Best family holiday destinations in Europe

Is the continent calling? It’s no surprise. If you’re looking for family holiday destinations, Europe has an abundance of options; city breaks, beach vacations, and sprawling adventures abound!

In this article, we share some of the best family holiday destinations in Europe, including places to stay, and activity recommendations for everyone in your crew. Whether you’re looking for captivating attractions that keep little ones hooked, or cultural delights and culinary finesse for grown-up kids.

Of course, wherever you go, you’ll want to make sure your plans aren’t disrupted. Having a Wise card to accompany you on your travels means you can spend in 150+ countries in 40+ currencies. All you need to figure out is where you want to go next.

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Table of contents

City breaks: Top family holiday destinations in Europe Beach and coastal family holiday destinations in Europe Set sail on a cruise holiday for the family Holidaying with children and grandchildren Planning your perfect European family getaway Choosing the right accommodation Getting to, from and around Europe Travel insurance and visas Communication Currency and payment tips Use Wise for holiday spending abroad

City breaks: Top family holiday destinations in Europe

City breaks are a great option for young families and grown-ups alike. Often, you’ll find plenty of attractions, places to eat, and options for keeping everyone entertained.

Here are five places to explore.

Note: all hotels have been linked in the sources below.

Budapest, Hungary

A city split by the Danube river, a walk through Budapest will have you turning your head in every direction. You’ll find a blend of architectural styles including Art Nouveau, Neo-Classical, Neo-Gothic, and Baroque across both Buda, on the west side, and Pest, on the east side.

Traipse around the turrets of the Fisherman’s Bastion for a breathtaking view of the Hungarian Parliament building on the opposite bank. Or, head to one of the hot spring bathhouses for relaxation and rejuvenation in all seasons.

Opt for a luxury stay in central Budapest at the Onyx hotel. Or, book the Meininger Budapest Great Market Hall Hotel for a great value room. You can even bring your pet.

Galway, Ireland

You’ll find art, music, and theatre throughout the city of Galway. Head to the Latin Quarter for boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. Dig into local seafood and duck into an Irish pub for traditional music, or respite from the rain.

The coastal path promises a relaxing walk, peppered with colourful properties. Or, visit during one of the many festivals, such as the Galway Arts Festival or Galway Film Festival for non-stop entertainment and creative spirit.

Stay at The Connacht for comfortable family rooms, pool and spa access, and a kids club to keep little ones entertained. Or, if you’d rather be in the heart of town, head for The Snug Townhouse in the Latin Quarter.

Another consideration for an Irish getaway is to pack everyone and everything you need into your car and catch the ferry over - no need to worry about getting the pram through security at the airport!

Lyon, France

France’s second city of Lyon often flies under the radar, as tourists flock to Paris instead. But you’ll find the wonderfully walkable city steeped in history, particularly Lyon’s old town, with its renaissance architecture and cobbled streets.

Lyon is home to more than 4000 restaurants, where you’ll find traditional cuisine and the next generation of culinary talent.

Spend the day at Fourviere Hill, a World Heritage site, which hosts a basilica, roman ruins, and an unforgettable view of the city.¹

There are also plenty of museums to pick from, including the Lumiere museum, which celebrates the work and lives of the Lumiere brothers, who invented cinematography.

For a luxury stay with spa facilities, head to the Fourviere hotel. For something more casual, Mama Shelter offers cosy king size beds in the heart of Lyon.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Wander the streets of Amsterdam, and you’ll find picturesque canals, culinary delights, and a chorus of bicycle bells ringing. The city boasts a reliable tram system that also makes getting around simple, and plenty of green spaces to kick back and relax.

Hire bikes for the family and cycle through the gloriously green Vondelpark. Or, head to the Museum Quarter for exhibitions on Van Gogh, modern and contemporary art at Moco, and the expansive Rijksmuseum.

Opt for a stylish stay at the Lancaster Hotel, or book a family room at the Pulitzer – little ones will get personalised treats, travel diaries, and playroom access on Sundays.

Why not avoid the stress of airports with little ones and hop on the Eurostar? Kids will love the high speed train.

Istanbul, Turkey

The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. You’ll find symbols of Istanbul's rich past throughout the city, with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture and ruins.

Visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, and revel in its vibrant history as a Byzantine church, Ottoman Mosque, and museum. It’s a sight to behold – you’ll find sparkling mosaics, towering marble columns, and the ornate domed ceilings.

Head to one of the oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar, and find labyrinthine shopping streets, intricate tiling, and plenty of treats to bring home.

