has a remarkable repertoire of kid-friendly sights. And with balmy temperatures all winter long, you won’t have to delay your sun-soaked trip until summer. Experience thrills and spills at the Land of Legends Theme Park, with its slide-swirling catalogue of white-knuckle delights. It’s open all year round but the quieter winter months mean less queuing and more whizzing.

History-heaped Side is sure to capture the curiosity of your youngsters too, especially when roaming around the ancient amphitheatre, which is alive with tales of gladiators and glory. And did you know that the Antalya area is home to a bounty of beautiful waterfalls? In winter, these feats of Mother Nature really spring to life, so it’s the perfect time to get out and explore! The Upper Düden Waterfall should be top of your holiday itinerary, as it’s home to countless caves, rock formations and cascading waters.

Majorca

With its sandy coastline, not-to-be-missed nature and roll call of family-focused activities, winter breaks to Majorca tick all the boxes. For non-stop fun, take the whole tribe to Sol Katmandu. It’s an epic theme park brimming with attractions like a virtual rollercoaster, mini golf and live shows. Plus, there’s also a tailored-to-tots waterpark where little ‘uns can splash, slide and climb their way through an under-the-sea themed water wonderland.

After all that fun you’ll want to flop and drop on one of Majorca’s many sandy swathes. The warm winter climes mean that luckily, a beach day isn’t out of the question, and you’ll have over 100 to choose from!

Gran Canaria

Be it the storybook sand dunes, awesome attractions or sprawling beaches, Gran Canaria spoils families with an endless list of must-dos! And away from the heat of the scorchio summers, children can really get stuck into a whole host of al fresco activities! The sea is still warm enough for paddling so water babies will be in their element and, in coastal resorts like Playa Del Ingles, there are plenty of water sports on offer to entertain the older ones.

When you’re done with beachfront fun, you can pack away the bucket and spades and spend a day at Cocodrilo Park. The former boasts a zoo full of exotic animals and an aquarium brimming with marine life, while in the latter, children can learn all about the fascinating world of reptiles.