8 Best Holidays For Babies & Toddlers Which Are Less Than 2.5 Hours Flight From The UK

8 Best Holiday Destinations For Babies & Toddlers Which Are A Short Hop From The UK!

Short hop holidays are well worth considering when you’re travelling with younger children. It’s a sure-fire way to minimise the stress of being stuck on the plane for too long. You won’t have to worry about keeping them entertained, and with nearby destinations jet lag isn’t an issue too. We’ve had a look at holidays with short flight times from UK airports and it certainly doesn’t reduce your options for amazing getaways. You can fly direct to a rich range of destinations across the Med and beyond, even to the Atlantic shores of Portugal! Read on to discover that you don’t need to travel far to have a fantastic time…If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.

#1. The Algarve

The indigo waters of the Atlantic await in the Algarve. This sand-swept coastal region in the south of Portugal is all caramel-coloured beaches and ruffled, rocky cliffsides. It’s a top choice for holidays with short flight times, as you can fly here from the UK in just 2 1/2 hours. In terms of holiday resorts, popular picks are Albufeira, Vilamoura and Alvor. Along with plenty of sandcastle-friendly beaches, the Algarve has lots of attractions and activities to keep younger holidaymakers entertained. That includes Zoomarine, a huge aquarium and zoo focused on sea creatures, with water rides and an artificial beach too. Plus, along the coastline you’ll also find a starry selection of aquaparks, horse riding centres and more. There’s even a chance to go whale and dolphin watching in the open ocean of the Atlantic!

Best hotels in the Algarve for babies and toddlers

Ukino Palmeiras Village

This great value all inclusive hotel has bright and fresh interiors, and it boasts direct access to the beach too. There’s a small splash park with fountains and mini slides, along with outdoor and indoor play areas.

Learn More – Ukino Palmeiras Village

Jupiter Albufeira Hotel

This sleek, modern and luxurious hotel has a fantastic range of multi-lane water slides and twisting chutes at its on-site aqua park. Even better, holidays here include three days’ entrance to Zoomarine!

Learn More – Jupiter Albufeira Hotel

3HB Club Humbria

The spacious apartments here are set in a collection of low-rise buildings, creating a friendly holiday village atmosphere. In the centre sits a courtyard pool dotted with swaying palm trees for added greenery. Even better, there’s a selection of spiralling water slides and a colourful splash park for younger children.

Learn More – 3HB Club Humbria

#2. Costa del Sol

Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination for British holidaymakers, and that’s a lot to do with the fact you can reach its sun-soaked coastlines in less than 3 hours. The Costa del Sol is a great example of such an option. Its pristine beaches and towering palm trees give a hint of the Tropics yet on holidays with short flight times. This is a place that has plenty of activities for babies and toddlers too. One of the best days out for families can be found at Bioparc Fuengirola, a truly impressive zoo that takes you up close to awesome animals such as crocodiles and tigers. Plus, there are plenty of aqua parks and crazy golf courses dotted around the main resorts of Benalmadena, Torremolinos and Fuengirola for even more fun in the sun!

Best hotels in the Costa del Sol for babies and toddlers

Iberostar Malaga Playa

The Iberostar Malaga Playa is a popular choice for families, thanks to the Star Camp hotel-run kids’ club with arts and crafts, sports activities and more.

Learn More – Iberostar Malaga Playa

Globales Los Patos Park

The on-site splash park forms the centrepiece at Globales Los Patos Park. It has different sections for specific ages, with multi-lane racers and fast water slides for big kids and adults as well as a pirate-ship themed water playground for younger children.

Learn More – Globales Los Patos Park

Ikos Andalusia

Welcome to one of the most opulent hotels in all of Andalucia. Here, you can look forward to ultra-refined décor and very high standards of service. Take your pick from a range of fine dining restaurants and relax at the impressive spa.

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#3. Ibiza

Ibiza may be known as a favourite island for clubbing, but it has a tranquil side that’s tops for families too. Plus, all of the Balearic Islands boast short flights from the UK, so it won’t take much time to reach the beach! Recommended resorts include Santa Eulalia and Es Cana on Ibiza’s more relaxed east coast. Plus, Portinatx in the north is a paradise of tropical-style coves and stunning sea views. Wherever you choose, you’ll find plenty of things to do too. That includes Aquarium Cap Blanc, home to a host of colourful fish. You could also hop on a boat trip to explore even more of the island.

Best hotels in Ibiza for babies and toddlers

Playa Bella Apartments

The highlight of Playa Bella Apartments is certainly the splash park, with its range of fountains and mini slides. You’ll also be right by the beachfront of San Antonio Bay.

Learn More – Playa Bella Apartments in Ibiza

Invisa Hotel Ereso

This great value, three-star hotel has an on-site splash park, hotel-run kids’ club and outdoor playground.

Learn More – Invisa Hotel Ereso

Marvell Club Hotel and Apartments

This modern hotel has a fantastic splash park featuring friendly sea creatures! The Marvell Club Hotel and Apartments are also just 400m away from the nearest beach.

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#4. Sardinia

Sardinia is an idyllic Italian island paradise, just to the east of the mainland. It takes just 2.5 hours to reach here from the UK, and when you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a smorgasbord of shorelines and stunning mountain vistas. Along with the breath-taking scenery, Sardinia has much to offer for family days out too. Head to the Aquadream Water Park in Baia Sardinia or spot flocks of pink flamingos at San Teodoro Lagoon. This lush island is a treat for foodies too, as you can discover the Italian inspired specialties with plenty of options for pizza and ice cream for the kids. Wherever you choose to stay, the beaches are a real highlight here too such as the gilded coastline of Cala Luna.

