The best experiences aren’t always found in the busiest resorts or the most obvious destinations. Some of the most rewarding trips happen in places you might not have considered, where nature, culture and local charm combine to create something truly special. Whatever you’re searching for, these hidden gems offer a fresh take on the traditional family getaway.
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Costa de la Luz, Spain
Tucked away in Spain’s southwest corner, the Costa de la Luz remains one of the country’s most underrated coastal escapes. Unlike the Costa del Sol, where high-rise hotels dominate, this stretch of coastline is defined by golden dunes and quiet fishing villages that have barely changed in generations.
Spend your days on Bolonia Beach, where the Atlantic breeze keeps the heat comfortable, and the shallow waters are perfect for paddling. For something more active, head to Tarifa, the kitesurfing capital of Europe, where older kids can take beginner lessons while you sip coffee in a café overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.
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Ross of Mull, Scotland
This wild, windswept peninsula on the Isle of Mull feels almost untouched, with beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. Base yourself in Fionnphort, a small village where fishing boats bob in the harbour, and take the short ferry ride to Iona, where children can scramble across rocky shores or explore the island’s ancient abbey. On Mull itself, book a boat trip to see minke whales and puffins up close, or take a slow drive to Calgary Bay, where soft white sand meets crystal-clear water.
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Lake Garda, Italy
For a family-friendly mix of adventure and relaxation, Lake Garda is hard to beat. The northern side of the lake is framed by dramatic mountains, while the south has gentle hills and charming lakeside towns where life moves at a slower pace.
Children will love taking a boat trip around the peninsula, while you can soak in the natural thermal waters of Aquaria Spa. If you’re looking for thrills, Gardaland, Italy’s largest amusement park, is just a short drive away. You can also spend your days hiring bikes to ride along the lake, tasting fresh gelato in a quiet piazza or swimming at Peschiera del Garda.
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Efteling Theme Park, Netherlands
Unlike the high-energy intensity of Disneyland, this Dutch park embraces nature and nostalgia, with rides that blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
Fairy-tale creatures whisper from hidden speakers in the enchanted forest, while rides like the Flying Dutchman and Baron 1898 bring legendary stories to life. Even the youngest visitors will be mesmerised by Symbolica, an interactive dark ride that invites families to explore a palace of wonders.
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Sal, Cape Verde
If you’re looking for year-round sunshine without the long-haul exhaustion, Cape Verde holidays promise golden beaches, warm waters and laid-back charm. Just a six-hour flight from the UK, this island feels like an escape to another world, where African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences blend into something unique.
The salt flats of Pedra de Lume, where you can float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters, offer a fun and unusual experience for all ages. Don’t miss a trip to Buracona, where the "Blue Eye", a natural underwater cave, shimmers with mesmerising colours under the midday sun.
Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
While Cancún is famous for its mega-resorts, Playa del Carmen offers a more relaxed and authentic experience for families who want to explore beyond the hotel pool.
Swim in azure natural pools or take a boat trip to Cozumel, where the snorkelling is world-class. For a cultural experience, visit the Tulum ruins, where ancient Mayan temples perch on cliffs above the turquoise sea. Evenings in Playa del Carmen are as lively or laid-back as you like, with a fantastic array of restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional tacos just a short stroll from the beach.
