Subscriber

50 fantastic holidays for families, active breaks, luxury getaways and more

From all-inclusive family trips to wild adventures in nature, luxury island escapes to unexplored destinations, and cool cities to tropical yoga retreats, you’ll find loads of holiday inspiration for your travels this year, write Jillian Bolger and Catherine Meijer
50 fantastic holidays for families, active breaks, luxury getaways and more

Find holiday inspiration in our expert guide to the best holidays of 2025

Family holidays

1. Beach villa in Sri Lanka

Experience the land of Serendip with a villa stay in Sri Lanka. Villa Maria is a bijou tropical beach house sleeping four with access to Thalpe Beach. Swimming turtles and glorious sunsets are on the itinerary alongside nearby historic Galle Fort where you’ll find inviting beachside cafes and bars with good surf breaks for all levels. 

€2,242 self-catering, February 14-21 with Edenvillas.com. Flights €5,406 Cork-Colombo with Aer Lingus and Sri Lankan Airlines.

2. Theme Park Italy

Base the family at idyllic Lake Garda and stay at Peschiera del Garda where you’re just a short bus ride to Gardaland Resort. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this fun theme park, beside Movieland, has added a new dragon experience for thrills and spills. The mobile homes at Camping del Garda are perfect accommodation or you can stay on site.

€2,377, B&B at Gardaland hotel July 5-9 including Gardaland Park two day entry and one-day ticket for Sea Life Aquarium. €302pp Cork to Milan (1 stop) Ryanair.

3. Sun-kissed Izmir

Cork airport’s new summer route to Turkey’s third-largest city, Izmir, commences this summer. A vibrant coastal gem, offering an appealing mix of history, culture, and natural beauty Izmir has long been a popular destination for sunseekers.

From €870pp, seven nights all-inclusive at five-star Signature Blue resort with flights, transfers with shannontravel.ie.

4. A Mediterranean cruise

Enjoy the freedom and ease of a week-long cruise taking in some of Europe’s favourite destinations. Fly from Dublin to Barcelona and set sail onboard MSC Seaview. Discover the best of the Med from Cannes on the Cote d’Azur to the Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Rome in Italy and the island of Mallorca. You will also have a day at sea to make the most of the ship’s activities.

Seven nights all-inclusive from €6,095 including flights from Dublin with abbeytravel.ie

5. Family fun in Rhodes

The four-star Hotel Sun Palace is a popular offering with a lagoon-like pool, large waterpark, and range of dining options. The waterpark is the centrepiece, with a lazy river, wave pool, and an array of slides for endless fun. The property is in an ideal spot for exploring Rhodes.

€1,297 pp all-inclusive with flights July 2 for 7 nights. tuiholidays.ie

6. Luxury in magical Mallorca

The beauty of Mallorca is the short flight time of two hours and 30 minutes, and ease of accessibility throughout the picturesque island. Relax in the stunning five-star Zafiro Alcudia, with a choice of five restaurants and activities for all.

From €3,023 B&B in a junior suite, June 27-July 4, zafirohotels.com. Ryanair flights Cork-Palma €1,674 for a family of four. ryanair.com

7. Family camping in France

Fly, take the ferry or go car-free, family camping has endless possibilities, and all the amenities to keep children and adults entertained. This leafy campsite in Charentes-Maritime is just 300m from the beach, with a good pool area, plenty of dining options, and a short stroll to the dunes by the Bay of Biscay.

€1,225 per party in a chalet, July 12-19, eurocamp.ie.

8. Multi-generational family fun in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is a direct three hour and 45 minute flight from Cork. Pierre & Vacances offer a choice of self-catering, B&B, half board and all inclusive making it an ideal choice for a mixed family holiday. Kids club, evening entertainment, and fitness centre are all available on site.

€330pp, April 3-10, self-catering studio, flights Dublin-Fuerteventura with budgettravel.ie

9. South African safari

This South African itinerary is a dream family adventure
This South African itinerary is a dream family adventure

Combining Cape Town and safari at the Kruger Park, this South African itinerary is a dream family adventure. Enjoy four nights in Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, followed by six nights on safari in Greater Kruger, split between Oliver’s Restaurant & Lodge and the famous Thornybush Game Lodge.

