The best destinations for families

Planning a family holiday? Choosing where to go is one of the most exciting parts - but with so many options to choose from, it can quickly become overwhelming. You need a destination that not only keeps the kids entertained but pleases the grown-ups too.

Whether you're looking for lazy days on the beach, a sightseeing adventure or a little bit of both, there are plenty of destinations that fit the bill.

Best beach destinations for families

From the Balearics to the Italian islands, Europe is packed with family-friendly beach destinations. Think soft, sandy coastlines with clear shallow waters that are perfect for little ones. But the best family beach holidays are about more than just the beach.

Look for resorts with swimming pools and kids’ clubs, as well as plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment nearby, so there’s something to keep everyone busy beyond the beach.

Here are some of our favourite destinations for a family beach holiday:

Sardinia, Italy  

With a coastline that rivals the Maldives but without the long-haul flight, Sardinia is a dream destination for beach-loving families. Add in delicious Italian food that’s guaranteed to go down well with kids (think pizza, pasta and plenty of gelato), and you’ve got a pretty winning combination.  

Sardinia’s beaches, such as those in San Teodoro, Villasimius and Costa Rei, are ideal for families, with soft white sand, crystal-clear waters and sheltered coves that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.  

Staying in northern Sardinia? You can also catch 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  

With its endless sandy coastline and big all-inclusive resorts complete with water slides and multiple pools, Fuerteventura is one of the best family beach destinations in the Canaries. Caleta de Fuste on the east coast has sheltered bays that are ideal for younger children, while Corralejo in the north is popular for its sandy dunes. If your kids (or you) are into water sports, Costa Calma and nearby Sotavento Beach are a great option.

Fancy seeing more of the Canary Islands? You can also catch a ferry from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

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

Mallorca, Spain

With so many beaches and accommodation options to choose from, Mallorca is an easy choice for a family holiday. Alcudia is one of the most family-friendly spots on the island, with its soft sands and clear, shallow waters, but places like Cala d’Or and Palma Nova are popular too. There’s plenty to do when you’re not sunbathing or swimming, from kayaking through caves to jet skiing, paddleboarding and snorkelling trips, so there’s little chance of getting bored. Many of Mallorca’s resorts also have shops and restaurants just a stone’s throw from the beach.

Fancy exploring more of the islands? Regular ferries connect Mallorca with mainland Spain and the other Balearic Islands.

Best for: Families who appreciate convenience, with beaches and amenities all close by.

Algarve, Portugal

With miles of sandy coastline and around 300 days of sunshine a year, the Algarve is one of Europe’s best beach destinations. It’s a great choice for families too, with a huge variety of accommodation, from self-catering apartments to child-friendly all-inclusives, so there’s something for every budget. Places like Alvor, Lagos and Albufeira go down a treat with families looking for fun beyond the beach too, with activities, shops and restaurants all close to the sand.

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

All these destinations are ideal for family beach holidays, with plenty of entertainment and activities on offer throughout the year, from boat trips to water parks. Thanks to their warmer climates, they're popular with families not just in the summer half-term holidays, but in the Easter and autumn half-term breaks too. Places like Fuerteventura are even popular around Christmas time. They're all relatively easy to reach from the UK too, with a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets.

Best city breaks for families

With so much to see and do, city breaks are a great option for families. Hop-on, hop-off buses make getting around major cities easy (and fun), and many attractions offer free entry for children. Throw in plenty of restaurants and accommodation to suit different tastes and budgets, and you’ve got everything you need for the perfect family city break.

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

Copenhagen, Denmark

When you think Copenhagen, you might just think colourful waterfronts and ‘hygge’ cafes. But the Danish city is also a great option for families. 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 wildlife lovers, while Experimentarium and the National Museum are perfect for older kids interested in science and history. For adventure seekers, don’t miss Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park that guarantees fun for the whole family.

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

Paris, France

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

But the attraction that really appeals to families lies just outside the city – Disneyland Paris. Just a short train ride away, you can be whizzing down rides and meeting Mickey and co.

Best for: Families wanting plenty of major attractions and theme park fun.

Rome, Italy

With incredible history and amazing food, Rome is ideal for families with older children. Famous ancient sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon are guaranteed to impress even the most un-bothered teenager, but there are plenty of other things to do too – rent a boat in Villa Borghese Gardens, see the animals at Bioparco Zoo and, of course, don’t forget to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain.

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

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Jam-packed with attractions, Amsterdam is a great city break for families. Whether sightseeing by bike, boat or foot, there's so much to explore. Places like NEMO Science Museum and ARTIS Zoo are perfect for keeping little ones entertained, whilst older kids and adults can visit Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum. Rainy days are covered with the city’s many indoor attractions, but Vondelpark is the perfect place to relax together when the sun's shining.  

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

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona isn’t your average city break. Thanks to its coastal location, you get the best of both here – city and beach – so you can be sightseeing in the morning and swimming in the afternoon. Whether snapping colourful pics at Park Güell, exploring Barcelona Aquarium, touring Camp Nou or riding the attractions at hilltop Tibidabo, there's plenty to do.

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

These European cities are great for long bank holiday weekends or shorter breaks during half term when taking a full week off might not be practical or affordable. They're all easy to reach from the UK, with some destinations like Amsterdam, accessible by ferry. A wide range of accommodation options makes them suitable for different budgets too. With plenty of indoor attractions to keep everyone entertained, they're also great options for winter half term, when the weather isn't as good. 

Our top tips for a family holiday

• Choose a destination to suit every age group: Some destinations might be great for adults, but they might not have enough to keep teenagers entertained. Do a bit of research before you book to make sure there’s something for everyone.
• Book popular dates early: the school holidays are the most popular time to travel so, if you’re travelling then, book transport tickets and accommodation in advance before they sell out. Booking early gives you more choice and prices are often cheaper.
• Choose suitable accommodation: Before you book, check what’s available for families. Highchairs, cots, play areas, children’s menus and baby-changing facilities can all make a big difference to your experience.
• Allow for flexibility: Planning several activities in one day might sound great on paper, but leave some room to change your plans if the weather turns or transport is delayed.
• Research free activities: If you’re travelling on a budget, there are so many ways to keep the family entertained without spending a penny, from beaches and parks to free museums.
• Don’t forget the extras: When working out your holiday budget, make sure you factor in costs for extras such as transfers, meals and activities.
• Look for family tickets: Visiting a few attractions? Check for family tickets or multi-attraction passes, which can be cheaper than paying for each one separately.
• Consider travelling by ferry: For some destinations, you can get a direct ferry from the UK. Not only is it a convenient option for families, allowing you to bring your own car and enjoy generous luggage limits, but it’s fun too, with shops, restaurants and entertainment on board.

Related blog posts

• Family ferry travel
• Things to do in Paris
• The best beach holidays in Italy for families
• Winter family holidays in the Canary Islands
• How to spend 3 days in Sardinia

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, take a look at our blog or Instagram.