The proximity of the UK to Europe and the subsequent short travelling times makes it a most appealing choice for families, especially those with young children.
Throughout the Continent you will find your family warmly welcomed, and this is seen not just in the quality of the service but in the facilities offered at the hotels as well the attractions of the towns and regions that surround – from water sports on the Mediterranean and skiing in the Alps to water parks and fascinating archaeological ruins. Travelling with your family should not mean sacrificing tranquillity, privacy or style, and these are elements that you will find and appreciate throughout the European hotels – from elegant sanctuaries in the French and Portuguese countryside to the stylish contemporary seaside resorts in Greece and Cyprus.
Even when a relaxed ambience is paramount, leisure activities still abound, from world-class golf courses to horse riding through the countryside. Food is an important part of any holiday, and especially so when you are travelling with children, but you can rest assured that even the fussiest of eaters will find something that they like, not just on specially designed children’s menus but in the familiar yet exciting flavours of the local cuisine. Europe’s diversity and size ensures that the excellent holiday opportunities are available throughout the year, whether you are looking for an active winter holiday or a long stay that makes the most of the abundant sunshine. This, combined with fascinating history and culture, and charming hotels and resorts, ensures that you will want to return year after year.
Facts
Greece Climate: Hot and dry summers with plentiful sunshine and gentle coastal breezes. Mild winters.
Travelling time from UK: 4 hrs
Time difference: GMT +2
Cyprus
Climate: Hot and rainless summers, mild coastal winters with cool breezes.
Travelling time from UK: 4hrs 40mins
Time difference: GMT +2
Spain Climate: Summer is hot and humid with cooling sea breezes. Warm winters.
Travelling time from UK: Malaga – 2hrs 50mins. Palma – 2hrs 40mins. Alicante – 2hrs 30mins.
Time difference: GMT +1
Portugal Climate: Warm and dry summers. Cooler summers away from the coast. Mild and wet winters.
Travelling time from UK: Lisbon – 2hrs 30mins, Faro – 2hrs 45mins
Time difference: GMT +1
France
Climate: Weather in Northern France is similar to UK. Hot summers on Mediterranean coast with little rain and mild and sunny winters. Warm summers in the Alps and cold winters.
Travelling time from UK: Lyon - 1 hour 35mins, Nice - 2 hrs.
Time difference: GMT +1
Italy
Climate: Mild winters, hot and dry summers.
Travelling time from UK: Palermo – 3hrs 20mins (via Rome), Olbia – 2hrs 20mins, Cagliari – 2hrs 35mins.
Time difference: GMT +1
Malta
Climate: Mild winters, hot, dry and sunny summers.
Travelling time from UK: Malta – 3 hrs.
Time difference: GMT +1
Croatia
Climate: Mild winters, warm, sunny summers.
Travelling time from UK: Croatia – 2 hrs 15 mins.
Time difference: GMT +1
Austria
Climate: Cold winters and warm summers.
Travelling time from UK: Munich – 1hr 50mins.
Time difference: GMT +1
Turkey Climate: Hot and humid summers. Mild, wet winters on the Aegean and Mediterranean costs. Cold, snowy winters in the east.
Travelling time from UK: About 4 hours.
Time difference: GMT +2