From €4,800 per person, with flights from Dublin, mahlatini.com

10. Mesmerising Marrakech

Staying close to Djemaa El Fna Square and Mohammed V Avenue means you’re close to the city’s vibrant attractions — from the lively souks and restaurants to the street performances. The area is perfect for experiencing Marrakesh’s culture, cuisine, and handcrafted treasures.

Four nights B&B €219pp February 25, at three-star Oudaya, sunway.ie.

  • All family holiday prices are for two adults and two children unless stated.

Active breaks

11. Sailing and feasting in Sicily

The Cheeky Chef, Linda Sarris and Stellavision is headed to sea, combining a nautical adventure with cultural and culinary exploration in an Italian island. Stellavision connects like-minded women to create shared memories, in an idyllic setting.

€5,168pp June 14-21, double cabin, full board, alcohol and tours with lindasarrid.com. Flights €289 Cork to Palmero with Ryanair return (1 stop).

12. Budget friendly ski in Slovenia

Slovenia’s ski resorts enjoyed an €85m investment in 2024, upgrading the alpine slopes into world-class hubs for snow enthusiasts. A six-day pass is an affordable €205 for adults, with Kranjska Gora frequently voted as one of the best ski resorts in Europe.

€949pp, staying at Pension Livada, return flights from Cork, with Aer Lingus. crystalski.ie

13. Walking in Portugal

Santa Barbara de Nexe Walking Festival offers a chance to explore rural Portugal through walks, workshops, entertainment and more. Running February 7-9, the 19th century Casa Apollo Guesthouse offers relaxing accommodation and a heated pool, perfect after a day’s walking.

B&B from €518 for two, casa-apollo.com. Flights €190pp Cork-Faro, Aer Lingus return.

14. Kayak and wild camp in Menorca

Menorca’s deserted beaches are perfect for a mini adventure
Menorca’s deserted beaches are perfect for a mini adventure

Enjoy a mini adventure paddling to secluded coves, swimming in the Med and wild camping on Menorca’s deserted beaches. This solo-friendly trip comprises a small guided group with all equipment and meals supplied.

€689 with one night’s hotel accommodation, excluding flights. muchbetteradventures.com

15. Hike Patagonia

An epic outdoor adventure in Patagonia
An epic outdoor adventure in Patagonia

Spend nine days exploring Argentina on an epic outdoor adventure. Starting in Buenos Aires, you’ll hike, trek, and kayak in this South American region close to Patagonia’s landmark Fitz Roy mountain and the Perito Moreno Glacier.

From €2,240, ex flights, gadventures.com

16. GI Jane bootcamp

Early birds will love the 5.30am start on this all- female fitness holiday in Kent that combines daily circuit training, iron man drills, bums and tums, running, boxing, trekking, netball, and an assault course all before dinner! Add in cold water muscle soaking, one weekly massage, and it’s lights out at 8pm.

Different length programmes available, seven days from £1,150 , flights extra. healthandfitnesstravel.com

17. Photography in Morocco

Morocco is the perfect destination to learn and develop your photography skills
Morocco is the perfect destination to learn and develop your photography skills

Improve your photographic skills with a small group guided tour of Morocco. From Marrakech to Essaouira and the Agafay Desert, Morocco is the perfect destination to learn and develop your documentary, street and landscape photography skills accompanied by a tutor from the Dublin Photography School.

Four nights half-board including flights from Dublin, €1,249pp, tdactiveholidays.com

18. Beginners’ cycling and triathlon training

A beginners’ training camp in Spain will see you join a small group covering the skills for your first triathlon or competitive cycling event. One-to-one coaching, massages, video analysis, yoga, seven nights full board, swimming pool and transfers from Girona all included, with itineraries customised.

€1,199 excluding flights, responsibletravel.com

19. Hike the Dolomites

Dolomites. 
Dolomites. 

One of the new off-the-radar favourites, Italy’s Dolomite mountains offer up dramatic trails and spectacular valleys and views. This seven-night full board excursion explores Campitello, Catinaccio Range, Sassolungo Mountain Group and Piz Boe Mountain excluding flights.

From €1,909 per person, trailfinders.ie

20. Rewilding adventure in Romania

Track wild bison, bears, and wolves on a remote ramble in the Southern Carpathians. An incredible adventure in partnership with expert local wildlife trackers and conservationists from WWF, you’ll follow the reintroduced herds of European Bison through a rewilding area in a remote corner of Romania. Accommodation is at guest houses, a cabin, and camping one night.

