Family winter sun holidays under 5 hours from the UK
Table of Contents
The best winter sun destinations for family holidays
Writing this article has made me realise how many volcanic islands us Brits like to visit to chase away the winter blues. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Madeira and Sicily all have a rich geological history to explore, as well as lots of sunshine and beaches – they are all perfect for a family winter sun break.
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In this article I’ve picked out short haul winter sun family holiday destinations which are under five hours from the UK. I’ve detailed the average wintertime temperatures for each location but note you can be unlucky and experience unseasonably chilly weather.
If swimming is an important part of your family holiday, consider bringing wetsuits for sea swimming or check if swimming pools are heated – often they are not. Some larger hotels may have small indoor pools but bear in mind that these are popular with babies and toddlers (there was a nappy incident in a pool at a hotel we stayed at in Madeira) so if you’re travelling with older children, look for the heated outdoor pools.
We’ve had some brilliant holidays to the Canaries, Madeira, Cyprus and Crete – all of them offer mild weather and plenty to keep families entertained. We visited Tenerife one Christmas and had fantastic weather with lots of sea swimming (without wetsuits). So, whether you’re looking for water parks or family-friendly hiking; wildlife experiences or kid-friendly cuisine, there should be a family winter sun holiday in this selection which suits your family’s needs.
If you’re a regular reader of Smudged Postcard, you’ll know that we don’t tend to do beach resort holidays. We enjoy hiking, water sports and learning about the local culture (well, some of us do). Despite some of the destinations in this article being popular as fly-and-flop holidays, they all have a good range of attractions for families who want more from a holiday than just a suntan.
Winter sun destinations for families: a comparison
| Destination | Flight Time | Winter Temp | Best For & Ages |
| Tenerife | ~4.5 hrs | 20–23°C | Water parks, beaches, volcanoes • All ages |
| Lanzarote | ~4.5 hrs | 20–22°C | Volcanic walks, beaches, art & nature • All ages |
| Cyprus | ~4 hrs | 17–22°C | History, road trips, hiking, adventure • School-age & teens |
| Crete | ~4 hrs | 14–17°C | Food, culture, villages, walking • School-age & teens |
| Algarve | ~2.5 hrs | 12–18°C | Sandy beaches, coastal walks, indoor water park • Toddlers–pre-teens |
| Madeira | ~4 hrs | 16–20°C | Hiking, waterfalls, cable cars • School-age & teens |
| Malta | ~3 hrs | 15–20°C | History, boat trips, compact sightseeing • All ages |
| Sicily | ~3.5 hrs | 14–18°C | Volcano adventures, history, food • School-age & teens |
| Essaouira | ~4 hrs | 18–22°C | Surfing, souks, beach culture • School-age & teens |
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- Flight time approximately 4.5 hours
- Average winter temperatures 20–23°C
- Best for: beaches, water parks and volcanic landscapes
Tenerife is the most popular of the Canary Islands thanks to its combination of decent sandy beaches (some with imported sand), an impressive water park and its extinct volcano, Mt Teide.
Although there’s now some pretty stiff competition cropping up in the Middle East, Tenerife’s Siam Park is still rated as one of the best water parks in the world. It’s packed with kid-friendly slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones, plus bigger rides for brave teens and parents. My niece loves Siam Park and my kids are begging me to take them.
If you can drag the kids away from the beach, it’s worth heading inland to explore some of the island’s diverse landscapes. Kids will enjoy visiting Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. There’s a cable car ride over the lunar landscapes and it’s a wonderful respite from the crowds on the coast.
Back at sea level, whale and dolphin watching trips are popular and there are beaches for all eventualities. The south coast has calm secluded beaches ideal for paddling as well as good spots for surfing or leaping over the waves. People watching is popular at Playa del Duque on the Costa Adeje, and I recall having a excellent ice cream at one of the cafes on the boardwalk. In the north of the island, you’ll find black volcanic sand beaches as well as more traditional island towns and villages.
