Whether you’re looking for a relaxing all-inclusive beach holiday, an intrepid adventure or something in between with the family this summer, Europe has some of the best holiday destinations for families, adults and kids of all ages! Head to Scandinavia for beautiful scenery, family-friendly cities and exciting theme parks. If you’re more of a sun seeker, Greece and Portugal have some of the best beaches in the world, and for exhilarating adventures, head to the mountains of Austria or Montenegro.
Where will you choose?
Scandinavia
Scandinavia might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a summer holiday, but if you’re not a fan of the heat, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are a great alternative with vast, clean spaces and a child-friendly culture.
Norway
Norway is perhaps most famous for its Fjords. A cruise is a great way to explore multiple areas and towns, but if you’d rather a land based adventure Ålesund or Bergen are lovely towns to stay in.
Take the Fløibanen funicular in Bergen to the top of Mt. Fløyen, where kids can explore the “Troll Forest.” For a more rugged adventure, try a family kayaking trip on the Geirangerfjord or a “Viking” cruise where history comes to life through interactive storytelling.
Norway’s infrastructure is seamless, and the Allemannsretten (right to roam) means you can hike and explore nature with very few restrictions.
Denmark
Copenhagen is a fantastic base for a family adventure in Denmark.
Visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, which feels more like a fairy tale than a corporate theme park, and no trip to Denmark is complete without a visit to the LEGO House and the original LEGOland in Billund.
Photo by Julia Taubitz on Unsplash
The LEGO House is a 12,000-square-metre house that looks like a stack of 21 huge LEGO bricks. It’s divided into different zones, each covering a different aspect of learning. A big highlight is the Mini Chef Restaurant, where visitors can build their own meal, which is then scanned by robots before it’s made and served!
LEGOLAND Billund is the original LEGOLAND theme park, located in the town where LEGO was founded. It’s a must-visit destination for LEGO fans. For the ultimate experience, visitors can stay in one of the on-site hotels located right by the park entrance.
Look out for CopenPlay this year, which is a city initiative where families can earn free entry to museums by helping out with green activities around the city!
Almost Crowd Free Mediterranean
If you don’t fancy a bustling city but like city life there are some fantastic alternatives to the usual Rome and Barcelona.
Cartagena, Spain
Cartagena is a port in the Murcia region of Spain, full of impressive Roman ruins, wonderful 20th-century architecture and a modern, family-friendly waterfront. While you’re there, head to Cala Cortina for small sheltered beaches with crystal clear water.
Ajaccio, Corsica
Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica, tucked away between mountains and ocean, it feels more like a seaside village than a busy city, but it offers a wonderful blend of French and Italian influence.
Rethymno, Crete
Rethymno is a beautiful town with narrow alleys, a lovely harbour and a huge 16th-century fortress to explore. The restaurants are famous for their incredible seafood, and wonderful hospitality.
Beautiful beaches
Naxos, Greece
Naxos offers a quieter and more affordable alternative to Mykonos and Santorini. The west coast in lined with toddler friendly shallow, sandy beaches while inland you’ll find mountain villages with marbled paved paths to hike.
Photo by Johnny Africa on Unsplash
Istria, Croatia
The Istrian Peninsula in northern Croatia offers the charm of Italy with more relaxed, Adriatic feel.
Rovinj is a great base for exploring the Brijuni National Park, where you can find dinosaur footprints!
One great activity idea is to Rent bikes and cycle the Parenzana, a converted old railway line that winds through tunnels and over bridges across the countryside.
Underrated Cities
Poland: The Budget-Friendly Gem
Cheap holidays can be hard to find, but Poland is currently one of Europe’s most underrated and budget-friendly family destinations. Gdańsk, on the Baltic coast, is a fantastic option for a city break.
Explore the Hewelianum Centre, an interactive science museum located in a 19th-century fort, or take a short train trip to Sopot for its famous wooden pier and sandy beaches.
Salzburg
Salzburg is a beautiful city in Austria, full of history and culture. Highlights include walking the paths of The Sound of Music, visiting where Mozart was born, and exploring Hohensalzburg and the incredible trick fountains of Hellbrunn Palace. The city is small enough to walk around, with plenty to keep kids and adults entertained for a weekend.
There’s also a great science museum, zoo and plenty of shops and restaurants!
Off the Beaten Track Family Adventures
Montenegro
This tiny Balkan nation offers plenty of opportunities for family adventures, including the Bay of Kotor (the southernmost fjord in Europe) and the rugged Durmitor National Park. Montenegro is also a great chice of families on a budget.
For adrenaline seekers, a raft adventure on the Tara River (the deepest canyon in Europe) is a must-do.
For a slightly less adrenaline-filled activity, hike the “Durmitor Ring” for views that look like straight out of Lord of the Rings.
The Azores, Portugal
Located in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores are beautiful islands, slightly less touristy than the mainland. Often called the “Hawaii of the Atlantic,” the Azores are famous for crater lakes, lush green landscapes, and marine life.
If you want to try whale and dolphin watching, there’s nowhere better. On land, you can hike around volcanic craters, swim in thermal pools at Furnas, and even see food (Cozido) cooked in the geothermal ground.
Hiking in the Alps
Once you’ve explored Salzburg, Vienna or Innsbruck ( all with easy to access airports ), head to the Alps. Austria is a fantastic destination for a family adventure. There are lakes, mountains, cable cars, mountain coasters, and so much more. The Alps in summer are a dream come true for kids with the most incredible play areas and adventures waiting at the top of the mountains!
Wheher you’re a hiker, swimmer, water sports enthusiast or just want to take in the views, there’s something for everyone without the crowds of the more popular Dolomites
Leave a Reply