There are so many wonderful places to visit with children in tow. If you want to discover Europe with your family, I have selected some of our best family destinations in Europe, including a selection of toddler friendly European cities. There are some of the most beautiful cities to visit in Europe, yet there are also so many child friendly beach holidays to relax, unwind and explore. Here are a few family holidays in Europe to inspire you.
Family holidays in Europe: child friendly destinations
If you fancy a luxury family holiday in Europe, travelling on a budget, a European road trip, or are searching for the best city break with kids, there are so many options and wonderful places to visit for families.
France
We are no stranger to visiting France. Last year we spent May half term in the Dordogne region, and then returned in the Summer holidays for a road trip travelling along the west coast of France and into Spain. We took the ferry from Caen and travelled to the Dordogne region – We fell in love with Beynac, Sarlat and Limeuil. France is so beautiful and diverse. You may fancy a city break in Paris, a family ski holiday, a Summer holiday on the coast or a retreat in the mountains – we love that France has something to offer everyone.
Spain
Last year we headed to the beautiful Asturias and camped for three nights at the end of our Summer road trip. Our campsite has the most stunning ocean views and the mountains behind us. It was a lovely end to our trip before heading back to the UK from Santander by ferry.
Spain offers scintillating cities, complex cultural history and island hangouts, and is a wonderful family friendly destination. The Canary Islands are also a great option for some February half term sunshine. If you are looking for a top city break in Spain you can try Bilbao, Granada, Malaga, or Valencia.
Finland
This has been on my list for years and it is not hard to see why. Finland is quickly becoming one of the top travel destinations for families. Head to Lapland and it can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Father Christmas, go on a reindeer safari, chase the Northern lights, visit the ice hotel, or try out skiing!! It is not just for Christmas though and there is so much more to Finland than Father Christmas…you can arrange a whole host of outdoor adventures from skiing, husky rides to snowshoeing to snowmobiling, splash in lakes and rivers or visit the capital Helsinki.
Italy
We have a real love for Italy. Last year we visited Italy with the kids and fell in love with Lake Maggiore, the second largest lake in Italy. It is breathtaking beautiful, offering stunning beaches, towns (Cannobio is our favourite!) and a chance to visit the Borromean Islands. Having visited Tuscany just a few months before, I was blown away by the beautiful Volterra, Florence and Venice. Italy is incredibly family friendly and a great place to visit all year round.
Iceland
We visited Iceland a couple of times pre kids and it is an incredible destination. We definitely would love to return with the children.
There are some really amazing, adventurous, family friendly activities on offer here, making Iceland not only a brilliant choice for older families, but for younger children too. You can travel to Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital, or take a road trip and explore what Iceland has to offer! Our wonderful friends over at Travelynn Family enjoyed a brilliant road trip last year. Take in caves and waterfalls, go snowmobiling, horse riding, visit the black lava beaches or geothermal baths. There is literally something for everyone here.
United Kingdom
We spend so much time travelling around the UK. You could consider the Scottish Highlands, a quintessentially English village, or one of the incredible city breaks on offer including Bath, London, Edinburgh or York. Alternatively there are some beautiful beach escapes. You won’t be disappointed with a coastal break in Cornwall, North Wales, Northumberland or Brighton, The UK really has some of the best beaches to relax, try out watersports, or watch the kids run wild. Add in Roman ruins, an ancient cathedral or castle or two, or even a trip to the oldest street in York; The Shambles – and there is something for everyone. Staycation anyone?
Croatia
Last year we headed to Croatia for a week with the kids and we would return in a heartbeat. I almost don’t want to shout about Croatia so that we can keep it all to ourselves, but it is absolutely beautiful. We stayed on the Makasrka Riviera and found this an excellent base to explore Split, and Krka National Park.
Croatia is incredibly family friendly, with beautiful beaches, seaside towns and a relaxed dining scene with plenty of family friendly restaurants.
We travelled to Podgora in May and the weather was perfect for young children, not too hot and the sea warm enough to swim. There are some beautiful beaches in Makarska. Krka National Park is a must see aswell as Plitvice Lakes National Park
So what are your best family holidays in Europe to share?
Disclosure: This is a paid collaboration with Original Travel. All opinions are my own.
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