Holidays for Single Parents

Gran Canaria is packed with things to do for kids all the way through to older teens – and you too. While many people flock to the sunny south and the rolling dunes of Maspalomas, holidaymakers seeking an authentic, local experience head to the island's capital, Las Palmas. Just steps from most accommodation in the city lies a dreamy beach: the long, sandy expanse is split into sections, with one end a shallow swimmer's haven protected by a reef, and the other a perfect venue for watersports. At low tide you can play, snorkel with sea life, or rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the reef. You'll see plenty of families donning their sandals to clamber over the rocks on the hunt for crabs and fish. The promenade is a dream, lined with restaurants and ice-cream cafes and dotted with play parks. Teens can get stuck into watersports, with surf lessons being a great place to meet others their age. You'll have no problem whiling away a week by the beach here. Alternatively, take one of the many local buses to other towns like Puerto Mogan – a gloriously sheltered, sunny beach town with a quaint and colourful harbour.

Life in Croatia is thoroughly outdoor-oriented, so it's a perfect destination for getting active with your kids. Dubrovnik would enchant anyone with its history and architecture. You could be walking through a living fairytale town or gazing out at an ancient invading army, ready to storm the walls – it's hard not to get caught up in the magic. The country is famed for its coast, with dozens of sandy coves and beach destinations, perfect for renting kayaks and paddleboards or taking a swim. Hop over for an adventure to the island idyll of Mljet, much of which is a nature reserve, and dip into the gorgeous saltwater lakes, or hike and cycle the trails. Inland, adults and kids alike will have a fabulous day at the waterfalls in popular Krka National Park. Plitvice is slightly less well known but just as impressive, boasting 16 freshwater lakes, 90 waterfalls and hiking and climbing galore. Why not embrace the outdoor scene here and try camping in Croatia? There are under-canvas options or fixed cabins at sites with a welcoming community atmosphere. There are also lots of all-inclusive and hotel options too, for those seeking a little luxury in the evenings.

For a holiday with children that feels exotic without needing to leave the UK, head for Scotland's west coast. You could road trip, take an adventurous train ride on the country's most northerly rail route, or pick one location and explore to the max. If travelling by car, stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct for an exciting peek at the Hogwarts Express train line. Magic awaits on the Isle of Skye as you swim in the Fairy Pools and hunt for fossils. You'll find clifftop walks, mountain biking routes and magical castles here, not to mention secluded beaches, caves and lighthouses – Waternish and Neist Point – that feel like standing at the end of the earth. The region boasts fabulous dark skies too, so be sure to wake the kids for a stargazing extravaganza. For a far-flung feel, head to Shieldaig, which has plenty of kayaking and watersports opportunities, or take the winding road to Applecross and Sands Beach for a road trip the family will never forget. Ullapool is a perfect base for exploring stretches of the NC500, with a promenade and plenty of seafood joints alongside beaches that seem to have been plucked straight out of the Bahamas.

All-inclusive resorts are perfect for holidays as a single parent. They offer a great blend of time together and relaxing moments apart (depending on how old your kids are, of course). All-inclusive resorts in Greece boast a delightful combination of sunshine, opportunities to meet people, and a quiet escape from the everyday. They're geared for families of all ages and sizes, with kids' clubs, creches, and activities for adults and children. You can retreat to the peace of your room and indulge in some alone time in the spa or pool before you all congregate for meals, fun activities like watersports or crazy golf, and a trip to the beach. There are so many islands to choose from, but Corfu and Crete in particular are popular with families. Corfu has 57 stunning beaches, many of which are quiet and secluded, while fabulous mountain scenery and walking opportunities dominate inland. Crete is equally well loved, with tons of waterparks plus watersports and diving. You can cycle, hike, and explore caves, and you won't go short on history either, especially in the capital Heraklion, home to the Palace of Knossos. For crystal-clear seas and mouthwateringly good food, Greece is a no-brainer.

A few years ago, Slovenia wasn't on anyone's radar for going on holiday as a single parent. Now, though, it's a much-discussed fairytale destination with all the charm of the Alps. It's a small country, so you can explore lots of different landscapes during a short break. Ljubljana, the capital, has a castle, zoo, botanical gardens and child-focused attractions like Minicity and the House of Experiments. In summer, head to the river for kayaking or paddleboarding: a unique way to see the old town. Lake Bled is a famously charming destination under an hour from the capital. Families love bathing in the lake, relaxing on the quiet beach, walking, cycling and enjoying watersports. You could take a boat to the island in the centre of the lake or rent a kayak and row out there yourselves, explorer-style. Lake Bohinj is a quieter spot with many of the same activities in a more tranquil environment. Explore Predjama Castle and marvel at the natural cathedral of the Postojna Caves – who wouldn't want to take a train through caves? Postojna Adventure Park, 40 minutes from Ljubljana, is a forest park with tree-top walks and ziplining, perfect for a day's adventure.