Top 5 Relaxing European Getaways with Children

There are plenty of things involved when planning a trip to Europe with kids. You will have so many beautiful destinations to choose from, each offering unique attractions and experiences. Thus, figuring out the best places to visit in Europe with the kids can be tricky. Also, keep in mind that kids can be fussy, so you’ve got to consider their needs and preferences when deciding which place to visit.

To help you with this, here are some of the most relaxing European getaways with children.

Provence

Provence is a beautiful region in the south of France, offering plenty of opportunities to explore for families with kids. And if you want to extend your vacation beyond Provence, it’s worth mentioning that Paris is only 3 hours away from here. But given the wealth of attractions waiting for you to explore in Provence, you probably don’t need to travel somewhere else!

One of the most relaxing things you can do in Provence with the kids is to have a picnic by the Tourlourenc River, a lovely area where you can cool down and spend quality time with your little ones. You can also enjoy a scenic walk by the river to soak up its stunning views. An absolute must-do for families visiting the Provence is to explore the picturesque town of Les Baux. It’s a walled town home to old houses that were carefully restored and can only be explored on foot. 

Another way to spend a wonderful day in Provence with your kids is to visit Lac du St. Croix, an artificial lake established in the 1970s when a nearby dam was built. Aside from the beach where you can camp out for the day, there are paddle boats you can rent to explore the lake.

Paros

Paros is one of the most stunning Greek islands, part of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. You and your kids will love the island’s stunning beaches and traditional whitewashed villages. In Paros, you’ll find all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable holiday with the kids since the island offers tons of activities that your kids are guaranteed to love.

Paros is synonymous with fun water sports. Your kids will find plenty of activities to keep them entertained. They can snorkel or scuba dive along its crystal-clear waters, go kayaking, windsurfing, and more. Horse riding is also a fun activity to enjoy in Paros. Your kids will surely have fun riding a horse while exploring the island’s beautiful coastline. 

Active families will be happy to know that there are numerous scenic hikes in Paros. Here, you and your kids will have the wonderful opportunity of hiking through the most iconic and historical places in Paros and the nearby Antiparos. Both islands have numerous hiking trails, such as the Ancient Marble Quarries and the Lefkes Valley. The best part about going to Paros for a family holiday is you will find several family-friendly luxury Paros villas, spacious enough to accommodate you and your kids.

Sardinia

Sardinia is a gorgeous Italian island off the Mediterranean Sea. It has almost 2,000 km of coastline, home to many stunning beaches safe for kids. The island is also home to a plethora of family accommodations suitable for families. 

You’ll be spoilt for choice for the best beaches to visit in Sardinia, but the Villa Simius is the most popular choice for families. Located in the southeast part of Sardinia, this beautiful beach is simply perfect for kids. It has soft sands and is protected from currents and winds. This beach is ideal for snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. 

Sardinia is also home to several amusement parks, which you can visit on those days when your kids want to take a break from the beach. The Aquafantasy has lazy rivers and fun slides, while the Sardegna in Miniatura is like a miniature version of Sardinia, offering lots of fun attractions for the kids to explore.

Krk Island

Located in the middle of the Kvarner bay, Krk Island is a diverse island offering numerous attractions and experiences for families with kids. Here, you and your kids can explore ancient villages, swim in secluded bays, and hang out at seaside restaurants and cafes. 

The Island of Krk is also an ideal place to learn more about the Croatian heritage by visiting the island towns of Vrbnik, Malinska, Silo, Omisalj, and Krk City. But if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet, visit the rural areas in places like the Brzac village. 

The island of Krk attracts millions of visitors each year, giving rise to the many accommodation facilities on the island. The accommodation options here are diverse, from big hotels to family-owned lodgings. For a unique option, consider staying at an Istria style villas on the island that cater to families with kids.

The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands have something to offer for adults and kids. Its rugged and dramatic coastline with sweeping golden beaches, crumbling castles, mountainous peaks, and serene lochs are nothing short of spectacular. 

If you’re a family looking for outdoor adventures, the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect destination. The Isle of Skye, the most popular tourist area in the Highlands, can be reached via a ferry or a bridge from the mainland. Here, you’ll find the Old Man of Storr, Scotland’s iconic landmark and the most popular attraction in the region. Hiking this stunning pinnacle is a popular activity for families with active kids.
Get your fill of Scotland’s history by visiting some beautiful castles in the Highlands. The Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th-century castle, is only a five-minute walk from the Skye Bridge. Standing on a tiny island called the Eilean Donan, the castle is surrounded by 14 feet thick walls to fend off the invading Vikings. Another castle worth a visit is the ruined Ardvreck Castle, built in the 16th-century. It stands in a picturesque spot by the Loch Assynt and is a great place for a long drive.