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We launched Mango Tree Travel in 2022 to embolden parents to seize travel experiences that delight the whole family — it’s not just a “trip for the kids” – it’s a trip for everyone. We started with a focus on the Caribbean to help parents get away from the characterless all-inclusive resorts in favor of family-friendly boutique hotels.
As we’ve expanded our research and scouting to Europe, we’ve learned that there’s another pitfall families need to avoid — and that’s focusing too much on European cities and jam-packed itineraries.
The European countryside and coastal towns just have so much to offer families, both in terms of their slower pace, their incredible family resorts, and outdoor focused activities that are (generally speaking) more fun with kids than museums and cafes day in and day out.
Forget the idea that Europe is too far or too complicated or that your kids need to be older. There is no need to wait to take your kids to these awesome destinations, and with our help and the right slow travel approach, you can have an unforgettable family vacation, full of culture, adventure, and downtime.
We’ve hand-picked six of the best European countries that strike this balance perfectly, and that’s why they’re on our hot list of destinations for families looking towards Europe. Each one offers families a getaway that promises culture, adventure, and relaxation – and we can’t wait to help you plan your next trip!
1. Portugal
One of the Best European Countries for Kids
Portugal is hands-down one of the best European destinations for family holidays, and we want to send more families there ASAP. It’s affordable, easy to navigate, and packed with city buzz and a peaceful countryside, making it ideal for families seeking a slower pace. There’s a Portugal itinerary for everyone, with so many options.
Spend a few days in Lisbon – a walkable city perfect for easing into the new time zone and overcoming a bit of jet lag – and then head to the Alentejo countryside to slow it down, to the Douro Valley, or to the surfing beaches of the Vicentina Coast in the western Algarve. Or you can even fly to the Azores islands to experience the Hawaii of Europe. Our clients love the mix of a vibrant city stay with coastal and countryside relaxation.
What makes Portugal truly shine for families is how easy and welcoming it feels. The food is simply delicious (hello, pasteis de nata!), the culture is super warm and family-oriented, and there’s a huge variety of activities and landscapes– castle-hopping, dolphin-spotting, beaches, countryside.
At Mango Tree, we love boutique hotels that welcome kids and offer families an immersive experience — and Portugal really has this down. The hotels are made for families (Shoutout to the Martinhal family hotels) – with unique activities and amazing kids’ clubs & childcare, but ALSO charm and elevated vibes over waterslides. It’s easy for the whole family to get into an easy rhythm and feel at home in Portugal.
Standout Family Resort in Portugal: São Lourenço do Barrocal
In the Alentejo countryside, São Lourenço do Barrocal is one of the best luxury family resorts Europe has to offer — not just for families, just for people who love an immersive luxury hotel with a sense of place. It’s an incredible place to unplug, and worth going out of your way to visit. You’ll find gorgeous details, spacious rooms and immersive activities for all ages, and you’ll be sipping on Portuguese wine and tasting olive oil right from the property while your kids delight in the farm animals.
2. France
Kid Friendly escapes Beyond Paris
France is family-favorite — but there’s so much more to it than Paris, Nice, and Bordeaux. These hotspots are getting too crowded and expensive, and are not always viewed as the most kid-friendly.
That’s not to say don’t visit the Eiffel Tower or other popular attractions once you’ve landed. The dream trip we’d like to plan for you? You’ll spend a few nights in Paris with some epic kid-focused tours like a macaron-making class or a scavenger hunt in the Louvre. Then we’ll whisk you off to a lesser-visited but equally cool family destination like the Alps, Alsace or Normandy, the Loire Valley, or the Atlantic Coast, where you can really start to feel the essence of France.
Standout Family Resort in France: Les Hortensias du Lac
When we planned our first Mango Tree scouting trip to France, we landed on Les Hortensias du Lac – France’s first luxury surf lodge with spacious family rooms, right on the beach. This boutique hotel is part of the Relais and Chateau collection, with an emphasis on authenticity.
This coast of France is known for its beginning waves, and so a visit here means families get the chance to learn how to surf together. This is more than a place to stay – you’ll feel the local vibe in every corner. Surfing in France? It’s adventure travel to Europe at its finest.
3. The Swiss and Austrian Alps
The hills are alive with family hotels
You’ll hear more and more of this from Mango Tree – we need to get more families skiing in Europe! It’s not just about the epic slopes in the Alps, it’s about the full winter experience. Some of the best European countries to visit for skiing are Switzerland and Austria. Switzerland delivers peak luxury, while Austria offers a more affordable alpine experience.
The best part? A week at one of these European ski destinations can cost less than skiing in Colorado at Vail or Breckenridge, and you get way more than just skiing. Think sledding (or sledging, as they say), sleigh rides, tobogganing, ice skating, indoor water parks, cozy mountain meals, and breathtaking Alp vistas at every turn.
For a bucket-list ski trip, Switzerland is hard to beat. Zermatt is a dream destination in Europe, while Graubünden is a quieter, less obvious choice with incredible ski schools, kids’ clubs, and a true winter wonderland vibe just two hours from Zurich. Pick Austria for cozy mountain lodges and super charming villages that feel magical—and fewer Americans.
