A selection of Family Friendly island holidays – as recommended by top UK family travel bloggers
There is something quite special about islands; their landscapes, their unique wildlife, and often their own microclimates. For families in particular islands can be a perfect holiday destination choice; with a generally slower pace of life and with sights and attractions contained within a smaller area, islands offer an often unique holiday experience.
On an island you can sometimes be so close to the mainland but at the same time feel a million miles away. Our holidays to North Wales have seen us spending a lot of time visiting the isle of Anglesey, which is flat and low-lying with beautiful stretches of golden sandy beaches, all within sight of the very mountainous landscape of the Snowdonia National Park a few miles away on the mainland.
Ile de Ré, which is just off the Atlantic coast in South Western France, has an amazing microclimate making it feel more like a holiday in the Mediterranean. With countless days of beautiful blue sky and sunshine, and almost always a few degrees warmer than La Rochelle just over on the mainland, holidaying here is a real treat.
And it is often the case that islands are can be home to unique wildlife; the most famous being the Galapagos Islands in South America where there are many endemic species.
My recent visit to the island of Porquerolles ignited a real love of island life; of the beauty, nature, climate and the general slower pace of life. And the pure size of the island meant that everything we wanted to see and do was within bike riding distance, including so many stunningly beautiful beaches.
But it is not just me who has a love of island life, I have enlisted the help of some amazing UK family travel bloggers to share their favourite island holiday destinations around the world. In no particular order, read on to get a first hand low down on some amazing island destinations around the world and be prepared to want to pack a bag and head off immediately!
Isle of White
At only around 4 miles from mainland UK, the Isle of White is a popular choice for staycationers.
Cathy from Mummy Travels has visited many times and describes it as “timelessly beautiful.” Along with her daughter, they have explored and hunted out the best family adventures to be had: https://www.mummytravels.com/2017/05/18/isle-of-wight-coast-adventure/
Jo from Kiddieholidays says “this little island certainly packs at lot into its 150 square miles, and I think it is the ideal place to go on holiday with a toddler” Find out her Top 5 Reasons to go to the Isle of White With a Toddler.
Ibiza
Often considered the ‘party island’ many families may not consider a holiday to Ibiza, but Claire from Tin box Traveller says it is totally possible; check out her 5 Reasons why Ibiza is Perfect for Family Holidays.
The Caribbean
Lisa from Travel Loving Family feels that the Caribbean is perfect for island hopping or even just a fly and flop beach holiday. she travelled extensively around the Caribbean when working onboard cruise ships as Shore Excursions Manager and feels that St Lucia, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Grenada are particularly family friendly with lots going on for kids of all ages. Check out her top five family friendly Caribbean islands
Helen from Actually Mummy agrees and picks Jamaica as one of her favourites: “Jamaica is one of the few holidays our whole family would do again in a flash if we could. There is nothing you’d want to leave the resort for once you’re established with a cocktail in your hand and sand between your toes. But touring the coastline by boat is one they all had an amazing time taking in all the island has to offer. of the loveliest things you can do in the Caribbean. From party vibes, to sea creatures, it’s such a fun way to get to know the island”
Helen has also visited Barbados and has reported back for Space In Your Case on some of the best beaches you can expect if you decide to visit.
Cathy from Mummy Travels headed to Antigua with her family and from the look of these photos, they all had an amazing time taking in all the island has to offer.
Scottish Isles
They may not be famous for the best weather, but what they lack in guaranteed hot sunshine, the Scottish Isles certainly make up for in beauty!
Laura from Have Kids, Can Travel headed to the remote and stunning Isle of Arran and had a wonderful week of walking, beach combing, wildlife spotting, and even a bit of night photography!
Sarah from Family Travel Times has visited the island of Mull with her kids – a sure-fire hit with any fans of the CBeebies show Ballamory!
Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are a popular destination for visitors from all around the world, and it is clear to see why; with crystal clear waters, pretty whitewashed villages all backdropped with the bluest of skies.
Claire from Suitcases and Sandcastles admits that she is a little obsessed with islands, and has visited the Greek Islands many times. Here she shares Five of the Best Laid-Back Greek Islands
Lisa from Travel Loving Family also loves the islands off Greece and has enjoyed many holidays in this area including a Mark Warner Holiday in Kos – http://www.travellovingfamily.
Carrie from Flying With a Baby has recently visited Hersonisson in Crete and feels that it offers something for everyone. Check out her great round-up of Why Hersonisson is Great for Families.
Sicily
My husband and I visited Taormina in Sicily for our wedding anniversary many moons ago, and loved it so much that we decided to head back over 8 years later with our (then) two kids in tow. From cable cars to the beach and an active volcano to watch and visit, and pizza and pasta at nearly every meal, it was like the perfect holiday for our boys!
Guernsey
Helen over on Space in Your Case has visited Guernsey with her family and with 27 beaches, and a speed limit of 25mph, she feels it is the perfect place for young families. Check out her round-up of the Top 5 Things to do in Guernsey With Kids.
Glénan Islands – France
Before reading this post from Nell over at The Pigeon Pair and Me, I had never heard of the Glénan Islands before, but now it is definitely on my bucket list! With some of the prettiest beaches, I’m not surprised that Nell has questioned Are the Glénan Islands the Most Beautiful in Europe?
So there you have it; a selection of fantastic family friendly island destinations, all recommended by UK family travel bloggers (and me!).
Where is your favourite island holiday destination?
What a fab selection – thanks for including me, and I know I’ve said it before, but your trip to Ile de Porquerolles looked so perfect, we can’t wait to visit ourselves.
What a great selection of islands, Daisy. We’re huge fans of islands and love the slower pace of life you often find there. Thanks for including some of my Greek island recommendations.
Islands always feel so romantic and special. I was only saying to D the other day how much I wanted to go back to the Glénan Islands soon! Thanks for including us.