Europe is filled with destinations that cater beautifully to family travel, offering a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and relaxing beach escapes.
Whether you’re after sunshine, history, great food, or interactive attractions, the continent has something to suit every age and interest.
With thoughtful planning, family holidays in Europe can be equally enriching and fun. From Mediterranean coastlines to magical mountain villages, you’ll find countless spots where children are welcome and parents can unwind. Here are five of the best places to travel in Europe for families!
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Nestled in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is a fairy-tale destination perfect for family adventures. The lake itself is calm and ideal for paddling, rowing or taking a traditional wooden “pletna” boat to Bled Island, where kids will love ringing the wishing bell at the island church. The surrounding trails are flat enough for family bike rides or gentle walks, with ice cream shops rewarding the effort.
Bled Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, provides panoramic views and an engaging museum experience. Children can learn about medieval life and even try their hand at old printing presses. For families with teens, nearby Triglav National Park offers zip-lining, canyoning and hiking.
Accommodation ranges from friendly guesthouses to family-run hotels with generous breakfasts. Lake Bled is also compact and walkable, making it stress-free for those travelling with younger children. Its combination of nature, culture and family-friendly facilities makes it a top choice.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany delivers a picture-perfect blend of countryside charm, cultural treasures, and family appeal. It’s one of the best regions for luxury Italy travel, but also offers options for every budget. Rolling hills, sunflower fields, and vineyard-lined roads provide a scenic backdrop for a relaxed family pace.
Kids will love climbing medieval towers in towns like San Gimignano or enjoying gelato in charming piazzas. Florence offers world-famous art and architecture, while Pisa’s Leaning Tower never fails to amaze younger visitors. Agriturismos (farm stays) are a fantastic accommodation choice, offering open space for play, fresh local meals, and even animal encounters. Many also include pools and cooking classes suitable for children.
Tuscany also boasts coastlines with sandy beaches along the Etruscan Coast for a change of pace. The region’s slower rhythm and warm hospitality mean that families can enjoy both educational experiences and laid-back afternoons in the sun.
Algarve, Portugal
Portugal’s Algarve region is a perennial favourite for families thanks to its sunny weather, welcoming locals, and array of activities. With miles of golden beaches, calm blue seas and hidden coves, it’s a haven for sandcastle-building and safe swimming.
Towns like Lagos, Albufeira and Tavira offer family-friendly resorts and restaurants with fresh seafood and kid-friendly menus. Water parks such as Slide & Splash and Zoomarine add to the excitement, offering a break from the beach. Older children can enjoy dolphin-watching boat trips or kayaking through sea caves. For something slower-paced, charming villages and local markets offer an authentic slice of Portuguese life.
The Algarve also scores high for value, with a wide range of accommodation, from all-inclusive resorts to private villas with pools. Short flight times from the UK and a relaxed, family-focused atmosphere make the Algarve a stress-free and enjoyable destination for all ages.
Crete, Greece
Crete is an ideal choice for family holidays to Greece, combining beautiful beaches, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. The island’s size means there’s plenty to explore, but it’s easy to keep things manageable by staying near one of the many family-friendly resorts.
Shallow bays and sandy stretches like Elafonissi and Falassarna are perfect for young swimmers. For history-loving families, the Palace of Knossos offers a captivating look into ancient Minoan civilisation – and many tours are designed specifically with children in mind. Interactive museums in Heraklion can also help bring Greek mythology to life.
Family-run tavernas serve up hearty meals, and locals often go out of their way to welcome children. Adventure activities like snorkelling, hiking the Samaria Gorge (for older kids), or exploring mountain villages add variety to beach days. Crete’s warm climate, range of activities, and genuine friendliness make it a standout destination for unforgettable family holidays to Greece.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is often ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world, and it’s easy to see why it works so well for families. The Danish capital is clean, safe, and effortlessly stylish, with excellent public transport and plenty of open green spaces.
Tivoli Gardens amusement park, right in the city centre, is a magical mix of old-world charm and modern rides. The Copenhagen Zoo, Experimentarium science centre, and National Aquarium also appeal across age groups. Cycle-friendly streets and wide pavements make exploring easy with prams or rental bikes, and many restaurants offer kids’ menus and high chairs as standard.
For a quieter moment, families can relax at the beach at Amager Strand or hop on a boat tour through the canals. Copenhagen also has a strong focus on design and sustainability, adding a subtle educational value to the visit. It’s a perfect blend of fun, function, and family comfort.
Summary
Europe is rich in destinations that cater perfectly to family needs, offering a mixture of education, adventure, and relaxation. From the myth-laden shores of Greece to the luxurious landscapes of Tuscany, each location offers something unique.
Whether you’re craving nature, history, or beach time, these five spots make planning your next family holiday easier and more exciting. Choose based on your family’s pace and interests, and you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Travelling with children doesn’t have to be complicated – in these destinations, it can even be a joy.
