There’s no question that a family vacation is a great way to spend some quality time together. But deciding where to go can be tricky. If you’re looking for an unforgettable European adventure, look no further! Here are 11 of the best family destinations in Europe.
This Guest Post is part of our Best Destinations series
Finding a family vacation that everyone will enjoy can be hard.
There are so many options out there; it’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up with a trip that no one is happy with.
The best way to ensure your next family trip to Europe is perfect for the whole family is by using this list as a guide. From the beaches of Spain to the glaciers of Iceland, there’s something for everyone on this list.
That’s what makes visiting European cities so truly special. The cultural and historical diversity is unmatched, which makes for a great family learning and bonding experience.
So pack your bags and get ready for some serious fun.
This is a guest post on Our Globetrotters by Kyle from ViaTravelers. You can find our European winter itinerary for families over here – plus we have a super round-up of winter destinations in Europe perfect for December travel over here
Best Family Holiday Destinations in Europe
Let’s get into our favourite places for you to have the best possible European family vacation.
1. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and for a good reason! This vibrant city is home to beautiful architecture, delicious food, and plenty of things to do.
Families will love exploring the city’s many neighbourhoods, including the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla. Kids will also enjoy visiting Barcelona’s many parks, including the magical Park Guell.
There are many great places to stay in Barcelona, but the following are some of the best.
- The Majestic Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Barcelona. This historic hotel offers beautiful rooms, suites, and excellent amenities and service.
- The Hotel Arts is another luxurious option, located right on the beach in Barcelona. This hotel offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea and excellent service and amenities.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider staying in an apartment. Barcelona has a large number of furnished apartments available for rent, perfect for families.
2. The Greek Isles
The Greek Isles are a must-see for any family looking for a vacation full of stunning scenery and amazing history. These islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and ancient ruins that will fascinate adults and children.
Catamaran cruise Santorini, explore monasteries in Mykonos, or visit the cradle of civilization in Crete, just a few of the many Greek Isles that are perfect for a family vacation.
When planning a family vacation to the Greek Isles, choosing the right place to stay is essential. There are many resorts and hotels to choose from, but not all are suitable for families. Here are some of the best places to stay in Greece for families:
Learn more about the best of Santorini with kids here
3. Paris, France
Paris is another one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s no wonder why! This city is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Families of all sizes will enjoy walking through the city’s charming streets and exploring its many museums and an unmissable day trip to Disneyland Paris. And don’t forget to enjoy a delicious French dinner at a classic bistro while you’re here.
When planning a family vacation to Paris, choosing the right place to stay is important. There are many resorts and hotels to choose from, but not all are suitable for families. Here are some of the best places to stay in Paris for families:
4. The Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps are a must-visit for any family looking for a winter vacation filled with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. These stunning mountains are also home to some of the best hiking in Europe. Families can spend days exploring the many villages that dot the Alps or take a trip on the world-famous Jungfrau Railway.
When planning a family vacation to the Swiss Alps, choosing the right place to stay is important. There are many resorts and hotels to choose from, but not all are suitable for families. Here are some of the best places to stay in the Swiss Alps for families:
- The Westin Swiss Alps
- Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
- Hotel Bristol Zermatt
5. The Italian Riviera
The Italian Riviera is a perfect destination for families looking for a relaxing beach vacation in Europe. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the most beautiful European beaches, charming villages, and delicious restaurants.
Families can spend their days swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the local towns. There is no shortage of great towns to visit along the Italian Riviera. Some of our favourites include Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Positano.
When planning a family vacation to the Italian Riviera, choosing the right place to stay is important. There are many resorts and hotels to choose from, but not all are suitable for families. Here are some of the best places to stay on the Italian Riviera for families:
- Hotel Splendido
- Villa Durazzo Pallavicini
- Hotel San Pietro
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a must-visit for any family looking to experience some of Europe’s best histories. This charming city is home to a variety of historical landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Families can spend their days exploring the city’s many museums and shops or take a hike in the beautiful Scottish countryside.
Some of the best places to stay in Edinburgh are the Balmoral Hotel, The Rutland, and The Chesterfield. All of these hotels offer a variety of services and amenities that will make your stay in Edinburgh comfortable and enjoyable.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a fun and vibrant city, perfect for families looking for a city break. This historic city is home to charming canals, world-famous museums, and delicious Dutch food. Families can spend their days exploring Amsterdam’s many narrow streets and beautiful parks.
