15 Underrated Destinations in Europe for Families

June 28, 2024

Explore Europe’s Hidden Family-Friendly Destinations

Europe is a treasure trove of destinations perfect for family vacations, but some of the best spots are often overlooked. This guide highlights 15 Underrated Destinations in Europe for Families, offering ideal locations for memorable family adventures. Let’s uncover these hidden gems that families will love.

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a fantastic destination for families, with its pedestrian-friendly streets, interactive museums, and beautiful parks. Have you ever visited a city where kids can run free without worries? It’s one of the 15 Underrated Destinations in Europe for Families.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Ljubljana Castle: Explore the castle with its funicular railway and puppet museum.
• Tivoli Park: Enjoy a day in the city’s largest park with playgrounds and picnic spots.
• Dragon Bridge: Discover the legend of Ljubljana’s dragon.

2. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges offers a blend of history and charm that is perfect for families. The city’s canals, cobbled streets, and fascinating museums make it a great place to explore with kids.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Canal Boat Tours: Enjoy a scenic boat tour through Bruges’ canals.
• Choco-Story: Visit the chocolate museum and learn about the history of Belgian chocolate.
• Boudewijn Seapark: Spend a day at this family-friendly amusement park with marine shows and rides.

3. Sintra, Portugal

Sintra’s magical palaces and gardens provide a fairy-tale setting that kids will adore. It’s a perfect day trip from Lisbon for families.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Pena Palace: Explore the colorful palace with its beautiful gardens.
• Quinta da Regaleira: Discover the mystical estate with hidden tunnels and towers.
• Monserrate Palace: Wander through the exotic gardens and historic palace.

4. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a charming village that feels like stepping into a storybook. Its scenic beauty and outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for families.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Hallstatt Skywalk: Enjoy breathtaking views from this panoramic viewing platform.
• Salt Mine Tour: Take a fun and educational tour of the historic salt mines.
• Lake Hallstatt: Rent a boat and enjoy the stunning lake with your family.

5. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar offers a unique blend of history and culture that families will find fascinating. The iconic bridge and vibrant old town are perfect for exploring.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Stari Most: Watch the daring bridge divers and explore the historic bridge.
• Old Bazaar: Wander through the bustling market with its colorful stalls.
• Muslibegovic House: Visit this well-preserved Ottoman house and museum.

6. Ronda, Spain

Ronda’s dramatic landscapes and historic sites provide plenty of excitement for families. The city’s unique location and attractions make it a great spot for family vacations.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Puente Nuevo: Explore the stunning bridge and enjoy the views from the gorge.
• Bullring: Visit one of Spain’s oldest bullrings and learn about its history.
• Alameda Park: Relax in this beautiful park with playgrounds and shaded areas.

7. Annecy, France

Annecy is a delightful town with its clear canals and stunning lake, perfect for a family getaway. Its picturesque setting and activities make it ideal for families.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Lake Annecy: Enjoy swimming, paddle boating, and picnicking by the lake.
• Old Town: Wander through the charming streets and discover local shops.
• Palais de l’Isle: Visit this historic prison turned museum in the middle of a canal.

8. Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj is a coastal town with beautiful beaches and a charming old town, making it perfect for families. Its relaxed vibe and outdoor activities are great for kids.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Beaches: Spend a day on the sandy and pebble beaches.
• Old Town: Explore the narrow streets and climb the bell tower for a view.
• Brijuni National Park: Take a boat trip to this nearby island park.

9. Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk offers a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions that are great for families. Its beautiful architecture and engaging museums make it a wonderful family destination.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Maritime Museum: Learn about the city’s maritime history with interactive exhibits.
• Westerplatte: Visit this historic site and enjoy the outdoor areas.
• Gdansk Zoo: Spend a day at the zoo, home to a variety of animals.

10. Cochem, Germany

Cochem is a picturesque town in the Moselle Valley with a stunning castle and beautiful landscapes, perfect for family adventures.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Cochem Castle: Tour the fairy-tale castle and enjoy the views.
• Moselle River: Take a family boat cruise on the scenic river.
• Wild- und Freizeitpark Klotten: Visit this wildlife and amusement park.

11. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor’s stunning bay, medieval architecture, and surrounding mountains make it an exciting destination for families. There’s plenty to explore and enjoy.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Old Town: Wander through the cobblestone streets and visit local shops.
• Kotor Fortress: Hike up to the fortress for panoramic views.
• Boat Trips: Take a boat tour around the beautiful bay.

12. Colmar, France

Colmar’s colorful houses and charming canals create a magical setting for family vacations. The town’s friendly atmosphere and attractions are perfect for kids.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Little Venice: Enjoy a boat ride through the picturesque canals.
• Toy Museum: Discover a collection of toys from different eras.
• Christmas Market: If visiting in winter, experience the magical Christmas market.

13. Piran, Slovenia

Piran’s coastal charm and historic architecture make it a delightful destination for families. The town’s compact size and attractions are perfect for exploring with kids.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Tartini Square: Relax in the main square with its beautiful architecture.
• Seaside Promenade: Walk along the promenade and enjoy the views.
• Aquarium Piran: Visit the local aquarium and learn about marine life.

14. Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu’s medieval charm and rich history make it a fascinating destination for families. The city’s friendly atmosphere and attractions will keep everyone entertained.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Brukenthal National Museum: Explore the museum’s diverse collections.
• Astra Museum: Visit this open-air museum with traditional Romanian houses.
• Dumbrava Sibiului Park: Enjoy a day in this large park with playgrounds and picnic areas.

15. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov’s fairy-tale setting and historic charm make it an ideal destination for families. The town’s picturesque streets and attractions are sure to delight.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Cesky Krumlov Castle: Tour the castle and enjoy the views from the tower.
• Vltava River: Take a family boat trip on the scenic river.
• Egon Schiele Art Centrum: Visit the art museum with its diverse exhibits.

Personal Experience: Family Fun in Ljubljana

Exploring Ljubljana with Kids

During our family trip to Ljubljana, we enjoyed exploring the city’s many attractions. The kids loved visiting Ljubljana Castle and riding the funicular railway. Tivoli Park was perfect for a family picnic, and the Dragon Bridge fascinated them with its mythical charm. Ljubljana’s pedestrian-friendly streets made it easy to navigate with children, making it a fantastic family destination and one of the 15 Underrated Destinations in Europe for Families.

Discovering the Magic of Hallstatt

Hallstatt was another highlight of our family travels. We took the Skywalk for breathtaking views and explored the historic salt mines, which the kids found fascinating. Renting a boat on Lake Hallstatt provided a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the stunning scenery. The village’s storybook charm made it a memorable experience for the whole family.

Final Thoughts

Europe is full of hidden gems perfect for family vacations. From the scenic beauty of Hallstatt to the fairy-tale charm of Cesky Krumlov, these 15 Underrated Destinations in Europe for Families offer unique experiences that will delight families. Ready to explore Europe’s best-kept secrets with your loved ones? These destinations prove that family adventures in Europe can be both exciting and affordable.

Don’t forget to pack the 15 most forgotten items everyone leaves at home when travelling!

Disclosure:

Affiliate Links: Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services I use and believe will add value to my readers.

Experience & Pricing: The information, insights, and recommendations provided are based on my personal experience at the time of writing. Please note that prices, services, and availability may vary over time. Always check current prices and details before making travel plans or purchasing decisions.

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