Is there any time during school hols that’s quieter than the rest?

[purpledaze24]

I’m a single mum and want to go away with my 5 year old for 5 nights somewhere hot, all inclusive ideally, with a beach and a good waterpark. This would be my first abroad holiday with him and the first time attempting to go anywhere on holiday during the school hols. So how bad is it really? I’ve got a decent budget but not going to be wanting to rent a villa somewhere quiet as it’s just the two of us and he’s only 5 and will be want to be doing stuff every day. Is a kid-friendly resort hotel near Torremolinos a bad idea? Will it be horrendously overcrowded? Would the south of France be quieter than anywhere in southern Spain? Is there anywhere in Spain that fits what I’m looking for that’s a bit quieter? Is there a specific time during the summer hols that’s quieter? Eg. First or last week? I could book last minute & go Weds 23rd for 5 nights (which is the first day of school hols) would this potentially be quieter or do most people book for the first day their kids get out of school? Any advice appreciated :)

The first or the last week. I go the first week.

First or last week...I'd say the first actually as schools tend to finish at different times. My DD finishes on the 18th whereas I know of quite a few others who don't finish until the 22nd/23rd.

Last week, especially if you can do a few days in September. Lots of European schools already back, prices in places like Mallorca can drop at the start of September, also less chance of being roasting.
Lots of schools around us have already broken up so you've missed the first week for many places.

Depends on when your school holidays run, but sometimes ours don't go back until the first full week of September and I find that last week of aug/first week of sept is quieter and cheaper.

Last week of August. Lots of people like to get home and organised by then for the start of term. Or if they are in Scotland they are already back. Same with European schools

The last week. Check for PD days at the beginning of term. We had 2 one year.

We’re going the very last week (DS goes back to school the day after we come back!) it was much cheaper than the rest of the summer holidays.

Thanks for replies. Unfortunately I’m going to be one of the ones needing that last week of school hols at home to get organised as DS is starting a new school and think he’ll need a few days at home before he starts. If I did go to southern Spain on the 23rd can anyone give me an idea of just how busy & crowded (and stressful!) it’d be? Are we talking never any sun loungers at the pool, 40 min queues for slides at water parks, sardines on the beach? Cost-wise it actually seems fine - I’ve checked flight & hotel prices and they aren’t all that different to pre hols. It’s more the crowds I’m worried about. I find crowded places really stressful. I’m wondering if it’s even worth going away at all…I haven’t been on holiday somewhere like this in school holiday time since I was a teenager so I really can’t remember what it’s like

Hi, a wee specific personal recommendation from me. We took the kids last year to a place in Costa Brava called Tossa De Mar. We stayed at the Golden Bahia and I think it might be a good choice for you. Theres a kids splash pool, and a central pool, with a sloped entrance either end. It didnt feel very crowded (we went last week in August) and definitely didnt feel 'Brits abroad'. The reason why I suggest it is that the town itself is very quaint and also didn't feel overwhelmingly busy. From memory, theres a little noddy train (we didn't use) from the hotel down to the beach. The beach itself isn't super sandy but if you took the noddy train right to the end (the bit in front of Hotel Reymar), theres a little shallow cove bit which is so lovely for younger kids. It all felt SO safe, id definitely feel comfortable being in Tossa alone with my kids. We flew to Girona airport which was small, so again not overwhelming and it was only a 30min taxi to the hotel.

Last week of August is not considered peak season in France. Prices drop considerably and you can get some real bargains.

Where in the UK are you? From Scotland the first and second week of July is best as the resorts are a lot quieter, fewer English. Or if you're in northern England then Glasgow airport is cheaper and quieter at the end of the holidays as Scottish school are back early/mid August.

Last week august/ first few days Sept if possible

Most of Europe broke up end of June, so well into holidays mid July. Lots of areas schools start going back 3rd week August.

We’ve been to the Protur resort in Sa Coma, Majorca a couple of times. Stayed at the Sa Coma playa. There’s a splash park with a few slides as part of the resort (free to use) and a larger water park you pay for. You can also use the pools in all of the Protur hotels in the resort. Great for kids. We went 1st and 2nd week of the holidays and it was fine - didn’t feel too busy. Lovely beach in walking distance too.

Thanks for all the advice. I bit the bullet and booked Menorca, going next Weds. I figured it’s more family oriented so maybe won’t have too much of a party vibe/lots of drunk Brits about. But I’m assuming it’s still going to be busy. Tell me it’s not going to be total hell!! 😱

I’d recommend the canaries as they are winter sun so not packed in the summer. We went to puerto mogan on Gran Canaria last summer and it was perfect.

Just seen your update. Have a lovely time!

Menorca is lovely. Which resort? We stayed in Cala n Bosch and had a great time

15th August is a big holiday in Spain and all Spanish families who can will be on holiday then. However, do Spanish families go to Torremolinos? Think about which nationalities of tourist will be there and when their school holidays are - for example in France all public schools for all ages start on 1st September this year (and many private schools will do the same). The USA starts back at school on August (variations by state and so on).

At the end of August, I would say a resort such as Torremolinos will be slightly less busy than earlier in the month.

I think you’ve slightly got the wrong idea OP, yes it’ll be busy, but I don’t think it’s what you’re imagining, you’re not going to be queueing for the beach or anything! Have a lovely time!

Son Xoriguer, which I think is just round the corner from Cala n Bosch, but maybe slightly quieter as it’s smaller. What was Cala n Bosch like? Did you go during school hols?

It was a few years ago now and yes it was school summer holidays. Our DC loved it and one was about the same age as your ds at the time. It certainly wasn't overcrowded or too busy at all. There is a lovely marina and plenty for DC to do at the time. I'm sure you'll both love it. Happy travels