If you’ve been scouring the web for the best european family vacations, you’ve come to the right place. With countless options to choose from, our team has compiled a list of the top 7 destinations for family vacations in Europe, guaranteed to leave you with cherished memories with your favorite people in breathtaking locations.
From enticing city breaks in Paris and Barcelona to sun-soaked beach holidays in Nice and Menorca, the European family vacations listed below have been hand-selected for their activities available for children, general approach to safety and historical and cultural charm.
Stick around for everything you need to know about the 7 best european family vacation destinations to consider for your next trip.
1. Paris
Packed with family-friendly attractions such as Jardin des Tuileries, the Eiffel Tower and more, there’s a reason why Paris holds such a special place in the hearts of many. From its delectable cuisine to its charming way of life, this magical city is a great place to stay with kids, guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on both parents and kiddos.
Best For: Inquisitive families with a deep appreciation for museums and monuments.
Where to Stay: With space for up to 7 guests and views of the Eiffel Tower, The Docteur Blanche Residence is the quintessential Parisian duplex for families looking for a culturally enriching city break.
2. South of France
Boasting miles of sparkling coastline, picturesque villages and impressive history, the South of France is a dream when it comes to climate, culture and safety. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach with calm waters such as Plage de la Salis or a hide-out in the countryside of Provence, the South of France has countless attractions for children of all ages.
Best For: Active families looking for a fun and immersive beach or country break.
Where to Stay: Ideal for families looking for an invigorating blend of both country and sea, The Chemin de Peymeyan Residence is located between the coast at Nice and Provence.
3. Italy
Packed with friendly locals, culturally enriching experiences and arguably some of the best food in the world, Italy is a must-see destination for families looking to create cherished memories. From the breathtaking Colosseum in Rome to the postcard-worthy beaches of Sardegna, Italy welcomes families with open arms. Prepare to slow down, take it easy and embrace ‘dolce far niente’ – the sweetness of doing nothing.
Best For: Friendly families looking for a friendly locals and super easy cuisine. Eat everything! It’s all delicious.
Where to Stay: Equipped with an indoor playroom, designer furnishing and a breathtaking pool set against the rolling hills of Umbria, The Piegaro Residence sleeps up to 12 people for the ultimate family getaway.
Kid & Coe Tip:
Book your transportation well in advance. If you’re relying on public transport, prepare to be flexible with timings.
4. Portugal
Whether your family prefers an exciting blend of history and fun activities with cities like Lisbon or can’t wait to build sandcastles on the stunning beaches in the Algarve, Portugal has plenty to offer for families looking for a memorable European vacation away. Revered for being one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe, children are welcomed everywhere in this family-first country.
Best For: Easy-going families looking for an exciting mixture of history, natural beauty and great value.
Where to Stay: Situated only 10 minutes away from the beach, this luxurious pair of cabanas at The Carvalhal Beach Residence is spacious, modern and surrounded by breathtaking greenery.
5. Barcelona
Barcelona is one of those magical European cities that truly has something for everyone. Boasting attractions such as Park Güell designed by Antoni Gaudí, CosmoCaixa Science Museum and Montjuic Magic Foundation, this colorful city is jam-packed with enticing history, impressive architecture and exciting things to do with kids.
Best For: Adventurous families looking for a bit of everything with their European city break.
Where to Stay: Situated in the heart of the Bohemian Gracia neighborhood, The Passatge Camil Oliveras Residence is surrounded by cafes, parks and lively squares.
6. Balearic Islands
Featuring enchanting coves, luscious landscapes and crystal clear waters, The Balearic Islands is overflowing with good vibes, immersive culture and delicious cuisine. An archipelago off the coast of Spain, the four main islands include Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza. Whether you can’t get enough of the white sandy beaches of Mallorca or want to try out Palma Aquarium with your kiddos, The Balearic Islands has plenty in store for adventurous families.
Best For: Relaxed families looking for a sun-soaked European vacation.
Where to Stay: With sunny skies and luscious landscapes, the spacious Can Matas Residence is a highly walkable home for easy strolls around the village.
7. England
With awe inspiring architecture and history, beautiful green landscapes and family friendly public transport, nothing beats a family vacation in England. Whether you explore London with kids, visiting monuments such as The Tower of London, or escape the city for a rural hideaway or a seaside break in picturesque Cornwall, England is a country that happily caters to children and families.
Best For: Adventurous families that want a year-round European vacation without the summer heat.
Where to Stay: Conveniently positioned on the breathtaking coast of Porthcurno, The Churchtown Residence is the quintessential family-friendly destination for larger groups.
Tips For Planning Your European Family Vacation
1. Pack The Essentials. While there’s no need to pack up the entire house ahead of a European family vacation (as tempting as it may be), ensure you’ve got the essentials covered. Items such as sunscreen and bug spray can be a bit more expensive in popular destinations, so it’s best to pack these ahead of time for a stress-free adventure.
2. Relinquish Control. We get it, you want your European holiday to be picture-perfect. But travelling with kids means that inevitable speed bumps may pop up along the way. Try to seek out flexible bookings with activities so you can gauge how your children are feeling when you arrive.
3. Take It Easy. The majority of the European destinations are all about a slower and more relaxed pace of life. While you’re bound to have an incredible time abroad, remember that many of the locals you will come across work to live, not live to work. This relaxed way of life is often reflected in the amenities available.
4. Plan Ahead. The key to a stress-free family holiday boils down to preparation. While you once may have winged your travel plans pre-kiddos, that only leads to stressful situations when you’ve got tired kids in tow. Plan ahead and ensure you’ve got your bases covered well ahead of time such as transport, activities, etc.
5. Learn The Language. Do your best to learn helpful phrases and words in the local language. This not only shows respect to the country you’re visiting but can also help you with tricky situations such as allergies, food intolerances, etc.
Book Your Family-Friendly Stay with Kid & Coe
The best European family vacations include beautiful landscapes, incredible history and cherished memories you’ll remember for years to come. And the good news with Europe is that there’s no shortage of destinations for family-friendly trips that provide fun for everyone.
As long as you plan ahead, roll with the punches and find yourself a fun and family-friendly base for your adventures, you’re bound to have a memorable trip away.
And when you book a stay with Kid & Coe, you can rest assured that your charming property has been vetted by parents, for parents. Check out our wide selection of properties for family vacations in Europe to book your next dream holiday.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/cornwall/the-churchtown-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/mallorca/the-can-matas-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/gracia/the-passatge-camil-oliveras-residence-gracia
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/comporta/the-carvalhal-beach-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/umbria/the-piegaro-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/var/the-chemin-de-peymeyan-residence