Family holidays can be tricky to plan, can’t they? You need somewhere that ticks a lot of boxes - fun for kids, easy for adults, and ideally not too exhausting for anyone. Europe makes it easier than you’d think. Within a few hours’ flight, you can swap school runs for beaches, castles, or cobbled streets buzzing with life.
The magic is in the variety: sunny escapes, cosy countryside, lively cities, or peaceful mountain air. Whatever stage your family’s at - toddler naps or teen adventures - there’s a corner of Europe that feels just right. Here are five destinations worth popping on your list.
If there’s one country where kids and adults meet in the middle, it’s Italy. Food does most of the heavy lifting - pizza fresh from the oven, pasta swirled with sauce, and gelato that seems to appear around every corner.
History is woven into the streets: Rome’s Colosseum sparks imaginations, Florence feels like an art book come alive, and Venice? It’s like a giant maze on water, complete with gondolas that feel like rides.
Beyond the cities, Tuscany offers rolling hills and vineyards where families can slow down, breathe, and just enjoy being together. Along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find colourful villages stacked above turquoise seas - stunning but still relaxed enough for families.
Italians adore children, which makes the whole experience feel welcoming from the start. Whether you’re chasing art, sunshine, or just another scoop of gelato, Italy serves up memories that stick around long after the trip’s over.
Santorini
When you picture holidays to Greece with the family, you probably think beaches - and yes, they’re incredible. Shallow, calm waters mean little ones can splash safely while parents unwind. But Greece is more than its coastline.
Ancient myths practically breathe through the ruins of Athens, and kids often love the idea of “real” warriors and heroes. Hop over to the islands and it’s like stepping into a film set: whitewashed houses, bright blue shutters, and winding alleys that beg to be explored.
The food helps too - simple, tasty, and always fresh. Think grilled meats, fluffy pita, cheesy pastries. Nothing feels too fussy, which makes eating with children blissfully straightforward.
Add in boat rides, snorkelling trips, and evenings spent under fairy-lit terraces, and Greece feels like a holiday that naturally balances fun and relaxation. It’s a place where parents recharge and kids never want the day to end.
Portugal has a knack for winning families over without even trying. Down south, the Algarve’s golden sands are tailor-made for sandcastles and paddling, with dramatic cliffs that frame the sea like stage curtains. Hop on a boat and suddenly you’re spotting dolphins - it feels like a story the kids will retell for weeks.
Lisbon keeps things playful too, with rattling trams, tiled streets, and bakeries serving those melt-in-your-mouth custard tarts. Then there’s Porto, where the riverside buzzes with buskers and cafés that spill onto cobbled squares. Distances are short, which means less time in transit and more time enjoying yourself.
Meals tend to be relaxed and family-friendly, often al fresco, with grilled fish, fresh bread, and plenty of options for fussy eaters. The pace is slow enough that you never feel rushed, yet always interesting enough to keep everyone engaged. Portugal is sunshine, charm, and ease rolled into one.
London Eye
What makes the UK such a brilliant family pick is how much variety you can squeeze into one trip. One day you’re exploring castles that look like they belong in storybooks, the next you’re wandering through bustling markets or along sandy coastlines.
London is packed with free museums, green parks, and street performers who never fail to entertain. Edinburgh charms with its dramatic castle and winding closes, while Cornwall tempts with beaches perfect for rock-pooling and bodyboarding.
And when you’re ready to slow things down, countryside retreats deliver just the right mix of comfort and adventure. Picture cosy log cabins, kids running wild in wellies, and evenings spent soaking under the stars - hot tub breaks in the UK have become a favourite for these very reasons. Rain or shine, there’s always something to do, and that mix of energy and relaxation makes the UK feel effortlessly family-friendly.
Austria is one of those destinations that sneaks up on families. In winter, it’s snow-capped mountains, ski runs, and mugs of hot chocolate beside fires. Kids can sledge until they’re red-cheeked, while parents soak in the alpine scenery.
But don’t overlook summer - valleys turn green, lakes sparkle, and hiking trails suddenly feel like secret adventures. Vienna impresses with glittering palaces, quirky museums, and even horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping through the streets. Salzburg, with its castle and mountains, feels like stepping into a film set (you’ll half expect the hills to burst into song).
What makes Austria stand out is the balance: it feels adventurous without being overwhelming, cultural but never too heavy. Families can cycle along river paths one day and browse colourful markets the next. Add in the country’s reputation for safety and organisation, and you’ve got a destination that feels both exciting and easy to manage.
Europe makes family travel feel doable, and actually enjoyable. Whether you’re chasing sun, history, or just some downtime, there’s a destination that fits the bill. Greece delivers sunshine and myth, the UK balances adventure with comfort, Portugal brings charm at a gentle pace, Italy wins hearts through food and culture, and Austria mixes alpine adventure with a dose of elegance. Each trip looks different, but the goal stays the same: creating moments that stick. In the end, the best souvenirs aren’t things you bring back, they’re the memories you make together.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
