Finding the perfect resort for your summer holidays can be a somewhat lengthy task, and deciding on a destination that suits all is just the beginning. We want your holiday hunt to be as hassle free as possible, so whether you’re after a relaxing retreat or an active adventure we’ve rounded up the top resorts for family holidays in 2017, to help make your getaway great!

THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

Portugal’s alluring Algarve has been one of the most popular holiday hotspots since the 60’s with the southernmost strips sandy coastline capturing the hearts of travellers year after year. You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 150 beautiful beaches in the Algarve – dive in at the deep end with wild watersports or sunbathe in sheltered sandy coves. If you’re all beached-out, wander to whitewashed towns with traditional fishing villages, crumbling cliffs and historic harbours. Boasting a 1,000-berth marina, Vilamoura is a top tourist attraction during the day and night. Stroll from one side of the horseshoe-shaped harbour to the other where you’ll find a stretch of bustling bars, shops and restaurants to suits all tastes. For an afternoon of excitement, make a splash at Zoo Marine where you’ll find a mixture of aquatic attractions that’s fun for the whole family! 

You'll find entertainment on tap in this all-round resort, particularly when you take a look at our top 8 things to do in the Algarve. 

FLORIDA, USA

If you’re after a magical holiday, Florida is the destination you’ve been dreaming of. Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Seaworld and Legoland Florida, it’s the world leader when it comes to theme parks and there’s no denying it’s one of the most popular resorts for families to visit! Mickey Mouse and Magic Kingdom are not the only part of the picture though, known as the sunshine state, Florida’s temperatures soar in the height of summer so you’re sure to catch some rays on one of Florida’s blissful beaches grazing the Gulf Coast. The city-sized shopping malls, gorgeous golf courses and animated nightlife keep happy holidaymakers returning to the resort year after year. Get up close and personal with the animals with a trip to Busch Gardens and go on safari across the ‘Serengeti’ plains where giraffes and zebras roam free, or dive into Discovery Cove’s Dolphin Lagoon and swim with the friendly flippers! Add a touch more magic to your trip when you stay in one of our 5 star hotels in Florida, where you'll find fantastic facilities for families who want to wind down after a day of fun! 

BENIDORM, SPAIN

Benidorm is the Brit-loving hotspot on the Spanish Costa Blanca that offers family-friendly fun in the sun. The palm-lined promenade of Levante is the sandy holiday hub for lively travellers to enjoy whacky water sports and bustling beach bars, whilst those looking for something a little quieter can stroll along Poniente beach or soak up the sun on the sheltered Malpas beach. Despite being a popular party place, Benidorm holidays captivate authentic Spanish culture dating back to the 1300s. Walk down the old town’s winding cobbled streets and explore inviting establishments, baroque domed churches and connect with the ancient and artistic buildings located in the historical centre of Benidorm. Entertainment is everywhere in this exciting seaside resort with visitors of all ages enjoying the sandy and social atmosphere both in the day and at night. Experience the tasty tapas bars and tremendous tribute bands in Levante or take a trip to classy Alicante for museums, marinas and medieval castles.

If you've been to Benidorm before, it might be time to discover similar holiday destinations without missing out on great beaches, swish hotels and a buzzing nightlife!

PUERTO DEL CARMEN, LANZAROTE

Situated on the East Coast, Puerto Del Carmen is the longest, largest and busiest resort on the island of Lanzarote and a popular tourist hub. With an average temperature of 29C during summertime, the climate is fantastic for families after a slice of adventure, offering a variety of daytime and nighttime activities that suit all ages and nationalities.The diverse resort boasts around 6km of golden sandy beaches excellent for sun-worshipping, swimming and water sports. Originally a quaint fishing village, the old town is a picturesque port with plenty of restaurants for you to feast on fine foods and enjoy a fabulous sea view. If you consider yourself more of a night owl, Puerto Del Carmen’s new town is the perfect place to let your hair down. Why not visit Centro Atlantico for a host of lively pubs, clubs and bars? Puerto Del Carmen is the ideal holiday for sun-worshippers who like to wine, dine and dance and is suitable for couples, friends and families.

Take a look at the top 5 hotels in Lanzarote for a lavish stay.