Stay at the Seven Hills Palace for close proximity to popular monuments. Or book a room at Wyndham Hotel’s Istanbul Old City location. There’s a play area and pool for kids, and a spa complete with a Turkish bath for adults.

Beach and coastal family holiday destinations in Europe

If the hustle and bustle of a city break sounds more stressful than it does exciting, taking a trip to the coast might fit your family better.

Beach holidays don’t have to be boring. You’ll find plenty of attractions to keep the kids, young and old, entertained. Here are five places to consider.

Canary Islands, Spain

With 17.8 million tourists in 2024, the Canary Islands remain a popular holiday destination for all kinds of travellers.²

You’ll find mild temperatures year-round, so off-peak trips still see plenty of sunshine. There’s no shortage of beaches and a smattering of national parks that offer unique landscapes and biodiversity.

If you’re visiting Tenerife, hike to the trail to the third tallest mountain in the world in Teide park – or ride in style, with an eight-minute cable card journey to the top. For the little ones, a day at Siam Park might be more fitting – the water slides are a wild ride, and there are plenty of spots to chill by the pool too.

Stay at Hotel Gran Tacande in Tenerife, where you have beach access, pool and spa facilities, plus a kids club and entertainment for all ages. If Lanzarote is more your style, stay at Hotel Gran Castillo Tagoro, which boasts extensive facilities and activities for children and adults.

Cyprus

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus provides the perfect blend of luxurious coastline and vibrant cultural sites. You’ll find no shortage of sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters for a dip.

But Cyprus is also steeped in history. If you get tired of the sunlounger, visit the Kato Paphos Archeological Park and venture through ruins from temples, open-air theatres, castles, villas, and more.

For a stay in Paphos, look no further than the Alexander The Great Beach Hotel. You’ll find pool, spa, and leisure facilities, and plenty of entertainment for children and adults.

Greece

Mainland Greece and its surrounding Islands offer ancient history brought to life, alongside its incomparable beaches and iconic white-washed houses. There’s a location for everyone; head to Naxos quiet beaches and the cobblestone town of Old Chora.

Or visit Rhodes, the largest Dodecanese Island, for plenty of family friendly resorts, ancient ruins, and mountainsides scattered with pine trees.

For Naxos, stay at the Iria Beach Hotel, just footsteps away from the sand. On Rhodes island, opt for the Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort - there’s a kids club, sports, dancing, discos, and playgrounds just for them.

Italy

Italy’s mild climate and much-loved cuisine makes it a favourite holiday destination. Tuscany may not be your first thought for a beach holiday, but it’s home to crystal clear waters and golden sand, as well as craggy coves for some off-beat adventures. Go inland for olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills.

With nearly 2000km of coastline, the Island of Sardinia has plenty of room for your beach towel. The mountainous landscape is peppered with hiking trails too, where you’ll find Bronze-Age beehive-shaped ruins from the ancient Nuragic Civilisation.

For Tuscany, stay at Paradu EcoVillage & Resort. You’ll have beach access, three pools to pick from, and a splash park for children.

And if you’re travelling to Sardinia, book a room at Chia Laguna. You’ll find family entertainment, kids clubs for ages 3-17, and a baby welcome kit that includes a pram, changing table, bath tub, and bottle warmer.

Portugal

Lisbon doesn’t make you choose between a city break and beach holiday – you’ll find steep hills sprinkled with colourful restaurants, bars, and independent shops, as well as a nearby coastline with beaches loved by surfers and sunseekers alike. Head out to the 16th century Belem tower, and don’t forget to pick up a pastel de nata on the way.

For something altogether different, travel to the volcanic island of Madeira. You’ll find luscious greenery and rugged, rocky coastlines with botanical gardens and looming mountains to hike through.

For Lisbon, stay in the centre of the old town, at one of Martinhal Resort’s serviced apartments. In Madeira, opt for the Calheta Beach Hotel, complete with outdoor pools, a kids club, and spa facilities to indulge in.

Set sail on a cruise holiday for the family

Maybe staying in a single location isn’t your vibe. In which case, a cruise could satisfy your family’s wanderlust. Onboard entertainment, dining, and activities mean there’s something for everyone.

Most modern cruise liners have fun additions like basketball courts, waterparks and even indoor games areas. However, the main appeal of a cruise is that most have dedicated kids clubs and even offer separate catering for picky eaters, so you can relax knowing the little ones are looked after.

Plus, you’ll cover plenty of ground, and potentially see more of Europe with your family than if you’d stayed at a single resort.

📚Disney cruise ship currency

Holidaying with children and grandchildren

Keeping everyone entertained, especially if you’re travelling with children or grandchildren, can be tough.

