Finding cheap vacations that meet the needs of parents and children can sometimes be a bit tricky. Below are three popular destinations for sunny Easter holidays where a balance between laid-back adults and busy youngsters can easily be found.
The beaches of the Algarve cater very well to families; most are pristine and many have been awarded the blue flag for cleanliness. Blue flag beaches (of which there are many) denote not only a clean environment but also calm waters, which are supervised by lifeguards at peak times. There are also plenty of shelters and umbrellas available, providing welcome protection from the sun. The Blue Flag system is a great way for parents to ensure peace of mind and a chance to relax while the little ones build sand castles and swim in the shallows. Those who have older children might consider renting inflatables such as mats or rubber rings, which are readily available from local vendors.
Those planning a vacation with teenagers may be interested in more adventurous activities like snorkeling or fishing. There is a large selection of boat trips available from Alvor, going to various locations off the coast, where schools of fish abound. Many offer barbecues on board so you can relax and replenish all the energy you spend having fun in the ocean.
Mallorca is a fantastic place to spend the Easter holidays with the family. Various processions are held in Palma to celebrate the Holy Week festivity. Locals take to the streets of the city in costume and ride floats down the street, representing the different stages of Christ’s rebirth. Performances take place in various locations around the Algarve from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, with the most impressive events taking place in Artà , Pollença Felantix and Palma.
Families with older children should not miss the opportunity to visit the Cuevas del Drach on the east coast of the island. Descending to depths of up to 25 meters, these amazing caves feature vast limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites, along with the largest underground lake in Europe. Classical music concerts take place daily on the shores of the lake, the combination of acoustics and setting results in a genuinely magical performance. After the concert, visitors are taken for a boat ride through the underground canals to enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature’s architecture.
Like most of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has a lot to offer in terms of swimming, diving and snorkelling. These can be found mainly in the south of the island where the sea is calmer. The south coast is also popular for fishing trips and many operators offer boat tours that visit various local fishing spots.
Those with teenage children who are looking for the thrill of more extreme sports can sign them up for paragliding lessons with any of the accredited instructors on the north coast of the island. Once they have received the necessary training, they can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the coastline while being pulled through the air at high speed by a speedboat. With so much to do, it’s easy to see why Lanzarote remains one of the most popular destinations for budget holidays.