10 Best Family Summer Getaways in Europe

The Algarve is a beautiful stretch of the Portuguese coast at the very southern end of the country. Its golden sands and turquoise seas are definitely the star attractions, with the most popular destinations including Praia da Rocha in Portimão, Praia da Marinha near Lagoa and Armação de Pêra near Silves.

It’s not just the coast that brings people to this nearly-2,000-square-mile region, either. There are also water parks, stunning views, plenty of kid-friendly activities and even religious sites and shrines such as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Piety, which brings a considerable number of pilgrims each year. Even if you’re just coming for some sun worship, the Algarve is a spectacular and memorable destination.

The Greek island of Corfu is known for its long and fascinating history, with the ruins of ancient temples and castles dotting the whole island. The other thing Corfu is known for is its beautiful sandy beaches – among the finest in Greece. Those around Palaiokastritsa, Sidari and Acharavi certainly take some beating.

Corfu is a fantastic spot for some rest and relaxation since the time of the Ancient Greeks, with plenty to see and do that’s both historical and modern. The kids might not be into old forts and tombs, but they’ll probably enjoy the water parks, interactive museums and calm, clear seas.

Antalya is a popular resort town on Türkiye’s south coast with an international reputation for being family-friendly. It’s got a pleasant atmosphere, fantastic beaches and famously beautiful calm blue seas. However, it’s the activities and facilities for kids that give Antalya its reputation.

Among the city’s kid-friendly attractions are one of the world’s largest aquariums, a choice of exciting water parks and a couple of amusement parks. If your kids like unique sights, the waterfalls around Antalya are something pretty special. The famous Düden Waterfalls are right by the sea while the Kurşunlu Waterfall is just a short drive inland.

Nice is one of the stars of the French Riviera, with the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea lapping at its iconic beaches. It’s been a popular resort destination for decades, if not centuries, and while its Old Town is certainly worth exploring, kids will appreciate the more modern attractions.

It may seem a little old-school, but the city’s parks are a particular highlight, with the creative Promenade de Paillon being the pick of the bunch for families. It’s got a giant wooden climbing frame in the shape of a whale’s skeleton, as well as other playground attractions shaped like sea creatures. If you’d rather they play with living animals, there are equestrian centres and zoos in and around the area, with Parc Phoenix being a particularly popular option.

The Costa del Sol is known for its beautiful sun-kissed beaches – the clue’s in the name. However, the informal area along Spain’s Mediterranean coast contains a wide range of resorts and attractions, making for a destination that can be all things to all people, including all kinds of kids.

For those who love fairy-tale castles, there’s the flamboyant Castillo de Colomares in Benalmadena. If your kids like excitement, Aquamijas in Las Lagunas is just one of many options. The entire shoreline is backed by mountains with plenty of hiking routes among them, too, or you could head out to sea on a kayak or boat trip. And there are always those beautiful beaches for when you need a rest from all that.

Lanzarote is one of the stars of the Canary Islands, boasting a range of sights and attractions that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere in Europe. For starters, the volcanic landscape, including its many caves, vents, geyser and peaks is like a massive playground for any kid with an interest in science. The cacti and camels give you a taste of the desert, too.

If your family prefers more traditional distractions, you won’t be disappointed. The island has a few good water parks, museums, adventure centres and, of course, fantastic beaches. Those in Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are especially good for small children.

The Madeira Islands are a tiny yet charming cluster of 4 Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean, north of the Canaries. Despite its remote location, it has become a popular family holiday destination, in no small part thanks to its beaches. Surrounded by jungle-clad mountains that look like they barely failed the auditions to play a leading role in Jurassic Park, the word ‘idyllic’ feels barely adequate.

However, beaches alone do not make a family destination. What makes Madeira special is its odd blend of European familiarity (think water parks, cable cars and aquariums) and its own unique – and sometimes bizarre – local traditions. For example, you can go tobogganing down a road in a wicker basket, check out a theme park themed on Madeira itself or set sail on a replica of Christopher Colombus’ ship, the Santa Maria.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and, being the largest, there’s more space for things to see and do. A friendly destination with a rich culture, any trip to Crete will inevitably involve a certain number of ancient ruins as well as gorgeous beaches. 

Damnoni and Chrissi Akti beaches are both great choices for families. but make sure you save some time to visit Elafonissi beach with its iconic pink sand. Among the more unusual kid-friendly attractions are several fantastic limestone caves, a water park so big they named it ‘Watercity’.

Newquay has been one of the main tourism destinations in the UK for over a century, in no small part thanks to Fistral Beach. This sandy stretch of coastline is widely regarded as one of Britain’s best beaches, as well as one of the world’s best surfing spots. You can find Fistral Beach on the far side of a golf course from the city centre. 

Of course, being a good surfing beach is not necessarily good news for families, especially those travelling with toddlers. Fortunately, other nearby options like Towan Beach, Lusty Glaze Beach and Tolcarne Beach are also excellent, though slightly better protected and with calmer waters. The city itself has a modest collection of fun attractions, including the Newquay Zoo and Blue Reef Aquarium.

Bournemouth is an iconic destination for family summer holidays in the UK, with the beach being the most obvious attraction. The long crescent of sandy shoreline stretches for over 9 miles. The famous pier and its rows of amusements divides the beach into roughly equal halves. With the warm, sunny weather of England’s south coast, that’s arguably all you need.

But there’s more! Bournemouth has a good selection of things to see and do, so there's plenty of alternatives to soaking up the sun. Activities range from adventure parks to escape rooms, miniature railways to Ferris wheels, aquariums and science museums to historic houses and ancient ruins.