7 Hidden Gem Holiday Destinations for Babies and Toddlers

Sometimes it pays to go beyond the beaten track and search out somewhere new for your next holiday. And you can still go on an exciting adventure when you bring the kids along too! We’ve picked out 7 hidden gem holiday destinations for babies and toddlers that don’t get the limelight they deserve for what they have to offer. You can expect sublime sandy beaches, amazing activities and hotels that are welcoming to families with babies and toddlers. And the best bit? You’ll find these hidden gems are a lot less crowded too. See the ways in which they sparkle by reading on below…If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue

#1. Halkidiki, Greece

The spectacular peninsula of Halkidiki sure knows how to set a beach scene. There’s mile upon mile of silky white-gold sand to lay down your towels and put up your parasols. It’s also a destination that’s synonymous with luxury, thanks to the wide range of four and five-star all inclusive hotels set along the seafront. But all this opulence doesn’t mean it’s not a top choice for baby and toddler friendly holidays too. The sparkling sapphire waters in Sani stay shallow and calm, so they’re perfect for paddling. Plus, many hotels in Halkidiki have smart, family-friendly features such as kids’ buffet menus, kids’ clubs, adventure playgrounds, splash parks and more.

It’s not all about staying in your accommodation either. Explore more of the region to be inspired by Aristotle Park or head to Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki. Top beach resorts include Afitos and Pefkohori, where you can even visit Turtle Island, so called because it’s shaped like the graceful sea creatures.

Best hotels in Halkidiki for babies and toddlers

Portes Beach Hotel

This beachfront hotel has sleek, stylish décor and All Inclusive. It’s a popular hotel for babies and toddlers thanks to its splash park, outdoor playground and 50 mins transfer.

Acrotel Athena Residence

This holiday complex has uniquely Grecian stylings, with cobbled wall interiors and private pools accompanying each of the 20 individual maisonettes. The beach is nearby and there is a creche and playground.

Sani Beach

This supremely luxurious, 5* hotel sets the scene with its refined décor and beachfront location. It also has awe-inspiring facilities for families, including the Sani Adventure park, an on-site splash park and creche.

Ikos Olivia

The Ikos Olivia is set in 22 acres of tropical gardens on a beautiful white sandy beach. There are 2 bedroom family rooms, a creche and playground – and a Spa for parents!

Learn More – Halkidiki Holidays

#2. Split and the Dalmation Coast, Croatia

Croatia is a destination that’s still relatively undiscovered in comparison to its more famous Mediterranean neighbours. This is a country that has all the culture, class and history of Italy, wrapped up with some of the best value holidays this side of Turkey. Split is also the lesser-known holiday region of Croatia, in contrast to Dubrovnik, making it even more of cert for selection as a hidden gem. However, what you’ll discover here is nothing short of amazing – from the golden shores of Zlatni Rat (a rare sandy beach in Croatia) to the epic, forest-rich expanses of Brac Island.

It’s also a wonderful holiday destination for babies and toddlers, due to the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere even in its main towns. You could take time out to visit the aquarium in Sibenik, enjoy bike rides through the winding trails of Vodice or simply relax with ice-creams at the spacious squares of Hvar Town and the city of Split.

Best hotels in Split for babies and toddlers

Amadria Park Camping Sibenik

This holiday village has a huge range of family-friendly activities and facilities. We’re talking an aqua park, mini-golf, adventure playgrounds and more, all in one on-site location!

Amadria Park Hotel Andrija

The Amadria Park hotel is near to the Dalmatia Waterpark (charges apply) and has a playground, kids pool onsite. The beach is just 100m away.

Amadria Park Hotel Jakov

The recently renovated Amadria Park Hotel Jakov has got a great range of family and interconnecting rooms, and is just a short walk from the beach and the old town of Sibenik. There is a large outdoor swimming pool with sea views and a water park with slides and a lazy river (payable extra).

Learn More – Split and the Dalmation Coast holidays

#3. Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is one of the true treasures of Italy. Friendly holiday resorts and authentic villages cling to the edge of this wondrous waterfront, from the flat, freshwater beaches of the south to the majestic mountains of the north. For the rich variety of experiences that Lake Garda offers, it’s amazing it’s still somewhat of a hidden gem. For instance, in just one holiday here, you could easily visit the Roman ruins of Verona, take in the scenery of Bardolino, and brave the thrilling rollercoasters of Gardaland.

In fact, Gardaland is so huge, you could spend an entire family holiday here. It even has a dedicated Peppa Pig Land and Legoland which are perfect for babies and toddlers! That’s not forgetting there’s also a Legoland water park here and a Sea Life aquarium too.

Best hotels in Lake Garda for babies and toddlers

Sisan Family Resort

Sisan Family Resort brings you a selection of fantastic facilities that are shared with the neighbouring Camping Cisano Complex. You can all enjoy the splash park, playground – plus, you’ll be mere moments from the lakefront and a promenade leading to the centre of Bardolino. Gardaland theme park is just 10 mins drive away.

Gasparina Village

Gasparina Village offers great value accommodation close to the ever-popular Gardaland theme park. Plus, it even has an on-site splash park and shallow lagoon – perfect for little ones!

Belvedere Village Apartments

This large village style complex has got loads of fun things for babies and toddlers including 3 massive swimming pools, a splash park and a children’s playground.

