Discover where discerning families are heading next summer – from Greece’s award-winning coastline to Sardinia’s sporting paradise.
Looking for something a bit special for your 2026 family holiday? Somewhere that goes beyond the usual beach-and-buffet experience? You’re not alone. More families than ever are seeking destinations that combine genuine luxury with proper family-friendliness – places where the kids are genuinely welcomed rather than merely tolerated.
We’ve done the legwork and rounded up five exceptional European resorts that deliver exactly that. These aren’t your typical package holiday destinations. Think Michelin-starred dining alongside supervised kids’ clubs, pristine Blue Flag beaches with watersports for all ages, and the kind of thoughtful touches that make parents wonder why they didn’t discover these places sooner.
Here’s where we’d book for 2026.
1. Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece
Best for: Families who want everything in one place
There’s a reason Sani Resort has been named the World’s Leading Family and Beach Resort for seven consecutive years – and once you arrive, you’ll understand why.
Set across a privately owned 1,000-acre ecological reserve on the Kassandra peninsula, Sani comprises five distinct hotels clustered along 7 kilometres of pristine Blue Flag beach. The Aegean Sea sparkles in front of you; pine forests stretch behind. It’s the kind of setting that makes you exhale the moment you step off the transfer.
What sets Sani apart is how seriously it takes both luxury and family life. Parents can dine at restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs (there are 26 dining venues across the resort) while the children are happily occupied at age-appropriate clubs. The sports facilities are genuinely impressive too – the Bear Grylls Survival Academy teaches kids everything from fire-lighting to raft-building, whilst the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre and Chelsea FC Foundation Academy offer professional-level coaching.
For 2026, newly renovated suites at Sani Asterias offer private pools and butler service for families wanting the ultimate upgrade.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 3 hours to Thessaloniki
Best for ages: All ages, with dedicated clubs from infants to teens
Don’t miss: The annual Sani Gourmet Festival in May, bringing world-renowned chefs to the resort
2. Martinhal Sagres, Algarve, Portugal
Best for: Families with babies and toddlers
If Martinhal Sagres didn’t exist, someone would need to invent it. This is a resort purpose-built for families from the ground up – and it shows in every thoughtful detail.
Perched within a protected natural park overlooking Martinhal Beach on Portugal’s western Algarve coast, the resort offers a choice of stylish hotel rooms and contemporary villas, all designed with families firmly in mind. But it’s the service philosophy that truly stands out. The Baby Concierge helps parents plan everything from babysitting to the best local restaurants. The welcome pack includes nappies, toiletries and baby food. And the crèche accepts little ones from just six months old.
For older children, age-specific clubs run throughout the day (and into the evening during summer), featuring everything from beach football to surfing lessons. Parents, meanwhile, can slip away to the Finisterra Spa knowing their children are genuinely enjoying themselves rather than being merely supervised.
The Telegraph recently named Martinhal Sagres one of the world’s fifty greatest hotels – a recognition that speaks volumes about what this resort gets right.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 2.5 hours to Faro
Best for ages: Particularly brilliant for under-5s, though excellent for all ages
Don’t miss: The sunset from As Dunas restaurant, watching the kids play on the beach below, whilst enjoying fresh seafood
3. Forte Village, Sardinia, Italy
Best for: Active families who love sport
Sprawling across 116 acres of tropical gardens on Sardinia’s southern coast, Forte Village isn’t so much a resort as a self-contained world. With eight hotels, 21 restaurants (including venues by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck), and a staggering array of activities, this is the destination for families who never want to hear “I’m bored.”
The sports academies here are the real deal. Children can train at facilities run by Real Madrid, Chelsea FC Foundation, and various Olympic-standard coaches. There’s fencing, boxing, rugby, tennis – if your child has sporting ambitions, Forte Village will nurture them. And if they’re more interested in waterslides? The Aquapark delivers brilliantly.
Parents aren’t forgotten either. The Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa is genuinely world-class, whilst evenings at the 5,000-seat Forte Arena might feature anything from opera to international pop acts (Duran Duran played here in 2025).
It’s worth noting that Forte Village sits at the premium end of the market – this is Italian luxury at its most polished, and prices reflect that. But for families wanting an unforgettable holiday where every need is anticipated, it delivers magnificently.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 2.5 hours to Cagliari
Best for ages: Particularly good for 6-16-year-olds who’ll make the most of the academies
Don’t miss: Children’s Wonderland – a dedicated complex with pools, play areas and supervised activities
4. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Culture-loving families wanting beach and history
Sometimes you want a resort holiday with substance – somewhere you can relax by the pool but also explore genuinely significant historical sites. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik delivers both brilliantly.
Located just eleven kilometres from Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town (easily reached by water taxi or shuttle), this contemporary resort offers the best of both worlds. The stylish rooms and suites look out over the Adriatic, the Marco Polo Kids’ Club keeps children entertained for hours, and the beach is perfect for lazy afternoons. But when you’re ready for adventure, one of Europe’s most remarkable cities awaits.
Walking Dubrovnik’s ancient walls with the family, exploring the locations where Game of Thrones was filmed, taking a boat to the car-free island of Lokrum – these experiences create the kind of holiday memories that last a lifetime.
The Sports Academy deserves special mention, offering coaching in everything from tennis to sailing for children aged 7-15. And when the kids are occupied, parents can retreat to the spa or enjoy a sundowner at one of the resort’s restaurants.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 2.5 hours to Dubrovnik
Best for ages: Families with children old enough to appreciate some history (7+)
Don’t miss: The water taxi to Dubrovnik Old Town – arriving by sea is the most atmospheric approach
5. Maslina Resort, Hvar, Croatia
Best for: Families seeking boutique luxury and natural beauty
For families wanting something more intimate than a mega-resort, Maslina Resort on the Croatian island of Hvar offers a different kind of luxury altogether.
Opened recently to considerable acclaim, this boutique five-star property sits within landscaped gardens overlooking the Adriatic, surrounded by lavender fields and vineyards. The design philosophy emphasises connection with nature – rooms feature organic materials and muted colours, the restaurant champions produce from the resort’s own gardens, and wellness is woven throughout the experience.
Children are welcomed warmly here, though the atmosphere is naturally quieter than larger resorts. Families with slightly older children (think 8+) who appreciate beauty and tranquillity will find this particularly appealing. Activities include cycling through Hvar’s remarkable landscapes, kayaking in hidden coves, and exploring the charming old towns scattered across the island.
The transfer experience is worth mentioning – private speedboat transfers from Split or Dubrovnik turn the journey into an adventure rather than a chore.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 2.5 hours to Split, then speedboat transfer
Best for ages: Families with children 8+ who appreciate a slower pace
Don’t miss: A day trip to Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe
Planning Your 2026 Family Holiday
The best resorts book early for summer 2026 – particularly for school holiday dates. If any of these destinations have caught your eye, we’d recommend speaking to your travel agent sooner rather than later to secure preferred room categories and flight times.
All five resorts offer family suites or interconnecting rooms, making them suitable for larger families. And whilst prices vary considerably (Forte Village sits at the premium end; Sun Gardens offers excellent value), each delivers genuine quality and proper family focus.
Your 2026 summer holiday awaits.
For more inspiration and to start planning your family escape, contact ETW Travel today.
Recent Comments