Holidays with teens are both challenging and cherished in equal measure. Get them right and they make lifelong memories before on their last trip before they leave home, get them wrong and you face a week, maybe two, of constant whining, or silence whilst they scroll their smartphone. Here we’ve picked out 10 of our favourite places that (hopefully) teens won’t hate. They might even raise a smile, if you’re lucky.
Surfing on the Basque Coast
Burn off some excess energy with a surfing holiday in Anglet, staying at Villa etcheBri, a secluded 1960s villa with a terrace and pool. It’s a short distance to the nearby surfing beaches, restaurants and golf courses, with the towns of Biarritz and Bayonne available for a wander, too. Anglet’s surf culture is responsible for the laid-back vibe in the town, earning it the nickname “Little California”, with 11 different surf spots and plenty of surf schools catering to all levels. Of course, the kids might just hang out by the pool all day, but with a spot like that, could you blame them?
Newquay but nicer
The teen mecca of Newquay and its surf scene, festivals, bars and holiday vibes are easily within reach, but base yourselves at the perennial favourite Watergate Bay Hotel and Mum & Dad will have a blast too. An infinity pool overlooking the ocean, two miles of beach, 3 restaurants and the best breakfast you’ll eat for a while. You can bring the dog too, so there really is something for everyone.
The Wild West of Scotland
The little-known Ardnamurchan Peninsula might be remote, but there’s plenty to keep outdoorsy teens busy here. At Aspen Lodge you can launch kayaks straight into the loch opposite the garden, set off for a beach picnic or climb nearby Ben Hiant, a gentle hike that still lets kids show off that they’ve climbed a mountain. Back at the lodge there’s a snug with a popcorn machine and X–Box, so everyone will be happy come rain or shine.
Portofino with pals
Sognando Villa Edera is perfect for a holiday with another family, maybe best friends sharing a first holiday abroad. Take two of these elevated apartments, one each, or banish all the teens to their own space if you dare. Horse lovers can ride, for aspiring golfers there’s a course at the bottom of the hill, beach bums can take off to the nearby coves and glamourous teens can pose on the palmed promenade of Portofino.
Welsh Wilderness with WIFI
Closer to home, the Red Kite Barn in Powys is a barn conversion for six, which has its own pool table, home cinema and all-important WIFI, as well as the nearby Cambrian mountains. This is a place for active teens, who will relish the opportunity to explore and don’t mind being away from it all. The reward for walks? A hot-tub under the stars. Although you get first dibs, obviously.
Best of both worlds in the South Hams
If your teens want to join their Jack Wills-clad friends in Salcombe and the South Hams, you can act as chaperone from your beautiful base at Little Bank Barn and get the best of both worlds. For you, a country escape with gorgeous views, fresh eggs from the hens and homemade bread. For the kids, a different beach for each day of the week.
Far from Gîte in Gard
A French country gîte might not strike you as perfect teenage territory, but add a private pool, boules, barbecue and tree house, and you’re onto a winner. Mas de Mahystre in Gard is close to Uzès and the buzzy Saturday market, Roman Nimes or the stunning Camargue are just a short drive away. One guest said, “We were a group of two families with 5 teenagers between us and everyone had a wonderful time.” So there you go!
Tuscany ticks all the boxes
Postcards from Midlife’s Lorraine Candy chose La Madelenna Bassa on the Tuscan coast of Grossetto for a laid-back holiday with her brood of four, aged from 11 –20. It ticked all their boxes – adventure, relaxation, sun, beaches, good food (preferably pasta), a little shopping, sightseeing (but not too much) and good wi-fi. Read more about Lorraine’s trip here.
Costa La Love (Luz)
Love Island fans can pretend they are having their own summer of love (look away parents) in this swish Spanish villa. Aguasalá is a thrillingly modern house, with huge windows overlooking the infinity pool and out to the glittering coast. Walk straight down to your (almost) private cove, or take the short stroll to the main beach for bars and restaurants. Parents can escape to hilltop Vejer, cool Cádiz or sherry-loving Jerez.
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Emily Enright
Sawday's Expert
Emily’s desire to find exciting new places has led her to a career in travel and many who’ve travelled with her on hours of walking, as she gets her bearings and tracks down decent coffee (which she claims is impossible in France). Having worked in the industry since she left university, her job has taken her from Nashville to Northumberland, via the lavender fields of Provence. She loves any form of media, mainly as she loves to know what’s going on.
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