Family guide
Our family travel guide conjures up what we rate and what we don’t as well as an awesome section entitled 'out of the mouths of babes' which gives you a family vacations travel guide from the mind set of eight to fifteen year olds.
Our top 10 family vacations in Europe
We’ve narrowed down a long list of family vacations in Europe to give you a mix of tailor made trips and small group vacations, as well as accommodation-only breaks where you can do as much or as little as you feel, deciding on the day. These latter are especially suitable for families with young children. In most cases, family activity vacations involve every aspect being organised for you, from booking expert local instructors to equipment hire, allowing you to relax and go with the flow. If any of these trips pique your interest, scroll through the reviews from previous travelers. Not only are they completely authentic, but they often contains lots of priceless advice. Minimum ages are indicated also.
1. Granada activity vacation, Spain
(Minimum age: 4-6 depending on activities)It’s not only the wonderful year round climate that makes the high plains of Granada so attractive as a destination. This region is still under explored, yet it offers a superb range of outdoor activities suitable for all ages, from organic farm visits to canyoning and (gentle) rafting. Plus, there is so little light pollution that stargazers will be in their element.
When to go: Year-round, but July to August is the busiest and hottest time of year
Our top selling trip: Altiplano de Granada activity vacation
See all our trips: Andalucia family vacations
Read more: Andalucia travel guide
2. Montenegro activity vacation
(Minimum age: 6)With its dramatic mountains, lakes and gem of a coast, Montenegro is rapidly building a reputation as a destination for adventurous vacations. Best suited to older children and teens, this trip offers an amazing variety of outdoor activities around Lake Skadar, including canyoning, white water rafting and wild swimming. Stay at a relaxed villa where the hosts are fully immersed in the local community, allowing for great cultural experiences too.
When to go: July to October
Our top selling trip: Activity vacation in Montenegro
See all our trips: Montenegro family vacations
Read more: Montenegro family vacations guide
3. Algarve, Portugal
(No minimum age)The Algarve is an all time family vacation favourite. However, you can escape the resorts with their identical umbrella configurations, and instead look for tranquil farm stays full of rural charm, or eco retreats where food miles come in fractions. A tailor made trip such as this is perfect for families with children of any age, with onsite veg picking and egg collection, or nearby opportunities to hike, surf, cycle or sail – or simply sunbathe on a beach.
When to go: Year round, but July to August is the busiest and hottest time of year
Our top selling trip: Algarve vacation accommodation
See all our trips: Algarve family vacations
Read more: Algarve travel guide
4. Croatia for teens
(Minimum age: 10)A week of adventurous pursuits along the beautiful Split Riviera, this trip will be a blast for older kids with activities including canyoning, sea kayaking, whitewater rafting and tubing on the Cetina River. When it comes to family vacations, Croatia really does have the ‘Wow’ factor, where every day brings a new challenge, and the organisers know exactly how to keep the thrills mounting up while maintaining a safe environment.
When to go: July, August
Our top selling trip: Croatia activity vacation for families with teenagers
See all our trips: Croatia family vacations
Read more: Croatia family vacations travel guide
5. Northern Lights in Lapland
(Minimum age: 4)Not every winter vacation needs to revolve around the ski slopes. In Finnish Lapland there is the opportunity to treat your family with a truly unique getaway. From husky sled safaris to snowmobiling, Sami reindeer farm visits to ice fishing lessons, snow shoeing and tobogganing all set against the Northern Lights, this is a paradise for adventurous families that don’t mind when it gets a little cold (and super warm clothing is provided).
When to go: January to April
Our top selling trip: Northern Lights family vacation, tailormade
See all our trips: Finland family vacations
Read more: Finnish Lapland travel guide
6. Stay with a Count in Transylvania
(No minimum age)Ignoring the vampire nonsense (though teens will probably relish the opportunity to visit the infamous castle in Bran) some parts of Transylvania offer a fantastic chance to step back almost to the medieval era. Mountains, valleys and peaceful villages can be explored on foot or by horse drawn cart, and this trip even offers the chance to stay in the mansion of a welcoming Romanian Count.
When to go: Year round but the cities are best enjoyed outside of the hot July and August months
Our top selling trip: Transylvania vacation accommodation
See all our trips: Romania family vacations
Read more: Transylvania travel guide
7. Mountain biking in Catalonia
(No minimum age)There’s much more to Spain than Barcelona and the sun-splashed Costas. Catalonia in the northeast is a picturesque blend of mountainous and coastal landscapes that can be discovered on foot, horseback, mountain bike or kayak on this trip. Families with younger children will love the luxurious B&Bs with easy walks through nearby woodland, and castles to conquer, while it is of course sheer bliss for teens and sporty adults.
When to go: Year-round
Our top selling trip: Catalonia family mountain biking vacation
See all our trips: Catalonia family vacations
Read more: Catalonia travel guide
8. French Alps
(Minimum age: 4)With activities that range from hiking to wild swimming under waterfalls, rafting and rock climbing, it’s not exactly a mystery why the French Alps are so popular with families. Fresh mountain air, fantastic cuisine, and the potential to make friends for life with your fellow guests only add to the appeal of this family adventure in Samoëns, a superb resort that’s situated just an hour’s drive from Geneva.
When to go: August
Our top selling trip: Family adventure vacation to France
See all our trips: France family vacations
Read more: France travel guide
9. Peloponnese, Greece
(Minimum age: 7)If your kids are studying ancient civilisations at school, then Greece is an obvious place for a family vacation. Visits to fascinating ruins can be combined with adrenaline-packed itineraries around the Peloponnese, which tends to be far less touristy than other regions. This trip uses two centers: Nafplio and Tripoli, so you get a mix of city and beach, and it can be tailor made for groups numbering five or more.
When to go: July to October
Our top selling trip: Peloponnese family activity vacation
See all our trips: Greece family vacations
Read more: Greece travel guide
10. Sea kayaking in Croatia
(Minimum age: 6)Based on the island of Lopud, 45 minutes by ferry from Dubrovnik, this family sea kayaking vacation will be paradise for water babies. Led by a professional guide, you’ll pootle along gently between coves, bays and picturesque fishing villages of neighbouring islands, stopping for a refreshing swim whenever the urge takes you. On downtime days you can opt for stand up paddle boarding lessons, or fun banana boating.
When to go: July, August
Our top selling trip: Family sea kayaking vacation in Croatia
See all our trips: Croatia family vacations
Read more: Croatia family vacations travel guide
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