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 German families

The Best Cars for Family Winter Holidays

Winter is one of the most exciting times of year for a family getaway. For some German families, it’s all about skiing and snow activities, 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.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is renowned for its picturesque alpine scenery and family-friendly ski resorts. The Garmisch Classic ski area offers a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels, making it ideal for families.

Family Activities:

Skiing & snowboarding - Explore the Garmisch Classic ski area with its 40 km of slopes.
Winter hiking - Enjoy scenic trails with breathtaking mountain views.
Alpine coaster - Experience the thrilling summer toboggan run, open year-round.
Zugspitze summit - Take a cable car to Germany's highest peak for panoramic views.
Eating out - Enjoy Bavarian specialites.

The Zugspitzbahn runs from garmisch partenkirchen to Grainau to the Zugspitze, Werdenfelser Land, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

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.

Zugspitze, Germany

Germany's highest peak offers a unique winter experience with its glacier skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The area is perfect for families looking to enjoy snow activities in a stunning setting.

Family Activities:

Glacier skiing - Ski on Germany's only glacier ski resort.
Snowshoeing & sledging - Explore the snowy landscape on foot or with a sled.
Ice Climbing - For adventurous families, try ice climbing with a guide.

Panoramic Views - Visit the observation deck for breathtaking views of the Alps.

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 Canaries are popular with German families with their beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, and a variety of activities suitable for all ages.

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.

Zell am See, Austria – Lakeside Ski Resort

Zell am See offers a charming lakeside setting combined with excellent skiing opportunities, making it perfect for families seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Family Activities:

Ski lessons for kids – Austrian ski schools are among the best in Europe.
Skiing & snowboarding - Enjoy the slopes of the Schmittenhöhe mountain.
Lake activities - Go ice skating or take a winter boat tour on Lake Zell.
Spa & wellness - Relax at the Tauern Spa with its family-friendly facilities.
Historic town - Explore the medieval town center with its quaint shops and restaurants.

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.