Where to Go in April – A Guide for Families 2026

As the Easter holidays fade and summer crowds are still a few months away, April is a secret‑weapon month for families wanting sun, sea – and a bit of peace. Cooler than the summer scorchers but still warm enough for beach days, April brings milder prices, fewer crowds, and plenty of sunshine. It’s the kind of time when you can dip a toe in the sea, explore a town, or just enjoy your holiday without the chaos.

Here are a few of my top picks for where to go in April:

What to do in the Canaries:

• Enjoy both seaside and nature: from sandy beaches to volcanic landscapes, lush hills, coastal walks, and opportunities for local culture.

• For water‑park fun and splash days, there are resorts with kids’ clubs, splash zones and pools staffed for children – great if you want a resort‑style holiday that’s easy and stress‑free.

• Some islands (or resorts) offer a quieter, more relaxed holiday vibe – perfect for families with younger kids who prefer calm beaches, gentle walks or resort amenities over nightlife or busy summer crowds.

Recommended Family-friendly Hotels:

Bahia del Duque, Costa Adeje, Tenerife: Five‑star resort with multiple pools, a children’s club/activities, direct beach access, and plenty of comfort for a full family holiday.

Lopesan Baobab Resort, Meloneras, Gran Canaria: Huge water‑fun setup – several pools (including kids’ splash zones / lazy‑river style), kids’ club, and proximity to natural attractions like dunes/ beaches for family outings.

Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Playa Dorada, Lanzarote: A top 5-star family resort with a dedicated kids’ area (“Kikoland”) for babies up to teens: pools, playgrounds, shows – and calm, sheltered beach waters at Playa Dorada that are ideal for children. Spacious suites and plenty of dining options make it a hit with families.

Barceló Fuerteventura Mar, Costa Caleta, Fuerteventura: Beachfront location, children’s pool, all-inclusive convenience, and entertainment + sports facilities — good if you like a resort where everything’s convenient and kids are entertained while you relax.

What to do in The Algarve:

• Explore the stunning beaches such as Praia da Marinha and Praia da Rocha.

• Take a family-friendly boat trip to see the famous Benagil caves.

• Walk coastal paths with panoramic views – perfect for older kids.

• Enjoy water parks like Slide & Splash or Zoomarine for a full day of family fun.

Family-friendly Hotel Recommendations:

Jupiter Albufeira Hotel: Great for families with children: multiple outdoor pools, a children’s splash‑park, kids’ club and activities, as well as shuttle access into Albufeira’s old town.

Alvor Baia Hotel: A well‑reviewed family‑friendly option further west in the Algarve, with kids’ facilities, family‑friendly layout, and good access to Alvor’s beaches – a quieter, more relaxed base especially appealing for parents wanting less bustle.

Tivoli Alvor Algarve: A good resort choice especially if you want water-park-style amenities, family facilities and ease of beach access in the Algarve region.

What to do in Sharm El Sheikh:

• Beach & Pool Days: Sharm’s resorts have safe, sandy beaches and child-friendly pools. Many offer splash zones or shallow areas for younger kids.

• Snorkeling & Marine Life: The Red Sea is world-famous for calm, clear waters and coral reefs — perfect for a first family snorkeling adventure.

• Desert Excursions: Short, guided trips to the desert or camel rides are a hit with children and older kids alike.

• Entertainment & Kids’ Clubs: Resorts often run supervised kids’ activities, mini‑discos, and family shows in the evenings.

Family-friendly Hotel Recommendations:

Jaz Mirabel Beach: Large family rooms, several pools (including a kids’ pool), beachfront, kids’ club, and evening entertainment.

Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh: Multiple pools, children’s activities, beach access, and family-oriented shows – ideal for parents who want a mix of relaxation and entertainment.

Rixos Sharm El Sheikh: Luxury option with kids’ club, teen club, water slides, multiple pools, beachfront access, and spacious family rooms.

What to do:

• Explore the Palace of Knossos for a history lesson that doubles as a family adventure.

• Visit aquariums or water parks like Watercity or Acqua Plus.

• Take gentle hikes in the Samaria Gorge (short family-friendly sections) or the Lassithi Plateau.

• Spend time at child-friendly beaches like Elafonissi or Falassarna.

Family-friendly Hotel Recommendations:

• TUI BLUE Elounda Breeze: A TUI‑branded “Family Fun” hotel with family rooms, kids’/baby clubs, pools and a programme of entertainment that works well for young kids and parents alike.

• Sensatori Atlantica Caldera Palace: Recommended for families thanks to several pools, a children’s splash area, kids & baby clubs, family‑friendly dining and room configurations.

• Creta Maris Resort: A large resort with massive 4,000 m² waterpark, 16 pools (including many children’s pools), kids & teens clubs, and family-sized rooms – ideal for a full-on family holiday.

What to do:

• Visit the Tombs of the Kings and Paphos Archaeological Park for a cultural adventure.

• Spend days at Coral Bay or Lara Beach for sandcastle-building and paddling.

• Try cycling along the Aphrodite Coastal Path or take easy nature walks.

Family-friendly Hotels Recommendations:

• Olympic Lagoon Resort, Paphos: Multiple pools, kids’ club, playgrounds, family-friendly apartments.

• Louis Phaethon Beach: Beachfront access, spacious rooms, and family activities.

• Alexander The Great Beach Hotel: Family-friendly hotel with a children’s pool, kids’ club / playroom, and good reviews from families – suitable for a simpler, budget-minded stay while still offering family-oriented amenities.

Where to Go in April – Final Thoughts

April is such a brilliant time for family travel – warmer weather, fewer crowds, better prices and tonnes of child-friendly activities no matter where you choose. Whether you’re dreaming of the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, the broad sandy beaches of Fuerteventura, ancient sites and sunshine in Crete, cultural days out in Paphos, or guaranteed heat in Sharm El Sheikh, there’s a perfect spot for every kind of family adventure.

With so many fantastic hotels rated 4* and above on TripAdvisor – from splash-pool paradises to calm beachfront escapes – you’re spoiled for choice. And because April sits in that lovely shoulder-season sweet spot, you often get the same sunshine and standout resorts for a fraction of peak-summer prices.

If you’ve been wondering where to go in April, hopefully this guide has given you plenty of inspiration for a sunshine-filled, great-value family holiday. Wherever you pick, April is one of the easiest, most rewarding months of the year to pack up the kids and make some magic together.