From brilliant kids’ clubs to water sports galore, these well-thought-out stays are sure to keep the whole gang happy. Copy link. twitter. facebook. whatsapp. Mediterranean beach holidays are ideal for families: the warm, gentle waters suit everyone from toddlers to grandparents, and they can be the ideal trips on which to give new activities and water sports a try. But how can you be sure to pick the right sun-drenched spot for your brood? From Majorca to Mykonos, Sicily to Spain’s glittering coves, the coastlines are glorious, with pine-fringed paths leading down to the water and a good smattering of souvenir stalls, playgrounds and ice cream shops. Ask yourself a few questions: are you happy with the go-slow pace of island life? Do you like the idea of a few Roman ruins to explore, as well as time on the beach with a bucket and spade? What sort of cuisine do you and your children enjoy the most?.

Consider, too, the ages of your youngsters and the activities required to ensure a happy break for everyone. Below you will find charming boutique hotels which make our list thanks to their superb locations and family-friendly feel, plus plenty of all-singing, all-dancing complexes with elaborate kids’ clubs, a plethora of pools and all manner of games and workshops to keep boisterous youngsters entertained. From France to Cyprus and everywhere inbetween, here’s our pick of the very best family-friendly hotels in the Mediterranean.

Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating. Greece is a superb family destination, whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teens. There’s the relaxed pace of life and warm, family-oriented locals. The gentle blue water lapping broad, seemingly endless beaches – ideal for messing about on boats and paddleboards, or learning to swim and sail. Each Greek island has its own personality; you just need to find a good fit for your family. Mykonos for the party scene; a simpler, timeless burst of nature on Antiparos or Naxos with younger kids; or perhaps the drama, history and scale of Crete.

Greece has a great range of hotels that work brilliantly for families, whether you’re after a low-key beachy bolthole for a relaxed island escape, or one of the increasingly fabulous super-resorts which offer round-the-clock childcare and a whole array of activities. 8 Telegraph expert rating. • The best beach hotels in the Mediterranean. 9 Telegraph expert rating. • The best hotels in Crete.

• The best budget hotels Mediterranean. There is plenty for parents and children to love in France: beautiful beaches, romantic vistas, elegant châteaux. And that’s before you even get to the baguettes, crêpes, and fabulous local wines to lull grown-ups into deep relaxation. Banish thoughts of strict manners: France has a growing collection of beautiful château-based family-focused hotels that welcome all levels of childlike gusto. There are wholesome jolly beach holidays in the Languedoc or smart sojourns on the Côte d’Azur. Stay north, though, if extreme heat doesn’t appeal; the south is decidedly steamy in the summer.

• The best budget hotels in the Mediterranean. Spain is an excellent option for families of all ages and sizes: children are welcome everywhere, and the beaches and resorts here are well set up for them. The Balearic Islands are, on average, a few degrees warmer than the French Riviera, so you’d have to be a heat-seeking crowd. But these islands are among the very dreamiest destinations in the Med when it comes to beautiful beaches. Formentera’s limpid turquoise waters and sandy stretches are heaven for small children; neighbouring Ibiza appeals to teens and parents with its outstanding food, great wellness scene and buzzy beach clubs; while the sheltered coves of Majorca and Menorca make them superb family all-rounders.

The Costas, meanwhile, are inundated with pile-em-high family resorts, for primary-bright toddler fun, aqua parks and child-oriented restaurants – the tricky thing is seeking out the gems among them. Start with these: a super-slick address on Andalucia’s Costa del Sol, or down-to-earth hideaways on the Costa Brava, for slipping into the easy-breezy, sunshine-and-siesta way of life. Children love Italy and Italians love children; it is an ideal marriage for summer or half-term fun. However, picking a destination can be counter-intuitive, as many Italian beauty spots – the Amalfi Coast, say – can be complicated with the kids in tow. Whether it’s vertiginous cliffs, tiny swimming coves, or romantic restaurants, these destinations may not be ideal. Head, instead, to Italy’s more family-friendly sands – down south in Puglia and Basilicata, or on its glorious islands of Sicily and Sardinia.