Best hotels in Sardinia for babies and toddlers

Colonna Resort

This expansive holiday complex is set in acres of greenery with no less than 7 stunning saltwater swimming pools. It has direct access to a private beach too.

Learn More – Colonna Resort

Club Hotel Marina Seada Beach

The lagoon-style pool here is an incredible place to soak up the sun. You can also easily reach the nearest sandy beach, just 350m away. Club Hotel Marina Beach is also ideal for families as there’s a hotel-run kids’ club and an outdoor playground.

Learn More – Club Hotel Marina Beach

#5. Majorca

Majorca is a classic choice for holidays with short flight times from the UK. It proves very popular with British holidaymakers for lots of great reasons. First up, it has a range of stunning sandy beaches, from the seven-mile shore in Alcudia to the pristine coastline of Palma Nova. Even better for families with young children, there are a huge array of activities and attractions ideal for holidays with babies and toddlers. That includes Katmandu Park in Magalluf, where you’ll spot Boro the friendly Yeti and experience interactive games and adventures in the House and the 4D cinema. And that’s not forgetting the wow-worthy Hidropark Waterpark in Alcudia and the amazing Palma Aquarium. All this, and many of the hotels here are welcoming to families – some even have on-site waterparks!

Best hotels in Majorca for babies and toddlers

Prinsotel La Dorada

This modern and luxurious hotel has a splash park, indoor play area and hotel-run kids’ club.

Learn More – Prinsotel La Dorada

Zafiro Tropic

The pool scene is certainly the standout feature at this friendly holiday village complex. There’s a colourful splash park for younger children with a fun pirate ship theme.

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Iberostar Ciudad Blanca

This hotel is placed right on the beachfront, along the sandy seven-mile shoreline that Alcudia is famous for. There’s also a fun on-site splash park with fountains and waterslides.

Learn More – Iberostar Ciudad Blanca

#6. Malta

Malta may be a small island, but it’s filled with incredible activities, attractions and unique resorts. This Mediterranean gem offers holidays with short flight times from the UK, yet you can look forward to reliably warm weather all summer long. It’s a top pick for families thanks to the highly original attractions such as Popeye Village on the northern coast – it’s a theme park created from the filmset of the 1980 Popeye movie! There’s also Bugibba Waterpark with shallow waters, fun fountains and more, along with the wondrous Malta National Aquarium. There are lots of great ways to enjoy unforgettable days out too. Venture to the majestic capital, Valletta, to see the sublime stonework of its historic buildings, see the walled city of Mdina, and be amazed by the sapphire seawater of the Blue Lagoon.

Best hotels in Malta for babies and toddlers

db Seabank Resort & Spa

This expansive hotel boasts Malta’s largest swimming pool, as well as no less than 5 buffet restaurants. It even has a bowling alley and an indoor play area.

Learn More – DB Seabank Resort

Qawra Palace Resort & Spa

Recently refurbished in a refined modern style, the Qawra Palace Resort & Spa boasts stunning seafront views.

Learn More – Qawra Palace Resort & Spa

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden Sands

This impressive holiday complex sits right at the edge of the waterfront with direct access to the Golden Bay Beach. It also has a hotel-run kids’ club and a children’s pool.

Learn More – Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden Sands

#7. Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is yet another reason Spain tops for the list for short flight holidays from the UK. It only takes 2.5 hours to get here, yet when you do, you’ll be enjoying sun-soaked weather, spacious sandy beaches and an array of family-friendly attractions. The Costa Blanca is home to Benidorm, the famous resort that’s been popular with British holidaymakers since the 1950s. Be sure to check out the Terra Mitica theme park, which has super-fast rollercoasters as well as calmer mini-rides more suitable for younger children. You can also visit the huge wildlife park, Terra Natura, for the chance to see tigers, elephants and more up close. Even if you just want to take it easy, Levante Beach is the perfect place to soak up the sunshine on caramel-coloured sands.

Best hotels in the Costa Blanca for babies and toddlers

Magic Natura Animal Waterpark & Polynesian Lodge Resort

This family-friendly hotel boasts a hotel-run kids’ club and an on-site splash park. Even better, stays here include unlimited entrance to the incredible Terra Natura Animal Park and Aqua Natura Waterpark!

Learn More – Magic Natura Animal Waterpark & Polynesian Lodge Resort

Magic Robin Hood

This Robin Hood-themed resort even has a Sherwood Lodge and Richard the Lionheart’s Castle! Plus, it has a brilliant on-site waterpark with many different waterslides, including multi-lane racers, twisting chutes and a smaller splash park for younger children.

Learn More – Magic Robin Hood

Albir Garden Resort

Laid out like a holiday village with low-rise buildings, the Albir Garden Resort has an on-site splash park with a water playground and a great selection of waterslides.

Learn More – Albir Garden Resort

#8. Italy

Italy has an amazing range of holidays with short flights from the UK. It’s a land of great history, with iconic attractions and world-famous sights at almost every resort. And of course, who can forget the food! Delicious pizza, pasta, ice-cream and more is sure to keep even fussy eaters happy! For holidays with 3-hour flights or less to Italy, take your pick – you could choose to head to Sardinia, Sicily or Lido di Jesolo for coastal paradises with plenty to do. Alternatively, opt for Lake Garda to experience the thrilling theme park of Gardaland and authentic waterfront towns. You could even venture into the evergreen rolling hills of Tuscany, where vineyards, walled towns and castles are dotted between the cypress and olive trees.