For families who enjoy hiking, there are some fantastic walking opportunities on Tenerife. If you opt to climb Teide, come prepared with freezing temperatures at the summit, even if it’s warm at sea level. There are lots of other trails which don’t involve a steep climb in the Teide national park, more suited to younger hikers with lots of interesting rock formations to discover.
For a greener landscape, head to Parque Rural de Anaga in the north east of the island. This area receives more rain which results in a lush landscape and fewer visitors. There are also some really attractive hotels in the north if you’re travelling with children who don’t need all the distractions of a traditional beach resort.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
- Flight time approximately 4.5 hours
- Average winter temperatures 20–22°C
- Beaches, volcanic scenery, art and nature
As with Tenerife, Lanzarote has some fantastic volcanic landscapes to explore as well as great sandy beaches.
Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise offer calm, shallow waters that work well for younger children, plus there are pushchair-friendly promenades. Meanwhile, Famara’s long sweep of sand feels wild and cinematic, perfect for older kids who like space to run (the waters aren’t suitable for little ones). But Lanzarote rewards families who venture beyond the shoreline.
Timanfaya National Park offers family-friendly walks across lava landscapes, where children can see hardened lava rivers, strange rock formations and colours that seem unreal.
For something more challenging, the walk up Caldera Blanca rewards visitors with a vast crater you can walk around the rim of. It’s dramatic without being dangerous, and the sense of scale makes it memorable for kids who might normally resist “going for a walk”.
Along the coast, the Los Hervideros area combines short walks with natural drama. Waves crash into volcanic cliffs, sending spray high into the air, and the paths are easy to manage in short bursts. Nearby El Golfo and its green lagoon feel almost surreal, turning a simple stroll into a geography lesson.
Lanzarote also works well for families because of César Manrique’s legacy. Places like Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes blend art, nature and design in a way that holds children’s attention. Lava tunnels, underground lakes and carefully placed walkways make these visits feel like exploration rather than sightseeing.
Cyprus
- Flight time approximately 4 hours
- Average winter temperatures 17-22°C
- Best for: history and culture, road trips and adventure
Read about our road trip of Cyprus here.
Cyprus is a fantastic winter sun destination for families, offering mild temperatures, beautiful landscapes, and a mix of cultural and outdoor activities that appeal to kids of all ages. One of the highlights is the Cyprus Water World in Ayia Napa, with slides, wave pools, and splash zones that can still be enjoyable on sunny winter days when the weather is warm enough.
There are some fantastic hiking trails in the island’s Troodos Mountains, along with ski slopes if the weather allows. Forests, waterfalls and traditional villages make for a refreshing contrast to the beach resorts along the coast.
For thrill seekers, there are off-road buggy adventures to be had on the Akamas Peninsula on the western side of Cyprus. Roads zigzag across the landscape with the sea shimmering in the distance.
Cyprus’s beaches, like Fig Tree Bay in Protaras and Coral Bay near Paphos, are perfect for building sandcastles, collecting shells, or enjoying short walks along the shore even in cooler winter months. Families can also take boat trips to spot dolphins along the coast or explore the sea caves around Ayia Napa.
Ancient Kourion and Paphos Archaeological Park are surprisingly kid-friendly, with open spaces to run around and fascinating ruins to spark young imaginations. We loved exploring St Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey, both in North Cyprus.
Adventurous families might enjoy venturing into North Cyprus via the crossing in the capital Nicosia. There’s a marked contrast between the Greek south and the Turkish north and learning about the history of this divided island adds a layer of interest to a family holiday.
Cyprus is a much larger island than Tenerife or Lanzarote and you’re likely to get more from a winter trip there if you hire a car and explore. We stayed in four different locations on our trip – which meant plenty of variety.
Crete, Greece
- Flight time approximately 4 hours
- Average winter temperatures 14-17°C
- Best for: food, history, culture and walking
Crete is an excellent choice for a winter sun family holiday, offering mild temperatures, fewer crowds and plenty to see and do. Winter is ideal for exploring the island’s rich history without the summer heat. Our kids happily tolerated a visit to Knossos Palace near Heraklion, where they learnt about the Minoan civilisation, including the myth of the minotaur which was said to stalk the labyrinth beneath the palace.
