Family travel expert explains the rise of nostalgia tourism and reveals why now is the time to book favourite family destinations for 2027. Global interest in ‘nostalgia tourism’ – or nostalgications – has skyrocketed in the last 12 months increasing 5,000% between July 2025 and July 2026.
Sam Willan, family travel expert at SPL Villas, believes that amid the rising cost of living, ongoing global uncertainty, and an increasingly unfamiliar world, travellers are seeking comfort and a return to simpler times. As such, revisiting the destinations that shaped childhood holidays is emerging as one of the biggest nostalgications travel trends.
Sam says: “The appeal of nostalgications is simple – people want to return to the places that made them fall in love with travel. They offer families more than just a holiday but an opportunity to reconnect with treasured memories while creating new ones with the next generation.
“The one catch? These much-loved destinations – whether a favourite Greek island or Spanish beach resort or the once-upon-a-time small fishing village where generations of your family have visited – remain just as popular and for good reason. This means booking early is key but it also brings practical advantages – you will be able to choose from the widest range of villas making it easier to find a property that suits your group’s needs, whether that’s a private pool, walking distance to the beach or space for multiple generations under one roof. It also means that you can secure your preferred travel dates before demand peaks.
“If you have school age children or older teens at university, early booking isn’t just recommended, it’s essential.”
Below, Sam shares his key picks for a nostalgia filled family holiday…
Carvoeiro, The Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve has remained one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations since the mid 1960’s (when Faro airport opened) and for good reason, think stunning sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, secluded coves combined with historic towns and delicious food.
Carvoeiro is a great nostalgications location for those who want a bit of everything and under an hour’s drive from Faro, which is well serviced by several UK airlines.
Once a small fishing village, the town now boasts an aesthetic beach featuring showers and public toilets, a buzzy town square hosting music acts every weekend in summer, a large selection of authentic restaurants catering to even the fussiest eaters, shops selling local produce, gifts and ceramics, boat trips to explore secret coves and all easily walkable.
It’s also a great base for those considering hiring a car and exploring nearby towns and attractions. Keep kids entertained with a visit to the nearby waterpark Slide & Splash or popular marine park Zoomarine. Alternatively, drive inland to Silves, a historic city on the banks of the Arade River with a rich Moorish past and castle offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards.
Kassiopi, Corfu, Greece
Located on the northern side of the Ionian Sea, Corfu has long been a holiday destination of choice for families becoming a hotspot for British tourists in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In fact, it’s long been thought that its stunning landscape inspired the island setting for Shakespeare’s The Tempest. If its beauty was enough to inspire the greatest writer in the English language, you can rest assured that it will look picture perfect in all your (or your teen’s) holiday snaps.
The island boasts an easy to navigate bus network connecting the airports with the island’s many resorts so there is no need to fork out for a taxi or wait in the hire car queue upon arrival.
Kassiopi is a vibrant village in the northeast of the island offering picturesque surrounds, traditional tavernas and plenty of history. It’s a blend of traditional Greek charm and modern conveniences – ideal for those on a nostalgication.
The magnificent Mount Pantokrator offers a glorious backdrop to your holiday as do the hills covered in olive groves, vines and citrus plantations. All you need to do is sit back and relax.
The crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and keeping budding marine biologists entertained but worth noting that the local beaches are pebbled. A non-issue for those keen to recreate childhood trips to pebbled beaches (in Kassiopi or in the UK!) but for others it’s worth doing like the locals and investing in water shoes. Alternatively, drive 10 minutes west to Kalamaki Beach for golden sand and shallow, warm waters.
Cala d’Or, Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca became a go-to holiday destination for Brits during the 1950’s and 1960’s thanks to the launch of affordable package holidays and the rise of commercial air travel. Today it remains a popular nostalgications destination and is the perfect place to return to with a family of your own.
Characterised by stunning scenic coves and long sandy beaches, Cala d’Or is a great location for families of all ages seeking some sun, sea and sand.
Days can be spent beach hopping, renting kayaks to explore nearby caves or walking the trails of the nearby Parc Natural de Mondragó. Those looking for holiday mementoes or trinkets can enjoy the plentiful shopping options at the marina. Whilst, come nighttime, the beautiful marina has an attractive buzz thanks to the wide range of bars and diverse nightlife – sure to keep older teens entertained.
Those with younger children should consider a trip to visit both the Ham and Drach caves. Just a 30-minute drive up the coast, you will be able to experience the wonder of Lake Martel – one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Those wanting to turn the drive into a day trip can make the most of Dinosaurland being located right next to the Ham caves (you can even buy a joint ticket), allowing visitors to walk among more than 100 life-size dinosaurs. A real thrill for little ones!
To book a villa for your own nostalgication, visit: www.splvillas.com
Some Images supplied. Some images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