Opting for a resort with entertainment and kids clubs means if you need to catch up on some rest, the young vacationers can still find some excitement. Also look out for locations with good public transport connections and proximity to attractions. Little feet get tired fast!

Tiny travellers can come at an extra cost – dropped ice creams don’t pay for themselves.

So, having a Wise account set up before you head off is a great way to pay for your trip. With the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees*, you’ll get more out of your holiday budget.

Or perhaps you’re planning to treat your loved ones to a trip away to celebrate your retirement or want to spoil your family with all expenses paid trip?

Then consider using your Wise account to pay for it - Wise has a dedicated large transfer team, ideal if you’re spending upward of £20,000. You can email the large transfer team directly or request a callback.

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Planning your perfect European family getaway

A little organisation goes a long way. Take care of the following tasks before your trip, for a more relaxing break.

Choosing the right accommodation

While villas and apartments give you that home away from home feeling, hotels take the pressure off with catering, housekeeping, and entertainment covered.

There’s no right or wrong, but consider the type of holiday you and your family prefer. Of course, if you opt for a cruise, virtually everything is taken care of for you, including your day trips on land (though additional excursion costs will apply). But cruises aren’t as flexible or customisable, so if you and your family are keen adventurers, you may find the confines of a ship limiting.

Getting to, from and around Europe

If you’re flying to your destination, having snacks and entertainment at the ready can help keep young children occupied while you’re in the air. Book your seats strategically, and if there’s enough of you for a full row on the plane, it might make bathroom trips easier.

If you’re travelling by car, using the Eurotunnel or ferry crossings, give yourself plenty of time and allow for traffic. Keep your passport and driving licence handy for checks.

Travel insurance and visas

Take out travel insurance before you head to your destination, and ensure everyone’s preexisting medical conditions are covered. UK residents can also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), entitling you to emergency and medically necessary healthcare in European countries.

The GHIC lasts five years, so you can use it for subsequent trips. And be sure to check VISA requirements ahead of your travels, too.

Communication

You’ll need overseas roaming to carry on using your phone abroad as usual. Some sim providers offer this already, but you can always opt for an eSim that lets you use your phone abroad.

Since eSims are fully digital, you don’t need to switch out your existing sim or change your number – you install the eSim as software, and you’re ready to roam.

And when it comes to keeping things organised, having a holiday group chat will help you organise plans and keep in touch.

Currency and payment tips

Money can be tricky abroad. If you’re not aware of ATM limits and foreign transaction fees, you could end up paying more for your money.

So, keep an eye on your withdrawal limit so you don’t incur extra fees at ATMs. Always withdraw money in the local currency, and if you’re cruising, make sure you have cash ahead of the trip should you need it. Onboard ATMs often charge high withdrawal fees.

For stress-free access to holiday cash, a Wise card makes vacation spending simple. You can pay and withdraw cash without worrying about exchange rate markups or high transaction fees*.

If you need cash, you can use it to withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals).

Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

Use Wise for holiday spending abroad

Letting loose on holiday is a lot easier when you know your finances are taken care of. With a Wise account, you can manage currencies like a vacation pro. Paying for your travels or parts of your trip with Wise can help you save on currency exchange fees, because you always get the mid-market exchange rate.

And with a Wise card, you can spend in 150+ countries, in 40+ currencies. So, if one family holiday leads to another, you just need the one Wise Account to spend wherever you are.

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Sources used in this article:

1. Travel Trade - Lyon World Heritage site
2. Canary Islands Tourism Research - tourism indicators

Hotel sites mentioned:
Onyx - Budapest, Hungary
Meininger Budapest Great Market Hall Hotel - Budapest, Hungary
The Connacht - Galway, Ireland
The Snug Townhouse - Galway, Ireland
Fourviere hotel - Lyon, France
Mama Shelter - Lyon, France
Lancaster Hotel - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Pulitzer - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Seven Hills Palace - Istanbul, Turkey
Wyndham Hotel’s Istanbul Old City - Istanbul, Turkey
Hotel Gran Tacande - Tenerife, Canary Islands
Hotel Gran Castillo Tagoro - Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Alexander The Great Beach Hotel - Paphos, Cyprus
Iria Beach Hotel - Naxos, Greece
Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort - Rhodes, Greece
Paradu EcoVillage & Resort - Tuscany, Italy
Chia Laguna - Sardinia, Italy
Martinhal Resort’s serviced apartments - Lisbon, Portugal
Calheta Beach Hotel - Madeira, Portugal

Sources last checked on 18-Jul-2025