Nature lovers will enjoy outdoor adventures, such as coastal walks and countryside hikes. While the famous Samaria Gorge is closed in winter, there are many shorter, family-friendly trails with beautiful views of olive groves, mountains and the sea. Winter is also the perfect time to explore traditional villages, where you can experience authentic Cretan life, local bakeries and welcoming tavernas. We loved our stay at Milia Mountain Retreat which has peaceful walking trails and incredible food.
Cities like Chania and Rethymno are enjoyable in winter, with their charming old towns, Venetian harbours and relaxed atmosphere. Families can enjoy cycling, seaside strolls and café stops without the summer crowds. Although the sea may be cool, many hotels have heated pools, and sunny days are still perfect for beach walks and shell collecting.
Winter in Crete also brings seasonal food and festivals, giving families a chance to taste local dishes and experience the island’s warm hospitality in a calmer, more authentic way. One of my favourite things about Crete was that coffee always came with a slice of cake included.
We stayed at the Ammos Hotel near Chania which had an incredible warm outdoor pool. In the same trip we stayed at the family-friendly Eleanos Country Village which also has a heated pool. Both hotels are fantastic for families with young children, but still small and charming.
Algarve, Portugal
- Flight time approximately 2.5 hours
- Average winter temperature 12–18°C
- Best for sandy beaches, indoor water park, mild weather walks
While it’s not beach-hot in winter, the Algarve shines for active family breaks. Think clifftop walks, bike rides, dolphin-watching trips, and resorts with heated pools and kids’ activities.
The Algarve’s beaches are quieter in winter, which is great for kids. Spots like Praia da Rocha, Praia de Luz and Meia Praia are perfect for sandcastle building, beach walks and paddling on sunny days. Many resorts also have heated pools and kids’ clubs that still run outside peak season.
Away from the coast, the Algarve’s interior hills offer a different kind of family adventure. The Monchique mountains are green in winter, with forest trails, viewpoints and picnic spots that feel a world away from the resorts. Short hikes here work well with older children, especially when combined with a stop at a village café or a thermal spring. It’s a reminder that the Algarve is more than just a seaside destination.
Winter is also a good time to explore towns properly. Tavira, with its bridges, castle ruins and riverside paths, feels calm and approachable, while Faro’s old town is compact enough to explore without tiring young legs. These places invite slow wandering — stopping for hot chocolate, watching fishing boats, or climbing castle walls for views.
Aquashow Park is a good bet for families visiting the Algarve outside summer. Alongside its large summer outdoor waterpark (which typically runs roughly May to September), there’s a fully indoor, climate-controlled Aquashow Indoor attached to the complex that operates during autumn and winter (usually the end of October to end of April) with heated pools, covered slides, a wave pool, kids’ splash zones and adventure circuits suitable for a wide range of ages, including toddlers and teens.
Madeira, Portugal
- Flight time approximately 4 hours
- Average winter temperature 16–20°C
- Best for hiking and stunning scenery
We loved our trip to Madeira. The island used to have a reputation for attracting a more mature holiday maker but it’s reinvented itself as an outdoor adventure destination.
The hiking in Madeira is brilliant for kids. Many of the trails follow lavadas – man-made waterways built to carry water from the rainier north to the drier south. The more reluctant walker in our family loved hiking through tunnels and getting drenched by waterfalls which showered the rocky path.
Lavada walks are flat and of varying lengths. There are also plenty of more challenging hikes scaling the island’s peaks. The scenery is dramatic and lush throughout – forests and all manner of plants cling to the jagged mountains, waterfalls gush from every crevice and the waves of the Atlantic crash against the soaring sea cliffs.
The island’s capital, Funchal, is large enough to feel like a cultural break but small enough to be easy to explore with kids. Our boys enjoyed the cable car ride which travels over the houses and streets of Funchal to Monte with its Palace and tropical garden. Even better was the toboggan ride back down again. We whizzed down the streets in baskets, somehow avoiding traffic and parked cars – definitely a must-do if you visit.
