I had this problem last year (and will have it this year as well).

We ended up booking a villa with a pool in the resort of Cala Galdana in Minorca and DD took a friend with her.

I have to say it wasn't the ideal resort for teens. I had DS15 and 2 x 17 year olds with me, as it was too quiet, so i am thinking of maybe doing the same this year but on the outskirts of somewhere livelier.

The plus of Minorca and where I was though was that it felt really safe, The older two went off on their own all the time, the younger went back to the villa after we had eaten and we went for drinks in one of the posh hotels where sometimes the girls joined us just before midnight - which thankfully is when the resort shut.

At present I'm thinking maybe a villa just outside Albuferia in Algarve or one of the busier resorts in Majorca. Cant face Ayia Napa, Falaraki etc as I would be up till all hours worrying where they are, think that's best left for when they can go on their own and I can worry in the peace of my own home lol.
Also thinking of taking my DS's PS3 as he gets bored easily, but dont know if it would work abroad.

A place I had success with DS and football was Sharm in Egypt (weird or what). The hotel had some kind of dedicated football channel on TV that showed the premiership on it on a loop non-stop and we dont have sky sports - he couldn't beleive his luck - the Egyptians are football mad anyway - but its too hot there for summer. That combined with the pools, sea and eating out seemed to keep him occupied for a week.

Depends what sort of lad he is . Is he the sort that would go off and make friends or the shy type . My lads still come with us but I dont think either of the older ones would come without each other . My youngest is 14 but because he is shy he would still be happy to come with us alone . He spends all his waking day on his xbox at home but for some reason likes to read (war & action stuff ) when on holiday so he's just happy to hang with us & dive with his dad as much as possible.

We have always found Turkey the best option for teens . The entertainment teams are usually good fun as long as your son would make some mates and go with the flow . They all love football there too & usually plenty of that type of thing going on . We tend to go A/I but Even the smaller hotels & apartments have plenty of fun staff wiling to interact with teens.

Taking a mate would probably be the better way to go if you want to guarantee some enthusiam .

If he could take a friend, I think this would be the best option. Our eldest doesn't holiday with us anymore,preferring to go with friends. Our youngest daughter still comes away with us but for the last few years her friend has come along too. Next year none of her friends can afford to come as they are all at uni. We have chosen to go back to the same hotel as this year because she knows the entertainment team and went on several nights out with them this year. I think one of the AI resorts in Turkey would be ideal,they have lots going on for teens. There are a couple of hotels I could recommend if you did decide on Turkey.Also, as Lynwestie says, the Turks do love their football.

Hi all. Thanks for your replies. I had thought about Turkey but my OH isn't keen. It wouldn't be my first choice but I think if we chose a nice AI it would be OK. Strangely enough DS did mention he would like to try Sharm. Will have a look whats on offer.