Best Mark Warner Beach Resorts: fun activity holidays in the Med, as recommended by Mumsnetters

The closest Mark Warner beach resort to the UK, Paleros Beach Resort is well suited to families with its short airport transfer and comfortable rooms and suites that can accommodate families and groups of all sizes. A five-minute walk from Potamaki beach, its flat layout is on one level - handy for younger children who may struggle with steps and hills.

The calm light winds of the Ionian sea provide the perfect conditions for sailing, water skiing and wakeboarding. Paleros Beach Resort is also one of only two Mark Warner locations where you can experience the thrill of single-scull rowing or explore hidden treasures while scuba diving in the crystal clear waters.

Paleros has an extensive childcare centre offering a range of age-appropriate activities, as well as a fully-equipped creche staffed by qualified early years leaders. 

With half-board dining options including breakfast and evening meals each day, we love the alfresco dining at the main restaurant with stunning views of the gardens and bay. While lunchtime meals aren’t included, the Taverna Avli has an affordable a la carte lunchtime menu featuring modern and traditional Greek cuisine. 

Nearest airport: Aktion Airport (10 miles) 

If you’re seeking some guaranteed sunshine, Mark Warner Kamari Resort is a great choice thanks to its location in Rhodes, an island that boasts an impressive 137 miles of coastline, with an average of 300 sunny days per year. 

The newest addition to the Mark Warner group, the recently revamped Kamari resort is located by the Blue Flag Lardos beach and the ancient town of Lindos is just a short car ride away. 

Families can choose to stay in one of the contemporary garden rooms or a separate family annexe, the latter provides easy access to the beach, childcare centre and family pool - ideal if you’re travelling with young children. 

With wind conditions that liven up as the day goes on, it’s a great destination for mastering your technique at sailing, windsurfing or stand-up paddle boarding, while the deep, clear waters provide excellent visibility for scuba diving. Kamari is also a great place to travel around on two wheels. The cycling trails range from relaxed routes to more challenging tours and trails. Each trial is rewarded with incredible sea views at rest points, so be sure to take your camera. 

Back at the resort, families will love the purpose-built tennis centre, with floodlit courts and new HEAD equipment. You can also try your hand at Padel ball, a hybrid of squash and tennis that has grown in popularity recently.

Kamari offers childcare for kids aged from four months to 17 years, with age-appropriate activities on offer. Younger children will love the exclusive childcare centre with a soft play area, toys and games and while the kids are off having fun, parents can check in for a treatment at the spa or cool off in the 25m adults-only pool.

Dining at Kamari is on a half-board basis including breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant, which offers stunning sea views from the terrace. With a varied buffet service, you’ll find something to suit everyone from traditional Greek mezes to soups, salads and freshly caught fish.

Nearest airport: Diagoras Airport (20 miles) 

Mark Warner’s only non-Greek location, Phokaia Beach Resort is located on a private stretch of sandy beach in Turkey’s Izmir region. With some great new facilities added in 2023 (including a new gym, a renovated spa and a new beachfront restaurant), there are lots of reasons to consider Phokaia as your holiday destination this summer.

 Set in beautiful landscaped gardens, there’s a wide choice of accommodation at Phokaia including options to suit larger families and groups. Take your pick from interconnecting rooms, family rooms and even spacious suites, each with a twist on traditional Turkish design. Note that beachside rooms can be a little noisy at night so you may want to opt for a room away from the beach if travelling with young children or light sleepers.  

With outstanding watersports and fitness programmes, Phokaia Beach Resort boasts excellent wind conditions for sailing and windsurfing. The lighter winds at the beginning and end of the day are also ideal for stand-up paddleboarding.

Phokaia is home to four floodlit tennis courts, with a great social programme and a range of classes to suit all abilities and three new pickleball courts were added in 2023.

If you want to explore the local town of Foca and Izmir’s breathtaking coast, cycling tours are a great way to explore a little further afield and there are trails for all skill levels, including beginners. 

The board basis at Phokaia is a little more generous than at the other Mark Warner Beach resorts. For five days in a week, all meals are included and on the remaining days you’ll get breakfast and lunch, leaving you free to explore the local area. 

It's worth mentioning that unlike at the Greek resorts, there’s no creche for babies at Phokaia and childcare is available for kids from age one. However, the kids’ clubs are popular and are split into age-appropriate sessions. From beach games and castle building for toddlers to a varied programme of junior sports and activities, children will love having independence, trying new things and making friends along the way. 

Nearest airport: Mytilene Airport (26 miles) 

If you love the idea of an authentic Greek getaway, the less touristy island of Lemnos has a really peaceful feel, allowing you to fully switch off and enjoy some fun family activities. 

Set in a secluded bay in the corner of Plati Beach, Lemnos Beach Resort is ideal for families with young children thanks to the nearby soft sandy beach and shallow waters. Those wanting to explore Greek culture and history will love visiting the nearby town of Myrina, with its 13th-century Venetian castle and waterfront restaurants.

Contemporary villas feature private balconies or terraces and offer stunning sea views. Dining is on a half-board basis including breakfast and dinner and the Terrace restaurant is a great spot to watch the sun set across the Aegean at the end of a fun-filled day. 

With wind speeds increasing throughout the day, even beginners can start their mornings with water skiing or wakeboarding. The northern afternoon gusts provide excellent conditions for surfing and sailing and a little extra challenge for those looking to improve or master their technique. 

Lemnos also has some truly stunning cycle routes, with wide open roads that are relatively free from traffic, allowing you to take in the breathtaking landscape as you glide along. 

Back at the resort, families can challenge each other to a game of tennis, clear their minds with a pilates or a yoga class or relax on a lounger around the pool. 

While there are plenty of opportunities for shared family experiences, the creche facilities and kids’ clubs for children aged four months to 17 years, mean you can grab some uninterrupted time with your book.

Nearest airport: Limnos airport (10 miles)