Title	Family Winter Breaks
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Description	Discover the best winter destinations for families, from family-friendly ski resorts to winter sun. Family car hire tips on 7-seater, 9-seater and minivan rentals included.
Alt text	View of the spectacular beach of Arrifes, Albufeira, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Portuguese Algarve, with its imposing cliffs and golden rock formations and its transparent waters, ideal for all kinds of water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, diving
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Family Winter Break Destinations

Choosing the right destination is just as important as choosing the right car. From skiing in the Alps to soaking up the sun in Tenerife, here are the top 5 most popular winter destinations for Irish families

The Best Cars for Family Winter Holidays

Winter is one of the most exciting times of year for a family getaway. For some Irish families, it’s all about skiing in the Alps or Pyrenees, while others prefer escaping to warmer destinations like Tenerife or the Algarve. No matter where you’re headed, the car you hire can make or break your holiday.

When you’re juggling kids, luggage, and possibly ski or beach equipment, you’ll want a vehicle that’s reliable, spacious, and comfortable. That’s where options like large car hire, 7-seater car hire, or even 9-seater car hire come in. For a smaller group, finding the best car for a family of 5 is key to enjoying stress-free travel.

Why Choosing the Right Car is Important

Families need:

Space – for people and luggage.
Comfort – especially on long transfers from airports to ski resorts or coastal towns.
Safety – with features like winter tyres, snow chains or strong braking systems for mountain driving.
Flexibility – enough seats if friends, grandparents, or cousins are joining the trip.

That’s why many families look beyond standard saloons and compact cars when travelling in winter.

French Alps (Ski Resorts)

The French Alps are iconic for skiing and winter sports. Resorts like Chamonix, Les Gets, and La Plagne cater to families with ski schools, gentle slopes, and plenty of après-ski activities.

Family Activities:

Skiing & snowboarding: Beginner and family-friendly slopes.

Snow parks & sledging: Toboggan runs and snow play areas for children.
Ice skating & swimming – Many resorts feature rinks or indoor pools.
Cable car adventures: Scenic rides for non-skiers.

Aerial view of Val Thorens, trois vallees complex, France

Local cuisine: Savour fondue and raclette in cozy mountain restaurants.

Car Hire Tip: A large car hire like a 7-seater SUV with snow tyres and chains makes mountain driving safer while offering plenty of space for ski gear.

Baqueira-Beret, Spain – Pyrenees Skiing

Spain’s largest ski resort, located in the Catalan Pyrenees, offers 161 km of ski slopes and excellent family services. It’s especially popular among families for its combination of snow, sun and accessibility.

Family Activities:

Ski schools: Lessons for children aged 3+, focusing on fun and safety.
Funpark Baqueira: Interactive circuits with statues and obstacles.
Dog sledding & snowmobiling: Exciting winter activities for older kids.
Après-ski for families - Enjoy local cuisine and relax in family-friendly lodgings.
Scenic drives in the Pyrenees– Take a day off skiing and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Baqueira Beret, Ski resort, Pyrenees, Aran Valley, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.

Snow play parks – Many resorts offer sledging and tubing zones for non-ski fun.

Car Hire Tip: A 9-seater car hire is the best option for families travelling with friends, providing space for luggage, ski gear, and everyone to ride comfortably.

Canary Islands (Tenerife & Lanzarote)

The Canary Islands are one of the most popular winter sun escapes for Irish families. With flight times between 4 and 5.5 hours, year-round sunshine, and plenty of resorts designed for kids, they’re an easy and affordable option.

Family Activities:

Mount Teide National Park (Tenerife) – Ride the cable car up Spain’s highest peak and explore lunar-like volcanic landscapes.
Whale & dolphin watching – Tours from Costa Adeje are exciting for children and adults alike.
Siam Park (Tenerife) – A world-famous waterpark with family areas and wave pools.
Rancho Texas (Lanzarote) – Combines a zoo with splash pools for a fun family day out.

The Playa de Las Teresitas is an artificial, white sand, tourist beach located north of the village of San AndrÃ©s, Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Tenerife, Spain

Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote) – Drive through lava fields and see steam geysers — a great reason to hire a car.

Car Hire Tip: A spacious SUV is perfect for a family of 5, giving you room for beach bags and prams, plus the flexibility to explore the islands at your own pace.

Algarve, Portugal

Mild weather, golden beaches, and great value make the Algarve one of Europe’s best destinations for a winter family break.

Family Activities:

Beach hopping – From Praia da Marinha to Praia da Rocha, the Algarve has some of the safest, most beautiful family beaches in Europe.

Dolphin tours – Take a boat trip from Lagos or Albufeira for an unforgettable family experience.

Silves Castle – A medieval fortress that’s fun to explore with kids.

Ria Formosa Natural Park – Family-friendly trails and flamingo spotting.

Sunset and historic life-guard building in the foreground, at Fuseta fishing town, Ria Formosa conservation park, Algarve. Portugal (Sunset and historic life-guard building in the foreground, at Fuseta fishing town, Ria Formosa conservation park, Alga

Zoomarine Algarve – A mix of waterpark, aquarium and theme park rolled into one.

Car Hire Tip: A 5-seater SUV hire is ideal for families on holidays as it gives you room for luggage and the flexibility to drive between beaches and historic towns.

Austria (St Johann, Kitzbühel & Zell am See)

Austria’s ski resorts are known for their charm, affordability and excellent ski schools, making them perfect for families.

Family Activities:

Ski lessons for kids – Austrian ski schools are among the best in Europe.

Cable car rides – Enjoy panoramic mountain views without skis.

Christmas markets – Salzburg and Innsbruck offer magical festive markets.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides – A winter fairy-tale experience for families.

Thermal baths & spas – Relax after skiing in family-friendly pools.

Car Hire Tip: For families with lots of luggage, renting a minivan or a 9-seater car hire is a practical solution. It keeps the group together on transfers from Salzburg or Munich airports to resorts.