The best destinations for families

The best destinations in Europe for families are Sardinia, Fuerteventura, Mallorca and the Algarve for beach vacations, and Copenhagen, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Barcelona for city breaks. Each one has plenty to keep kids entertained, keeps the grown-ups happy too and offers accommodations to suit different travel budgets.

Choosing where to go is one of the most exciting parts of planning a family vacation, but with so many options it can quickly feel overwhelming. Whether you're after lazy days on the beach, a sightseeing adventure or a bit of both, here's our guide to the best family-friendly destinations.

Best beach destinations for families

The best family beach destinations in Europe are Sardinia, Fuerteventura, Mallorca and the Algarve. From the Balearic Islands to the Italian islands, look for soft, sandy beaches with clear, shallow water that's perfect for little ones. But the best family beach vacations are about more than just the beach.

Look for resorts with swimming pools and kids' clubs, plus plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment nearby, so there's something to keep everyone busy when you're not on the sand.

Here are some of our favorite destinations for a family beach vacation:

Sardinia, Italy  

Sardinia is one of the best beach destinations in Europe for families, with a coastline that rivals the Caribbean. Add delicious Italian food that kids are guaranteed to love (think pizza, pasta and plenty of gelato), and you've got a winning combination.  

Sardinia's most family-friendly beaches are in San Teodoro, Villasimius and Costa Rei, with soft white sand, crystal-clear water and sheltered coves that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.  

Staying in northern Sardinia? You can also take a ferry to Corsica for, you guessed it, even more beautiful beaches.

Best for: Families looking for beautiful beaches and delicious food.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands  

Fuerteventura is one of the best family beach destinations in the Canary Islands, thanks to its long sandy coastline and large all-inclusive resorts with water slides and multiple pools. Caleta de Fuste on the east coast has sheltered bays that are ideal for younger children, while Corralejo in the north is known for its sand dunes. If your kids (or you) love water sports, head to Costa Calma and nearby Sotavento Beach.

Want to see more of the Canary Islands? You can take a ferry from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

Best for: Families looking for sandy beaches and family-friendly resorts.

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is an easy choice for a family vacation, with dozens of beaches and lots of places to stay. Alcudia is one of the most family-friendly areas on the island, with soft sand and clear, shallow water, while Cala d'Or and Palma Nova are also popular. 

When you're not swimming or sunbathing, there's kayaking through sea caves, jet skiing, paddleboarding and snorkeling trips, so there's little chance of getting bored. Many of Mallorca's resorts also have shops and restaurants just steps from the beach.

Want to explore more? Regular ferries connect Mallorca with mainland Spain and the other Balearic Islands.

Best for: Families who value convenience, with beaches and amenities close together.

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is one of Europe's best beach destinations for families, with miles of sandy coastline and around 300 days of sunshine a year. It has a huge range of accommodations, from vacation apartments with kitchens to kid-friendly all-inclusive resorts, so there's something for every budget. Towns like Alvor, Lagos and Albufeira are a hit with families who want fun beyond the beach, with activities, shops and restaurants all close to the sand.

Best for: Families looking for great beaches, plenty of places to stay and lots to do beyond the beach.

All of these destinations are ideal for family beach vacations, with entertainment and activities available all year-round, from boat trips to water parks. Thanks to their warm climates, they're popular not only in summer but also during spring break and in the fall. Fuerteventura is even a popular choice over the winter holidays. Each one has a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets.

Best city breaks for families

The best European cities for a family trip are Copenhagen, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Barcelona. City breaks are a great option for families because there's so much to see and do. Hop-on hop-off buses make getting around easy (and fun), and many attractions offer free entry for children. Add plenty of restaurants and accommodations for different tastes and budgets, and you've got everything you need for the perfect family city trip.

Here are some of our favorite city break destinations for families:

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a great city for families, known for its colorful waterfront and cozy "hygge" cafés. With more than 100 public playgrounds, there's plenty to keep little ones entertained while you enjoy Danish pastries and coffee.  

Copenhagen Zoo is great for animal lovers, while the Experimentarium and the National Museum are perfect for older kids interested in science and history. For thrill-seekers, don't miss Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park with fun for the whole family.

Best for: Families looking for a compact city with plenty of attractions.

Paris, France

Paris isn't just for couples. From interactive museums and parks to world-famous sights, the City of Light has plenty to keep families entertained. Kids will be amazed by the Eiffel Tower (don't miss the sparkling light show at night), while adults can enjoy the city's many shops and restaurants.

But the biggest draw for families is just outside the city: Disneyland Paris. It's only a short train ride away, so you can spend the day on the rides and meeting Mickey and friends.

Best for: Families who want major attractions and theme park fun.

Rome, Italy

Rome is ideal for families with older children, thanks to its incredible history and amazing food. Ancient sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon are guaranteed to impress even the most unimpressed teenager, and there's plenty more to do: rent a rowboat in the Villa Borghese gardens, see the animals at Bioparco di Roma zoo and, of course, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain.

Best for: families with older children interested in history and exploring.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a great city break for families, packed with attractions you can reach by bike, boat or on foot. NEMO Science Museum and ARTIS Zoo are perfect for younger kids, while older kids and adults can visit the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. Rainy days are covered by the city's many indoor attractions, and when the sun's out, Vondelpark is the perfect place to relax together.  

Best for: Families who want culture, sights and plenty to do.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona gives families the best of both worlds: city sights and beaches. You can go sightseeing in the morning and swimming in the afternoon. Take colorful photos at Park Güell, explore the Barcelona Aquarium, tour Camp Nou or ride the attractions at the hilltop Tibidabo amusement park.

Best for: Families who want a bit of everything: historic sights, attractions and beaches.

These European cities are great for shorter trips or for adding a few days to a longer European vacation, especially when a full week in one place isn't practical or affordable. Several are easy to combine by train or ferry, such as Paris and Amsterdam by high-speed train or Barcelona and Mallorca by ferry. A wide range of accommodations makes them suitable for different budgets, and with lots of indoor attractions, they're also great choices in winter when the weather isn't as good. 

Our top tips for a family vacation

• Choose a destination that suits every age group: Some destinations are great for adults but don't have enough to keep teenagers entertained. Do some research before you book to make sure there's something for everyone.
• Book popular dates early: School vacations are the busiest time to travel, so if you're going then, book transportation and accommodations well in advance before they sell out. Booking early gives you more choice, and prices are often lower.
• Choose family-friendly accommodations: Before you book, check what's available for families. High chairs, cribs, play areas, kids' menus and baby-changing facilities can make a big difference to your trip.
• Build in flexibility: Planning several activities in one day might sound great on paper, but leave room to change plans if the weather turns or transportation is delayed.
• Look for free activities: If you're traveling on a budget, there are lots of ways to keep the family entertained without spending a dime, from beaches and parks to free museums.
• Don't forget the extras: When planning your vacation budget, remember to include extras such as airport transfers, meals and activities.
• Look for family tickets: Visiting several attractions? Check for family tickets or multi-attraction passes, which can be cheaper than paying for each one separately.
• Consider traveling by ferry: Ferries are an easy way to get between islands and countries in Europe. They're convenient for families, often let you bring a car and have generous luggage allowances, and they're fun too, with shops, restaurants and entertainment on board.

So, where will you go? From relaxing beach escapes to action-packed city breaks, there are plenty of family-friendly destinations to choose from. For more travel inspiration, check out our blog or Instagram.