Tag: family holiday

Categories
Spain

The Pretty Puerto Pollensa

For a late summer family break choose Puerto Pollensa, a pretty village in the north of Mallorca that’s an ideal beach-side destination.

Why go?

To get a sense of the real Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, you need venture only 30 minutes north of the island’s major resort, Magaluf, and you’ll discover a real gem that’s ideal for a family break.

Puerto Pollensa sits in a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay, set against the backdrop of the stunning Tramuntana mountain range, which is popular as a training ground for professional Olympic cyclists. Situated on the northern tip of Mallorca, it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on the island and edged by lovely, sandy beaches. This pretty former fishing village has managed to retain much of its old world charm – particularly in the streets set back from the waterfront. There are nine hours of sunshine a day, turquoise blue waters, golden sandy beaches and fine paella.

Who is it good for? The short flight and gently shelving beaches will appeal to those with babies and toddlers, but Puerto Pollensa is great for children of all ages too.

Activities

A stroll from the yacht-filled marina along the renowned Pine Walk will take you past dozens of great eateries and is a great way to work up an appetite.

Just a 15-minute and breath-takingly scenic drive away is Formentor Beach: a narrow but gorgeous stretch of golden sand running into crystal-clear turquoise blue water. The views of sea, mountains and pine forest are simply spectacular and there are overhanging trees on the beach, which make a great shelter for little ones – and parents – needing a break from the sun.

See Mallorcan treats for kids for more family-friendly activities.

The lowdown

Best time to go: From May to September. But be prepared for the crowds to descend during the school holidays, particularly July and August.

Travel time: Flights from London to Palma take 2 hours and 20 minutes.

How to get there: British Airways flies from London Heathrow to Palma Airport; from £113 return. Or choose easyJet, which flies from London Gatwick to Palma Airport; from £37.98 return.

More information: Sovereign Luxury Travel offer family holidays to Puerto Pollensa, or for breaks to Formentor try Powder Byrne. For a self-catering break, Simpson Travel offer luxury villas.

Pictures by Shutterstock.com

 

Categories
Adventure News Story UK Uncategorized

Our Views: The School Holidays Debate

JANE ANDERSON: The whole school holidays debate is an interesting one.

If one was to be radical, we would question the whole logic of having a six week break in the summer which harks back to Victorian times when kids were needed in the fields to pick fruit and farm the land. Though this long stretch of freedom is relished by kids and probably fondly remembered by adults, for today’s working parents it’s a logistical nightmare. Would it be better to completely overhaul the school holidays system to not only include staggered holidays to avoid a hike in prices due to high demand, but also to give parents an easier ride with more frequent but shorter breaks? The debate continues…

Please send us your thoughts to editorialteam@familytraveller.com, post on our Facebook page facebook.com/familytraveller, or tweet us @famtraveller.

Categories
Adventure Europe News Story

Viva Riga: Explore the City of Culture with the Family

Finally, the cosmopolitan 13th-century Baltic capital of Riga is making headlines for something other than stag weekends.

One of two European ‘capitals of culture’ for 2014 (the other is Umeå in Northern Sweden), Riga is a great place for a family holiday this year. It will host everything from the quirky ‘chain of booklovers’ event on 18 January, where the National Library will move its vast book collection by human chain from its original building to the new ‘Castle of Light’ building (volunteers of all ages welcome), to a chance to explore the city’s old KGB headquarters, open to the public for the first time between April and October 2014 and providing a fascinating insight into this highly secretive organisation.

Go in the summer and enjoy all-night summer solstice celebrations on 23 June and head to lovely nearby beaches such as Lielupe, Dzintari and Bulduri.

Visit: riga2014.org

Categories
Adventure Middle East News Story

Undiscovered Oman

Way down in the south of Oman it’s a world away from the dramatic dunes of the north. The lush Indian Ocean setting of Salalah with its white sand beaches, tropical flamingos and turtles, mountain ranges and fresh water springs is a family holiday waiting to be discovered by Brits.

Hire a car and spent a day hiking the Frankincense Trail which covers downtown Salalah, Khor Rohri and Ubar, which is rumoured to be the lost city of Atlantis of the Sands, discovered by Wilfred Thesiger. A thrilling proposition for any child.

A trip to Oman has to include a camel ride and Salalah’s proximity to the Empty Quarter makes it the perfect place for a riding lesson.

 

THE LOWDOWN

Best time to go: Surprisingly, this region is at its best during the rainy season in July and August with stunning greenery and crashing waterfalls – perfect for school summer holidays.

Where to stay: The Salalah Beach Resort opens in March 2014 with 399 rooms and suites with several private villas and apartments. There’s a beach club and a kids’ club too.

Price: Double rooms from £207 per night with breakfast for a family of four. Oman Air offers return flights from London Heathrow to Salalah from £576 per person.