Sam
Family holidays are fun, exhilarating, and exhausting at the same time. They are the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to decide where to go since each family member has unique preferences.
If you need help with this, here are the best holiday destinations for the whole family.
Italy
Not only is Italy home to many family-friendly destinations, but Italians are also very welcoming to families, especially those with kids. It’s the kind of destination that you can visit all year round. Although the country looks tiny on a map, it’s quite large with tons of things to see and do that everyone in the family will love.
Kick off your family holiday in the Italian capital of Rome, which sits right in the middle of the country. Explore the famous Colosseum, climb the Spanish Steps, and indulge in delectable pasta, pizzas, and gelatos. From Rome, make your way to Firenze, a haven for art lovers. Getting around Florence is easy, as it’s pretty compact and pedestrian friendly. Climb the Duomo, visit the Uffizi Museum, and let the little ones run around the massive piazzas.
The beautiful city of Pisa is also a must-see on your family holiday to Italy. While it’s most famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you’ll find other great attractions to discover here. Explore the medieval cathedral of Cattedrale di Pisa, marvel at the stunning Gothic sculptures at Battistero di San Giovanni, and visit the National Museum of San Matteo.
Greece
Greece is a fantastic holiday destination that the whole family will love, mainly because it offers a variety of attractions and activities. In addition, Greece is an incredibly safe country to travel in, even if you’ve got little kids in tow. Parts of the country also offer several holiday villas for large families in Crete, Kefalonia, Rhodes and more, so the whole gang can come along. There are family-friendly beaches, endless outdoor activities, and rich culture and history, guaranteed to make your family holiday in Greece something you will treasure for the rest of your lives!
Do any of your kids love Greek mythologies? If so, they will have a blast exploring the ancient wonders of Greece. Take them to sites like the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon, and Delphi. In Athens, spend some time discovering the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon. For those who love to spend time at the beach, you’ll have hundreds of beaches to choose from, including those with calm waters suitable for your little ones.
Greece is a culture-rick country offering exciting cultural experiences, from sampling tasty Greek delicacies to hiking the ancient ruins and discovering street arts in the Plaka neighbourhood of Athens. If you want to see many Greek islands, hire a big yacht and sail the Ionian Sea with the whole family!
Spain
As one of the world’s most popular family holiday destinations, Spain offers many amazing things the whole family can discover. It has an array of excellent family-friendly hotels, great weather, and beautiful islands home to stunning beaches that families will love.
For families craving tropical island living, Tenerife is an ideal destination to consider. Aside from its bounty of beautiful beaches, Tenerife offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Spend some time at the Loro Parque Zoo or visit the Siam Park to cool down and have fun on the rides. For families who prefer a destination that combines city feel and beach vibes, head to Marbella. Take the family to the glitzy marina of Puerto Banus, home to a selection of great restaurants and shops. Go on a day trip to the nearby Costa Del Sol, where active kids can take up fun activities like horse riding and go-karting.
Mallorca is a favourite holiday destination for many families. It’s home to charming villages, theme parks, fantastic museums, and gorgeous beaches. The capital city of Palma, with its blend of Arabic and Roman heritage, is a fun city to explore. After a day of exploration, head to the golden sandy beaches of Platja de Palma, Cala Sant Vicenç, or Sa Coma to relax and enjoy some water activities.
Portugal
Portugal offers everything families seek in a holiday – stunning nature, beautiful beaches, amusement parks, and enchanting architecture. There are also a number of stunning villas in Portugal and always something to do for everyone, whether you’re a beach bum, a history lover, or a foodie.
Portugal is blessed with stunning beaches, making it an ideal destination for a beach holiday with the family. Favourites among locals are Comporta Beach at the Troia Peninsula, Tavira Island Beach, and Praia da Franquia. In Lisbon, families should visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, home to the largest indoor aquarium in Europe, filled with sharks and hundreds of different fishes. Head to the nearby Parque das Nações boardwalk for a relaxing stroll and have some snacks.
Kids will also love exploring the charming town of Sintra, home to beautiful castles and palaces. Check out magical buildings like Quinta da Regaleira and venture into its caves and tunnels. Stroll through Pena Palace, which looks like a Disney palace with its colourful facade and turrets. Spend some time walking around the town centre, and sample the traditional sweets from the food stalls lining its streets.
Austria
Austria offers exciting things to do and fantastic places to discover that will excite the whole family. From ice caves to amusement parks, salt mines, and dinosaur parks, there’s no end to the entertainment families can enjoy in this lovely country.
In Vienna, check out Schönbrunn Palace, which offers tours specially designed for kids, which include exploring a maze and visiting a large zoo. The city is also home to ZOOM Children’s Museum, where kids can marvel at the numerous exhibits and participate in fantastic workshops.
In Burgenland, you’ll find Austria’s biggest theme park, the Family Park Neusiedlersee, which has fabulous rides, fun playgrounds, and a petting zoo. Travel back to the ancient Roman times in an archaeological park called Carnuntum in Lower Austria. Don’t miss the chance to visit the world’s oldest salt mine, the Hallstatt Salt Mine in Upper Austria. The state is also home to Dachstein Caves, where you’ll find an Ice Cave, massive subterranean glaciers with stalactites and sound and light shows.
