Recommend a family holiday abroad

[Indecisivelurcher]

I would love to go abroad for a week next Easter or May half term. Don't have a clue where to start though, so would really love some suggestions to look into! Me, Dh, 9yo & 6/7yo.

I would love us to go somewhere sunny and warm, with clean beaches and seas. A different culture to experience, but not too challenging for the kids. I would love a bit of nature and beautiful landscape.

Accommodation wise it would be great to be able to eat in or out. Not toooo busy and loud. More chill. I'm sure the kids would love a pool and slides, and dh would hate all that! So looking for a compromise. And day trips out to sights or things for the kids.

We will have a limited budget but I haven't worked out how much yet.

We can't go abroad every year so already feeling a bit of pressure to make it count.

The things I've looked up so far have made me realise places are still in close down in March and only just open in May. Most look to have unheated pools which risk being unusably cold. We could go later in the summer hols but assume it will add to the price and busyness.

I think at Easter you need to be further south such as the canaries or north africa but note that the canaries is volcanic and hence the beaches are often black! I've been to Maderia at Easter and the weather was very mixed. By May half term places like Cyprus and Greece should be more than warm enough but I think the spanish islands such as Majorca can be a bit hit or miss still.
ClimateCharts

That's really useful, thanks!

Turkey is a great place for a family holiday. My favourite is the Olu Deniz area but staying in Ovacik or Hisaronu (plenty of hotels and apartments) - as they are more reasonably priced.

Plenty of things to see and do and still very reasonably priced in most restaurants. Most places have their own pool, but the lagoon beaches are brilliant and the water in their tends to be warmer than the pools which are unheated. There is also a water park.

One great trip that the kids will love is the jeep safari. Another not to be missed is a boat trip. They include hotel pick up, drop off and lunch and start from around £15 for the day.
Weather is generally great in May (mid to high 20s) and you may just need a light wrap or jacket at night.

The people (in general) are so friendly and helpful

Is there such a place as a smaller and greener feeling resort but still having some low key facilities for kids? I'm not sure about the really big hotels and high rises that are coming up in my searches. Would love more natural surroundings.

Padova in Croatia - perfectly located and heated pools! https://www.valamar.com/en/camping-rab/padova-camping-resort

We went to Israel in late October and it was incredible and so much to do. Tel aviv is fantastic and there are some great low key hotels there. We also did a night in the desert and went to the Dead Sea. We enjoyed Jerusalem but things have escalated there so I'd possibly avoid at the moment.

Puerto Pollensa in Majorca ticks a lot of your boxes. Lots of the family resorts in Menorca too, I recommend the Zafiro one. Alternatively a Cruise? We love them and lots for kids P & O have some great deals.

Abu Dhabi is lovely that time of year and has beautiful scenery including mangroves and beaches.

We stayed at TUI magic life calabria in Italy which would meet your criteria, it was fab. I think alot of the magic life hotels are similar.

Looks nice! They can't give me prices now so no idea if it's an option, but will send them in Sept.

Oh thank you, I've looked at that one online and wondered about it so good to hear from someone who has been there.

The Balearics have usually warmed up by May half term. Greece can be a bit hit & miss.
I second Puerto Pollensa. Lovely resort with a harbour and a pretty town square. If you hire a car you could drive to old Pollensa town or Alcudia. If you like greenery and peace then the Pine Walk end is lovely. We stayed at the Flora apartments a few years back.

H10 Lanzarote Suites

I agree with others -

Easter - the Canaries are probably your best bet. There are some more green / nature resorts there, but they do tend to be a bit pricier. Have a look at Puerto de Mogan in Gran Canaria, it’s one of my favourite resorts.

May - more options, especially if you’re willing to risk there being some unsettled weather (but fine for day trips etc).

Madeira might be an option - some gorgeous nature.