Published on
October 16, 2025
UK, Greece, Italy, Spain, St Lucia and more are set to lead the way as the top family-friendly destinations for 2026, offering something for every age and interest. From sun-soaked beaches and thrilling theme parks to scenic landscapes and cultural experiences, these locations provide the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and convenience for multigenerational groups. Carefully selected for their safety, accessibility, variety of activities, and family-oriented accommodations, these destinations ensure that families can create lasting memories together while enjoying a mix of exploration and downtime.
Planning a holiday for a mix of generations can be tricky. Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, grandparents, or friends, finding a destination that balances relaxation, adventure, and comfort for everyone can be challenging. The ideal getaway offers activities and experiences that appeal to all ages while ensuring safety, convenience, and memorable moments for the entire group.
To help families and groups make informed choices, Sunsail has created a Family and Group Travel Index, identifying the 20 best destinations worldwide for 2026. The index combines online search trends, Tripadvisor reviews, insights from official tourism boards, and geographical data to evaluate destinations on factors such as accessibility, safety, variety of activities, family-friendly accommodations, and beach quality. Each location received a score out of 28, with ties broken based on average yearly temperatures.
The resulting list highlights destinations that cater to a wide range of travel interests—from historic towns and tranquil beaches to action-packed theme parks. These choices align with the growing trends for multigenerational, experiential, and adventure-focused family travel, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Sardinia, Italy
Claiming the top spot with a score of 26 out of 28, Sardinia stands out for its combination of natural beauty and family-oriented amenities. Unlike some crowded Mediterranean hotspots, Sardinia offers a mix of bustling resorts and quiet coves, making it suitable for children, teens, and adults alike. Its pristine beaches, including Cala Brandinchi, provide calm, shallow waters ideal for younger children. Alongside safe surroundings and warm local hospitality, Sardinia’s scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a perfect choice for group holidays in 2026.
Ibiza, Spain
Also scoring 26 out of 28, Ibiza has an average annual temperature of 18 °C and is well-known for its unique balance of lively entertainment and laid-back charm. Families and friends can enjoy a combination of excitement and relaxation on the island, which is home to seven Blue Flag beaches. Cala Llonga, in particular, offers shallow waters, playgrounds, lifeguards, and convenient amenities, making it a stress-free destination for family holidays. Ibiza’s safe and clean beaches, along with a welcoming environment, make it an ideal spot for groups seeking both activity and downtime.
Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda also achieves a score of 26 out of 28 and is celebrated for its wide variety of experiences. From thrilling theme parks like Gardaland to vineyards, hiking trails, and historic towns, Lake Garda offers something for every member of the family. As Italy’s largest lake, it also ranks high in family-friendly accommodations. With stunning scenery and endless options for adventure and relaxation, Lake Garda is perfect for multigenerational and mixed-interest groups.
Other destinations worth noting
- Cornwall, UK – Offers charming coastal towns, beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and scenic walking trails suitable for all ages.
- British Virgin Islands – A paradise for island-hopping, snorkeling, diving, and enjoying unspoiled beaches.
- Lefkas, Greece – Calm, shallow waters make this an ideal destination for families with toddlers.
- St. Lucia – Combines rainforest treks, wildlife encounters, and spectacular beaches for adventurous families.
Recent trends indicate a rising interest in family travel, with searches for ‘February half term winter sun’ doubling over the past three months. Queries for ‘family holidays 2026’ increased by 50%, while ‘last-minute family adventure holidays’ jumped 300% compared to September 2024. Families are clearly eager to explore destinations that offer safety, variety, and unforgettable experiences.
UK, Greece, Italy, Spain, St Lucia and more rank among the top family-friendly destinations for 2026, offering beaches, theme parks, scenic landscapes, and activities that cater to every age. These locations combine safety, accessibility, and diverse experiences to create unforgettable holidays for multigenerational groups.
The Sunsail Family and Group Travel Index demonstrates that 2026 is shaping up to be a year for memorable group holidays. With options ranging from serene beaches and historic towns to adventure-packed activities and cultural experiences, these 20 destinations ensure that every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, can enjoy an enriching and enjoyable getaway.
