Best places in Europe for a family getaway

Europe is home to some of the world's most family-friendly destinations. These destinations welcome families with open arms, offering numerous attractions and activities for adults and kids of all ages. So, whether you are looking to relax on a European island, soak in culture and history, or take up fun adventures, there's a perfect family trip waiting in Europe for you.

If you have no idea where to go, here are the best places in Europe for a family getaway.

Crete, Greece

As the largest island in Greece, Crete has a coastline of more than 1,000 kilometres and is home to many beautiful beaches, offering a range of fun activities to delight adults and kids. Whether travelling with young children, teens, or grandparents, a family vacation in Crete is an unforgettable experience!

The picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos is an excellent base for your family holiday on Crete. It exudes a more laid-back vibe and is quieter than in many other places on the island. The town is also home to some lovely beaches, including the magnificent Tsifliki Beach, a fun place to lounge around and enjoy water sports. For a taste of history, visit the ancient ruins of Knossos and the Minoan Palace, where you can experience the remains of the ancient Minoan civilization. The impressive palace is perched on the scenic hill of Kefalas and is over 20,000 square metres, making it the largest of all Minoan palatial structures.

Samaria Gorge should be on top of your list of places to visit on your family holiday to Crete, especially if you have older kids who are fond of nature and adventure. It's a picturesque gorge formed by a small river and a fun place to hike.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

If you're planning a skiing holiday with the family, consider visiting Saas-Fee, a pretty Swiss village with a ski resort accessible all year round, even in the middle of summer. Because it's a year-round destination, many families have bought properties in Saas-Fee, allowing them to visit anytime throughout the year. As a top tourist destination, investing in a property in Saas-Fee guarantees a good return on investment.

Saas-Fee lies at the foot of the Swiss mountains, over 4,000 metres above sea level. Therefore, you can guarantee there's plenty of snow. Even in summer, snow exists on the highest peaks. Boasting over 150 kilometres of pistes, Saas-Fee attracts skiers and snowboarders of all levels. You will also find ski schools offering private lessons for beginners.

One of the biggest draws of Saas-Fee is its stunning natural landscapes. Thus, one of the top things to do with the family is to take a guided tour of the village and its surrounding mountains. In winter, freezing temperatures facilitate the formation of a thick blanket of snow, which makes it look even more enchanting. In the warmer months, the landscape turns into stunning rolling green hills. You can book guided tours of Saas-Fee with activities like hiking, mountain climbing, biking, and abseiling over gorges.

Afbeelding van Uwe Conrad via Pixabay

Lisbon, Portugal

Offering tons of attractions and activities geared towards families, Lisbon is one of those places in Europe where you will not run out of things to do, even if you come here on long weekends. It's a very family-friendly city, boasting excellent weather and a variety of delectable food guaranteed to delight everyone in the family.

Riding Lisbon's iconic yellow tram is a must for families visiting the city. It runs from Baixa to Estrela and the city's picturesque areas, so it's more like a sightseeing tour than a means of transport. After your sightseeing adventure, visit Castel São Jorge, an 11th-century Moorish Castle perched on top of Alfama overlooking the city's stunning views.

When you feel like taking a break from exploring, treat yourselves to mouth-watering pasteis de nata, a custard tart with buttery pastry that tastes great with a cup of coffee. The best place to try this delectable dessert is at Manteigaria, which often has long queues, but it's definitely worth the wait!

Afbeelding van Philipp Weber via Pixabay

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a charming city in the Catalonia Region of Spain famous for its art and history. There are many excellent family adventures in the Catalonia Region, which makes for a jam-packed getaway, from fun days at the beach to picnics at the park. Families will also love the delectable cuisines, from authentic paellas and tapas to mouth-watering pastries.

Park Guell is a lovely park to hang out with the family. It's one of the masterpieces of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Adults and kids will enjoy exploring the colourful mosaics and fancy buildings, including the Hansel and Gretel house and the Salamander staircase. Another beautiful park to visit with the family is the Parc de la Ciutadella, a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a picnic. Located in the neighbourhood of El Born, the park has plenty of spaces for kids to run and play around, including a lake where you can rent a rowing boat.

Barcelona is home to gorgeous beaches where you can relax and have fun with the little ones. Of these beaches, the Barceloneta is the most popular. It's clean and well taken care of, with sun loungers, public toilets, and showers. There are also some excellent tours around Barcelona, the perfect way to see all the top sights and attractions. in Barcelona.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city, is a bustling metropolis offering plenty of fun activities for adults and kids. The adults can explore the museums and churches, while the little ones can have fun at the geothermal pools or interact with whales on a whale-watching tour.

One of the top things to do in Reykjavik with the family is whale watching. Many boat tours will come directly from the Old Harbour of Reykjavik and take you to Faxaflói Bay, where you can spot humpbacks and blue whales from your boat's deck.

After a day of adventures, the best way to relax is to soak in sundlaug, a geothermally heated swimming pool. Every neighbourhood in Reykjavík has a sundlaug, so it's easy to find one regardless of where you are staying. You will also find outdoor public geothermal hot pots at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach.

What's your favourite family getaway in Europe?

WorldWideWendy