There’s no denying the fact that a family vacation is one of the best ways to spend quality time with your loved ones, and Europe is the perfect place for this. However, with so many beautiful destinations on the continent, deciding where to take the family can be overwhelming. The best way to ensure that everyone will have a great time is by choosing a destination that offers a variety of activities that both adults and kids will love. To help you with this, here’s our list of the most incredible family trips to Europe.
- Greece
Greece would be the perfect destination for a family trip, home to many beautiful islands and ancient cities rich in culture and history. What’s more, the country offers a mix of activities geared towards adults and kids. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can sail and hop from one island to another. Families who prefer to spend most of their time at the beach will find many secluded beaches with narrow waters safe for little kids.
Athens, the capital city, will most likely be the first place you’ll see in Greece. Explore its impressive ancient sights, such as the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel home to some of the world’s most famous archaeological buildings, such as the Parthenon. If you want to spend most of your time at the beach while holidaying in Greece, check out the beaches of Kapari, Lia, and Ftelia in Mykonos or the stunning Elafonisi Beach of Crete. The idyllic beaches on Paros island and the scenic black sand beach in Santorini are also worth checking out.
Island hopping is one of the best things to do on your family trip to Greece. The country has thousands of different islands spread across the vast Aegean Sea. These islands are not only home to some of the world’s beautiful beaches but also quaint fishing villages that you can explore on a hike. Begin at the charming island of Mykonos before heading to Milos, Ios, Paros, and Naxos.
- Portugal
Tucked in the southwest corner of Europe, Portugal is the perfect place to stay with lots of fun things to do for the family. You will find idyllic beaches only steps away from family-friendly resorts and historic cities home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Portugal is home to beautiful castles and palaces, which you can explore with the kids. You’ll find the famous Pena Palace outside Lisbon, a gorgeous hilltop castle with vibrant pink and yellow hues. The Dracula Castle, with its labyrinth of paths, magnificent gardens and towers, is also a joy to visit. If your kids prefer to explore on the water, take them on a fun boating trip and discover secluded beaches and sea caves along the Algarve’s rugged coastline.
Going on a dolphin safari on the coast of the Algarve is another activity kids are guaranteed to enjoy. Your little ones will enjoy seeing these marine creatures up close, playing around the boat. And if you’ve got adventurous kids, take them surfing in Portugal. The coast in Lisbon and Ericeira offers the perfect conditions to learn surfing since the waves are milder.
- France
France is the perfect destination for a family trip. It has many beautiful places, incredibly delicious food, and a wide variety of attractions that will satisfy your family’s vacation needs. For families going for a beach vacation, France has many beautiful beaches. If you’re more interested in sightseeing, there are castles, vineyards, and picturesque small towns to explore.
Going to theme parks should be first on your list, especially if you’ve got little kids. France has several excellent theme parks featuring fun rides, puppet shows, and child-friendly attractions. If you only have time to see one park, head to Disneyland in Paris. But if your kids are more interested in visiting museums, take them to Toulouse’s incredible space museum, Cité de l’Espace. Other great museums your kids will love are the Musée d’Orsay and the Cité des Sciences, both in Paris.
For adventurous families, go on a road trip to Normandy, a picturesque region on the northern coast of France home to Mont Saint Michel, a medieval village perched on an island and a truly stunning place to visit with the kids.
- Croatia
With more than a thousand kilometres of coastline boasting sparkling blue waters, a luxury cruise in Croatia is a paradise for families who love the beach. But it’s not only its pristine waters that have made Croatia a top destination for family holidays. The country is home to some of the world’s most beautiful national parks and idyllic islands, home to stunning beaches and lovely ancient towns.
Croatia offers many fun activities for adventurous families. If you love the thrill of white-water rafting, head to Split’s Cetina River. Board a raft and experience the adrenaline rush of riding through the emerald waters tumbling over magnificent boulders. Families who love to ride bikes should visit Pula Peninsula, which has scenic cycling trails overlooking the Adriatic coast.
If you only have time to visit one place in Croatia, make it Dubrovnik. It has a beautiful walled town you can explore with your little ones. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride towards Mount Srd and admire the stunning views of the city from above. After a fun-filled day, treat your kids to delectable gelatos in one of the many gelaterias in Dubrovnik.
- The UK
The UK is a vast country offering numerous fun things to do on your family trip. It has fun rides, stunning parks, and family-friendly attractions that adults and kids love.
Harry Potter fans should not miss the chance to explore the film’s iconic sets, including the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s Office, located outside London. For theatre fans, spend the night at the West End watching some of the world’s most famous musicals and plays. Venture outside London and visit some of the UK’s most magnificent castles, including Warwick Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror.
Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most famous attractions and a must-visit on your family trip. Located close to Amesbury in Wiltshire, the area is easily accessible from London. Check out the nearby Neolithic houses and drop by the Stonehenge exhibition centre.