Read more about our trip to Madeira here.
Malta
- Flight time approximately 3 hours
- Average winter temperatures 15-20°C
- Best for history, culture and boat trips
Malta is compact, sunny, and packed with history kids can actually enjoy. Winter is the best time to explore forts, boats, and medieval cities without crowds or heat.
Malta is a great choice for a winter sun holiday with kids, combining warm weather, short travel times and plenty of variety. One of the highlights for families is Popeye Village, a colourful seaside film set turned theme park where children can explore wooden houses, enjoy small shows and play areas, and soak up the views of Anchor Bay.
For outdoor fun, Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay are great for beach walks, shell hunting and paddling on sunny days. If the sea is too cool, some hotels have heated pools.
Boat trips to the Blue Grotto or over to Gozo add a sense of adventure, while Gozo’s countryside offers easy walks and open spaces for kids to roam. With friendly locals, compact distances and plenty to do year-round, Malta makes an easy, sunshine-filled winter escape for families.
Sicily, Italy
- Flight time approximately 3.5 hours
- Average winter temperatures 14-18°C
- Best for: kid-friendly history, kid-friendly food, erupting volcano
Sicily is one of my favourite family holiday destinations. It has the perfect blend of kid-friendly history, geography, seaside and food. Although Sicily isn’t a seaside destination in winter, you can still go paddling or take walks at one of the many beaches.
Mount Etna, in the east of the island, is an active volcano with frequent eruptions and a constant plume of smoke rising from its summit. Kids can ride the cable car across over ancient lava fields or explore some of the more remote areas of the volcano by 4WD. We took our kids on an off-road adventure around Mt Etna when they were really young and they still talk about it now. We explored lava caves, sat on a “lava bomb” and had lunch in a remote mountain refuge.
Sicily’s history is particularly engaging for children. We loved exploring the Syracuse archaeological park with its Greek and Roman ruins, including a giant ear-like cave with a haunting echo. In the old town of Syracuse, Otigia, our kids loved the puppet show – front row seats are reserved for children.
Further north is pretty Taormina with its amphitheatre overlooking the sea and Mt Etna, a fun location for kids to explore. There’s a cable car from the town down to the pebbly beach which makes for a fun excursion for little kids, even in winter.
Read more about Sicily for kids here
I’ve also written an article about family-friendly places to stay in Sicily
Essaouira, Morocco
- Flight time approximately 4 hours
- Average winter temperatures 18-22°C
- Best for: surfing, souks and pancakes
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready for the assault on the senses which a visit to Marrakesh provides, Essaouira is Morocco at a gentler pace. The coastal setting, relaxed medina, and wide beach make it far more family-friendly than Morocco’s bigger cities.
Essaouira is on the Atlantic so there are strong winds, which can be chilly in winter. However, Essaouira is a charming winter sun destination for families, offering a mix of relaxed coastal vibes, history, and outdoor adventures that kids will love. The city’s beachfront is a major draw – even in winter, children can run along wide sandy stretches, fly kites, and explore tidal pools. Windsurfing and beginner kiteboarding lessons are also available for older kids and teens.
The historic medina is a great place for a family stroll. Its narrow streets are full of colourful shops, artisan stalls, and street performers, creating a lively atmosphere that captures children’s imaginations. The port area is fascinating too; kids can watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch and even see traditional wooden boats being repaired.
For animal encounters, a camel or horse ride along the beach is a fun and memorable experience. Families can also explore the nearby Argan forests, where children may spot goats climbing the trees to reach the fruit.
If you’re concerned about whether your kids will take to Moroccan food, fear not. As well as delicious local cuisine, you’ll also find French crepes, pastries and bread, as well as stalls selling fresh orange juice.
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Looking for other family holiday ideas?
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The best places for snorkelling in Europe
The best beach towns in Europe
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Have you enjoyed a family winter sun holiday? Let me know in the comments below.
