The best European destinations for a family holiday
- By Simpson Travel
- 22 Apr 2025
- Where to go
Long haul trips certainly have their appeal if you’re prepared for many hours in a plane, plus vaccinations and medications to keep everyone safe, but for a more relaxed journey and unrivalled variety, Europe is an unbeatable family holiday choice right on the doorstep.
Lefkada
Family villa holidays for all ages
First up, getting here couldn’t be easier, because unlike most Greek islands, you can just drive over the bridge from the mainland to Lefkada – simples! There are lots of other reasons to book a family villa holiday in Lefkada, and number one is probably the beautiful sandy beaches such as Kathisma, Agios Nikitas, and Vasiliki.
The water is clear and shallow, ideal for little legs, and you’ll often find a family-run taverna nearby for stress-free days by the sea. If you’re looking for a family villa holiday with childcare, Mousses Villas offer the perfect solution, with creches and kids’ clubs caring for little ones from 6 months to 11 years old. For older kids and teenagers, Lefkada is a popular windsurfing centre, with lots of boat trips available. Lefkada town is a fun wander for all ages, be it your little ones looking for pocket-money toys or older kids looking for that first taste of freedom in the small, teen-friendly cafes and bars.
Kathisma
Lefkada Town
Mousses Crèche and Kids' Clubs
Kalkan
Family villa holidays with teenagers
We all know teens can be tricky travel companions, but Kalkan is an inspired choice for this age group, offering a mix of pool-side downtime and beach club action. Teenagers love the variety here, from watersports to boat trips along the stunning Lycian coast. If they’re into their myths and legends, the nearby ruins of Patara and Xanthos nearby are an added bonus, and if they prefer to just scroll and post, a luxury family villa makes a very cool backdrop for the gram. The vibe here is upmarket but laid back, and safe for older kids looking to be out on their own for a while, hanging out with new friends from the beach club or browsing the market for vintage clothes bargains and faux-designer shades. And when you want to spend a family day together, there’s a complimentary cruise with lunch included with all our villa holidays.
Complimentary Cruise
Kalkan town
Cool bars and cafes
Patara
Xanthos
Mallorca
Family villa holidays for all ages
Short flights and long beaches are two top reasons to take a family villa holiday here with little ones, and there’s lots to appeal to older children too. From the thrill of a waterpark to Palma’s superb aquarium, there’s no time to be bored in Mallorca, and if you prefer less attraction-style entertainment, there’s hours of fun to be had on the beaches around Pollensa, Cala San Vicente and Alcúdia, or even just riding the little train that trundles from Palma up to Sóller. Many villas here have large family-friendly gardens with lots of play space and the option of a gated pool for extra peace of mind, plus outdoor toys ready on arrival. The locals tend to eat late, so to avoid hangry meal-time meltdowns, a family barbecue at your villa makes a chilled option for everyone, and if your teens want to go out by themselves, they’ll find friendly bars and cafes in Pollensa and Cala San Vicente.
Puerto Pollensa Beach
Eating out in Puerto Pollensa
Cala San Vicente
Corfu
Family villa holidays with teenagers
Corfu has a lively but family-friendly vibe, with beach bars and Greek-style evening entertainment that works for older kids without being overwhelming. The north east of the island is a unique blend of natural beauty and discreet luxury, with smart family-sized villas dotting the hillsides around the most desirable little villages and beaches like Avlaki, Kaminaki, Nissaki and Agios Stephanos. There’s a water park in the middle of the island, but the most fun to be had is on the sea, whether that’s paddleboarding, diving or renting a motor boat for the day or the week, with grammable moments guaranteed. Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well worth a day for exploring, shopping and eating out. The benefit of a family villa holiday in Corfu is that there’s space and comfort for everyone to do their own thing, alongside enough activities that you can also happily spend some time together, because after all, it is meant to be a family holiday!
Watersports Avlaki bay
Corfu Town
Agios Stephanos
Hossegor
Family villa holidays with teenagers
Big waves, chic shops, beautiful people and Cali-French cuisine – what’s not to love? Hossegor is heaven for active families, though if your idea of a great day is just lounging by your villa pool, that’s absolutely allowed! Located on France’s southwest coast, Hossegor is a world-class surf resort, but even beginners can get a feel for the waves with lessons and equipment hire widely available. If you prefer to just watch, the wide, sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, beach games and swimming, with life guards keeping a careful eye in the main summer season. There’s a safe, relaxed atmosphere around town so you can let your older kids have a little independence, though they’ll probably be persuaded to join you for sunset cocktails on the beach: precious, fleeting moments to cherish before the family villa holiday drops quietly off the annual agenda.
Surf's up
Sundowners
Hossegor
Île de Ré
Family villa holidays with younger children
Sun on your face, a gentle breeze and the joyful sounds of the seaside… summer on the Île de Ré is not just a season, it’s a feeling. This easy-to-reach destination is full of family-friendly beaches, cute villages and chic eateries so that parents can enjoy a little sophistication alongside the sand castles and sea shell collections. It’s traffic-light and bike-friendly, with a wide network of flat paths to make cycling easy and fun for all the family. A micro climate on the island means that summers here are reliably sunny but much milder than the southern Med, ideal for younger children and anyone who likes to be active on holiday. Add in the celebrated Île de Ré seafood, gourmet ice cream and very drinkable island wines, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect family holiday.
Eating out in Île de Ré
Fantastic family beaches
Île de Ré coastline