Learn More – Lake Garda holidays

#4. Montenegro

Some of the scenery you’ll cast your eyes upon in Montenegro is utterly unforgettable. That includes the enigmatic Our Lady of the Rocks, a 12th century church set upon its own artificial island in the beautiful Bay of Kotor. You’ll also likely be in awe of the cobbled stone constructions and terracotta-coloured rooftops that make up much of Kotor Old Town. It’s well worth making the visit to the country’s many natural wonders, such as Biogradska Gora, one of just three rainforests in Europe.

Montenegro is an inspired choice as a hidden gem holiday destination for babies and toddlers too. That’s because it has a more relaxed atmosphere than the more major resorts of the Mediterranean. Plus, there are lots of hotels here that are set up to cater to families, offering hotel-run kids’ clubs, on-site splash parks and beachfront locations.

Best hotels in Montenegro for babies and toddlers

Azul Beach Montenegro by Karisma

This modern and stylish hotel has direct access to a sandy beach. The facilities here are fantastic for families as there’s a mini splash park and a playground. 2 bedroom suites are available.

Montenegro Beach Resort

The Montenegro Beach Resort is just steps away from sandy Becici Beach and is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. Toddlers will love cooling off in the children’s swimming pool or playing in the playground.

Iberostar Bellevue Hotel

The Iberostar Bellevue Hotel is a gorgeous 4* hotel just 50m from a pebble beach. There are 3 outdoor swimming pools including a kids pool and a fab little playground.

Learn More – Montenegro holidays

#5. Costa Brava, Spain

Costa Brava may capture less attention than Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, but this slice of Spain still has much to offer. It’s a stretch of coastline with a rich history, as shown in the stone fortresses that stand at the water’s edge across several of its seafront towns. And even though Costa Brava is considered a hidden gem, it has still been welcoming holidaymakers for well over 60 years. That means it’s had plenty of time to get things right!

Today, the destination features some top family-friendly activities and attractions, including the indoor Adventure Park at Santa Susanna, the Aquadiver waterpark in Platja d’Aro and Gnomo Park in Lloret de Mar. That’s not forgetting the beaches! Costa Brava has some of the best in all of Spain, such as the caramel-coloured Platja Gran and the activity-packed Pineda de Mar.

Best hotels in Costa Brava for babies and toddlers

Golden Bahia de Tossa & Spa

The pirate-ship themed splash park is the star of the show at this modern hotel. It’s also not far from the beach and the main resort centre.

Golden Taurus Aquapark Resort

This holiday complex has a fresh and modern design. Plus, it’s less than 500m from the nearest beach. The on-site waterpark has a great selection of twisting chutes and slides, as well as some smaller slides for younger children.

Olympic Suites

The Olympic Suites has a fantastic splash park with waterslides and a pirate ship – plus the sandy beach of Lloret De Mar is just a short walk away

Learn More – Costa Brava holidays

#6. Costa Almeria, Spain

It’s fair to say that Costa Almeria may be the least well-known out of all the coastal holiday destinations that sit along Spain’s southern coastline. That qualifies its status as a hidden gem, along with its rustic towns and laidback atmosphere. Although the region is quieter, it still has its standout attractions and unique natural wonders. After all, it’s home to Tabernas, the only true desert landscape in Europe. It’s this arid, sand-swept scenery that made Costa Almeria the perfect place as a filming location for classic Westerns. You can still discover the movie sets today at Oasys Mini Hollywood, where you’ll spot famous backgrounds from Sergio Leone films, Indiana Jones and more.

As the region’s main resort, Roquetas de Mar is an excellent choice for a family holiday in Costa Almeria with babies and toddlers. It’s home to an amazing aquarium and there are lots of sandy, sandcastle-friendly beaches nearby too.

Best hotels in Costa Almeria for babies and toddlers

Mediterraneo Bay Hotel Spa & Resort

This family-friendly hotel is right by the beach, in a quieter part of Roquetas de Mar. It features large rooms as well as a swimming pool with a fire engine and slides.

Best Pubelo Indalo

Best Pueblo Indalo is designed like a classic Spanish village, with low-rise whitewashed buildings. It also has a charming courtyard pool area and even a small splash park. You’ll be just 25m from the beach too.

Alua Golf Trinidad

Uniquely stylish, the Alua Golf Trinidad makes the most of its seafront location. The lagoon-shaped pool overlooks the shoreline, dotted with towering palm trees. There’s a splash park with fountains and an outdoor playground as well.

Learn More – Alua Golf Trinidad

#7. Madeira

Sitting in the azure Atlantic but part of Portugal, Madeira is famed for its flower-filled gardens and lush forestry. The unique, year-round sunny climate has created an evergreen island that’s well worth exploring. The capital, Funchal, is often the main port-of-call here and for good reason. In this culture-infused city, you’ll discover enchanting squares, hillside views and authentic Madeiran restaurants. And there’s plenty for families to enjoy too. Head to the Monte Cable Car for front-row seats of the mountaintops. Be amazed by the Botanical Gardens Madeira with its rainbows of flowers and plants. That’s not forgetting the Santana Theme Park with playgrounds and rowing boats. Away from dry land, venture onto the open ocean of the Atlantic for the chance to spot dolphins and a huge variety of whales.