France and Spain attract endless tourists year-round thanks to their short flight times from the UK, stunning coastlines and exquisite food. But when you’re travelling as a big family, you want a little more than that... Think all-inclusive packages, buzzy resorts to keep everyone entertained and the beachfront at your fingertips.

Say oui to these activities...

One thing that guarantees a fun family getaway are top-notch outdoor activities that the whole group will love. Visiting France is like visiting an open-air museum, with stunning sights to see up and down the country. There’s a whopping 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites countrywide, with the majority of them being outdoors just waiting to be discovered. The south of France is home to incredible sights, from the breathtaking Roman theatre and amphitheatre in Arles to the must-see Verdon Gorge, this region is just waiting to be explored!

One of the most exciting things to do on a stay in the south of France, especially for sports fans, is pay a visit to the F1 circuit in Monaco! On the weekend of the Monaco Grand Prix, the streets are closed for the exhilarating motor race, but every other day of the year you can walk around the exact streets they race on! Admire the luxurious yachts moored in the glistening harbour as you venture along the twisting roads.

When time on the coast calls in the south of France, the likes of Villefranche-sur-Mer has the answers. This jewel on the French Riviera is decorated with pastel-coloured houses, bougainvillea-lined streets and golden sands. So, when a beach escape is what the whole family needs, there are plenty of options in the south of France. Villefranche-sur-Mer isn’t your only picture-perfect coastal option. For a taste of the glitz and glam, head to Saint Raphael and explore the harbour before spending an afternoon on the sands.

When in Spain...

When it comes to adventures in Spain, you’re not short of options. The best areas for families are dotted along its southern coastline. From Sotogrande to Torremolinos and everything in between, Spain is a standout destination for big family getaways. The Costa Dorada has attracted families of all sizes for years thanks to its cheerful resorts and fun-filled activities. Visit PortAventura World in the Costa Dorada for theme and water park excitement! You’ll find an abundance of water parks and theme parks to keep everyone happy on days out such as Aqualand in Torremolinos or La Pineda’s Aquopolis.

It’s not just the water parks that’ll keep families happy here, there are a variety of activities to get stuck into no matter where you stay. Families love Benidorm for its friendly atmosphere and buzzing centre, but why not visit the Algar Waterfalls while you’re there and discover the stunning nature reserve?

Where to stay?

When you’re travelling with your family, you want to make sure the destination you choose will keep everyone happy. But knowing exactly where to book can be tricky, so we’ve lined up a few of our Spanish and French resorts to help you narrow it down.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

This charming harbour town is a crowd pleaser, especially if you’re after sandy shores and relaxed vibes. Yellows, pinks and burnt oranges blend together on the waterfront of Villefrance-sur-Mer, while bougainvillea climbs the doors and colourful shutters cover hotels and restaurants. There are postcard-worthy scenes everywhere you turn here, so if you’re after a destination that’s easy on the eye, you’ve found it.

Cannes

Glamorous seaside resorts don’t get much better than Cannes. If exploring the luxurious harbour, shopping in the town centre and experiencing some of the best restaurants in the south of France takes your fancy, then Cannes is your place.

Saint Raphael

Saint Raphael is a snazzy seaside town bursting with character. If you’re wanting a little taste of the high life, but to still be in a great location for exploring nearby towns and enjoying time on the sands, then make your way here.

Benalmadena

This busy beachfront town in the Costa Del Sol is perfect for families wanting fun-filled days. With a hilltop Old Town to explore, a bustling downtown where you can shop til’ you drop and glistening beachfronts to lounge on, there’s nothing Benalmadena doesn’t offer you.

Salou

For family friendly coastal adventures, Salou is your answer. Thanks to action-packed days exploring the lively town centre and a long stretch of golden sand lined with water sport activities, everyone is bound to be entertained! There are also endless incredible hotels for families here!

Nerja

Nerja is the jewel of the Costa Del Sol, with nearly 10 miles of sandy beaches, perfect for activities like scuba diving, jet skiing and paddleboarding – it’s a beach-lover's paradise. With a buzzing town centre and in prime position for exploring nearby Malaga, the whole family will love it here.

Where we recommend staying for:

Affordable family fun

Where we recommend staying for:

Luxury family stays