Family friendly holidays – Purple Travel Official Blog

Most blissful islands worldwide

Jun 15 2015

Madeira, Portugal

Porto Santo by night

Once again windy Madeira was named as one of the best islands in the world! The island is an archipelago of Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Funchal is the capital of Madeira settled in the 15th century. The greatest part of the island is an imposing botanical garden full of levadas, perfect for hiking trails. To explore its natural beauty you should surely visit the nearby villages, maintaining its charm. Gaze in wonder through mountain climbing to the summit of Pico Ruivo, you will feel like walking in heaven, as you revel in the eminent panoramic views of solidified lava…

Madeira’s Nothern Wonders: Volcanically natural pools

The Nothern road winds down through an amazing landscape of wild forests and lush valleys where you can find the famed terraced vineyards in Levada do Norte. Last but not least, don’t forget to unwind over a wine tasting at Pereira D’Oliveira. Porto Santo morphs into a party island on summer time, not to mention, the natural lava pools at Porto Moniz!

Santorini, Cyclades, Greece

Endless deep blue…Soaking in the Aegean Sea

Looking for a mythical experience? The island of charm, ‘’immortalized’’ by famous poets, thanks to its coloured houses carved into cliffs and the most mesmerizing sunsets like an artist’s palette! A unique aura that overwhelms all senses with amazing views of the caldera creates wild landscape as you are strolling along Nea Kameni’s volcano. If you are a fearful adventurer, you can try scuba-diving into the thermal waters forming a volcanic spa at Palia Kameni or challenge yourself walking along the Oia’s path where an iridescent landscape await you on the dusk time.

If you are a history lover, take a visit at the ‘’Pompeian City of Aegean’’, the prehistoric Akrotiri and the museum of Prehistoric Thera at Fira. Of course, Santorini’s local specialties are among the most popular, as the greatest chefs blend traditional twist with modern gastronomy making Santorini one of the best culinary destinations! As, for the sunbathers there are unique beaches with a colors of red, black, white and red: Perissa, Perivolos, Kamari, Kokkini and Aspri Paralia (Red & White Beach).

Mauritius, Indian Ocean, Africa

Chillin’ with refreshing coconut drinks on the beach

One of the most favored tropical paradise in the world, Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a bustling port with a modernized waterfront! Its beautiful well-known resorts, such as the Mont Choisy, Trou-aux-Biches and the Flic en Flac, perfect choice for scuba-divers or Rivière Noire for fishing. Mauritius’ crystal blue waters, endless sandy beaches and tropical climate, is an ideal go-to destination for honeymoons and jet setters too! Except for snorkeling and coconut refreshing cocktails there is much more to do on this island with its buzzing nightlife and rich culture. Moreover, there are some things surely not to miss: Mahebourg market – the island’s traditional bazzar, Mauritius is also home to world’s golf lovers, Chamarel Colored Earths & Waterfalls, Sporting enthusiasts: Have a daytrip at Ille aux Cerfs, Admire flora & fauna of Indian Ocean at Mauritius Aquarium or take a visit at Eureka delving into Mauritius’ colonial past.

Bali, Indonesia

Door of Heaven

Bali, the Indonesian paradise, feels like a earthly heaven with its incomparable beauty…. Bali is part of the Coral Triangle, known for its great diversity of marine species. Soak up the sun or dive along the amazing wreck of a WWII war ship! At artistic Ubud, you can see a cultural local dance or if you need some revival moments, invigorate mind & body in a yoga class. The eclectic Balinese tradition will get you hooked during your stay and it is mainly what sets this island apart from other tropical destinations. Most tourists visit also the island for its stunning ancient and nature wonders, active volcanoes and lush wild jungles!

Wild nature comes alive…

Can’t miss – Facilities & Landmarks

What Not to Miss in Bali
Shopping at Seminyak & dining at Nasi Ayam Kedewatan restaurant
Explore Kuta – Amed & Lovina beaches
Dive off Pemuteran & Surfing at Medewi
Visit Puri Lukisan museum & Monkey Sanctuary

Ancient temples leaves you speechless

Purple 10: Extremely Cool Water Parks for 2014

Mar 19 2014

Who doesn’t love slip-sliding about and releasing your inner child? Is there a better place to do that than in a them park or water park? We don’t think so. Impress your kids this year with all the facts about these extremely cool water parks for 2014 and don’t forget to tell us if we’ve missed one of your favourite water parks in the comments below.

