The 10 Best Places in Europe for a Family Vacation
Choose any of these memorable spots for the ideal family break
Stand-up paddle-boarding in the Algarve | finepic / Shutterstock
There was a time where ‘family vacation’ meant rocking up to a resort with kids clubs, a huge kids pool and insipid evening entertainment. Not anymore.
Travelling with the kids nowadays can be just as exciting as it was before they arrived, with family-friendly hotels taking a more subtle approach to catering for everyone.
From Atlantic Islands with geothermal pools for splashing in, to Bavarian peaks that challenge older kids to ditch their screens and see the ‘real world’, we’ve selected 10 family vacation spots where everyone can relax, unwind and enjoy an enriching break.
1. Côte de Granit Rose, Brittany, France
The weather-worn pink granite makes for a great natural play zone | Jearu / Shutterstock
Forget Disneyland Paris and head to this natural playground up in Northwestern France. The geology along this stretch of Atlantic coastline features pink-blush granite that has been shaped into huge curved cliffs and boulders, creating hideaway smuggler coves and even natural slides into the water.
The stretch between Trégastel and Perros-Guirec features the area’s best beaches. Plus, you can hop on a sightseeing boat from Ploumanac’h to sail past the Sept-Îles bird reserve, home to puffins and razorbills.
For a unique experience, head to Cani Rando where you can go husky dog-sledding year-round, even if there’s no snow.
Base yourself at L’Agapa Hôtel & Spa in Perros-Guirec, with spacious family rooms and a heated indoor pool for the days where Britany’s Atlantic-influenced weather refuses to play ball.
2. Naxos, Greece
Naxos has no shortage of fantastic beaches | Balate.Dorin / Shutterstock
Although Greece has its fair share of mega family resorts boasting gigantic high rise hotels and noisy, overcrowded pools, it’s still totally possible to step back and enjoy a much simpler (and authentic) Greek experience.
Naxos is the perfect island to take younger kids, with quiet and shallow beaches offering the perfect spot to paddle.
Try the Naxian Collection, just off the Agios Prokopios Beach, with semi-private pools, kitchenettes for simple kiddy-friendly cooking and an organic garden where little ones can pick their own home-grown tomatoes for lunch. The airport transfer shuttle is also handy if you’re lugging a pram and travel cot too!
The island is still great for older kids, with old style buses connecting you to hikes and tavernas and kitesurfing on Mikri Vigla filling in the days.
3. Bavarian Alps, Germany
A fairytale castle is reason enough to visit the Bavarian Alps | Holly Vegter
Regardless of the time of year, Germany’s Bavarian Alps offers a different kind of family holiday that doesn’t rely on beaches and swimming pools to keep everyone entertained. Instead, hike, ski or snow tube your way around the slopes and glaciers year-round.
An essential activity is to hop on the cogwheel train at Garmisch-Partenkirchen that connects the valley floor to the Eibsee cable-car stop on the Zugspitze. This allows you to climb 2,962 metres for some seriously fresh mountain air, all without breaking a sweat.
With retained glacier snow available even in the hottest summer months, you can easily ski, sled, snow tube or just enjoy the white stuff before heading back down the mountain to warm up or cool off depending on when you visit.
And what trip to Bavaria would be complete without a trip to the castle that inspired Disney? Neuschwanstein is a couple of hours from Munich, but expect year-round tourist crowds.
One thing that the Alps does very well is the Familienhotel, luxury hotels that feel adult-only, but welcome children with specific play areas, clubs and activities that allow parents to enjoy some ‘me time’. The Leiners Familienhotel is ideal in summer or winter, with extensive suggested activities and an indoor play barn.
4. Costa Dorada, Spain
Salou is a busy resort, but there’s a lot to do for kids of all ages | Oleg_P / Shutterstock
Skip the bland beach resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Blanca and take your family to a part of the Spanish Mediterranean coast where it’s difficult to be bored. Yes, the beaches are great, but right here you’re within striking distance of Port Aventura, Spain’s largest theme park and one of Europe’s best.
Visit six themed lands or ride the world’s first VR rollercoaster, El Diablo, where you can wear an optional headset while you ride. For smaller kids, Sesame Street land is also great fun, along with other kiddie-coasters and rides throughout the park. Dads will love the new Ferrari Land, complete with adrenaline rides and plenty of F1 stuff to see.
Skip the cheap hotels in nearby Salou and stay right in the park at the Hotel Gold River, a western themed hotel that offers park + stay tickets to save cash.
The other good part of the Costa Dorado is its proximity to Barcelona. Not only is this handy for the airport, but the gothic centre and Gaudí attractions like Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia are appealing for all ages.
5. Scottish Highlands, UK
You may recognise The Jacobite as the Hogwarts Express | pql89 / Shutterstock
Where better for a family break than the self-proclaimed outdoor capital of the UK? Fort William, in the heart of the highlands, boasts dozens of outdoor activities, from forest rope courses at Aonach Mòr to paddle boarding on the lochs.
If you have any Harry Potter fans in your family (adults included), the Jacobite Steam Train, which stood in as the Hogwarts Express in the movies, is an essential visit. The train famously crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a scene which featured in the Harry Potter films and is just as epic in real life.