OLU DENIZ, TURKEY

This sun-soaked resort sitting on Turkey’s southwest coast is backed by beautiful mountains and boasts one of the most famous stretches of sand in the world. Sink your toes into the mile-long stretch of Blue Flag beach that leads up to the spectacular Blue Lagoon, where you can paddle in the azure sea, potter along the lively promenade and dine in one of the delicious waterfront restaurants. Inland you’ll find a plethora of activities and attractions to keep you occupied, from hiking and biking trails, mountain excursions and more. If you want to switch up the vibe, neighbouring resort Fethiye is just a 25-minute drive away and comes complete with a buzzing marina and plenty of evening entertainment that’s fit for all the family. 

THE RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

The Riviera Maya is a stretch of the Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula known for its beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Reflective of its Caribbean address, Mexico feels the heat in the height of summer, hitting temperatures of 30+ degrees.The family-friendly resort offers over 30km of sugar-white sands and plenty of activities to embark on if you ever get bored of sunbathing. Take to the turquoise waters for snorkelling and scuba diving in the Great Maya Reef, the world’s second biggest reef just along the coast, or why not explore the regions famous cenotes? More of Mexico’s natural attractions can be found in one of 4 eco parks, where you can swim with dolphins, raft in underground rivers and explore the country’s culture in more detail. Or, venture off the beaten track and get to know Mexico’s traditional villages or travel to the archaeological site at Tulum and explore the must-see Mayan ruins. Wherever you go the spectacular scenery will make your Mexico holidays ones to remember.

Costa Caleta, Fuerteventura

Once a quiet stretch sitting on the east coast of Fuerteventura, Costa Caleta’s purpose-built resort has become a popular holiday hotspot for families and friends. The island’s beautiful beach curves around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay with plenty of beachfront shops, cafés and sandy sunspots. Costa Caleta caters well for families and with a multitude of all inclusive last minute holidays in Fuerteventura to choose from, you'll be lapping up the amusements and activities in the Mediterranean sun before you know it. Get your golfing shoes on with mini courses across the resort, bounce on the beach’s bouncy castles and play in the nearby parks. When you’re not soaking on the sands, it’s just a 15-minute drive to the capital, Puerto del Rosario. Take a day trip and see if you can spot the capital’s quirky sculptures, visit the Las Rotondas shopping centre or extend your excursion by 40 minutes and visit the Dunas de Corralejo National Park where you can embrace the desert beauty of Fuerteventura.

Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos is the gem of Western Cyprus. The 150-metre beach is both pocket-sized and picturesque and the medieval castle from across the turquoise waters is hard to miss. Split into both a sandy shore and wooden decking, Paphos beach leaves you spoilt for choice in terms of sunbathing spots. Coral Bay is just a 10-minute drive up the coast where you’ll find a selection of seaside watersports, rustic tavernas, cafes and cocktail bars if a more animated afternoon is what you’re after. The Tombs of the Kings and the Temple of Aphrodite are examples of the breathtaking archaeological attractions that grace the island, and the kids can learn a little history too!

Searching for places to stay around the island? We've rounded up the differences in Cyprus' resorts so you can plan the perfect holiday.   

Alcudia, Majorca

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach break in the Balearics, Alcudia is the answer. Set on the north cost of Majorca, this family friendly resort has a bundle of attractions to suit every holidaymaker. From Blue Flag beaches to waterparks and beautiful coves with safe, sheltered shallows, Majorca has it all. The clear and calm waters are popular with snorkellers among a long line-up of watersports for all the family to enjoy. The island’s Roman ruins and historic old town add a shot of culture, if you want to harvest some history the capital Palma de Mallorca has plenty of picturesque landmarks. Stroll down the impressive Passeig des Born promenade, overlooking the city from the well-preserved 14th century Castell de Bellver and visit the the spectacular Le Seu Cathedral, which lies in the oldest part of the city. Alcudia is a great location for fun-loving families and cultured couples to enjoy a well-rounded beach break!

Check out the best family resorts in Majorca for fun in the Mediterranean sun!