Five days €1,037 excluding flights, muchbetteradventures.com

Greener travel

21. Valencia city break

Valencia was the European Green Capital for 2024. The city’s bike lane network, and green spaces make it a calmer, more liveable city. Add in fantastic culture, amenities, and food, and this Spanish city delivers a greener holiday experience. The five-star Caro hotel is the city’s only historical monument-hotel and is ideally located in the heart of the city.

€215 per room, five-star Caro Hotel, February 7-9, carohotel.com. Flights from Cork (1 stop), klm.com

22. Travel by sleepover train

The Espresso Salento, offers up an eco-conscious connection between Rome and the Puglian city of Lecce. Stop off to explore at Caserta, Foggia, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, Carovigno, Brindisi, before reaching your final destination.

From €300 return, sleeper carriages can be booked, with dinner and breakfast included and served in the restaurant car, fstrenituristici.it

23. A group escorted tour

Escorted tours often offer greener ways to travel to new destinations. Combining the enduring heritage of Corfu and Albania, this two-country guided trip promises Venetian architecture, Mediterranean cuisine, ancient ruins, and unspoilt beaches.

Seven nights B&B with flights from Dublin, €1,429, May 20 – 27, sunway.ie

24. Adventure in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a firm favourite for nature lovers
Costa Rica is a firm favourite for nature lovers

Central America is often considered one of the leaders in ecotourism, with Costa Rica a firm favourite for nature lovers. Experience lush rainforests, volcanoes, and spectacular beaches alongside incredible wildlife on this 12-night trip.

From €5,199 including flights, private transfers, 12 nights’ accommodation, private guided tour and snorkelling off the Gulf of Papagayo, orokotravel.ie

25. Greener weekend in London

Room2 in Chiswick, West London, is setting a new standard in sustainable hospitality as the world’s first net zero “hometel”. This eco-conscious property, which also opened in Belfast, is designed to be 89% more energy-efficient than a typical UK hotel, with kitchenette rooms helping keep costs down too.

€345 snug room sleeping two, room2.com.

26. Romantic Lapland

Invisible Forest Lodge offers a secluded retreat in Lapland’s snowy wilderness. Each suite is equipped with a private sauna, perfect for warming up after a husky safari, reindeer farm visit, aurora tour, or snowy forest walk.

Suites from €1,244 per night on Valentine's Day. invisibleforestlodge.com

27. Rhine river cruise

A relaxed five-night Rhine cruise will allow you get up close and personal with some of Germany’s most beautiful towns and cities. Sailing from Cologne aboard the four-star MS Amadeus, you’ll cruise along the Rhine visiting Cochem, Rüdesheim, and Koblenz, with guided city tours of Cologne and Dusseldorf.

October 15, full board, flights from Dublin-Dusseldorf €2,199, traveldepartment.com

28. Istria by bike

The heart-shaped Croatian peninsula of Istria in the Adriatic is known for its pretty coastal towns, such as Pula and Rovinj, and inland villages. Explore the region on remote trails meeting the locals, relaxing and and enjoying the Istrian cuisine with truffle, wine, and olive oil tastings to look forward to.

Price varies according to time of year, hotel and party size, cyclecroatia.com/hotel-and-bike-istria/ Flights €130 Dublin-Trieste,ryanair.com

29. Sustainable style in Mallorca

TUI have introduced green and fair hotel categories, with properties certified by the global sustainable Tourism Council for complying with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. Try the three-star all-inclusive Globales Bouganvilla Hotel, with its little water park for family fun.

All inclusive July 29 for seven nights, including flights from Cork. €1379pp, tuiholidays.ie

30. Easter in Helsinki

Helsinki is a prime example of how urban spaces can integrate nature into daily life
Helsinki is a prime example of how urban spaces can integrate nature into daily life

Bordered by expansive parks, forests, and the sea, Helsinki is a prime example of how urban spaces can integrate nature into daily life. Explore the handsome Finnish capital, its culture, islands, and nature on this four-day trip. The new Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 is in Helsinki’s most luminous area, on the shore of Katajanokka.