1. Tropical Islands Resort, Krausnick, Germany. The largest indoor water park in the world, Tropical Islands is in a former zeppelin hangar, complete with rainforest, palm trees, birdsong and artificial sun.

2. Siam Park, Tenerife. Perhaps one of the best known water parks in Europe, Siam Park, the Water Kingdom is home to a Tower of Power which is a 28 metre plunge, the zero gravity Dragon experience, the 200 metre mega slide the Kinnaree and the Sawasdee, a great choice for families: it’s a mini version of the grown up rides especially for kids.

Purple Pick: Crete Family Holidays

May 28 2013

Family beaches

Marathi Beach is ideal for Crete family holidays with small children. It’s very protected, the water is calm and even in August when the famous Meltemi winds are high, this stays more sheltered than most. Grab your bucket and spade and head for the beach!

Elafonisi is a bit of a trek, but the water is clear and perfect and it’s great for swimming. About two hours from Chania, it’s well worth the day trip and the kids will love it.

Stalis Beach is very clean and just a short drive from Heraklion. Boasting the softest of sands and very clean waters. Just watch out if the wind picks up as the water can get a bit choppy.

You should read… The best family friendly beaches in Crete

Time travel

The old town in Chania makes for a great afternoon of exploring. It’s a little touristy, but we’re willing to bet kids will enjoy watching the boats come in at the harbour, stopping for ice cream in a cafe and wandering the winding streets.

Knossos Palace is a huge site where kids can learn about life dating as far back as 1900 BC. The best option is to get a tour guide to show you around and enthral you and your kids with the legends of ancient Minoan society.

Food in Crete is a way of life. Cretans take their food very seriously. So why not head out for an evening enjoying local favourites like dakos, dolmades or bougatsa for breakfast.

You should read… What to eat in Crete

Days Out

There are thousands of caves dotted throughout the island; Head for Dikteon Cave, on the Lassithi Plateau in the east of Crete, where legend has it Zeus was born. It’s open every day, so if you get fed up of the beach, it’s an obvious choice.

The Museum of Sea Life in Rethymno is located in a former abbey and has a huge display of all kinds of fish, fossils and shells, offering a good afternoon out.

Hike a gorge definitely one for more active or older children, Crete is actually home to several spectacular gorges. There are routes right along the coast and although some of them can be tough, it’s well worth it for the views out to see. Head for the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest at 18km.

The Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre in Hersonissos is the perfect way to discover the underwater world. Learn about the marine life of Crete with hundreds of fish and reptiles, get your picture taken with an unusual reptile and get up close and personal with a shark.

Water Parks

Aqua Plus in Hersonissos has tonnes of water rides to suit all ages. Just check out the names they’ve given the rides, how could anyone resist giving the Acquaslalom, Black Holes, Kamikaze Hydrotube or Crazy River a go?

WaterCity in Heraklion is the largest water park on the island. Offering 36 different slides, pools and amusements, as well as a couple of bars and restaurants, you can spend all day long here and not get tired.

Image via @ gterez

Purple Tips: Family Holidays Abroad

Jun 14 2012

Whether you’re an old pro at travelling with children, or this is your first trip with a new baby, it can be a daunting experience. How to keep them busy for two weeks and not go stir crazy yourself, will the food be alright, will there be other kids to play with and will the facilities be up to scratch? If you haven’t really thought it through and would like some ideas, then stay tuned for some top picks for family holidays abroad.

Young cheetahs in Masai Mara (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Let your little ones take a walk on the wild side in Kenya. Imagine introducing your young one to the stunning scenery of Africa, seeing gazelles rave across the planes, or elephants feeding in their natural habitat. The Masai Mara is probably the best known safari destination and there you could get the chance to see the so called big five: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards. Not for the faint hearted, it’s all early starts, and a little bit of roughing it, so maybe it’s best to wait ‘til your budding zoo keepers are a little older before heading to Kenya.

Tunisia’s well known for practically year round sunshine, so if you’re after a couple of hours on the beach every day, dig out your bucket and spade and get going. Hammamet is a great choice, because there are a tonne of kid friendly activities, from clubs, babysitters and crèches. Older children will love the food, evenings of football training, singing, dancing and making plenty of new friends. If you’re the nerdy type of mum or dad, why not take a day trip to the Sahara desert, where you can check out the sets of some of the Star Wars films among others. Well, if it works for us…!

