Europe is one of those rare destinations where you can genuinely tailor a family holiday to almost any interest or budget. From the fairy-tale castles of Bavaria and the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve to world-class theme parks like Disneyland Paris and Efteling in the Netherlands, there's serious variety here — and most of it is reachable without a long-haul flight. City breaks work brilliantly with older children — Rome, Amsterdam and Barcelona all reward curious young minds — while coastal resorts in Spain, Greece and Croatia offer the kind of relaxed, beach-and-pool holiday that younger kids thrive on. Cruise itineraries through the Mediterranean are another popular option for families wanting to cover several countries in one trip. Food is a highlight wherever you go. Whether it's pizza in Naples, crêpes in Paris or fresh seafood in Lisbon, Europe has a way of making even mealtimes feel like part of the adventure.
Where to stay