Flights €327 Cork-Helsinki with klm.com. Four-nights room only €625 Solo Sokos Pier, sokoshotel.fi

Wellbeing breaks

31. Wellness in Bali

Switch off and reconnect with yourself and nature in Bali
Switch off and reconnect with yourself and nature in Bali

The paradise isle of Bali is the perfect place to switch off and reconnect with yourself and nature. Combining dazzling locations with rejuvenating activities like daily yoga, meditation, and healthy food, this nine-day small group trip will recharge your body and mind.

From €1,184 July 13, flights extra, gadventures.com

32. New mums’ retreat

Post-partum retreats are well known in Korea, gaining in popularity in the US and still relatively unknown in Europe. The retreats at & Breathe are designed to support mothers in their post-partum journey by focusing on both physical and mental fitness and overall wellbeing during the early stages of motherhood. The rambling Manoir La Croix de La Jugie is the setting for this revitalising re-boot, with everything you need for new babies and older children.

From €1,479 per adult (family of three), kids go free June 16-22 , andbreathewellbeing.com. Flights Cork- La Rochelle from €266pp,ryanair.com

33. Spa time in Bath

Indulge in luxury in Bath with a spa break at the historic Gainsborough Bath Spa. The famous five-star retreat offers an impressive Spa Village and this package includes a 50-minute Gainsborough Signature Massage for two with the hotel’s expert wellness therapists.

From €621 per night for two, thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

34. Break away in Corfu

TUI have launched a new route from Cork to Corfu, offering Munster holidaymakers convenient access to the picturesque Greek island. The Atlantica Grand Mediterraneo Resort pairs a sophisticated look with a cliffside setting and stellar sea views. Peaceful and picturesque, the five-star spa offers treatments and therapies including body wraps, facials, body massages, and scrubs.

€1,055pp seven-nights half board with balcony, May 16 with flights Cork-Corfu, tuiholidays.ie

35. Forest bathing in Germany

Escape to the Klosterhof, a wellness retreat in the majestic Bavarian Alps with a medi spa attached. Just 15km from Salzburg, experience the pure alpine air, eco-friendly hospitality and Artemacur Health Centre and Spa for mind and body health boosts.

3-nights Mental Detox with Forest Bathing from €641pp, klosterhof.ie

36. Northern Lights adventure

The Northern Lights will be at their most intense this Valentine's Day, making it an ideal romantic trip. Sleep under the glow of the Aurora Borealis or stay up to spot the stars in the new glass-roofed Kota huts of Nivunki Village. Enjoy reindeer herding, husky sledding, and traditional Sámi cuisine , whose traditions span centuries four days.

Four-days all-inclusive €3,474 pp including flights, theaurorazone.com

37. Wellness Iceland

Hiking, outdoors yoga, waterfall guided meditation, geothermal baths, and a rye bread baking classs are all part of this seven-day guided small group adventure in Iceland. Immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery and enjoy the back-to-nature experience.

€2,979 excluding flights. trailfinders.ie

38. BodyHoliday for solos

A popular mix of fitness classes, hosted dinners, and social activities in St Lucia pools.
A popular mix of fitness classes, hosted dinners, and social activities in St Lucia pools.

The celebrated BodyHoliday St Lucia is offering September Solos designed for individuals seeking a wellness retreat.The popular mix of fitness classes, hosted dinners, and social activities includes expert-led sessions wih Olympians and pro athletes. 1, 1-26 September

July 7-13. €1950 including tour guide, entrance fees, domestic transportation, meals, inter-island transport. Flights Cork to Quito KLM return €2,050.

39. Destress in the Himalayas

Take a deep breath and unwind at one of the best luxury wellness retreats in the world, perfectly nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Using natural holistic methods such as Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan and Reiki healing, this program is designed to bring tranquillity to your mind and body while reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, enhancing immunity and alleviating chronic headaches.

Room, spa, and wellness experiences, consultations and wellness meals €1,715 per night. Anandaspa.com

40. Get healthy in Switzerland

Experience a state-of-the-art Swiss medi-spa overlooking lake Lucerne. The legendary Buergenstock Alpine Spa is surrounded by forest and offers medi-spa treatments, therapies, nutritional resets, and holistic programmes for recovery and prevention.

Burgenstockresort.com

Luxury trips

41. The Orient Express

An unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy
An unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy

Step aboard the world’s most famous train and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy enjoying the glamour and elegance spirit of the 1960s.

