Whether you’re planning a multi-generational trip, a holiday with friends, or a relaxing break with little ones, it can feel overwhelming trying to find a destination that suits everyone. There’s no better feeling than finally deciding on a holiday destination that you know offers the perfect blend of comfort, adventure and unique experiences that all your loved ones will enjoy.
To help take the hassle out of planning a family or group holiday, Sunsail has created a family and group travel index to unveil the top 20 destinations in the world for young children, grandparents and everyone in between! Analysing a combination of online search data, Tripadvisor reviews, information from official tourism boards and geological data, Sunsail has ranked destinations based on popularity, accessibility, safety, diversity of activities, family-friendly accommodation options and beaches.
Based on these factors, each destination has been given a score out of 28 – the higher the score, the more ideal the destination is for families and groups. Any destination that received the same score as another has then been ranked according to average yearly temperatures.
From charming historic towns and beautiful beaches with shallow waters to thrilling theme parks, each of the destinations on the list is renowned for its diverse range of activities, aligning with the top family travel trends for 2026, which include multigenerational, adventure and experiential travel.
In light of the above, Sunsail has found Sardinia, Ibiza and Lake Garda to be the top three destinations in the world for family and group travel in 2026.
Italian island, Sardinia, combines stunning natural beauty with family-friendly comfort, taking the top spot with a score of 26 out of 28. Unlike many overcrowded Mediterranean hotspots, Sardinia balances lively resorts with peaceful coves, perfect for travelling with both younger kids and older teenagers. It’s also renowned for its pristine beaches, such as Cala Brandinchi, described by travellers as “perfect for families with small children because the bay protects the waters so it’s really calm”. Sardinia’s reputation for safety and welcoming hospitality, along with its unspoiled landscapes and vibrant culture, makes it the ultimate group holiday destination for 2026.
With 20.4 million Instagram posts under the hashtag #Ibiza and average yearly temperatures of 18 °C, Ibiza is officially the second-best holiday destination for families and groups, scoring 26 out of 28. Ibiza seamlessly blends world-class entertainment with a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, making it a standout choice for families and friends seeking both excitement and relaxation together. Ibiza has a total of seven Blue Flag beaches, including family-friendly paradise, Cala Llonga. Travellers rave about its facilities, cleanliness and safety for children, with one Tripadvisor review saying: “The beach is spotless and has a few bars and food places on. Toilets are also on the beach, as is a good kids’ play park area. Few shops nearby. This beach is shallow with no waves and has a pedalo with slides to hire. There is also a lifeguard on duty.”
Rounding up the top three on our list of the top 20 destinations for family and group travel is Lake Garda, an enchanting lakeside setting, with a score of 26 out of 28 and average yearly temperatures of 14 °C. What sets Lake Garda apart from other destinations is its incredible variety of activities, from theme parks like Gardaland and gorgeous vineyards to mountain trails and historic towns. Being the largest lake in Italy, and having the third highest percentage of family-friendly accommodation out of every destination on the list, it’s no wonder that Lake Garda has made the top three. With its welcoming atmosphere, stunning scenery, and endless opportunities for fun, Lake Garda ensures every age group is entertained and well-catered for.
Other notable destinations making the list include:
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Cornwall, UK (4th) – Boasting lovely beaches, charismatic seaside towns, and a wide range of activities, such as surfing and coastal walks, Cornwall caters to all ages and interests.
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British Virgin Islands (8th) – Whether you want to switch off and unwind on unspoiled beaches or island hop, snorkel and scuba dive in crystalline waters, there’s something for everyone on a holiday in the BVI.
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Lefkas, Greece (10th) – Do you want to make incredible memories with younger children? With shallow and calm waters, the beaches around Lefkas are ideal for toddlers.
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St. Lucia (15th) – From breathtaking beaches to rainforest adventures and mountain hikes, St. Lucia is a paradise for nature and wildlife-loving families.
Sunsail has also found that over the last three months, there has been a 100% increase in online searches for ‘February half term winter sun’ and a 50% rise for ‘family holidays 2026’, while searches for ‘last minute family adventure holidays’ have surged by 300% compared to September 2024. With more and more families looking to book their next getaway, Sunsail is encouraging families and groups to visit the stunning destinations on this list and discover their beautiful beaches, safe waters, vibrant cultures, exciting activities and delicious cuisines.
Becky Hutton, Holiday Planner at Sunsail, said: “As families and friends start to plan their holidays for next year, we are delighted to reveal the best destinations in the world for family and group travel in 2026. Each destination on this list is unique in its offering, from idyllic sandy coves to historic attractions, but what they have in common is their popularity, ease of access, safety, abundance of activities and fantastic selection of family-friendly accommodation.
“Whether you are already planning a fun-filled family holiday to one of our 20+ worldwide destinations, or still looking for inspiration on where to book for your annual group getaway, we hope our list of the best family and group destinations in the world helps you find somewhere you can all relax, explore and create memories for life!”
Information about the individual destinations, along with an explanation as to why each one has made the list, can be found here.
