Three family holidays in the Med that kids will love – and where grownups can find time for themselves

10 Mar, 14:17. UK edition

Family playing in swimming pool Picturesque mediterranean town of Tossa de Mar. Girona, Spain Gelidonya lighthouse on Lycian Way — The Med’s the perfect place to enjoy time with the family – and time with your partner. Composite: Getty Images/Shutterstock

You don’t have to choose between family fun and grownup time – with these Mediterranean escapes you can have the best of both worlds

Sunny days splashing in the shallows and smiley, ice-cream-smeared faces are what family holidays are all about. But how do you create those all-important memories and guard a little quality time for yourself? After all, a chance to enjoy grownup conversation over a chilled glass of assyrtiko or simply devour a few pages of that beach read ensures you’ll return home rejuvenated, too.

The Mediterranean has a way of softening the edges of a family itinerary and helping you find that balance between parent and partner. These are destinations where you can be mum and dad at the beach, add in a splash of enriching culture and also enjoy some quiet moments as a couple.

From the glinting waters of the Turkish Riviera to the pine-scented hills of Ibiza, TUI has a great selection of hotels and resorts where you can combine the best of both worlds.

The azure coast of the Turkish Riviera

The Turkish Riviera’s crystal-blue waters and sandy beaches are ideal for family holidays. Photograph: Shutterstock

The dazzling stretch of south-western coastline that makes up the Turkish Riviera means there is space for every type of holiday. There are grand waterparks and storied archaeological sites, lovely beach towns and a liberal scattering of luxury resorts.

TUI BLUE Tropical is just a few sandy steps from gorgeous Sarigerme Bay and a 20-minute stroll from the nearest town. The TUI BLUE collection is known for its range of activities and authentic foodie offering, so you can enjoy action-packed days and also catch up with each other over an à la carte dinner savouring local Turkish flavours.

Sense De Luxe Hotel offers plenty to keep the kids entertained, and the adults pampered

There’s an expert-run kids club for all ages, with evening options available, too, and activities for teens ranging from sports tournaments to gaming nights. Little ones will love the main pool, with its waterslides and swim-up island, and the onsite swim school can help them build their confidence. From tennis to cooking classes, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy together. Then while they’re off making friends, you can retreat to the relaxation pool, perhaps join a yoga class or slope off to the spa.

The area has plenty of archaeological sites, when you need a break from the beach. Photographs: Shutterstock/Getty Images

Farther east along the riviera, Sense De Luxe Hotel is the perfect option for a blend of easy going family fun and relaxation. Hire bikes and cycle to the old town of Side, where you’ll find the Temple of Apollo, once graced by Antony and Cleopatra, and the vast ancient theatre. Relax with days by the pool – there are waterslides for the little ones – or relax at the beach with an area reserved for hotel guests. Kids clubs ensure you have time to enjoy the spa facilities or hit the gym, while hiring a canoe is a great way to enjoy a family activity together.

Slow living on the Greek islands

Home to dreamy beaches, ancient sites and a kaleidoscope of islands, Greece is a deserving holiday favourite. And there is something about the Dodecanese that encourages you to slow down the pace. You can explore gorgeous medieval old towns and forested interiors, hilltop villages and soft-sand beaches.

The Greek islands are the place to unwind – though there’s plenty to do if you fancy something more active. Photographs: Getty Images /Shutterstock/Stocksy United

Set on its own private beach, in south-east Rhodes, TUI MAGIC LIFE Plimmiri has the feeling of a traditional Greek village, with its low-lying whitewashed buildings. This is all-inclusive taken to the next level, with an impressive range of activities and facilities and everything from snack bars to speciality restaurants included.

Children’s programmes provide entertainment for kids of all ages, from tots to teens, while adults can find their rhythm with salsa classes or relax with daily yoga. From the on-site waterpark to sports that range from archery and football to water polo and tennis, you’ll fill your days. But leave time for quiet moments by the pool, a spa treatment (or two) and sundowners at the rooftop bar.

Across the water on the island of Kos, Blue Lagoon Village is set on a secluded bay with swim-up family rooms and private pool suites available. A great option for foodies, there are seven restaurants to choose from, ranging from barbecue and pizza to Aegean flavours and à la carte elegance.

Blue Lagoon Village on Kos offers private pool suites and waterslides

The Adventure Land waterpark has slides for all ages, while quieter pools come with sea views and whirlpool baths. A mini football pitch, tennis and padel courts will keep sports lovers happy, while the health club, with its indoor-outdoor pool and treatments, offers a little extra help with that holiday glow.

The sun-kissed shores of Spain

Spain has long set the standard for family holidays where children are the guests of honour. Whether you’re heading to the Balearics or staying on the mainland, you’re guaranteed great food, golden beaches and coastal towns offering endless entertainment.

Soak up the bohemian side of Ibiza on the pine-scented west coast at TUI BLUE Tarida Beach. Set among the trees overlooking sandy Tarida cove, it’s also a short drive to the laid-back village of San José. Among the pools, there is a splash park for little ones and an adults-only retreat with whirlpools and day beds.

When in Spain, think mediaeval towns and picturesque coastlines. Photographs: Shutterstock

Enjoy the variety offered at the four restaurants and four bars and reserve a date night with golden-hour views at Sunset Mediterranean. There are kids clubs and teen activities, tennis courts and activities that range from table tennis to guided walks, as well as a great lineup of evening entertainment. And when you’re not trying out the aquafit, pilates and yoga classes, you can treat yourself to the spa and beauty salon.

On the island of Ibiza, TUI BLUE Tarida Beach’s pools and slides will keep the little ones entertained, while bars, restaurants and spas offer something for the grownups

On the mainland, Evenia Olympic Park and Waterworld Lloret has everything you need for a memorable family holiday. You’re just a five-minute walk from the water park Waterworld Lloret and, from 25 May to 27 September, you can enjoy unlimited access to the rafting river, wave pool and rides during your stay.

Back at the expansive resort, you can take your pick from six pools, with a splash park for little ones and thermal beds and a swim-up bar for the grownups. While the children enjoy the Miniclub, head to the spa or enjoy a fitness class.

You’re just a leisurely walk to the centre of Lloret, with its shops and restaurants, and the Costa Brava’s picturesque coast offers plenty of opportunities for beach days, with the medieval city of Girona just 40 minutes away.

There’s no need to feel stuck between choosing a family getaway and a romantic retreat. TUI’s selection of hotels and resorts handles all the heavy lifting – from kids clubs to à la carte dining – because the best holidays happen when the parents are just as relaxed as the children.