European Summer 2026: Massive Resort Expansions and Hidden Mediterranean Gems
The travel industry is already gearing up for the 2026 European summer, and holidaymakers are set to see a massive boost in tailored options across the Mediterranean and North Africa. Tour operator Coral Travel has announced a major expansion of its family portfolio, rolling out upgraded facilities and brand new resorts across Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Tunisia. Aimed squarely at hitting the sweet spot for middle-market budgets, the expanded lineup caters to families of all sizes looking for a bit of certainty in their holiday planning.
Turkey Holds Strong as the Ultimate Family Favourite
Turkey remains the absolute powerhouse for family getaways. The bulk of the region’s hospitality sector is heavily geared towards kids and parents, with adults-only properties making up just a fraction of the market. According to Coral Travel’s Senior Product Manager for Turkey, Verena Blümel Denk, this heavy focus on family infrastructure gives travellers massive peace of mind.
Several major properties are stepping up their game. The brand new five-star Dream Qum Family resort in Side-Kumköy is opening its doors with massive aquaparks and sprawling pool complexes. Just down the road in Side-Kızılagaç, the Seaden de Mar is launching right next to the Seaden Sea World. Together, these two properties will operate as a massive water park dubbed “Seaden Joyland”. Over in Lara-Kundu, the Voyage chain is introducing the Voyage Kundu, complete with highly sought-after swim-up rooms and a dedicated TUGI Kids World.
With the season now stretching well into late autumn, Aussie families have more flexibility than ever to dodge the peak European crowds. There are also some serious bargains to be had, including deals where two children can stay in their parents’ room for a heavily reduced rate, essentially only paying for their flights. Larger groups haven’t been forgotten either, with properties like the Victory Hotels in Side offering sprawling family suites featuring two separate bathrooms at a solid price point.
Early Birds Catch the Worm in Greece and the Red Sea
Over in Greece, the focus is shifting heavily to the mid-market segment to help families battling cost-of-living pressures. Julia Mann, Product Manager for Greece and South Cyprus, notes that while families are keeping a close eye on their budgets, they are also booking much earlier to lock in percentage-based early bird discounts, which make a massive difference for group bookings.
Exclusive deals are front and centre, with the Blue Sea Holiday Village in Rhodes leading the charge. The Greek lineup for 2026 also welcomes the Grecotel Daphnila Bay in Corfu and the Grecotel Marine Palace & Aquapark in Crete, both offering flexible room configurations for different family sizes. Crete is also seeing the addition of the Canvas by Mitsis Cretan Village and Lyttos Beach, the latter being a cracker of a choice for bigger families, while Kos welcomes the Gaia Village.
Meanwhile, demand for high-quality family resorts along the Red Sea is surging. Melanie Ermair, Product Manager for Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, points out that family rooms in peak periods sell out incredibly fast, making early booking absolutely essential. Freshly modernised Egyptian options include the Albatros Makadi Resort and the Jaz Elite Asteria in Sahl Hasheesh, which boasts impressive swim-up family rooms. Further south in Marsa Alam, massive resorts like the Pickalbatros Vita Resort Portofino are heavily leaning into the family market, while the Xanadu Makadi Resort is offering specialised room categories for larger crews.
A Slower Pace in Mahon
Of course, sprawling all-inclusive resorts aren’t for everyone. If you prefer a more laid-back coastal city break, the Mediterranean still delivers heaps of quieter, historically rich alternatives. Mahon, the capital of the Spanish island of Menorca, is a perfect example. Famous for boasting one of the deepest natural harbours on the globe, the town is uniquely characterised by its British-style Georgian houses, a lingering legacy of the 18th-century British occupation.
Exploring Menorca on a Budget
You do not need to empty your wallet to experience the best of this island. Mahon is packed with seriously upscale boutiques rubbing shoulders with traditional craft shops. It is the perfect place to pick up pottery or a pair of locally made ‘avarques’, the flat, slingback leather shoes that remain one of the town’s most historic and popular exports.
For the active traveller, hitting the Cami de Cavalls, or “Way of horses”, is an absolute must. While this hiking trail actually loops the entire island, a brilliant afternoon can be spent starting at S’Algar and trekking the rugged coastline right back into Mahon. History buffs can then wander over to the Museo de Menorca. Housed in a stunning building that is worth a look just for its architecture, the museum showcases a brilliant collection of prehistoric artefacts detailing the island’s complex past. Best of all, admission is completely free on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 3pm and 6pm.
Premium Island Experiences
When you are ready to part with a bit of cash, Mahon has some brilliant paid attractions. The Fortress of Isabel II, constructed between 1850 and 1875 right at the mouth of the harbour, is a spectacular piece of military history. You can book a guided tour or simply grab an audio handset and explore the grounds at your own pace.
Back in town, you can catch a show at the Teatre Principal De Mao. Dating back to 1829, it stands as one of the oldest operating theatres in Spain. The interiors are incredibly spectacular, and while guided history tours are on offer, grabbing a ticket to a modern performance is easily the best way to soak up the atmosphere. Finally, no trip to Mahon is complete without discovering exactly what makes Menorcan gin so distinct. The Xoriguer Gin Factory runs tasting sessions covering their classic and modern varieties, and you can even have a crack at distilling your own batch before heading home.
