Non-resort holidays where the DC can meet other children? Sociable beach/pool

[minipie]

So we have figured out that what the DC really love on holiday is meeting other children - they like kids clubs but more for the other children than the activities. DH and I however really don’t like big hotels which would be the obvious place for then to find new friends, we’d prefer a villa in the middle of nowhere, but DC would get a bit bored/disappointed at lack of playmates.

Is there a middle ground, a villa holiday or maybe a very small hotel where the DC would be very likely to meet others to play with? Perhaps villas with a shared pool, or an area with a beach everyone gravitates to? Something that brings everyone to the same place most days.

Location wise any Mediterranean area is good...

Any recommendations that fit the bill would be so welcome.. thanks

[Costacoffeeplease]

Well.... not Mediterranean but there are places in the algarve like that

Monte dourado apartments in carvoeiro is one, also Rocha Brava, quinta do paraíso - apartments/villas with communal pools and some have kids clubs

In the evenings a lot of families congregate in the square by the beach as there is live music on the stage from June to end sept/early October and there are stalls, bars, ice cream shops, bouncy castle on the beach so very much the focal point of the village

[Daddylonglegs1965]

I second Costacoffeeplease advice. Ours had a fab time at MD in Carvoeiro we all went for our own family meals on an evening and met up with kids friends parents a couple of evenings on the beach it was a fab holiday. Also Vila Da Praia in Alvor in the Algarve would work if your DC are say under 12 would work. But these places are extremely popular so if you are going outside of term you may have to wait until summer 21.

[minipie]

Thanks, I will have a look. Although yes may have missed the boat! DC are 7 and 5.

Any suggestions Greece and nearby would be good if anyone has any (works well for us due to the time difference, DC stay up for dinner and sleep in a little!)

[BarbaraofSeville]

Again not the Med, but we stayed in this bungalow complex in Playa Blanca Lanzarote.

Bungalows were lovely and there was a shared pool. There was also a playground, nice little supermarket and a couple of other shops and restaurants just outside the complex.

Slight downside that it was 30-40 minutes stroll to the main Playa Blanca centre, but PB has lots of bungalow/villa complexes with shared facilities so there might be something similar that is more central.

[minipie]

Thanks! These all look good - shame not Greece as we all love Greece and the time zone works but happy to try new places!