When you can’t quite bank on the British weather over the May half-term, why not whisk the kids away somewhere where the climate’s a little more reliable? These delightful destinations have fun in the sun on tap...

Gran Canaria

Go for Gran Canaria this May half-term and you’ll be rewarded with scenic spots, traditional towns and sun-speckled beaches. You’ll find plenty of fun-loving beach resorts too. Want the wow-factor? Make a beeline for the Maspalomas Dunes!

Where to stay

Puerto Rico

A sweeping shoreline, restaurant-filled marina and stacks of shops make Puerto Rico a prime pick for families. Its long golden beach is kitted out with everything you’ll need for sun-kissed days on the sand, like sunloungers, parasols and water sports.

San Agustín

After somewhere with quiet and calm beaches where the kids can splash to their heart’s content? San Agustín has your name written all over it. The days are all about sandcastle building on the inky black sands, while evenings are best spent dining by the water and enjoying quality family time together.

What to do

What’s a family holiday without some aquatic activities? Whizz down slides at Aqualand Waterpark or keep your eyes peeled for dolphins on a boat trip across the Atlantic. If you’re after an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, Holiday World Maspalomas has more fun and games than you can shake a stick at. We’re talking rollercoasters, a bowling alley and a 6D cinema.

Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada’s tailor-made for families, with a great choice of resorts, 81 kilometres of sand and Spain’s biggest theme park. It’s also postcode perfection, putting you in prime position to explore history-packed cities like Barcelona and Tarragona.

Where to stay

Salou

With a thrilling theme park on the doorstep, an abundance of beaches and plenty of family-focused hotels, Salou’s bound to charm. There’s also a palm-lined promenade filled with tasty restaurants and a selection of water sports down by the shoreline. So, if it’s activities you’re looking for, Salou’s got them in spades.

Cambrils

Cool Cambrils is a winner for a beach break, with nine Blue Flag beauties under its belt. With its Old Town markets and pretty promenade, this Spanish fishing village manages to retain its traditional charm. Plus, theme parks and roman ruins are just a short drive away.

What to do

At PortAventura World, rip roaring rollercoasters means thrills and spills for older ones, while little ones will have stacks of fun over in SésamoAventura, an area specially designed for kids. A short drive to the city of Tarragona provides you with plenty of ancient sites like a Medieval citadel, an ancient theatre and a 12th-century cathedral.

Paphos

Paphos is a treasure trove of sights, culture and cuisine, so you’ll never be stuck on how to entertain the kids! Among Blue Flag beaches, you’ll find plenty of historic gems, along with fun-filled attractions and standout shopping spots.

Where to stay

Limassol

Old meets new in Limassol, the island’s biggest resort. There’s a buzzy waterfront, with restaurants, shops and the Blue Flag Dasoudi Beach, which is the star of the show. If you fancy taking the kids history hunting, there’s plenty to uncover at Limassol Castle.

Paphos Resort

Stay in Paphos resort and you’ll find a magnificent menu of activities to suit every age. Temples and tombs provide a fun history lesson, while the town’s central beach is great for some good old-fashioned fun in the sun. And when you get peckish, the harbour has plenty of restaurants to suit even the pickiest of eaters!

What to do

Whether it’s taking the bucket and spades down to the beach or stepping back in time at the Tombs of the Kings, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained here in Paphos. The Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is not to be missed either!

Fuerteventura

If sun-blessed beaches and astonishing activities are what you look for on a family holiday, then Fuerteventura ticks all the boxes and more! With a range of resorts on offer, you can get up and go or enjoy taking things at a slower pace. Wherever you choose, it’s set to impress.

Where to stay

Corralejo

As the largest and liveliest resort on the island, you won’t be stuck twiddling your thumbs here. There’s plenty of fun to be had both in and out of the water. If you’ve got older kids in tow, this is the best place if they fancy trying their hand at surfing.

Caleta de Fuste

Sheltered beaches and plenty of activities means Caleta de Fuste gets a big thumbs up from families. The area’s scattered with parks, mini-golf courses and arcades, so when you need a break from the beach, you won’t have to walk far to find things that suit the kids.

What to do

Fun for the family your top priority? You’ve come to the right place. From the furry to the feathery, you can marvel at all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures at Oasis Park. Prefer a spot of culture with the kids? An afternoon in La Oliva could be just what you’re looking for.

Lanzarote

If you’re after toasty temperatures and sun-kissed beaches, Lanzarote is just the ticket. Whether you’re seeking somewhere to get active, or a buzzy town with plenty of activities, Lanzarote’s got a bumper crop of brilliant resorts to choose from. There’ll be no ‘I’m bored’ here!

Where to stay

Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is big on small-town charm and life here centres around the town’s square, with laidback restaurants, a bandstand and even a night market. There are also five beaches to choose from, all connected by a lengthy restaurant-lined promenade.

Playa Blanca

This family-friendly resort is ideal for little ones. A buzzy marina? Snow-white beaches? Great hotels? Check, check and check! What more could you wish for on a family holiday?

What to do

Splash-tastic fun is on offer in the volcano-themed Aqualava Water Park, with spiraling slides and kid-friendly areas. Over at Timanfaya National Park there’s plenty to see too – lunar landscapes, geothermic demonstrations and some friendly camels. And don’t miss out on seaside fun at Papagayo Beach.