Oh Baby – Best of the Med for Families
If you’re travelling with babies or tots under five, opting for a private villa rather than a hotel is smart move. You get your own kitchen which means you can prepare baby foods and eat when you want to, rather than be restricted by hotel meal times and menus that don’t always tempt young taste buds. And the fact that the kids can paddle, play and nap in the safe, secure surrounds of your terrace and pool means that mum and dad can relax too. Oh, and the washing machines also come in handy! Luxury villas in Greece and upmarket villas in Majorca are the top choices for many young families. But when it comes to dining out, exploring and taking buckets and spades to the beach, which resorts offer the happiest havens?
Crete Appeal
The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete has a wealth of resorts for all ages, nightlife centres for party animals and action-packed beaches for watersports fiends. But for families looking for safe beaches and a gentle pace, the charming beach resort of Almereida is an excellent choice. This small, friendly fishing village has two Blue Flag sandy beaches and views of the White Mountains. If you don’t want to cook lunch, you’ll find tavernas dotted along the beach, as well as mini-markets for stocking up the larder when you do.
Life is just as laid back at Aptera – a lovely little hillside resort above Souda Bay that offers a tranquil base for families. A tiny village situated near the ancient Minoan, Roman and Turkish site of Aptera, it’s home to just three sweet little tavernas and a minimarket, and when you’re in the mood for a short burst of sightseeing, the Old Town of Chania is just 15 minutes away.
Or if you fancy a gorgeous rural hideaway, take a look at Houdetsi. Situated 20km from Heraklion, this pretty resort is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards – you can join guided tours or enjoy bike and trike rides through the countryside. If you want to steal a bit of grown up sightseeing time, the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos is just a 20 minute drive away. Crete Villas come in all shapes and sizes too, so you’re bound to find one that suits the size of your family and the size of your wallet!
Majorcan hotspots
On this ever popular Balearic island, two resorts stand out for happy family breaks.
Check out the totally relaxing little resort of Cala San Vicente. It’s nestled around three small sandy coves lapped by warm and safe azure waters. There’s a great choice of restaurants for lunch and informal dinners and it is also a great base for peaceful country walks – little ones will love spotting the wildlife.
If you’d like a bit more bustle but still at a safe distance from crazy disco bars, the resort of Puerto Pollensa is a real find. A former fishing village, it offers beautiful sandy beaches along a sheltered horseshoe shaped bay and is set against the stunning backdrop of the Tramuntana mountain range. Its heart is the lovely town square filled with shady cafes and restaurants dishing up delicious tapas and a very grand Gothic church. A series of lovely cobbled streets run off from the square where you’ll find boutiques and another helping of restaurants.
Whichever island you choose, book a villa that’s suitable for families. Luxury villas usually have child friendly pools with separate paddling areas, gated access or shallow slopes – perfect for trouble-free family holidays.