Best New Travel Destinations 2026 for Family-Friendly Holidays

The French Riviera 2026: A Quiet Return of Glamour

The Côte d’Azur is experiencing a refined renaissance – less jet set, more depth. Two remarkable hotel openings are setting the tone for 2026. The COMO Group is bringing new life to the legendary Hotel Le Beauvallon, an iconic seafront property combining historic grandeur with contemporary design and a renewed focus on families.
At the same time, Zannier Hotels is opening an exceptional hideaway on the private Île de Bendor near Bandol, where nature, slow living and understated luxury come together. Adding to our favourites, Lily of the Valley – one of our most-loved five-star resorts – has expanded its family offering with two stunning new private villas. Designed with space, privacy and comfort in mind, they are an ideal fit for families seeking Riviera elegance with a relaxed, residential feel. Beyond the coastline, the wider region is equally compelling. The Luberon, Marseille’s creative scene and the area around Les Baux-de-Provence are emerging as inspiring alternatives for families seeking culture, cuisine and landscape in equal measure. For booking requests or to learn more about any of the hotels mentioned above, simply get in touch with us.

Another excellent way to discover France is on a curated road trip, combining charming villages, scenic landscapes, and authentic local experiences. Just drop us a line and we’ll be happy to take care of your request.

Costa del Sol Reimagined: Design, Ease and Nature

From Marbella via Sotogrande to Tarifa, along the coast and inland, Andalusia truly has it all – from the Costa del Sol to the Costa de la Luz. Once synonymous with mass tourism, the region is quietly reinventing itself with a more relaxed, design-led, and family-friendly approach. New openings such as Grand Marbella Resort and other family-focused resorts emphasize space, simplicity, and a modern sense of ease.

Beyond the beaches, Andalusia unfolds a rich tapestry of history, culture, and nature. Families can wander through whitewashed villages like Mijas and Frigiliana, or explore Ronda with its dramatic gorge. Vibrant cities like Seville, with its grand cathedral, the Alcázar, and flamenco heritage, or Granada, home to the Alhambra, offer unforgettable cultural experiences. Córdoba enchants with the Mezquita and winding old-town lanes.

Nature is never far: protected areas such as El Torcal, the Sierra de Grazalema, and Doñana National Park invite hiking, wildlife spotting, and adventure. Families can enjoy horseback riding, cycling, and water activities along the coast or inland on lakes and rivers.

Another smart and family-friendly way to explore the Costa del Sol is on a curated road trip, combining the coastline with cultural heritage – get in touch to plan your journey.

Venice with Children: Art, Lagoon and a New Perspective

With the Venice Art Biennale opening on May 9th 2026, the city invites travellers to rediscover it from a different angle. Away from the main routes, Venice reveals a surprisingly calm and family-friendly side.

The Lido, quieter neighbourhoods, and carefully selected grand and boutique hotels with generous space allow families to enjoy art, history, and la dolce vita at an unhurried pace. If you happen to visit Venice just as a couple, a solo traveller, or with friends, we definitely have plenty of ideas for where to stay and how to make the most of your stay. Knowing where to stay — and when to explore — makes all the difference.

Register for Membership and get access to our handpicked, family-friendly hotels in Venice and beyond.

Golf & Active Holidays 2026: When Movement Brings Families Together

Golf is no longer a niche interest for families – quite the opposite. In 2026, more destinations are embracing golf and active lifestyles as a way to bring generations together. While parents enjoy time on the fairway, children and teenagers get their first taste of golf or discover tennis, padel, water sports, or other outdoor adventures.

At The Niche Traveller, golf is never just about exercise. It comes in combination with stunning destinations and exceptional locations – think new and much rewarded courses in Scotland, Comporta, Cyprus and beyond. Golf here is about immersive experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and memorable family moments.

The most appealing resorts and regions are those where activity blends naturally into everyday life: golf courses within walking distance, tennis and padel courts, riding stables, fishing, cycling and hiking trails, and water sports right on the doorstep.

Active family travel in 2026 is less about performance and more about shared moments in motion – balanced, relaxed, and deeply restorative. Even the little ones can join in, making golf and movement a family affair from start to finish.

Morocco 2026: Culture, Coast and Space to Explore

Morocco remains one of the most versatile destinations for curious families, and 2026 marks a particularly exciting moment to explore the country. While Marrakech continues to thrive as a cultural hub, a new wave of thoughtful hotel openings and restored riads is giving the city fresh energy – blending heritage, contemporary design, and family-friendly comfort.

Further north, Tangier is quietly re-emerging as one of Morocco’s most compelling cities. Long a crossroads between Europe and Africa, the city now combines its historic medina, café culture, and literary legacy with a growing creative scene. Just south of Tangier, the Atlantic coastline reveals a softer, slower rhythm: wild beaches, fishing villages, and understated coastal retreats ideal for families seeking space and simplicity.

