Under-10s do not need a “famous” destination. They need shade, shallow water or a pool, short transfers, and food that appears before meltdown o’clock.
Beach & island weeks
| Place | Why it works | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Algarve | Shallow bays, short hops, family apartments | August heat and crowds |
| Menorca | Calmer than Mallorca party belts | Car hire helps with coves |
| Fuerteventura | Winter sun, big beaches | Wind — pack layers for evenings |
| Corfu / Zakynthos (resort side) | Package infrastructure | Pick family hotels, not club strips |
No-flight or short-flight wins
UK and near-Europe forest or chalet resorts remove airport days. If you do fly, choose morning returns and hotels with kitchenettes — breakfast you control is worth more than a fancy lobby.
Cities with kids — only with a plan
Rome and Paris can work for one big-sight morning and a park afternoon. Skip “eight attractions in a day”. Build around gelato, transit that is fun (trams, ferries), and an apartment near green space.
The best family destination is the one where adults still like each other on day five. Optimise for that.
Featured photo via Unsplash.