Best May half-term holidays

GRAN CANARIA, CANARY ISLANDS

The Canary Islands have been soaking up the sun all winter, so Gran Canaria’s a winner if you’re after some spring sunshine. Book a holiday to Gran Canaria and the family can look forward to toasty temperatures in the mid to high 20s – ideal for days of topping up your tan on the island’s white-sand beaches. Active families are covered, too. In the larger-than-life coastal resorts, sandy strips come loaded with watersports. Head inland, meanwhile, and you’ll see there’s more to this place than lounger-loaded beaches. A big chunk of the island’s been made a biosphere reserve – sort of like a national park – thanks to the unique plants and micro climates that crop up in the centre.

Check out our holidays to the Canary Islands...

IBIZA, BALEARIC ISLANDS

Ibiza might be known as Spain’s party playground, but this Balearic Island’s big-name clubs and A-list DJ sets are just the tip of the iceberg. Away from the nightlife-focused resorts of San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa, it sings to a different tune. Tucked into Cala Tarida, the family-friendly TUI SENSATORI Resort Ibiza’s scored a standout spot on the White Isle. It comes with a kids’ splash park and a sandy beach on its doorstep. The sea here is calm and shallow, so it’s perfect for families holidaying with children that aren’t confident swimmers. May is one of the best times to visit Ibiza – you’ll avoid the peak season crowds and the temperatures are already creeping up to the mid-20s.

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DALAMAN AREA, TURKEY

From spice-laden bazaars and ancient sights to tree-cloaked mountains and postcard-worthy beaches, half-term holidays to Turkey are as action packed as they come. Fancy a family adventure? Book a day out on our Turtle Watching trip and you’ll sail down the Dalyan River in search of turtles. Look out for freshwater turtles popping their little heads above the surface of the river. And when you get closer to beautiful Iztuzu Beach, it’s time to keep your eyes peeled for the rare loggerhead sea turtles. Not your bag? How about taking the kids on a treasure hunt onboard a pirate ship? Head out on the Pirates of Sarigerme excursion.

Tempted by a trip to Turkey? Get there for less...

COSTA DORADA, SPAIN

Spain’s Costas have cemented their place on the holiday hotlist. If you’ve got the family in tow, the Costa Dorada’s spot on. The Golden Coast turns out 92 kilometres of honey-hued sands along the coastline between Barcelona and Tarragona – all warmed up by an impressive 300 days of sunshine a year. Book a room at one of the resort’s many kid-friendly hotels, like the TUI FAMILY LIFE Avenida Suites, and you can spend days building a kingdom of sandcastles on the beach. Or, pay a visit to Spain’s biggest theme park, PortAventura World – it’s home to Europe’s tallest rollercoaster, as well as plenty of attractions for children aged under five.

Fancy sunning yourself on a holiday to Spain? Right this way…

Ready to book a week in the sun?

Find a free kids’ place, and for more tips on where to take the family on holiday, check out where’s hot in May and the best family holiday destinations.

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Danielle Penny