No trip to the Highlands would be complete without an attempt to find Nessie. The Loch Ness Monster is the local legend that became a global phenomenon, and the locals live up to the hype. You can hop aboard Nessie-spotting boat tours, visit the various Loch Ness gift shops and even have your photo taken by the monster (well, a statue of it) next to the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel.
Book a stay at the Moorings Hotel in Banavie, where the family suites face the famous ‘Neptune’s Staircase’ canal locks. The kids can watch the boats traverse the locks while grown ups can plan the next move or catch a five minute break.
6. São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
Whales, dolphins and other marine life are a common sight in the Azores | Marek Pelikan / Shutterstock
Around five hours from both mainland Europe and the Eastern US, you’ll find a mid-Atlantic eden that feels wild and remote, but comes with all the creature comforts and safety nets that you sometimes need on a family vacation.
Ponta Delgada is easily one of the best places on earth for whale watching, with up to 24 different species of cetaceans popping up or calling the waters home at various times of the year. Some operators even offer a guaranteed sighting, and a refund or re-sail party if you don’t see anything.
On dry land, the Furnas caldera, a dormant but still hot series of geysers and thermal springs, offers a truly unique dining opportunity. The locals cook Cozido das Furnas, a plate of beef and vegetables slow-cooked in clay pots under the hot surface of the caldera. Kids will love digging up the unsurprisingly delicious lunch cooked underground.
Get the best of everything by staying at the White Exclusive Suites & Villas in Lagao, with its infinity pool overlooking popular whale routes. The hotel can even organise a geothermal-pool picnic at Caldeira Velha, car seats included.
7. Lapland, Finland
Santa’s office is open year-round | Roman Babakin / Shutterstock
Although the crowds descend on the home of Santa Claus (in a big way) during December, Finnish Lapland is actually secretly a great year-round destination. The magic of the summer midnight sun means you can kayak, hike or husky-sled (even without snow) past 11pm, and still not feel totally drained the next day.
The Santa Claus Office is actually open year-round too, so you can drop off your Christmas lists in person and maybe even see some elves hard at work preparing for the big day, even when the sun is shining.
However, a great tip for Lapland is to book a glass-roofed cabin and watch the Northern Lights in all their glory. The family igloos at Apukka Resort offer floor-to-ceiling thermal glass, meaning everyone can lie in bed and fall asleep as the magical colours float across the night sky (just hope for clear skies!).
8. Soča Valley, Slovenia
Adventures abound along Slovenia’s Soča Valley | Cristina Ariza / Shutterstock
This lesser-known Soča Valley in Slovenia’s Julian Alps is a great spot for teenagers to burn off some steam, get away from screens and get back in touch with nature. The emerald waters are pretty enough to look at, but the real fun is had in a kayak, on a white water raft, or by jumping off or sliding down the smooth rocks at canyoning spots.
There’s also some great hiking, including the Soča Trail that visits some of the poignant leftovers of the battles fought in the area during World War I – handy for impromptu history lessons or a great opportunity to collect inspiration for those upcoming exams or essays.
Parents will love the fine dining in Kobarid, a village in the centre of the valley, or the Thirsty River brewery in Bovec, a short drive away. The Nebesa Chalets in Kobarid have some superb views of the mountains, but kids will love Glamping Gozdna Jasa near Tolmin, complete with WI-Fi and hot tubs by your luxury tent.
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9. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is home to some of Portugal’s best beaches | Diego Thomazini / Shutterstock
If all of these options sound too out-there, or your older teens want a ‘real’ vacation that features plenty of lounging around in the sunshine, then you can’t beat the Algarve for a family break.
With some of Europe’s best beaches, including the gently-sloping Praia do Martinhal, kids of all ages can swim safely. In Lagos, tour operators run dolphin-watching cruises, including morning options that finish before nap time.
If lying around on the sand gets boring, then the Slide and Splash Lagoa water park is a quick crowd pleaser.
The family-first Martinhal Sagres Resort has been specifically designed with kids in mind, including villas with stair gates and a surf academy suitable for teens and tweens. There’s also a creche and kids club if you need a quick break!
10. Rovinj, Croatia
The old town of Rovinj | Mazur Travel / Shutterstock
This pretty coastal town on the Istrian peninsula is the perfect mix of relaxation, warm weather and days out that will keep everyone entertained. First up is the car-free coastal greenway, where everyone can hop on a hired bike and explore pine forests, shady coves and picnic spots with any worries about mingling with Croatia’s often chaotic roads.
Back in the Old Town of Rovinj, everyone can split up to explore the medieval streets to shop, browse or gorge on gelato. The St. Euphemia basilica is worth checking out for looks alone.
For a family treat, splurge on the five-star Hotel Lone by the Golden Cape Forest Park. You can explore the surrounding area on a free-to-hire cargo bike, plus the supervised kids club, indoor splash pool and generous family rooms earn it a lot of ticks for family travellers.
Parting Thoughts
Your European family vacation doesn’t need to be loud, busy and focused around cartoon mascots that distract from the otherwise boring beach resorts that have become the ‘safe bet’.
Whether it’s stepping out of your comfort zone in the Bavarian Alps or riding the Hogwarts Express across the Scottish moors, those special trips can be made even more special with experiences they won’t forget anytime soon.
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