Crete, Greece

Crete is crowned as the largest island in Greece and one of the most popular travel destinations in the country. Full of culture, cuisine and character, Crete holidays are made up of alluring ancient treasures, traditional cities and vibrant villages that unfold over an artistic and colourful landscape – its natural beauty equalled by the richness of its history. With a whopping 650 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of beach to go around. The sugar-coated sands in Lassithi are extensions to the contemporary towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, where sun-worshippers can flit between the beach, bars and boutiques as often as they please. The beaches are not the only beauties of Crete though, wander up the walls of Samaria Gorge for breathtaking coastal villages or visit the famous lagoon at Elafonisi. For families after a hint of history, the Irakilo Archaeological Museum is a must-see with insightful artifacts from Greece spanning a period of 5,500 years. If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, Crete will never fail to disappoint.

Arenal D’en Castell, Menorca

Arenal D’en Castell is a quiet retreat with serene surroundings for families that want to unwind. Hugging the cliffs on Menorca’s northern coast, this relaxed resort is walled with dark-green woodland while the waterfront bars and restaurants make for a more energetic evening. The beach’s soft golden sand powders the horseshoe-shaped bay with warm waters to paddle in and plenty of pedalos to enjoy. To the east you’ll find snack bars on the sand and to the west plenty of restaurants and bars if you fancy a break from the beach. Sunbathing on the shore is a popular pastime on the resort, but if you find yourself seeking activities you can take up some tennis near the Coves Noves centre, go golfing at Son Parc or explore some more on a daytrip. Alongside are other popular resorts including Na Macaret and Fornells close by, the capital, Mahon, is just a thirty-minute drive away. Saunter around the Old Town, visit the island’s biggest museum or walk the ancient path of Cami de Cavalls.

Salou, Spain

Sunny Salou on the Costa Dorada is a firm favourite when it comes to family holidays. Like many other resorts on this stretch of Spanish coastline, Salou’s golden beaches are a popular pastime with Llevant and Pontent both boasting fabulous facilities. For those that prefer the parks, PortAventura themepark and Costa Caribe waterpark are top choices for entertaining the kids. Just a few miles outside of Salou is the vibrant city of Tarragona. Once you’ve strolled down its beautiful Blue Flag beaches, make your way towards its maze of cobbled streets and explore the Roman ruins, city cathedral, or stop for an al fresco drink on the Placa de la Font town square. The night continues to light up even as the sun goes down in Salou, with lively bars, popular pubs and restaurants to suit all. Don’t miss the magic at Font Lluminosa, an amazing ornamental fountain show attracting tens of thousands of visitors since 1973! So if you're after a little laid-back luxury, search for our 4 star hotels in Costa Dorada and start packing for sunny Spain!

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes is the largest and most popular of the Dodecanese Islands and with a generous 300 days of sunshine a year, there is plenty of time to holiday in the heat. The island has a spectacular selection of sandy beaches with Tsambika, Saint Paul’s bay, Ladiko and Kallithea among the best, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the southern shore of Prassonisi is ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing! Embark on a cultured crossing through past civilisations by visiting one of the finest medieval towns in the Mediterranean. Walk through the walled old town of Rhodes and absorb its ancient ruins, Hellenistic temples and monumental museums - the ‘Street of Knights’ offers a traditional taste of the island. If you’re feeling active, why not climb the steep cobbles from the village of Líndos to the Acropolis where you will discover the inner Temple of Athena Lindia, or simply admire the stunning views of Líndos Bay. Rhodes holidays are jam-packed with fun activities for all the family, so if you’re after an action packed stint in the sun you’re sure to find it here!

Dubai, UAE

Home to the tallest artificial structure in the world, Dubai is the skyscraper city that goes the extra mile when it comes to record breaking. The most popular destination in the Middle East captures culture from all corners of the world and there is plenty to discover past the deserts. If you’re ready to embrace the extraordinary then thisi is the destination for you with stunning 5 star hotels in Dubai to discover. The palm tree-shaped island is a pioneer in all things paradise, tempting holidaymakers to take to the slopes in its incredible indoor ski resort, ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster and shop until they drop in, yet again, the world’s largest mall! Glide through the warm Gulf waters at Jumeirah’s action-packed beach where you can take part in plenty of beach games, picnics and watersports in the scorching sun. In the evening, admire the Dubai Fountain on the manmade Burj Khalifa Lake that reaches heights of 275m, wine and dine in skyview bars or catch a glimpse of Dubai’s wildlife on a private night safari and stargazing tour.