4 Beach Destinations in Europe for Younger Kids

*Collaborative Post

Feeling the winter blues? Inspire some sunshine by planning your family summer holiday for 2025. These four destinations have all you could want and more for trips with younger children, from easy logistics and quality accommodation to a choice of activities to suit all ages.

The Algarve, Portugal

Wild and windswept compared to the Mediterranean coast, Portugal’s Algarve on the Atlantic Ocean is a relatively quiet destination great for family holidays away from the crowds. There is a variety of excellent hotels to suit all tastes and budgets from larger resorts to villas.

The south, close to urban areas Albufeira and Faro, has plenty of attractions to keep little ones entertained including water parks with thrilling rides and a choice of child-friendly restaurants. There’s great golf courses and gentle walking trails for older kids and adults to enjoy too. The Praia da Marinha with its characterful rock formations and calm coves is a pretty paddling spot.

The Canary Islands

Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands enjoy warm weather and plentiful sunshine for much of the year. This makes them a great option for holidays outside of peak season such as Easter or October half-term. The black beaches which reflect the archipelago’s volcanic formation will fascinate children of all ages!

The larger islands like Tenerife have a wealth of beach resorts with family-friendly facilities and lots of opportunities for water sports including snorkelling, jet skiing, sailing and whale watching. Lanzarote is quieter with smaller bays and a more authentic atmosphere.

Northern Croatia

Get a taste of the azure waters of the Adriatic with a stay in Northern Croatia. Just a short drive from the lush hills of Slovenia and Italy’s floating city, Venice, this is a great place to base yourself for a holiday balanced between exciting activities and relaxation.

Give yourself complete freedom and book a villa in Northern Croatia with self-catering facilities and the privacy you need to continue established routines in peace. Rovinj, Pula and Porec are all popular spots, colourful coastal towns with oodles of charm and shops selling fresh produce for you to try.

Costa Brava, Spain

The Costa Blanca is a popular option with UK families due to its proximity to Alicante airport and wide range of child-orientated attractions, but Spain’s Costa Brava has the edge if you want something more authentic.

Young children will love the big, sandy beaches that line the coast between Barcelona and France, and there are many family-friendly ways to explore Catalonian culture. Experience the strange beauty of the Dali-Gala Castle in Pubol, see the staggering Cathedral of Girona and explore the playgrounds and promenades of Platja d’Aro.

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