A family holiday is about escaping mundane things and spending quality time with loved ones at some of the world’s most beautiful places. However, selecting the right place to take the family can be tricky. You must ensure it’s a destination that appeals to everyone, from kids to adults.
Thankfully, Europe is full of fantastic places that offer opportunities for families to have fun and spend quality time. If you need help deciding where to go on your next holiday with the family, here are the top six destinations for family holidays in Europe.
- Santorini, Greece
There’s no doubt that Santorini is one of the most famous islands in Greece. And while it appeals mostly to honeymooners, it can also be perfect for families with kids. The island offers something for every family member, from beautiful black sand beaches to charming villages, delectable cuisines, and fun outdoor adventures.
One of the top things to do for families in Santorini is to go on a boat tour to a caldera. Your kids will surely enjoy climbing the volcano and swimming in hot springs. However, this activity is only suitable for those with older kids since the trail to the caldera is not stroller friendly.
Another activity you should not miss when visiting Santorini with kids is to take the cable car ride from the port to the town of Thira. The ocean views from the cable car are breathtaking, something that everyone in the family will love.
- Provence-Alpes, France
Famous for its charming ancient villages and scenic lavender fields, Provence-Alpes is one of France’s most beautiful regions. For families who love to explore the countryside or spend fun days at the beach, the Provence can be an ideal destination for a family holiday. In addition, there are some great accommodation options in the Provence-Alpes, perfect for families who plan on spending several days in the region for their holiday.
Families who are lovers of history will find plenty to discover in Provence. The region has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Indeed, the Romans left their mark on the area, with many Roman buildings and monuments still present. Check out the Triumphal Arch of Orange, built during Augustus, or the Ambrussum, a magnificent Gallo-Roman archaeological site in Occitania.
Provence is also home to four Aqualand parks set along the coast, offering thrilling entertainment for all ages, from adults to teens and little kids. These parks are the best spots to have fun with your little ones. And if they are fond of animals, take them to La Barben Zoo, home to over 700 animals, including bears, lions, and panthers.
- Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the perfect place for a European holiday with the whole family. Here, you’ll find family-friendly beaches, museums, and numerous attractions that appeal to kids of all ages. In addition, Barcelona is easy to get around, with well-developed tourism infrastructures.
Museums may not be too appealing for kids, but they cannot certainly resist visiting a Museum of Chocolate. The Museu de la Xocolata is housed in a historical building close to Ciutadella Park, showcasing the history of chocolates in Europe, including their origins.
After visiting the Chocolate Museum, it’s worth checking out Ciutadella Park nearby, a serene place to escape the bustling streets of Barcelona. And while the adults relax, the kids can run around and admire the impressive fountains. You can also go boating in the lake or visit the Natural History Museum within the park.
- Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is famous for its rolling vineyards and delectable wine. But this doesn’t mean it’s not an ideal spot for families with kids. Families will find several fun activities to enjoy in this stunning Italian region. In fact, it’s a popular destination for some excellent cycling holidays in Italy, perfect for families looking to explore on a bike.
The beautiful medieval towns of Tuscany are like historical amusement parks that kids will love to explore. Cycle around Monteriggioni, a small walled town where the famous video game Assassin’s Creed is set.
Take the kids to Florence, home to child-friendly museums and a wonderful place to introduce them to history and arts. But if they prefer a bit of action, head to Boboli Gardens, a perfect spot to run around and play hide-and-seek.
- Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is one of the most picturesque Croatian islands, offering plenty of fun attractions and activities to entertain the whole family. There are also relaxing experiences for adults looking to relax and unwind.
Walking around the charming promenade of Hvar is enough to entertain the kids. The area is home to cafes, bars, and restaurants, facing the island’s pretty harbour full of yachts and all sorts of boats. Stroll through the waterfront from the southern edge of the town, passing along a 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, housing a fascinating collection of ancient artefacts.
Consider a boat trip to the nearby Pakleni Islands. The islands are home to some gorgeous beaches that are not as crowded as those in Hvar. Aside from the beaches, the islands have fantastic restaurants and stunning natural landscapes you can explore on a hike. For the more adventurous families with older kids, consider kayaking to the islands close enough to Hvar.
- Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Saas-Fee is a stunning car-free village in Switzerland that’s a popular destination for skiing. It offers numerous fun activities for all ages and has traditional, family-friendly chalets surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. Although most families would come here to ski, you can enjoy many other activities in Saas-Fee.
Saas-Fee is ideal for those new to skiing, as it has several nursery and intermediate slopes. Of course, there are also enough to satisfy pro skiers.
If your kids are younger, book one of the kids’ clubs, where they can enjoy arts and crafts. Or take them to the Kids Fun Park, with fun entertainment like a magic carpet and a snow carousel.
Another child-friendly attraction in Saas-Fee is the bakery museum, where kids can roll their sleeves, bake bread, and receive a diploma.