Title	Family Winter Breaks
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Description	From ski resorts to winter sun escapes, a look at the top 5 most family-friendly destinations for a winter break, along with car hire recommendations.
Alt text	View of the spectacular beach of Arrifes, Albufeira, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Portuguese Algarve, with its imposing cliffs and golden rock formations and its transparent waters, ideal for all kinds of water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, diving
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Family Winter Break Destinations

Choosing the right destination is just as important as choosing the right car. From skiing in the Alps to soaking up the sun in Tenerife, here are the top 5 most popular winter destinations for UK families

The Best Cars for Family Winter Holidays

Winter is one of the most exciting times of year for a family getaway. For some UK families, it’s all about skiing in the Alps or Pyrenees, while others prefer escaping to warmer destinations like Tenerife or the Algarve. No matter where you’re headed, the car you hire can make or break your holiday.

When you’re juggling kids, luggage, and possibly ski or beach equipment, you’ll want a vehicle that’s reliable, spacious, and comfortable. That’s where options like large car hire, 7-seater car hire, or even 9-seater car hire come in. For a smaller group, finding the best car for a family of 5 is key to enjoying stress-free travel.

Why Choosing the Right Car is Important

Families need:

Space – for people and luggage.
Comfort – especially on long transfers from airports to ski resorts or coastal towns.
Safety – with features like winter tyres, snow chains or strong braking systems for mountain driving.
Flexibility – enough seats if friends, grandparents, or cousins are joining the trip.

That’s why many families look beyond standard saloons and compact cars when travelling in winter.

Canary Islands (Tenerife & Lanzarote)

The Canary Islands are one of the most popular winter sun escapes for British families. With flight times under five hours, year-round sunshine, and plenty of resorts designed for kids, they’re an easy and affordable option.

Family Activities:

Mount Teide National Park (Tenerife) – Ride the cable car up Spain’s highest peak and explore lunar-like volcanic landscapes.
Whale & dolphin watching – Tours from Costa Adeje are exciting for children and adults alike.
Siam Park (Tenerife) – A world-famous waterpark with family areas and wave pools.
Rancho Texas (Lanzarote) – Combines a zoo with splash pools for a fun family day out.

The Playa de Las Teresitas is an artificial, white sand, tourist beach located north of the village of San AndrÃ©s, Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Tenerife, Spain

Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote) – Drive through lava fields and see steam geysers — a great reason to hire a car.

Car Hire Tip: A spacious SUV is perfect for a family of 5, giving you room for beach bags and prams, plus the flexibility to explore the islands at your own pace.

Algarve, Portugal

Mild weather, golden beaches, and great value make the Algarve one of Europe’s best destinations for a winter family break.

Family Activities:

Beach hopping – From Praia da Marinha to Praia da Rocha, the Algarve has some of the safest, most beautiful family beaches in Europe.

Dolphin tours – Take a boat trip from Lagos or Albufeira for an unforgettable family experience.

Silves Castle – A medieval fortress that’s fun to explore with kids.

Ria Formosa Natural Park – Family-friendly trails and flamingo spotting.

Sunset and historic life-guard building in the foreground, at Fuseta fishing town, Ria Formosa conservation park, Algarve. Portugal (Sunset and historic life-guard building in the foreground, at Fuseta fishing town, Ria Formosa conservation park, Alga

Zoomarine Algarve – A mix of waterpark, aquarium and theme park rolled into one.

Car Hire Tip: A 5-seater SUV hire is ideal for families on holidays as it gives you room for luggage and the flexibility to drive between beaches and historic towns.

French Alps (Ski Resorts)

France remains the number one ski destination for British families, thanks to its wide choice of resorts and easy access from airports like Geneva, Lyon, and Grenoble.

Family Activities:

Ski School - Resorts such as Les Arcs and Morzine offer English-speaking instructors for kids.

Beginner areas – Gentle slopes and snow gardens are perfect for little ones learning to ski.
Tobogganing – Dedicated sledging runs bring fun for the whole family.

Aerial view of Val Thorens, trois vallees complex, France

Ice skating & swimming – Many resorts feature rinks or indoor pools.
Try Alpine food – Fondue and raclette dinners are a family highlight after a day on the slopes.

Car Hire Tip: A large car hire like a 7-seater SUV with snow tyres and chains makes mountain driving safer while offering plenty of space for ski gear.

Austria (St Johann, Kitzbühel & Zell am See)

Austria’s ski resorts are known for their charm, affordability, and excellent ski schools — making them perfect for families.

Family Activities:

Ski lessons for kids – Austrian ski schools are among the best in Europe.

Cable car rides – Enjoy panoramic mountain views without skis.

Christmas markets – Salzburg and Innsbruck offer magical festive markets.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides – A winter fairy-tale experience for families.

Thermal baths & spas – Relax after skiing in family-friendly pools.

Car Hire Tip: For families with lots of luggage, renting a minivan or a 9-seater car hire is a practical solution. It keeps the group together on transfers from Salzburg or Munich airports to resorts.

Italy (Abruzzo & the Dolomites)

Italian ski resorts combine excellent slopes with lower costs, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s very family-friendly.

Family Activities:

Ski schools in Abruzzo – Affordable and beginner-friendly, ideal for first-time skiers.
Scenic drives in the Dolomites – Routes like the Great Dolomites Road are perfect for family road trips.
Italian food – Pizza, pasta and hot chocolate make eating out with kids easy.
Medieval towns & castles – Places like Trento or Castel del Monte are great day trips.

Alta Badia is a ski resort in the Dolomites of northern Italy, in the upper part of the Val Badia in South Tyrol

Snow play parks – Many resorts offer sledging and tubing zones for non-ski fun.

Car Hire Tip: A 9-seater car hire is the best option for two families travelling together, providing space for luggage, ski gear, and everyone to ride comfortably.