Standout Family Resort in Austria: Severin’s Alpine Retreat
Severin’s Alpine Retreat in Lech is a boutique, luxury lodge that gives family the best of both worlds: easy access to Lech’s incredible ski terrain, plus all the cozy, high-end comforts you could want. Spacious suites with super cute bunk beds for kids, private spa access, and an intimate, personalized feel make it a dream base for a European ski adventure.
We’ve been researching gems like this all through the Alps and we can’t wait to plan your summer or winter trip to one of the great family hotels in Switzerland and Austria. Let’s start now!
3. Northern Italy
One of the absolute Best European Destinations for Family Holidays in the mountains
We’ve had a big crush on the Italian Dolomites for a long time, and can’t wait to book more family trips here! This is truly one of our favorite family destinations in Europe – no matter the season. Reachable from Milan, Venice, or Munich (with a stop in Austria) there are several incredible itineraries we can design for you to this incredible European destination for families.
In the summer, the Dolomites offer the perfect escape from the Rome heat and crowds, a completely different Italian experience. In winter, the Dolomites have world-class skiing. The scenery is out of a postcard, the ski schools are terrific, and the vibe is refreshingly low key. Not to mention ending the day with a plate of handmade pasta, a crispy pizza, and the creamiest gelato you’ve ever had. What’s not to love?
Standout Family Resort in Italy: Feuerstein Nature Family Resort
One of the reasons I was most excited to write this blog was to feature some of the family hotels in North Italy – they are that amazing. This European family resort puts families (kids AND parents) front and center. By design, kids can be kids here and family time and togetherness is treasured.
As one review said, “everything is made to make your life easy so that everyone in the family can enjoy their time at Feuerstein.” It creates the perfect base for a vacation that actually feels like a vacation.
Picked your country? Time to plan the rest!
5. England’s Countryside: A Lesser-Known Luxury Family Holiday in Europe
An easy flight from London, especially from the U.S. East Coast makes England a stress-free European adventure. Plus, there are no language barrier worries. Spend a couple of days exploring the city – check out some of the free museums, hop on a double-decker bus, and don’t miss the Paddington Bear exhibit, a hit with little ones and nostalgic parents. Then trade the city hustle for the rolling green hills of the English countryside, where you can indulge in a grand estate stay that feels like a real-life fairytale.
The English countryside, while not the typical recommendation, is a dream for families. Wide-open spaces for kids to run free, quaint towns, and plenty of outdoor adventures – horseback riding, nature trails, and even falconry lessons. It’s the perfect way to slow down after sightseeing in London.
Stand Out Family Resort in England’s Countryside: Chewton Glen
Chewton Glen is a luxury estate hotel that gives families a taste of English elegance – think a grand country manor that meets relaxed family-friendly hospitality. The treehouse suites are fun for kids, and the estate’s stunning grounds are like a natural playground. Horseback ride, take a family cooking class, or just enjoy afternoon tea by the fire – the charm of rural England oozes in this resort.
6. Greek Islands: The Best Beaches in Europe for Families
For a family trip to Greece, skip Mykonos and Santorini. A few of Greece’s best islands for families fly under the radar. Some of the best beaches in Europe for families, cute little villages, white-washed houses, and incredible Greek cuisine are reason enough to plot your next family vacation to Greece. Fly into Athens for a few days, explore the Parthenon, then take a short flight or ferry to an island that fits your family’s style.
The western side of the island, where Chania is, features the famous Elafonisi Beach, with its pink sand and shallow waters, a dream for kids. The eastern side of the island, where Heraklion is located, has Knossos Palace, and history lovers will be right in their element.
Meanwhile, the islands Naxos and Paros, while gaining in popularity, are still a bit quieter, with fantastic beaches, traditional Greek towns, and some of the Cycladic architecture the bigger islands are known for. These islands are close to each other so it’s easy to make one your home base, while still getting a chance to experience the other. A two for one.
Standout Family Resort in Crete, Greece: Ammos Hotel
Located just outside Chania, Ammos Hotel is a beachfront stay designed with families in mind. It’s got the style of a chic Greek Island retreat, but without the fuss. Kids can safely splash on a sandy, shallow beach, while parents sip a Greek wine. There’s a pool, childcare, and some of the simplest, yet tastiest Greek cuisine, sourced locally.
Keep Exploring: Take a spin through our Europe Destination Page
Easy Family Destinations in Europe: A Country for Everyone
Too far? Too exhausting? Not relaxing enough? We hear it all the time – but it’s just not true. Traveling to Europe with kids doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of long travel days and overpacked itineraries.
With the right destinations and the right hotels, these trips can be just as seamless and easy– and even more rewarding – than any other family trip.
That’s why the Mango Tree Travel team is geeked about these 6 destinations that all prove that a European vacation can feel like a vacation. These places balance adventure and downtime, big sights with open space, and family-friendly fun with a little well-earned pampering — especially when you let us match you with a great family hotel to set you up with success.