€5,440pp, April 10. Orient-express.com

42. Gourmet Maldives

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled an indulgent treat this February collaborating with Michelin starred chef Benjamin Chmura of Tantris Maison Culinaire. Enjoy private dining one evening on a five-night stay in the Royal Beach Residence, where half board, a sunset yacht experience, and spa treatments are included on this idyllic island.

Flights extra maldives.intercontinental.com

43. Romantic Japan

Travelling to Japan for the Cherry Blossom Festival (March-April) is an ideal romantic honeymoon activity, as well as an opportunity to immerse into the Japanese culture.

€5,615pp, March 24, 12-day tour, all internal transfers, breakfast daily, five dinners, all tours, with onthegotours.com. €1577pp Cork to Tokyo, KLM (1 stop) return.

44. Multi-destination Italy

Topflight now offers a premium ‘Crafted for you’ department, where your itinerary can be tailor made to your exact requirements. The package and ski experts will design your preferred holiday itinerary.

Sample Ischia, Sorrento and Amalfi Coast experience from €2,299 for 14 nights, topflight.ie.

45. Luxury in the Maldives

Five-star Outrigger Maafushivaru Maldives offers white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters. Luxurious overwater villas, and abundant marine life. The Maldives offer serenity, exclusivity, and natural beauty.

Seven nights all-inclusive Water Villa from €4,459 pp including flights from Dublin, Seaplane Transfers. Book by February 28, simplymaldives.ie

46. India’s Golden Triangle and Rajasthan

Explore the highlights of India, from the Taj Mahal and tigers, to Rajasthan’s majestic forts on this luxury adventure. With a private driver and accommodation in some of India’s finest hotels.

From €7,599pp including flights from Dublin, mahlatini.com

47. Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia

Must see sights at Yerevan, Armenia.
Must see sights at Yerevan, Armenia.

Escape the crowds and experience the valleys of the imposing Caucasus Mountains on this epic three centre trip. Exploring Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia you’ll enjoy 12 nights’ luxury accommodation and private guided tours in Baku, Sheki, Tbilisi, and Yerevan immersed in history, culture, and incredible landscapes.

From €7,599pp including flights, orokotravel.ie

48. New York and Dominican Republic

Manhattan Bridge
Manhattan Bridge

Spend three memorable nights in the New Yorker in magical Manhattan before jetting off to the Caribbean island of Dominican Republic.

Seven nights all-inclusive in a deluxe pool villa at Royal beach Punta Cana, €2,399pp including flights from Dublin based on a family of four, americanholidays.com

49. St Lucia escape

One of the Caribbean’s most iconic hotels, enjoy an all-inclusive package in this luxurious hideaway with unparalleled views of the island’s famous Pitons. The five-star hillside resort offers a tour of the volcano, sulphur springs, and diamond mineral baths, escorted walk through the Old French Colonial plantation, snorkelling, scuba diving, jungle-biking, yacht sailing, and yoga as part of the deal.

All-inclusive €16,720 for a seven-night stay for 2 people, flights extra. Jademountain.com

50. Mexico and Florida family fun

A fortnight between Orland and Mexico offers up a serious slice of family fun. Enjoy five nights at the Rosen Inn in Florida, two nights at Pestana South Beach Art Deco Hotel then it’s on to Cancun for seven nights at Secrets The Vine.

Seven nights car hire and flights from Dublin to Orlando, Mexico, and return included. Return transfers in Mexico, €4,459.

Read More

Hotel review: What it's like to stay at the Park Hotel in Kenmare

more travel - international articles

Berlin cityscape at sunset - Brandenburg Gate Long weekend in Berlin: Heavy history, electric energy and the city's sexiest hotel
Happy family running on beach 10 family holidays to book in 2025, from theme parks to dream safari adventures
Gondolas and boats in the Grand Canal of Venice near Santa Maria della Salute, Italy 10 luxury holidays to dream about this year, from Mexico to the Maldives

More in this section

Hotel review: Setting, food and service make up for shortcomings at Kerry five-star S Hotel review: Setting, food and service make up for shortcomings at Kerry five-star
Departure Lounge: Get the scent of romance in a Venetian fragrance workshop Departure Lounge: Get the scent of romance in a Venetian fragrance workshop
Me and My Travels: explorer Alice Morrison on Saudi Arabia, Chile and Africa Me and My Travels: explorer Alice Morrison on Saudi Arabia, Chile and Africa
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited