If you're planning your next family holiday and are looking for something a little more active than usual then we have some great suggestions for you. In no particular order, here are our top 5 picks for a family adventure holiday this summer:
Eco-resort holiday in Croatia
Picture a secluded beach surrounded by a cooling pine forest, but with plenty of fun activities to keep the kids entertained. The electricity-free straw huts sleeping 2-5 people are sheltered by the forest meaning no a/c is necessary.
As you would expect the place has a relaxed, laid-back feel, but there is plenty to do for young and old alike. Children will enjoy the mini-club (available from 4 years up) during the day open 10 – 12am and 4 – 6pm and evening entertainment including a mini disco and performances by the entertainment team. The resort also runs excursions to nearby National Parks and islands.
Activities included in the all-inclusive price:
• Adventure park • Tennis courts • Five-a-side football pitch • Mini golf • Sailing • Kayaking • Windsurfing • Aerobics • Aerobics • Beach volleyball • Basketball • Archery • Water polo • Bocce • Table tennis • Yoga
The buffet restaurant caters to all tastes and dietary requirements, just advise beforehand.
How to get there:
Plane: The Pine Beach Eco Resort is just 40 minutes from Zadar airport, or just over an hour from Split.
Train: Take the train to Zagreb and then on to Split (see seat61.com for further details), or alternatively take the train to Ancona, Italy and an overnight ferry to Split.
From Split there are buses to Pakostane but not direct. Quickest way is to hire a car or get a taxi.
Best for: beach bums; children aged 4 and up
Bad Goisern multi-activity holiday
Bored of the beach? This fantastic adventure holiday in Austria is great for families who love the outdoors. It has the right amount of balance between organised activities and free time to explore on your own, with canoeing on Lake Halstatt, bike rental, and a hike up to a mountain hut with an overnight stay all included (and more besides).
The area has become increasingly popular in recent years with day trippers drawn to the picturesque lakeside village of Hallstatt, but there are plenty more places to explore and you can also head to the historic spa town of Bad Ischl nearby.
How to get there:
Plane: Just one hour from Salzburg airport
Train: From London via Brussels and Frankfurt with a couple of other changes you can do it in around 15 hours, see rometorio.com. There is also a night train from Brussels to Wels, from where it is a 90 min train ride to Bad Goisern.
Best for: Nature lovers; children aged 8 and up
One week multi-activity holiday in the Croatian countryside
Discover the less touristy side of Croatia at this countryside retreat one hour from Zagreb and close to the border with Slovenia. Go rafting, climbing, cycling, canoeing and horse riding, then relax by the pool and enjoy the views. There is also a shorter 4-night version available.
The accommodation is in a cluster of traditional buildings and the food is a delicious selection of homemade produce (though vegans aren't terribly well catered for). Popular with families, it is in a truly peaceful location close to some great hiking trails.
How to get there:
Plane: Nearest airport Zagreb (1 hour away)
Train: Get the train to Zagreb (London-Paris, then Paris - Munich and a night train to Zagreb)
One thing to note is that a car is pretty essential for this package to get to each activity as they are quite spread out. Transfers can be arranged for a supplement, please let us know before you book if you require them.
Best for: Getting away from it all; children aged 8 and up
Adrenaline adventure holiday in the Dolomites
Ideal for families with older children who are looking for some adventure. This package lets you explore the spectacular Dolomites from all angles, canyoning, rafting and canoeing down in the rivers and lakes, and mountain biking and via ferrata excursions further up the mountainside, with a free day to do your own thing.
You will stay in the chic mountain resort of Madonna di Campiglio where there are a number of beautiful hiking trails easily reached from the village, and regular guided hikes with the local Alpine Guides.
How to get there:
Plane: Nearest airport Verona (around 2 hours' drive)
Train: Get the train from Paris to Milan then on to Verona, or take the sleeper from Paris to Venice (getting off at Verona). From there head up to Trento and on to Malé by train or direct to Madonna di Campiglio by bus.
Again we recommend hiring a car for this break, but transfers to/from the activities can be arranged for a supplement.
Best for: Adrenaline junkies; teenagers aged 14 and up
Family multi-activity holiday in the Austrian Alps
Back to Austria for this 7-night 4* package in Flachau with soft all-inclusive, bike hire and your choice of 3-5 organised activities; you can choose from rafting, cave tour, zorbing, climbing, adventure park, canyoning, mountain carting and a segway tour.
Just outside the hotel is a large funpark with a trampoline, 5 a side football pitch, climbing wall and skatepark, while adults can relax and unwind in the hotel spa.
How to get there:
Plane: Under an hour's drive from Salzburg airport
Train: From Paris take the train to Munich and on to Salzburg and then Radstadt, which is around 12km from Flachau.
Best for: Luxury lovers, children from 6 and up.
Any questions about any of the above breaks? Drop us a line and we can help!
