Winter Sun without the Jet Lag: Our Top Picks for a New Year's Break
There's nothing quite like the promise of winter sun to lift the spirits after all the chaos of Christmas has finally settled. But anyone who's tried navigating a crowded airport with an overtired toddler or spent an entire afternoon hunting for a highchair in a packed restaurant, will know that the 'relaxing' part of a family holiday can quickly disappear.
What families with young kids need are destinations that put calm before chaos, and safety and accessibility come as standard. Add in a spot of gentle adventure and you have the making of a family-friendly trip that’s stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
Calahonda, Spain
Tucked along the Costa del Sol, but worlds away from the high-rise bustle of Marbella or Torremolinos, Calahonda is a hidden gem that instantly puts families at ease. The real star of the show here is the Senda Litoral, a stunning wooden boardwalk that hugs the coastline and is completely buggy-friendly. It's perfect for little legs to explore safely, with plenty of spots to stop for an ice cream or simply enjoy the views.
When it comes to beaches, the golden shores of Calahonda are perfect for toddlers, particularly Royal Beach where the waters are shallow and calm enough for even the most cautious of paddlers. It’s the perfect escape for a relaxing family holiday where you can unwind and enjoy some much-needed sunshine during the cold winter months. Read more about all that Calahonda has to offer in this guide by La Cala property experts Windsor Consultants.
Brittany, France
If you're after that elusive combination of culture, coastline, and crêpes, Brittany delivers. Just a short trip from the UK, via a ferry or flight, means you'll arrive before the "are we nearly there yet?" chorus reaches full volume. The area provides a cooler climate at this time of year, so is ideal for families who prefer crisp, fresh air and quiet beaches over high temperature alternatives. However, regardless of the weather, the region's rugged coastline and charming fishing villages offer endless opportunities for gentle exploration.
The real magic, though, lies inland at the Forêt de Brocéliande. This mythical woodland feels straight out of Arthurian legend. Your kids will be enchanted by the idea of "magic" trees and fairy-tale scenery, and the easy walking trails mean you won't be carrying anyone back to the car. Add in the local cider, buttery pastries, and a pace of life that feels genuinely unhurried, and you've got a wonderful holiday escape.
South Tyrol, Italy
South Tyrol in Italy is a fantastic blend of fresh mountain air, alpine meadows, and charming villages that will make you feel like you’ve entered the world of Heidi. The region's "Kinderhotels" are specifically designed with families and younger children in mind, offering everything from supervised playrooms to family-friendly menus that cater for picky palates. But it's the outdoor experiences that really shine here. While more of a welcoming winter wonderland than Mediterranean heat spot at this time of year, it’s surprisingly mild and sunny, allowing winter sun to be enjoyed alongside snow-capped high peaks.
Gentle cable car rides whisk you up to mountain summits where petting zoos and panoramic views await, and the terrain is forgiving enough for toddlers to wander about without parents breaking into a sweat. It's the kind of place where everyone gets to breathe a little deeper, and ideal if you want to visit somewhere more off the radar than the usual family destinations.
Mellieħa, Malta
Malta's largest sandy beach, Ghadira Bay, is also one of the shallowest in the whole of the Mediterranean. You can walk out for what feels like miles and the water will still only reach your knees, making it an absolute paradise for families with toddlers who are just finding their confidence in the water.
The town of Mellieħa itself is compact, historic, and wonderfully friendly, with none of the overwhelm that can make navigating with a pram feel like an endurance sport in busier towns and cities. And then there's Popeye Village, the original film set from the 1980 musical that's been transformed into a quirky little theme park. It's delightfully low-key and perfectly pitched for younger children who aren't quite ready for the big rides yet.
Paphos, Cyprus
If year-round warmth is non-negotiable, Paphos should be at the top of your list. The locals here are incredibly welcoming, and the huge selection of private villas means you can keep your own routine without the pressure of hotel mealtimes or shared spaces with other guests. This post from overseas property guide A Place in the Sun details more of what makes Paphos so special.
The great benefit of Paphos is that there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained, from water parks for the whole family to accessible beaches and family-friendly safaris. The climate is also reliably mild, even in winter, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to take each day as it comes without feeling like you're missing out. It’s the perfect winter break to kick off a new year, all less than five hours from the UK.
Finding the right winter sun destination with toddlers in tow doesn't have to mean compromising on warmth, culture, or your own stress levels. These spots prove that with a little research and a willingness to step away from the usual suspect locations, you can find places where everyone in the family gets to enjoy the holiday they need in the new year.