Playing in the sand with buckets and spades and paddling in the sea are all children need to enjoy time at the coast. However, there are various ways to focus your family beach holiday to incite even more excitement and leave you all with memories that last a lifetime. Read on to find the best option for you and your kids that will transform your beach trip next summer.
Villa relaxation
Sometimes the best thing to do is relax in a beach villa with sea views, enjoying the peace and privacy of having your own space. Play in the pool when temperatures allow, and bond over board games during the heat of the day. In the evenings, you can try new foods together, cuddle up with your favourite films and spot stars from your terrace.
Thrilling water sports
Are you and the kids hankering for a more exhilarating experience? Indulge in thrilling water sports during your holiday. These could include fast-paced activities like jet skiing and ring riding or chilled-out options such as surfing and stand-up paddleboarding that give you time to admire your surroundings. Older children could use the trip as an opportunity to get a PADI licence, the international certification for scuba diving which would enable them to dive across the globe.
Sailing the shoreline
Get a unique perspective of your destination by sailing the shoreline. You could charter a boat and sleep on board, waking up in a new place each morning, or hire a vessel for a day trip to nearby bays only accessible by sea. This gives you the chance to get away from the crowds and discover enchanting caves and coves with glittering emerald waters where you can swim undisturbed.
Wildlife spotting
Do your children love wildlife? Spend your time by the sea seeking out extraordinary marine life on and below the water. Europe boasts some of the world’s best snorkelling spots such as Malta and the incredibly diverse Azores where you can see colourful fish and corals. At destinations like the Canary Islands, you can go on boat excursions into the ocean to find whales and watch dolphins and sting rays leaping beside the bow as you go.
Hiking and cycling
Enjoy the spectacular sea views from their best vantage point by hiking or cycling coastal trails. Typically largely flat and easy to follow, these routes are navigable by little legs with adults leading the way and bringing up the rear, and the panoramas are not easily forgotten. This slow travel approach to your trip is also eco-friendly and enables you to discover places off the beaten track where old traditions and authentic dishes rule.