All Aboard For Europe: Where to Take the Family on Vacation
Sun, sea and sand — summer holidays have it all! But, with so many fabulous cities and resorts out there, how do you decide where to go? Here are some suggestions of the very best places in Europe to take the family:
Benidorm
Benidorm simply has it all. Poniente beach is terrific for families — head here to build sand castles with the young ones or wakeboard and waterski with the older kids. You can get classes for kids over the age of six and adults, too, at the area’s main watersports school. It’s the perfect place for you and your son or daughter to learn to surf!
Lanzarote
The Spanish island of Lanzarote welcomes hordes of tourists who step off flights there to experience its sandy shores every year. Its volcanic landscape provides something more than just the beach, however. Show the kids something different this year and head to Timanfaya National Park, located in the southwestern part of the island. A tour of the park’s volcanoes — and rare plant species — will leave everyone in awe.
Malta
The Mediterranean island of Malta is ideal for a family holiday. It’s relatively small and is easy to get around by public transportation. You can travel all around the island and still make it back to your villa or apartment by evening. For a special day out, hop a ferry and head to nearby Gozo, a slightly more rural island on the Maltese archipelago.
Turkey
One of Europe’s growing tourist hubs — and the sixth most popular tourist destination in the world — is Turkey. Whether you head to the Turkish Riviera or tour bustling Istanbul, you won’t be disappointed. Adventurous families take note — hot air balloon rides over historic Cappadocia gift you with amazing views.
Barcelona
Finally, consider Barcelona for your family holiday this year. The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona holidays allow for a good combination of leisure time and active sightseeing.
You can lounge on one of the city’s seven beaches (La Barceloneta’s shores are perfect!) one day and tour some — or all — of its eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites the next day. And sports fans — this is a city for you as well. Plan ahead to get tickets and feel the energy in the Camp Nou when FC Barcelona take the pitch. It’s electric!
So, consider one of these European destinations for your family’s holiday this year and you’re sure to have a grand time. Just don’t forget to pack the sunscreen!
Image by reservasdecoches, used under Creative Commons license.
Ashley Burrows is a teacher and mom of four, and has a passion for Europe. She loves Spain and tries to get there at least twice per year.
I love this list, I doubt I will ever make it to Europe even though it looks like a fabulous place to visit! Thanks for sharing this!