Salou
One of the largest resorts on the Costa Dorada (mainland Spain ), Salou is fun and easy going. It has a great sandy beach, an abundance of restaurants and bars and an active nightlife, and is a firm favourite for families year after year. The main attractions in Salou are Port Aventura Theme Park and Caribe Aquatic Park. The theme park opened in April 1995 and is home to Europe’s biggest rollercoaster.... if you’re brave enough. Only a short distance from Barcelona, a trip to the city can be enjoyed on a day excursion from Salou.
Alcudia
On the north coast of Majorca, the warm shallow waters of Alcudia Bay make this resort very popular with families and couples. The beach is without doubt a major attraction with 12km of fine golden sands and clear blue sea home to a variety of water sports. Castle Travel advises us that for a family holiday there is no place better than the Bay of Alcudia. Peppered with restaurants, bars and shops there is more than sufficient entertainment and activities to keep all ages happy.
Benalmadena
Situated on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, Costa del Sol means sunshine coast and this is just what this area offers. Covering an area of 30km, Benalmadena is a modern and animated resort with many shops, bars and restaurants to choose from. With a beautiful marina, a great local market and family entertainment in Tivoli World theme park as well as water parks, this is an ever popular resort.
Alvor
Alvor is a tranquil resort ideal for those looking for a peaceful holiday. Located in Portugal’s Algarve, the village consists of a maze of cobbled streets and a 16th century parish church. As well as Alvor beach, which is one of the finest beaches in the Algarve, there are some attractive stretches of sand towards Portimao. This is a typical Portuguese fishing village with traditional restaurants and low key night life, perfect for families with younger children.
Santa Ponsa
Over the years Santa Ponsa (Majorca ) has become increasingly popular with Irish holidaymakers, and many of the restaurants and bars in the area are geared toward Irish tastes. A terrific destination for energetic families, Santa Ponsa has every conceivable amenity – cafes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, live music venues, boat trips and a nearby water park.
Protaras
Located on the beautiful and historically fascinating island of Cyprus, the climate here is as warm as the welcome you will receive from the local people. This is a purpose built resort with good facilities and excellent beaches, it is Castle Travel’s opinion that Cyprus boasts everything you would expect from a modern holiday resort. The shallow waters of beautiful Fig Tree Bay are ideal for water sports and children. Last year Cyprus adopted the Euro, so the consultants at Castle Travel tell us there has never been a better time to visit.
Puerto Del Carmen
A firm favourite with all ages, not just families, Puerto Del Carmen is located in Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands. Uniquely different from the other islands, Lanzarote is a fascinating island of unusual beauty and vivid contrasts. Puerto del Carmen is the main resort, with an old town that is little more than a village that has retained its character and overlooks an attractive harbour. The new part of the resort is certainly livelier, with an excellent choice of bars, shops and restaurants. With year round sunshine, Lanzarote is a great destination for a family holiday at any time of the year.
Gouves
On the Greek Island of Crete, Gouves is ideal for a quiet and relaxing holiday and especially attractive to families who would like to stay away from the busier resorts. A relatively small resort situated along the coast between Kokkini Hani and Hersonissos, its location makes an ideal base from which to explore the delights of Crete. The centre of Gouves has a good selection of restaurants serving international as well as Greek cuisine.
Maspalomas
In Gran Canaria, Maspalomas is much quieter than its notorious neighbour Playa del Ingles. Known for its golden sandy beach and impressive sand dunes, the resort boasts two 18-hole golf courses, and two great shopping centres. Aquasur, the largest water park on the island, is a mere 3km from the resort. Like the other Canary islands, Gran Canaria enjoys pleasant weather year round, making this a good destination for a family whatever the season.
Sunny Beach
The main and best known resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, Sunny Beach continues to develop and add ever more shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs to complement its 7.5km of blue flag golden sandy beach. This long sandy beach gently shelves into the sea, making it perfect for families. A good range of water sports are also available as well as other land-based amusements, and for the more adventurous, the Action Aqua Park is a must.
All of these resorts are available on summer departures from Ireland West Knock or Shannon Airport. For further advice and information, call into Castle Travel on Ellison Street, Castlebar or call 094 902 4244.