The stunning island of Antigua in the Caribbean might be a bit of a trek, but it’s so worth it. Antigua prides itself on being home to enough beautiful beaches that you could visit a different one every day of the year. It’s incredibly low key and relaxed, and is a perfect place to spend some quality time together. If you fancy a bit of activity, Half Moon Bay is fab for snorkelling, while Stingray City is an aquarium with a difference. Children are encouraged to stick their hands in the tanks and get up, close and personal with the tropical fish. It might not be a top choice for mum and dad, but we reckon youngsters will love it.

Praia da Galé; Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Portugal is surely one of the most family friendly holiday hot spots around. From the historic capital Lisbon, to the long stretches of sand on the islands of Madeira or the Azores Archipelago, there’s something to impress even the pickiest child. We think the old reliable Algarve is a top choice. There are water slide parks to beat the band, top notch sandy beaches to spend lazy days and a great range of family friendly accommodation options. Albufeira is a top pick for its lovely Old Town, with views right out across the ocean, a beautiful, sandy beach and great atmosphere.

Family holidays in Spain

Apr 27 2012

Family holidays are always tricky. You’ve got so many variables to think about. How to keep the kids happy and where to find good beaches that are safe and not too crowded. You want fun and relaxed places to eat and kids clubs are always handy. Good public transport links are a must and of course you don’t want to be spending an arm and a leg on your holiday.

Then, you might like some choices to keep mum and dad busy; perhaps Grandma and Grandpa are tagging along too? You want to enjoy your holiday as well!

We reckon Spain should be a top choice for a family holiday. With great prices, facilities and of course that elusive sunshine, why would you consider anywhere else?

Malaga on the Costa del Sol has plenty to entertain children of all ages! The Malaga Open top tour bus is a nice way to get your bearings. A trip to the city beach of Caleta is a must. Little ones will love playing in the surf and there are plenty of loungers, umbrellas and facilities to help you out. If you tire of the beach, the interactive science museum will keep you in the shade and entertain for hours. The buggy friendly promenades are a great option for an evening stroll and the range of tapas bars and restaurants mean there’s a choice for even the fussiest eaters.

Lanzarote’s Puerto Del Carmen is amazing value for a fantastic summer break with the kids this year. There are plenty of options for all inclusive or self catering getaways that include kids clubs to keep them busy. The beach is a must, with nearly a mile of golden, soft sand, clean clear waters and a full range of facilities. Just a few miles away in Puerto Calero, kids will love Submarine Safaris. Designed especially for children to enjoy underwater exploration, it’s an incredible journey into Lanzarote’s clear, magical waters.

Costa Brava’s Lloret de Mar is perfect for a simple sunshine break of sandcastles, swimming and a bit of exploring. It’s got plenty of family friendly beaches so you could almost chose a different one every day. Lloret Turisme offers a miniclub, with organised beach games with a beach library for the grownups! The many children’s playgrounds offer a lovely break from the sand. There are even a couple of adventure parks including Gnomopark with bowling, mini karts, games and a gnome farm! If that’s not enough, it’s close to Barcelona if you feel like a little city adventure on your sunshine break. Discover the aquarium, or Park Guell which kids always enjoy.

Majorca has been a trusted family friendly resort for many years; it’s easy to see why so many people return again and again. We like Alcudia Beach or Cala Bona where you have great accommodation options with plenty of family friendly extras. The weather is almost perfect; the long sandy beaches are safe for little ones to get busy making sandcastles. Most hotels and apartments feature child friendly pools and kids clubs to keep them busy from morning ‘til bedtime.

Tenerife’s Costa Adeje is one of our top choices. It’s got a lively atmosphere, with lots of day trips on the menu. Check out the whale watching cruises or boat day trips. If you’ve got older children or teens, they will love trying out diving or surfing. A mini train runs through the resort to pick you up and drop you off when you need to, perfect if mum and dad are tired after a long day in the sun.

La Pineda on the Costa Dorada is really the best of both worlds. With an Aquapolis water park, Dolphinarium and the PortAventura theme park, as well as beautiful Salou just around the corner, there are more fun options than you can shake a stick at! Sun, sea and sand are the orders of the day, in this blessed out cheap holiday hotspot.

Tag - Family friendly holidays

Madeira, Portugal

Santorini, Cyclades, Greece

Mauritius, Indian Ocean, Africa

Bali, Indonesia