I have just written a blog on exactly those sort of holidays - loads of places in the Algarve and longer haul. Might be worth having a look, http://www.familyholidayscompany.com/bl ... apartments. I would also recommend Princesa Yaiza but they are not really self-catering more just a handy fridge and microwave.

If you are still looking for child-friendly accommodation in Europe, have a look at http://www.familytripfinder.com/ there are some great family friendly accommodation in France. You could try for example the beautiful region of Acquitaine/Dordogne, there is lots to see and visit including prehistoric caves, castles and beautiful villages!. No sure what your budget is but have a look this beautiful house with pool http://www.familytripfinder.com/detail/ ... ooms_.html
Le me know if you need further help.

+1 for Princessa Yaiza. Lovely vacation with my fiance and a couple of friends. Would love to go there again but we have different plans for this summer.
Take a look, you won't go wrong

How about Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel? Enjoy one of the world's best family hotels.
(Condé Nast Traveller, 05/2015 http://issuu.com/martinhal/docs/family_ ... may_2014/0)

Chek out our special offer for May Half-term:
http://www.martinhal.com/offers/pdf-fil ... 015_EN.pdf

There is Chateau les Carasses in the Languedoc Roussillon region in France. You can rent a house, a maisonette et they have pool on site, plus restaurant, a kids'club, a bowl area, etc..
We stayed there on their first summer opening. You are not exactly on the beach (about 40' to the nearest one) but there are lots of great villages to explore and you can just relax by the pool if you want to.

I haven't been but Borgo Egnazia is also built around the concept of villas that you can rent and yet have restaurant, kids'club etc.. on site.

The other one that comes up again and again and you would probably have great weather is Anassa in Cyprus.

Hope it helps

Have a look at Radisson Blu Sun Gardens in Croatia:
http://www.totstoo.com/hotel/radisson-b ... n-gardens/
There are lovely Residences with full kitchens so that you can self cater but you're within a stunning resort with a kids club.

Call 020 7284 3344 or email sales@totstoo.com for more info

I would strongly recommend Princessa Yaiza in Lanzarote, they have family suites with tiny kitchen, a number of pools including paddling, great on site restaurants, a fantastic spa for the grown ups and a kids club, although unsure whether would be open for May half term. They are also just off the beach. Reading your message it seems exactly what you are looking for. We went twice with the children and I went once on my own for an intensive spa break and I was always very pleased.

I'm looking for recommendations for truly family friendly places to go for the end of May half term. Our wish list is

- warm and sunny
- within Europe
- ideally self catering but with 'hotel' facilities ie restaurants, pools, play area.
- sandy beaches
- pools on site.

We have been to martinhal twice and loved it but looking to try somewhere new. Kids will be 6, 2 and 10 months so we need it to be baby friendly and also good for older ones. We have also been looking at the mark warner Rhodes resort but I'm put off by the lack of self catering option as I feel that with 2 little ones it is so useful to have a kitchen to do own breakfast and quick snacks etc. Has anyone been and would recommend it?