vacation destination ideas

I am in charge of planning a family vacation (4 adults, 2 kids) and would love to hear suggestions of places to go. The options are overwhelming and I'd love some recommendations or suggestions!

Here's the criteria:

1. easy flight from England
2. near the ocean
3. adventurous-type activities (we were planning to go on a rainforest canopy-type vacation in Costa Rica, but now have to change that to a more-UK central destination)
4. has to be during the kids' UK school holidays
5. we're not ones to spend an entire week on the beach, so cultural/history is a must
6. I would definitely consider a package tour type-thingy, as long as it wasn't too touristy. However, it would have to incorporate local flavor!

We loved Granada and the surrounding area. We didn't do adventurous stuff, but I imagine it's there.

Also, Italy is so kid friendly. Perhaps the Amalfi coast?

Also, Italy is so kid friendly. Perhaps the Amalfi coast?

Yeah, problem is that the last family vacation we took was to Sorrento!

I'm thinking seriously about Madeira - for some reason, I've always wanted to go there. Has anyone been?

Nice/French Riviera?

Greece. Rhodes has so far been my favourite holiday....

My old housemate and her boyfriend went to Madeira. They had a really nice time. It sounded like a nice vacation that included beach time and going for walks, etc. They rented a car, which sounded like was a good choice. Oh, and they drank a lot of Madeira wine. 

Nice/French Riviera?

Great suggestion, but when my sister lived in Paris, every vacation was to the south of France. I'd go back in a second, but my parents would need some convincing!

Greece. Rhodes has so far been my favourite holiday....

I've never been to Rhodes, and my dad wants to go to a Greek island. I'll check it out! Any recommendations of things to do there?

Oh, and they drank a lot of Madeira wine. 

Yum!