10 Family-Friendly Destinations in Europe

Planning a family holiday in Europe? These ten destinations are easy to reach from the UK, have plenty to keep children busy and work for a range of budgets.

1. Algarve, Portugal

Golden beaches, sheltered coves and calm water – plus water parks and boat trips to sea caves.

2. Mallorca, Spain

Short flights, family-friendly resorts and shallow bays. Explore Palma's old town on a cooler afternoon.

3. Lake Garda, Italy

Lakeside towns, ferries between villages and Gardaland theme park nearby.

4. Brittany, France

Reachable by ferry, so you can bring the car (and everything in it). Wide beaches, crêpes and campsites with pools.

5. Crete, Greece

Warm sea, long sandy beaches and ancient sites like Knossos for curious kids.

6. Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens, playgrounds everywhere and a city built for bikes. A great short city break with children.

7. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Winter sun when the UK is grey, with black-sand beaches and whale-watching trips.

8. Croatia's Dalmatian coast

Clear water, island-hopping ferries and old towns like Split to explore.

9. The Netherlands

Flat cycle paths, Amsterdam's canals and beaches along the North Sea coast.

10. Disneyland Paris, France

A Eurostar ride away – the classic once-in-a-childhood trip.

Family packing tips

• Give each child their own colour of packing cube – easier packing, quicker unpacking.
• Keep passports and tickets together in a family travel wallet.
• Pack a day bag with snacks, water bottles, wipes and a change of clothes.
• Bring travel games and a tablet holder for the journey.
• Don't forget plug adapters – most of Europe uses type C/F sockets.

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