7 Kid-Friendly European Destinations to Explore in 2016

Travelling with kids can be difficult. Whether it’s looking for a changing table, finding food that pleases all family members, or keeping everyone happy with activities, there are plenty of minefields for vacationing parents to navigate.

Fortunately, we’ve come up with a list of fabulous European vacation spots that are not only beautiful but kid-friendly too. So, start thinking about booking time off work, and take a look through our seven most delightful destinations.

1. Spain

A great place to introduce kids to different cultures, Spain has warm weather, sandy beaches, and tons of history. Plus, encountering a different language will help the kids to expand their worldview. Your family will love trying different local cuisine such as children’s tapas favorites like Spanish sausage or patatasbravas.

Whether on the Costa Blanca or a Spanish island such as Majorca, you can find a lot of child-friendly destinations such as Benidorm and Sa Coma. Most resorts have huge pools and splash parks where the kids can swim and play to their hearts’ content!

2. Turkey

Introduce the kids to yet more new horizons with a holiday in Turkey. On the border of Europe and rich in history, this country has a unique and exotic culture. And with a huge choice of child-friendly beachfront resorts available, it’s the ideal place to soak up some sun.

If you’re travelling on a budget, an all-inclusive deal with open buffets is a great way to keep kids happy by letting them pick whatever food they fancy. And for entertainment, many resorts feature large pools and thrilling waterslides – the Pegasos Royal has an incredible 16 different slides for children!

3. Cyprus

This island paradise is a popular family destination well into the European autumn. Parents and kids flock to Cyprus to enjoy the clear blue seas, beachfront hotels and archaeological attractions. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, there are spas and golf courses for the grown-ups to enjoy. Meanwhile, the little ones can take part in kids’ clubs or swimming activities on offer.

4. Portugal

The Algarve in Portugal is blessed with golden beaches, stunning cliffs and pretty islands. You’ll find more than enough natural beauty to keep the whole family enchanted. But there’s also a huge variety of entertainment and activities, including surfing, visiting waterparks and sightseeing.

With a range of resorts that cater especially for families, including Salgados Palm Village and AlvorBaia, your options are made simpler. The children can take part in hotel-run kids’ clubs, and the whole family can relax by the pool or go on cruises.

5. Italy

Italy has drawn holiday makers for years, and there’s no reason to leave the kids behind on a trip through this country. Rome offers historical buildings, churches, statues and art around nearly every corner and is a great city for walking with the kids.

Sicily is particularly recommended as a great destination for families. You can take the kids to see Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna. The cable-car trip provides spectacular views that will last a lifetime, and the excitement of walking around the volcano appeals to all ages. Plus there’s Italian cuisine – fresh pasta and gelato are sure to please the whole family!

6. Croatia

The main draws of this destination are the clear, blue waters, scenic coastline and amazing all-inclusive resorts in places such as Tupeci and Brac Island. These trips can be budget conscious and still deliver a truly beautiful experience for the whole family. If your brood gets tired of the beach, book a sailing tour around the many islands off the shore, go zip-lining or enjoy a jeep safari.

7. United Kingdom

The UK may be less exotic than many of our choices, but it’s certainly one of the most convenient for families. The locals speak English, so taking public transport, ordering fish and chips, or looking for street signs is a lot easier: this all makes the UK a simple destination for your first holiday with kids. In particular, London and Edinburgh both offer a wealth of history, museums and literary characters for kids and adults to enjoy.

Traveling to Europe with kids has never been so easy! We hope these suggestions have helped to inspire your next vacation.