Come Easter, things are starting to warm up nicely across the Mediterranean before the scorching temperatures of summer arrive. Europe is accessible and can be budget-friendly too. Generally, the further south you go, the more sunshine you’re likely to enjoy, making Greece (and its beautiful islands) and Cyprus safe bets for some early-season warmth. But don’t overlook Spain, Portugal or the gorgeous Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, where sunny days and temperatures in the low twenties make for a perfect spring escape

• Greece: Temperatures between 22-28°C
• Cyprus: Temperatures between 22-27°C
• Portugal: Temperatures between 19-23°C
• Spain: Temperatures between 20-25°C
• Mallorca: Temperatures between 18-22°C

If you’re after guaranteed bikini weather and sea that feels more like a warm bath, then a long-haul holiday is the way to go. There are so many fantastic options, from the beaches and world-famous theme parks of Florida to tropical island escapes in the Caribbean, with direct flights to family favourites such as Antigua, Barbados and Saint Lucia. Mauritius is another brilliant choice, packed with exceptional family-friendly resorts to suit every budget, while the Maldives offers picture-postcard beaches and crystal-clear lagoons. For families looking for adventure, South Africa combines safari experiences with beautiful beaches, while Thailand’s stunning islands offer incredible food, friendly locals and unforgettable scenery – if you don’t mind the longer flight and bigger time difference

Whichever destination you choose, you can expect warm sunshine, blue skies and temperatures ranging from the mid-twenties to the mid-thirties. While the odd tropical rain shower is always possible, they’re usually short-lived, as Easter falls during the dry season across most of these destinations

• Florida: Temperatures between 26-30°C
• Mauritius: Temperatures between 28-31°C
• The Caribbean: Temperatures between 28-31°C
• The Maldives: Temperatures between 30-32°C
• South Africa: Temperatures between 22-27°C
• Thailand: Temperatures between 32-36°C

Looking for some pool and lounger time? Check out these mega child-friendly hotels and resorts that offer kids’ clubs, babysitting and loads of great accomadation and dining options that work with little ones

Europe

Creta Maris Resort, Greece

Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, Portugal

Las Terrazas de Abama Suites, Tenerife

Daios Cove, Crete

Anassa, Cyprus

Zafiro Palace Alcudia, Mallorca

Long Haul

LUX* Le Morne, Mauritius

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, Saint Lucia

JA Palm Tree Court, Dubai

Babylonstoren, South Africa

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru

If you’re after an amazing place to stay with the kids in the UK then you are spoilt for choice – no matter what age group you are travelling with. With weather still quite unpredictable, add indoor pools, playrooms and kids’ clubs to your checklist as well as great locations with plenty of outdoor activities for when the sun does come out or you want some fresh air

From five-star hotels to chic self catering, here are some top notch family-friendly spots to check out

Another Place, Lake District

Fowey Hall, Cornwall

Gitcombe Estate, Devon

Great Barn Farm, Norfolk

Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall

The Grove, Hertfordshire

Think ski season is over by Easter? Think again. In fact, Easter can be one of the best times to enjoy a family ski holiday. The days are longer, the weather is warmer and there’s a good chance you’ll be enjoying lunch on a sunny mountain terrace while the kids are still happily clocking up their ski miles

The key is choosing a high-altitude resort with reliable snow conditions. Resorts in the French Alps, Austria and Switzerland often have excellent snow well into April, particularly those with glaciers or slopes reaching above 2,000 metres. You get all the fun of skiing without the freezing temperatures of the Christmas holidays, making it especially appealing for younger children who can stay comfortable on the slopes for longer

For beginners, Easter is a fantastic time to learn. The milder weather makes ski school a much more enjoyable experience, while quieter slopes outside the peak February half-term rush mean little skiers have more space to build their confidence. Parents can enjoy more relaxed skiing too, with shorter lift queues and a laid-back atmosphere across many resorts

And it’s not all about skiing. Most family-friendly resorts offer brilliant activities away from the pistes, from sledging and ice skating to swimming pools, climbing walls, bowling and cosy cafés serving up hot chocolate and freshly baked pastries. Many hotels also run kids’ clubs, evening entertainment and family-friendly restaurants, making life wonderfully easy once you’ve hung up your ski boots for the day

There’s something rather magical about skiing in the spring sunshine too. Bluebird skies, mountain picnics and outdoor après-ski create a completely different atmosphere to a midwinter trip, and you’ll often find some excellent late-season deals compared with the busier school holidays earlier in the year

If your family loves being active and trying something different, an Easter ski holiday is well worth considering. It’s the perfect combination of adventure, fresh mountain air and quality time before the snow melts

Our favourite hotels for an Easter ski holiday:

