With the Easter break creeping up, enquiries for family holidays are firmly on the rise. The top request is always the same: where can we find some sunshine? After what feels like the 50th day of February rain here in the UK, I completely understand the urge to swap grey skies for warmth.
The challenge, of course, is that early April can never be a guarantee. As with winter sun, the rule generally holds true: the further you travel, the better your chances. That said, many families prefer to keep Easter to seven nights or less, saving a bigger trip for summer, which often means staying closer to home.
To cover all bases, I’ve divided this guide into short, mid and long-haul destinations from the UK, focusing on places that offer the best odds of finding that elusive spring sun.
Short-Haul – 2-4 Hours flight from UK
Spain
Typical flight time: 2.5-3 hours
Having visited Spain throughout April on numerous occasions, I can confidently say the weather rarely disappoints. An occasional shower and cooler evenings are possible, but more often than not you’ll find blue skies and enough warmth to justify afternoons splashing in the pool.
Where to visit: Marbella, Estepona & Menorca
Marbella and Estepona are great destinations for families. The beaches are long and sweeping. The hotel options are fantastic. Plus, it’s easy to get out and explore quaint nearby towns, or spend an afternoon in the Andalucian countryside.
Menorca in the Balearic Islands is ideal for families seeking something lower key without compromising on comfort. I often recommend it to parents travelling with infants who don’t need extensive facilities, or families with teenagers who enjoy hiking, cycling and jeep safaris.
My favourite family hotels, Spain:
IKOS Andalusia – a seamless all-inclusive experience. As a proud ambassador for both IKOS and Sani Resorts, my clients also enjoy additional benefits when booking with me.
Marbella Club – outstanding service and an exceptional kids’ club.
Puente Romano – tropical grounds, endless activities and arguably some of Spain’s best resort dining.
Santa Ponsa Fontenille – charming, peaceful and home to one of the island’s few indoor heated pools.
Experimental Menorca – immersed in nature, beautifully designed, with excellent food and welcoming staff. Room categories work particularly well for those travelling with young children.
Portugal
Typical flight time: 2.5–3 hours
Across Portugal the weather often delivers blue skies in April. Rain is possible of course, but when the sun shines temperatures can comfortably reach the mid-20s.
Where to visit: Algarve, Lisbon & Alentejo
For a classic beach escape, the Algarve remains a reliable choice. Comporta, in the Lisbon region, is increasingly popular thanks to its beautiful wild beaches. Though I’ll admit, the winds might make it better suited to summer.
For something beyond a traditional resort stay, a Lisbon and countryside pairing works beautifully. Lisbon is perfect for families who prefer to absorb a city rather than rush through it. Wander the cobbled streets, embrace the hills and enjoy its riverside energy. Then retreat to the Alentejo to slow the pace entirely.
My favourite family hotels, Portugal:
Vila Vita Parc, Algarve – split-level suites, a secluded beach and beautiful gardens, ideal for post-dinner strolls with a pushchair.
Domes Lake Algarve – marina setting and a heated outdoor pool, which can make all the difference in April.
Sublime Comporta – wild beaches, nature inspired villas and a warm social atmoshphere.
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, Lisbon – central location with the rare bonus of an outdoor pool in the city.
São Lourenço do Barrocal, Alentejo – a sprawling countryside estate offering space, nature and an array of amazing outdoor activities.
Morocco
Typical flight time: 3.5–4 hours
With average April temperatures around 25°C and minimal rainfall, Morocco is a standout short-haul option. It manages to balance cultural immersion with resort-style relaxation, making it wonderfully versatile for families.
Where to visit: Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains
I typically recommend Marrakech over the coast in spring, as temperatures are warmer and more consistent. Staying just outside the medina gives families the best of both worlds: resort-style facilities with easy access to the city’s colour and energy. For something more adventurous, a night or two under desert skies in the Atlas Mountains adds a memorable twist.
My favourite family hotels, Morocco:
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech – generous space and an excellent children’s offering, including a dedicated splash zone.
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech – superb two-bedroom accommodation and consistently polished service.
Caravan Agafay by Habitas – safari-style tents and atmospheric family dinners beneath the stars.
Mid-Haul – 4–7 Hours from the UK
Cyprus
Typical flight time: 4.5-5 hours
Cyprus is one of the safest bets for Easter sunshine without committing to a long-haul journey. Temperatures in April regularly sit in the low to mid 20s, skies are typically clear and rainfall is limited. It’s an easy, well-paced option for families wanting warmth, space and straightforward logistics.
Where to visit: Paphos, Coral Bay & Limassol
Paphos strikes a lovely balance between relaxed resort living and gentle exploration. The long seafront promenade is perfect for a pre or post-dinner stroll beneath the palm trees, while still offering easy access to restaurants and historic sites. Coral Bay is home to one of the island’s best Blue Flag beaches, with shallow, calm waters that are ideal for families travelling with little ones. Limassol offers a more cosmopolitan atmosphere. There’s a lively city feel here, along with historical sites of interest and excellent shopping opportunities, making it a good fit for families who like a little variety beyond the pool.
My favourite family hotels, Cyprus:
Anassa – elegant and serene, with generous family villas and exceptional service.
Almyra – contemporary, relaxed and particularly well suited to families with younger children. Sister hotel Annabelle is another great option.
Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort – expansive, modern and brilliantly equipped for larger family groups. The new waterpark arriving in June 2026 is sure to offer huge appeal to those seeking luxury and fun.
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – beachfront, polished and home to one of the strongest kids clubs in Cyprus.
