Six awesome places to take your kids in Europe

There’s Euro-trips – and then there’s Euro-trips with kids. But while that might mean earlier nights, it doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same ol’ string of amusement parks.

Here are six awesome (and safe) places to take the family in Europe that will amuse the ankle-biters, delight parents and keep you all exploring off the beaten track this summer.

Ohrid, North Macedonia

This gorgeous medieval town is plonked on the shores of Lake Ohrid: one of Europe's oldest and deepest bodies of water. Surrounded by historic churches, Ottoman-era architecture and quaint cafes (many of them work friendly: the digital nomad scene is strong here),this is a place where children can enjoy swimming, boating and exploring ancient ruins. The charming streets of Ohrid's Old Town are great for roaming around, and a boat trip to the Bay of Bones Museum makes for a ripper day out –a floating, reconstructed village of stilt houses that offers insight into ancient life on the lake. The sunsets here are to die for also!

Åland Islands, Finland

Discover the Scandinavian charm of the forested Åland Islands (all 6700 of them) – an autonomous Swedish-speaking region off the coast of Finland in the Baltic Sea. There are so many adventures to be had amongst the nature and historical buildings here, and Åland, the largest island, is the perfect place to base yourself. It’s also practically made for cycling! Charming Mariehamn is its capital, and is scattered with cute houses, green parks, hotels, museums and restaurants. Kids will love poking around medieval ruins at Kastelholm Castle, pedalling through picturesque villages and paddling the wildlife-rich Eckerö Archipelago.

The Azores, Portugal

Subtropical Azores is a stunning archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Home to a blend of vibrant cultures, myriad traditions and natural beauty, this chain of nine islands has so much for families to explore together, including lava caves, waterfalls and natural hot springs. Blue whales can be seen all year round, and various companies offer marine-spotting boat trips. Hiking enthusiasts will love scaling Mount Pico – Portugal’s highest peak, whereas those with littler legs can enjoy more gradient-friendly nature walks, snorkelling and swimming.

Colmar, France

Step into the pages of a a fairytale with your family in Colmar – a picturesque town close to the German border that many consider one of France’s prettiest. Wander the flower-lined canals, marvel at the colourful houses and cobbled streets, and take a leisurely boat ride along Little Venice. Kids and adults alike will delight in the French pastries on offer everywhere, and the other child-friendly food that reigns supreme in Colmar is flammkuchen or tarte flambée: essentially a giant pizza, but with a thin and crispy crust.

Gozo, Malta

Tranquil Gozo is an island packed with ancient ruins, hidden beaches and stunning rock formations – and it’s also a good place to ditch the crowds of the neighbouring mainland. Climb to the top of the Citadel of Victoria with the kids for panoramic views, unwind and play amongst the golden sands of Ramla Bay and enjoy Mediterranean flavours at all the seaside restaurants. The well-preserved ruins of the ancient Ggantija temples are incredible to explore, and Gozo’s crystalline waters are ripe for snorkelling adventures too.

Sark, Channel Islands

Experience the charm of Sark: a tranquil island where cars are banned and transportation is only by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle! Located in the southwestern English Channel – just off the coast of Normandy in France, here you can enjoy lovely villages, cycling trails, coastal walks and ocean activities like kayaking and swimming. Soak up the incredible and dramatic views as you stroll across La Coupée (the little isthmus connecting Big Sark and Little Sark), take a dip at secluded Dixcart Bay and sniff the colourful blooms at Seigneurie Gardens.

📸 Mael Balland