Best Family Holiday Destinations in Europe (and Beyond!) for 2025

As the warmer evenings creep in, it’s that time when you sit down after a long day, open your laptop, and start dreaming about a summer family holiday. You begin Googling destinations for the perfect family getaway, and we’re here to help make that search a little easier!

From golden beaches to crystal-clear waters, here’s a roundup of some of the best family holiday destinations in Europe (plus one a little closer to home!), with our top hotel picks, pros, cons, and estimated costs.

Algarve, Portugal

A beautiful destination with golden beaches, calm waters, and a laid-back vibe. The Algarve is perfect for families with young children thanks to its abundance of kids’ clubs, splash pools, and family-friendly activities.

Hotel we recommend:
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort
Price range: £200–£400 per night (family room)

Pros:

• Designed specifically for families
• Kids’ clubs from babies to teens
• Onsite restaurants and childcare options

Cons:

• Remote location — you’ll need a car to explore
• Prices can be high during school holidays

💡 Planning a trip with little ones? Check out our Essential Newborn Items guide to help you pack stress-free!

Costa Dorada, Spain

Golden beaches, theme parks like PortAventura, and plenty of family-friendly resorts — all at a great value.

Hotel we recommend:
Estival Eldorado Resort – All-Inclusive Available
Price range: £80–£150 per night (family room)

Pros:

• Beachfront location
• Kids’ pool and playground
• All-inclusive meal options

Cons:

• Very busy during the summer
• A car may be needed for exploring surrounding areas

Crete, Greece

One of the most family-friendly Greek islands, offering gorgeous beaches and charming towns.

Hotel we recommend:
Sirios Village Hotel & Bungalows – All-Inclusive Available
Price range: £70–£130 per night (family room)

Pros:

• All-inclusive buffet options
• Kids’ pools and mini playground
• Walking distance to the beach

Cons:

• Some areas are hilly
• Flights from the UK usually take around four hours

Poreč, Croatia

Located on the stunning Istrian coast, Poreč offers crystal-clear beaches, charming towns, and great value for money.

Hotel we recommend:
Valamar Tamaris Resort – All-Inclusive Available
Price range: £90–£160 per night (family room)

Pros:

• All-inclusive dining with kids’ menu
• Activities like cycling and water sports
• Spacious family rooms

Cons:

• Many beaches are rocky — swimming shoes recommended
• Not much nightlife

Majorca, Spain

An all-time favourite, Majorca offers beautiful beaches and a wide range of budget-friendly family hotels.

Hotel we recommend:
Sol Katmandu Park & Resort – All-Inclusive Available
Price range: £100–£180 per night (family room)

Pros:

• Free access to Stay & Play Theme Park
• All-inclusive meals and snacks
• Clubs and pools for all ages

Cons:

• Very lively areas nearby
• Very busy during peak season

Need help keeping your little one entertained during flights? Browse our flying with babies and toddlers blog for helpful hints and tips to make your journey easier!

Formentera, Spain

This hidden gem lies just south of Ibiza and offers the same stunning beaches but with a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere. Unlike Ibiza, Formentera remains relatively undiscovered by UK tourists — during our visit, it seemed to be a favourite holiday spot for Italian visitors, who have done a good job of keeping it a well-guarded secret.

One thing to keep in mind is that Formentera isn’t quite as easy to reach as other Mediterranean destinations. Flights land in Ibiza, and from there, you need to take a ferry over to Formentera itself. Perhaps this extra step is why it remains less busy, and honestly, that’s part of its charm.

We booked our holiday through Jet2, who made the whole process as smooth as possible. At every stage of the journey, we were greeted by helpful reps and guided onto the next leg. Unfortunately for us, a flight delay meant we missed our scheduled ferry crossing, leaving us stranded until the next available one, at around 11pm. By the time we finally arrived at our hotel, the total travel time from home had stretched to nearly 12 hours.

Was it tough travelling with young children? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Without a doubt. Formentera’s peaceful, pristine beaches and relaxed vibe made the long journey a distant memory within hours of arriving.

Hotel we recommend:
Insotel Club Maryland – All-Inclusive Available
Price range: £120–£180 per night (family room)

Pros:

• Beautiful sandy beaches
• Large pools, kids’ pools, playground, and mini-club
• Spacious bungalow-style rooms
• Evening kids’ discos

Cons:

• Rooms are dated (but clean)
• Journey includes a ferry ride from Ibiza

Cornwall, UK

Last but certainly not least — don’t forget we have some amazing destinations right on our doorstep!

We recently took a 350-mile trip to Cornwall for a mini-vacation. The return journey (on a Bank Holiday Monday!) took 12 hours, compared to just 7 hours going. We joked we could have flown to Mexico in the same time, but was it worth it? Absolutely.

Cornwall holds so many fond childhood memories and is the perfect destination for a family holiday. However, if you’re travelling in peak season, carparks near beaches fill up fast, and congestion can be a nightmare. Tip: Stay within walking distance of a beach if visiting during the summer holidays.

The Lizard Peninsula
One of our favourite spots and the southernmost point of the UK. From here, you’re just a short drive from breathtaking beaches like Kynance Cove, Kennack Sands, and Housel Bay.

• Kynance Cove: Arrive early! This beautiful, sheltered beach gets busy by midday even in springtime.
• Kennack Sands: Family-friendly with rock pools and dunes. Great for young children to explore.
• Housel Bay: A hidden gem, but only recommended for adventurous families due to the steep trek and rocky terrain.

Accomodation we recommend:
Kynace Cottage – Self Catering
Price range: £800-£1200 for a 7 night stay (6 people)

Pros:

• World-class beaches
• Cornish pasties and delicious local ice cream
• Unique seaside villages

Cons:

• Traffic and crowds in peak season
• Costs can add up unless choosing self-catering options

💡 Travelling with a baby? Don’t miss our Travelling with a Baby: Tips for a Smooth Journey blog for essential advice.