Top Villa Picks for Families with Younger Children or Teens

A recent survey by James Villa Holidays found that almost two thirds of families haven’t had a holiday abroad in the past 2-5 years and just 11% made it abroad in 2021.

Over a third (35%) are anticipating that they will book post-pandemic holidays closer to departure, although a larger proportion maintain that they will stick to a similar lead time as previously.

More than half say that when deciding where to go, they start with a destination in mind, but the biggest pain points are in finding accommodation that fits their needs and budget (55%) and finding something to suit everyone in their travel party (30%).

Private pools are by far and away the strongest reason for choosing a villa with a whopping 98% citing it as a must-have, followed by 77% of parents looking for sandy beaches as the main attraction in the local area.

With over 3,500 villas in sunshine spots around the world, it’s no wonder that consumers find it hard to decide just where to spend their precious time and money, so the villa experts at James Villas have put their heads together to share some of their top picks for families, helpfully split into those travelling with babies and toddlers, and those with older children.

BEST FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS

Villa Vina Maria, Puerto Pollensa – Mallorca
Price: 7 nights in April from £599, sleeps 6 (£100 pp based on max occupancy)
This traditional finca is a comfortable single-storey villa with 3 bedrooms, sleeping 6 guests. Outside a covered terrace with built-in barbeque look out over the private swimming pool, with pool safety fence. There is also a lawned garden great for children to play. The villa comes complete with cot, high chair, and other equipment for young children. Well-located within a few minutes drive of Pollensa and its shops and restaurants, as well as lovely sandy beaches for days out.
Book: jamesvillas.co.uk
Getting there: Puerto Pollensa is a one hour drive from Palma Airport. This property is advised as car-essential.

Villa Cordyline, Guia – Algarve
Price: 7 nights in March from £649, sleeps 6 (£108pp based on max occupancy)
Part of James Villas’ special Baby & Toddler range, Villa Cordyline is a great option for families with little ones. Light and airy, all 3 bedrooms are on the upper floor with living space and kitchen on the ground floor plus outdoor dining area, fenced pool and grassy lawn. Guia is known as the home of piri-piri chicken so while that may be a bit spicy for younger palates, parents should definitely try the original and see how it compares to high street Nando’s – in fact, Villa Cordyline has a built-in barbecue too, in case you want to create your very own version.
Book: jamesvillas.co.uk
Getting there: Guia is 45mins from Faro Airport. This property is advised as car-optional.

Villa Casa Playa. San Pedro de Alcantara – Costa del Sol
Price: 7 nights in July from £3,429, sleeps 6 (£571.50pp based on max occupancy)
Just a short stroll from a sandy beach, Villa Casa Playa is located close to beachfront restaurants, shops, and a spa. Light and modern with three comfortable bedrooms, Casa Playa has a large outdoor terrace with a portable BBQ, and a private pool and garden. This villa has something for all ages, including a TV with UK and USA channels, a football table, and a giant Jenga set. This villa also suits families with smaller children as the grounds are fully enclosed for maximum safety.
Book: jamesvillas.co.uk
Getting there: San Pedro de Alcantra is 50 mins from Malaga Airport. This property is advised as car- optional.

TOP PICKS FOR TEENAGERS AND OLDER CHILDREN

Villa Dias, Gennadi – Rhodes
Price: 7 nights in April from £329, sleeps 4 (£83pp based on max occupancy)
Make an early break for this modern villa close to the beach on the Greek island of Rhodes. The private terrace has a pool with a poolside shower, ping pong table and a shaded area with a barbeque for dining al fresco. Inside there’s free wifi, TV and a Playstation 4 to provide fun for all the family. The town of Gennadi, with a number of tavernas and large supermarket, is a five minute drive away or stock up on the essentials at the mini-market in Lahania. When it’s time to introduce the kids to some culture, Lindos and Pefkos with their ancient acropolis are around half an hour’s drive from the villa.
Book: jamesvillas.co.uk
Getting there: Gennadi is 1 hour from Rhodes airport. This property is advised as car-essential.

Villa Katarina, Spartia in Kefalonia
Price: 7 nights in May from £549, sleeps 5 (£110 pp based on max occupancy)
Set in the spacious countryside outside Spartia, Villa Katarina is a large modern villa with open plan living space and 3 bedrooms accommodating up to 5 people. The wide selection of entertainment at the villa includes table tennis, badminton, PlayStation 2 and the all-important private pool. A built-in barbecue and pizza oven offer plenty of options for al fresco dining or alternatively, there is a selection of restaurants just a short drive away.
Book: jamesvillas.co.uk
Getting there: Spartia is 20 min from Kefalonia Airport. This property is considered car-advised

Villa Rosario, Sao Rafael in Algarve
Price: 7 nights in April from £1,029, sleeps 8 (£129pp based on max occupancy)
Great for larger families, or two families holidaying together, Villa Rosario is a spacious property in the popular resort of Sao Rafael, just a short walk from the large sandy beach. The villa is well furnished with an open-plan dining area and lounge (with Playstation 4), and a modern kitchen. The villa sleeps 8, all in en-suite rooms including 3 twins and one double. Outside is a charming terrace with seating area and large private pool with a poolside shower plus table-tennis table.
Book: jamesvillas.co.uk
Getting there: Sao Rafael is 45 mins from Faro Airport. This property is advised as car-optional.

Jet2 have recently expanded their airlift from Manchester with more peak season flights to Mallorca, Ibiza, Santorini and Sardinia, alongside a warning that late deals could be limited due to heightened demand following two years of Covid travel restrictions.
Additional flights added:
Sardinia – Saturdays between July 23 and September 24 to give two weekly departures;
Ibiza – additional Saturday and Sunday flights between July 23 and September 25 to give up to three departures a day at weekends, on top of up to 16 weekly services;
Majorca – additional Thursday flights between July 21 and September 22 means up to 27 weekly departures, including up to five on Thursdays;
Santorini – additional Sunday flights between July 24 and September 25, giving up to four departures a week