Flying the family-friendly flag is five-bedroom Villa Galiza in Sanxenxo, Galicia, Spain. This modern villa boasts a large swimming pool and garden area, plus an on-site gym so you can keep up with your fitness routine while you’re away – or not, the choice is yours. The villa’s only a short 5-minute stroll from sandy Montalvo Beach, too, so you can work on that pool-to-beach routine instead.

When you step inside the villa, you’re greeted with an oasis of calm thanks to the soothing natural colour palatte. There’s a large living room with comfy sofas and a television for that home-from-home feel. From there, large doors lead straight to the garden and pool area. Enjoy breakfast or dinner here with the beautiful natural light, or make use of the charming alfresco dining table and chairs. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen, so a self-catering stay is a doddle at Villa Galiza, too.

The five bedrooms are all equally spacious and there are four bathrooms at this villa, too, so they’ll be no fighting over the shower in the morning. Three of the bedrooms benefit from access to a terrace, which overlooks the sea – perfect for those make-your-friends-jealous pictures. There's a large laundry toom and a leisure room with table football and a pool table, so there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Relax around the pool while the kids are playing on the grass or splashing in the water, or head into the beautiful surrounds to explore this hidden gem of a region.

Thanks to its location near to the white-sand beach and charming Sanzenxo town, days will never be dull at this family-friendly haven. You can stroll through the local villages, discover the ancient architecture or visit one of the traditional wineries to sample the region's famous Albarino wine.

Villa Galiza is in the Spanish region of Sanzenxo in Pontevedra, Galicia. The region’s synonymous for its beautifully rugged coasts and thickly wooded countryside. You can eat some of the best seafood in Europe here, too – all washed down with a glass of delicious Albarino wine. Galicia is a hidden gem, and still remains largely off the typical tourist trail – compared to the likes of Barcelona the Costas – making it an ideal destination for a peaceful, and authentic Spanish, retreat.

Thanks to the villa’s beachside location, there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved with water sports like sea kayaking. Montalvo Beach boasts Blue Flag Status and has calm, bath-warm waters that are ideal for swimming and soft sands that are ideal for sunbathing.

In Pontevedra – known for its well-preserved old town and Gothic Santa María la Mayor Basilica, you can get your dose of culture. Snap pictures of the historic churches and charming squares here, before sampling local cuisine in one of the bars and restaurants. Fresh seafood like octopus, or other Galician specialties like Empanada Gallega – a large pie usually filled with meat – are a must taste.

The worth-exploring cities of Vilanova de Cerveira and Caminha are close by, too. You could also make tracks for Vigo, Porto or Tui. The latter is a Romanesque and gothic village that’s steeped in history. Take in the cathedral and churches there, before heading to the mountain of Aloia nearby. If you climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of Vigo estuary and the Louro valley below.

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