Canary Islands
Typical flight time: 4.5 hours
The Canary Islands are consistently reliable for Easter warmth thanks to their Atlantic position. While islands such as Lanzarote and Gran Canaria also work well, Tenerife remains my go-to for families simply because of the breadth and quality of hotel options available.
Where to visit: Tenerife
Tenerife has evolved significantly in recent years and now offers a genuinely strong luxury family portfolio, stretching along the coastline from Costa Adeje to Puerto de Santiago.
My favourite family hotels, Canary Islands:
Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort – contemporary, spacious and calm in feel.
Royal Hideaway Corales Suites – expansive suite-style accommodation with uninterrupted sea views, ideal for families wanting space without sacrificing style.
Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora – lagoon-style pools, extensive facilities and plenty to keep all ages occupied.
Oman
Typical flight time: 7-7.5 hours (direct from London) / 9-10 hours (indirect)
Oman is a fabulous mid-haul option for families looking to explore new landscapes and cultures without committing to a particularly long flight. It works beautifully as a single-centre stay, but also lends itself to twin or multi-centre itineraries, combining coast, mountains and even desert.
Where to visit: Muscat, the Al Hajar Mountains & Musandam Peninsula
Muscat offers a gentle introduction to the Middle East. The coastline is dramatic rather than glitzy and the atmosphere far calmer than many expect. It feels authentic, safe and refreshingly understated.
The Al Hajar Mountains provide contrast and cooler air. Days here can be spent hiking, swimming in wadis or simply absorbing the scale of the surrounding landscape. Even two nights in the mountains add depth and variety to an Easter itinerary.
For something truly memorable, the Musandam Peninsula delivers fjord-like scenery and dhow cruises along its rugged coastline. It works perfectly on it’s own or pairs with Muscat for families wanting to prioritise beach time with a little culture.
A desert stay can also be incorporated for older children. Even one night beneath the vast skies adds a sense of adventure that feels worlds away from everyday life.
My favourite family hotels, Oman:
Kempinski Hotel Muscat – polished and spacious beachfront resort with strong family facilities and easy access to the city.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort – dramatic canyon setting, beautiful suites and plenty of outdoor activities.
Six Senses Zighy Bay – secluded and exceptional, with villa-style accommodation and unforgettable scenery. Paraglide into resort for a sense of adventure.
Long-Haul – 7 Hours + from the UK
Maldives
Typical flight time: 10-11 hours (direct from London) / 13-15hrs+ (indirect)
April falls at the tail end of the dry season in the Maldives, bringing warm temperatures, calm seas and excellent snorkelling conditions. For families seeking true switch-off time, it offers space, privacy and effortless service. Resorts are extremely well equipped for children, with dedicated kids’ clubs, expansive beach villas and thoughtful touches that make longer stays feel seamless.
My favourite family resorts, Maldives:
Patina Maldives – contemporary and design-led, with excellent larger villa categories and a strong children’s programme.
Sun Syiam Iru Fushi – recently refurbished and offering one of the strongest premium all-inclusive packages in the Maldives.
Finolhu – playful in spirit, with beautiful overwater and beach villas and a relaxed atmosphere that works particularly well for families.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort – generous family beach villas, outstanding service and one of the best house reefs in the Baa Atoll.
The Caribbean
Typical flight time: 8-9.5 hours
The Caribbean remains a classic Easter choice. By April, the weather is typically settled, warm and breezy, ideal for families wanting beach time without excessive humidity. Direct flights from the UK make several islands especially convenient for a seven-night break.
Where to visit: Barbados, Antigua & St Lucia
Barbados is often the most straightforward option from the UK, with excellent flight connections and a wide range of accommodation styles. The west coast offers calm, swimmable waters that work particularly well for families with younger children.
Antigua appeals to those seeking something a little quieter, with beautiful sheltered bays and a slower rhythm. Its beaches are some of the Caribbean’s most consistently calm, making it an easy choice for relaxed days by the sea.
For families who would like scenery alongside sunshine, St Lucia delivers dramatic landscapes, lush hillsides and a little more visual impact. It feels slightly more adventurous while still offering strong resort-style comfort.
My favourite family resorts, Caribbean:
Colony Club, Barbados – relaxed and welcoming, with spacious suites and an excellent beachfront position.
Little Good Harbour, Barbados – boutique and peaceful, ideal for families who prefer a more intimate atmosphere with added flexibility.
Blue Waters Resort & Spa, Antigua – expansive suites and villas, excellent children’s facilities and a beautifully maintained beachfront setting.
Windjammer Landing, St Lucia – villa-style accommodation set into the hillside, offering space, privacy and strong family appeal.
Mauritius
Typical flight time: 11.5-12 hours (direct from London) / 14-16+ hours (indirect)
Mauritius strikes a lovely balance between reliable sunshine and gentle adventure. The island is easy to navigate, beaches are calm and sheltered, and resorts cater exceptionally well to families of all ages. Easter falls at an ideal time weather-wise, with warm temperatures and comfortable humidity levels.
My favourite family resorts, Mauritius:
Shangri-La Le Touessrok – polished yet relaxed, with generous family accommodation and an excellent water-sports offering.
LUX* Grand Baie – contemporary and stylish, particularly well suited to families with older children or teenagers.
One&Only Le Saint Géran – timeless and elegant, with exceptional service. The three and four-bedroom private homes are ideal for larger or multi-generational families seeking privacy alongside full resort facilities.
While I know that choosing the right Easter destination can sometimes feel daunting, I hope this guide has offered both clarity and inspiration. From short-haul sunshine to longer-haul guarantees, there are wonderful options at this time of year with the right planning. If you would like personalised advice or support in securing the best availability, I would be delighted to help plan an Easter escape that feels seamless from start to finish.
Until next time,
Emma x