• Club Med Rosiere, France
• Club Med Tignes, France
• Hotel Fameli, Italy
• Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido, Italy

If you’re hoping to bag the best family Easter holiday, the short answer is: earlier than you think. This is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Flights, family rooms and larger villas are often the first to sell out, particularly in popular destinations such as Tenerife, the Algarve, Majorca and Cornwall. As a general rule, aim to book 6 to 9 months in advance if you’re travelling abroad, especially if you’re tied to school holiday dates

Families looking for Easter sun holidays will often find the best choice and prices available from September through to January. Leave it until February or March and you’ll usually face fewer accommodation options and higher rates, particularly for all-inclusive resorts and family-friendly hotels. That said, if you’re flexible on destination, departure airport or travel dates, last-minute bargains do occasionally appear. City breaks can also offer good value closer to departure, particularly if you’re happy to travel midweek

The Easter school holidays usually last between three and four weeks, giving families plenty of flexibility to fit in a getaway. The best destination really depends on what matters most to your family

If you’re craving total relaxation, an all-inclusive resort is hard to beat, with everything taken care of from the moment you arrive. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Easter is also a fantastic time for a long-haul, two-centre holiday, giving you the chance to combine beach time with culture, wildlife or city sightseeing

Easter is one of the loveliest times to hit the slopes, with longer days, warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Choose a high-altitude resort and you’ll still find excellent snow conditions, while quieter pistes and shorter lift queues make it a brilliant time for beginners and families with younger children learning to ski. Plus, there’s something rather special about enjoying lunch on a sunny mountain terrace before heading back out onto the slopes

If guaranteed sunshine is top of your wish list, heading further afield will give you the best chance of warm weather and blue skies. But if you’re happy to swap beach days for countryside walks, family attractions and cosy hotels, the UK is a brilliant option too. Shorter journey times, no jet lag and the flexibility to travel by car can make for a slower paced to the holidays, especially with younger children

Don’t overlook city breaks either. Spring is one of the best times to explore Europe’s great cities, with milder temperatures, quieter landmarks and fewer crowds than you’ll find during the busy summer months. Whether it’s wandering the streets of Paris, cycling around Amsterdam, soaking up the history in Athens or ticking off Rome’s world-famous attractions, sightseeing is simply much more enjoyable before the heat and peak-season queues arrive

Babies & Toddlers

Travelling with babies and toddlers is all about keeping things as simple and stress-free as possible. Shorter flight times, direct routes and hotels with plenty of family-friendly facilities can make a huge difference. Look for accommodation that provides cots, highchairs, baby baths and children’s menus, so you’re not packing half the nursery into your suitcase

A warm, shallow beach is often a better choice than a busy sightseeing itinerary, and a hotel with a splash pool, playground and flexible dining options means you can work around nap times rather than rushing from one attraction to the next. Easter is also a lovely time to travel before the summer heat becomes too intense for little ones

Our favourites for babies & toddlers:

• Ikos Odisia, Corfu, Greece
• Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, Portugal
• Domes of Elounda, Crete, Greece
• Forte Village Resort, Sardinia, Italy

Kids

Once children reach school age, holidays become all about adventure. This is the perfect age for trying new activities, whether that’s learning to surf, snorkelling with tropical fish, spotting wildlife on safari or exploring castles and ancient ruins. Easter weather is ideal for getting outdoors, particularly around the Mediterranean, where temperatures are warm enough for sightseeing without the intense heat of summer

When choosing a hotel, look for brilliant kids’ clubs, family pools and organised activities that give children the chance to make new friends while parents enjoy a little downtime. A destination with plenty to explore beyond the hotel is also a bonus, helping to keep boredom firmly at bay

Our favourites for kids:

• Amicor Resort, Croatia
• Sani Club, Halkidiki, Greece
• Daios Cove, Crete, Greece
• Anassa, Cyprus

Teens

Teenagers can be the trickiest travellers to please, so involving them in the planning is always a good idea. They often want a little more freedom, so look for resorts with dedicated teen clubs, water sports, sports facilities, gaming rooms or lively beach clubs where they can meet other young people their age

Long-haul holidays work particularly well for teens, as they’re old enough to appreciate bucket-list experiences like safaris, island hopping in Thailand, the theme parks of Florida or snorkelling in the Maldives

Fast Wi-Fi, connecting rooms and plenty of choice when it comes to food are often just as important as the destination itself. Get the balance right and Easter can be the perfect time to create unforgettable family memories before exam season or busy summer schedules begin

Our favourites for teens:

• Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru, Maldives
• LUX* Le Morne, Mauritius
• Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Resort & Spa, Thailand
• Carlisle Bay, Antigua