Inland, Fès and the Atlas Mountains continue to offer depth and contrast, from ancient medinas and traditional craftsmanship to hiking, desert excursions, and wide-open landscapes. Best visited in autumn, winter, or spring, Morocco offers an inspiring mix of culture, coast, desert, and warm hospitality – perfect for families with a true spirit of discovery.

Active Family Travel in Germany: Fleesensee & the Lake District

Why travel far when nature is close? The Mecklenburg Lake District — a destination made for family-friendly, active holidays who love cycling, water sports and open landscapes. One of the standout resorts here is Beech Resort Fleesensee, offering an Aquapark, multiple golf courses, a gym, and tennis and padel courts. Children can enjoy swimming lessons and summer soccer camps, all set within the region’s stunning natural surroundings. Beech Resort Fleesensee is ideal for an active yet uncomplicated family escape, particularly around Easter, in May or during long weekends.

Exploring the Portuguese Countryside: Alentejo & Comporta at a Slower Pace

For families seeking space, simplicity and a gentler rhythm of travel, Portugal’s Alentejo sits firmly at the top of our list for 2026. Rolling landscapes, cork oak forests and sun-washed towns create the perfect backdrop for slow, meaningful journeys through the countryside.

Historic towns and villages such as Évora and Alcácer do Sal invite unhurried exploration, local markets and long lunches. Along the coast, the opening of Na Praia on the Tróia Peninsula adds a refined new gateway to the Atlantic, further strengthening Comporta’s appeal as a relaxed yet stylish family destination.

Beyond the shoreline, the Alentejo hinterland and the wild Costa Vicentina continue to captivate with their sense of authenticity and scale. Our partner properties reflect this spirit perfectly: Castelo Ventoso and Casa Fortunato, both available for exclusive rent, offer privacy and understated elegance, while Monte do Olival embodies the region’s most family-friendly, slow-paced agriturismo experience – warm, welcoming and deeply connected to the land.

One of the most rewarding ways to experience Portugal is on a curated road trip, linking countryside, coast and carefully selected stays at an unhurried pace. Members of The Niche Traveller gain access to our Portugal road trip, designed for families who value freedom, thoughtful planning and places with real character. Interested in membership? You can register here for access to our curated itineraries and handpicked hotels and accommodation.

Mauritius: Rediscover a Conscious Paradise

Mauritius – this island in the Indian Ocean is redefining itself, moving away from mass tourism and large hotel projects toward a more conscious, family-oriented, and personalized experience. Beyond luxury, it reveals rich and diverse nature, from lush forests and volcanic landscapes to turquoise lagoons. We suggest exploring Mauritius not only for its beaches but also inland, staying in one or two of our handpicked boutique hotels or combining them with a beach stay at one of the five-star resorts on the east coast. Whether you want to relax on pristine beaches or enjoy active adventures, Mauritius offers the perfect balance. The island works beautifully for a May half-term getaway or an autumn vacation, offering ideal weather and fewer crowds. Even in the European summer Mauritius is a great choice for a family holiday. Contact us for a tailor-made proposal or to discover those hidden gem accommodations that are hard to find, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable journey.

Malta & Sicily 2026: Family-Friendly Gems in the Mediterranean

With the highly anticipated opening of Casa Bonavita in late spring, Malta is firmly stepping into the spotlight for 2026. Its compact size, rich history, crystal-clear waters, and mild year-round climate make it an ideal destination for families seeking a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. Short distances between beaches, historic cities, and natural reserves allow for effortless exploration, making Malta perfect for combining city walks, countryside adventures, and seaside downtime.

Meanwhile, Sicily offers even more options for family-friendly itineraries. From charming hilltop towns to stunning coastlines, the island balances cultural discovery with outdoor adventure. The opening of the new Rocco Forte Hotel in Noto adds a fresh luxury option, allowing families to enjoy Sicilian baroque elegance with modern comforts. Between culinary experiences, ancient ruins, and sun-soaked beaches, Sicily complements Malta’s compact charm with diverse landscapes and immersive experiences for all ages.

Africa with Children: Journeys That Stay with You

New for the year ahead, Africa takes centre stage in our collection. We have carefully handpicked the most trusted and family-friendly partners in each destination and now offer tailor-made holidays, safaris and immersive experiences, thoughtfully crafted for families.

Our focus lies on South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Mozambique — regions that combine extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes and a strong sense of place. This is not about conventional luxury, but about authentic experiences in nature, guided by experts who know how to make Africa accessible, safe and inspiring for children of all ages. Many lodges are exceptionally well prepared for families, offering experienced guides, flexible schedules and age-appropriate activities.

A journey to Africa often becomes more than a holiday — it becomes a shared family memory that lasts a lifetime. Just drop us a line, and we’ll take care of the rest.

In our selection process and travel consulting, we strive to be as precise and detailed as possible. If you didn’t find what you were looking for in this report, feel free to explore our other destinations for inspiration or contact us directly with specific questions or travel requests. For direct access to our online portfolio of over 500 accommodations, you can register for a membership here.