Where to go on holiday abroad with 5 children 8-17yrs?!

[pollypb]

Hi, I am trying to find a holiday which is a short haul (med) destination that will suit myself and partner and our 5 children. They are 4 girls aged 17, 14, 13 and 10 and a boy of 8. We have done private villa and car hire on the costa blanca before which is great but the villas tend to be away from everything and the teenagers are now at a stage where they would like a bit more independance and entertainment! ie. be able to walk to the shops, beach etc. Also a bit of evening entertainment or kids clubs would be great. I have looked at some of these holiday villages but they are working out extortionate for August!!!! :O

My partner and I would like relaxing and a little bit of culture (we don't do Benidorm type hotels!) and the younger ones just love the water so I am finding it difficult to meet everyones needs this year! HELP!

eurocamp or similar? cheaper than a holiday village with kids clubs and entertainment at some sites?

Have you thought of Club med? They have so many sports for the kids to try, from trapeze to tennis and kids club, pools and disco... It might keep everyone happy including you?!

Look at La Carabasse (Siblu). Great pools / kids clubs, 2 bar and restaurant areas. The beach, bars and restaurants, shops, a huge fun fair and crazy golf are all within easy walking distance. We were there last summer and there were loads of teenagers. There is entertainment laid on in the evening and lots of activities going on.

guess it depends on what you want to spend?

I would suggest loooking at one of of the pleasant, family-orientated 'HTop' hotels in the Costa Brava, such as the HTop Calella Palace which is right on the beach and close to all the cafes and shops for your teens, all within walking distance. It also has a kids club, entertainment and swimming pools and is 4* rated. Not bad prices either for August looking at some of the hotel websites.

Corsica, Saint-Tropez, Ile-de-Ré

I wouldnt do Ile De Re. Its divine but I would think that teenagers might be a tad bored unless they are heavily into watersports.

However it could be perfect in that if you go to the right part of the Island there is very little for them to do at night !

Tunisia, all-inclusive on the beach.