If you’re looking for a history lesson while on your European family vacation, be sure to visit the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.
The Anne Frank House was the home of the famous diarist Anne Frank and currently tells the story of her family’s time in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The Van Gogh Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s art and is a must-see for any art lover.
There are so many great things to do in Amsterdam that you’ll surely leave the city inspired and seeking more adventure as a family.
8. The British Isles
The British Isles is a perfect destination for families looking for a vacation full of history and culture. These islands are home to a variety of charming villages, stunning landscapes, and world-famous landmarks.
Families can spend their days exploring the many castles and cathedrals or take a trip to one of the many beautiful beaches.
When visiting the British Isles, there are a variety of places to stay depending on your budget and preferences. If you’re looking for a luxurious and historic experience, stay at one of the many castles available. Many of these castles offer fine dining and spa services, as well as beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, a variety of bed and breakfasts are available in the smaller villages.
9. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a city full of culture and history that is perfect for families looking for a vacation they will never forget. This elegant city is home to a variety of historical landmarks, including the Vienna State Opera and Schonbrunn Palace.
There are plenty of great things to do in Vienna with kids. Families can spend their days exploring the city’s many museums and parks, or take a trip to the beautiful Austrian countryside.
The city is brimming with a cosmopolitan flair for adrenaline seekers and families. Its excellent transportation system means exploring is easy (and family-friendly), whether you’re planning on taking a guided walking tour of the city or taking in museums like the Schonbrunn Palace.
Vienna is not a huge city, nor an overly expensive one, and it’s one of the safest in Europe. There are plenty of playgrounds and English-speaking tour guides for those travelling with children, should you want to venture out on your own.
It is also one of the best places to visit in December with family, with its exceptional Christmas Markets, ice skating and festive atmosphere.
10. Madrid, Spain
The capital city of Spain is a bustling metropolis that is perfect for families looking for a vacation full of culture and excitement. Madrid is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, including the Prado Museum and Plaza Mayor.
Families can spend their days exploring the city’s many beautiful plazas and churches or take a trip to one of Madrid’s many amusement parks.
Madrid is an affordable city with plenty to see and do. English is widely spoken in the city, making it easy for tourists to get around.
There are also a number of family-friendly hotels and restaurants available. With its close proximity to other popular Spanish destinations like Barcelona and Granada, Madrid is the perfect base for a family vacation in Spain.
11. Iceland
Iceland is a great place to visit as a family. The country is known for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. In addition, Iceland is a safe and child-friendly country, with plenty of attractions and activities for families.
Reykjavik, the capital city, is a great place to start your exploration of Iceland. There you’ll find a variety of museums, restaurants, and parks, or take an eco-friendly whale-watching tour. Other popular attractions in Iceland include the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa and the Golden Circle Route, which feature some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery. If you’re looking for a memorable experience, try a tour package like one of these which combines the most popular Icelandic attractions with ATV, Buggy or Snowmobile Tours.”
Seeing the Northern Lights is a must-do when visiting Iceland. The best time to see them is from September to March when the sky is dark enough.
There are several ways to see the Northern Lights, including by boat, bus, or car. You can also go on a Northern Lights tour or visit a geothermal spa.
You can book Northern Light tours or take control of your trip and rent a camper. You have so many options to make your dreams of seeing the northern lights come true.
If it’s your first trip to Iceland, read this guide to the Northern Lights to help you out. This travel resource covers the essential and practical stuff about travelling to Iceland to experience the phenomenon.
No matter how you choose to see them, the Northern Lights are sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Europe with Kids
Europe is home to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and these are just a few of the best destinations for families to visit. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a trip full of adventure, Europe has something for any type of family.
So what are you waiting for? Book your vacation now and start exploring this beautiful continent.
About the Blogger
Kyle Kroeger is the owner of ViaTravelers.com. ViaTravelers is a destination travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to help you explore the world.
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Hello, great vacation ideas!
Another idea for a city vacation in Europe would be Hamburg in Germany. The historic Speicherstadt and the Elbe River are beautiful. Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland has the largest model railway in the world with countless details for young and old to discover. 🙂