
Europe is an incredible destination for family holidays, especially those with teenagers. From rich culture and history to stunning nature, Europe has numerous places to delight even the pickiest teens. Most places have diverse offerings, so there’s always something to enjoy regardless of what your teens prefer.
But planning a trip to Europe isn’t easy given the numerous options. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up a list of the top destinations in Europe perfect for families traveling with teens.
1. St Tropez, France
St Tropez is one of the most picturesque towns along the French Riviera, offering numerous things for the whole family to enjoy. Among the town’s top attractions are gorgeous beaches offering thrilling water sports – a guaranteed hit to your adventurous teens! It is also home to fascinating museums and adventure parks, which your teens will love.
If your teens love thrilling rides, take them to Azur Park, a fun amusement park offering exciting rides and unique attractions. Among the highlights are high-speed coasters and a mini-golf course to keep everyone entertained.
If your kids prefer to spend time at the beach, take them to Bouillabaisse Beach, a beautiful sandy beach with welcoming waters and gentle shallows, perfect for paddling and swimming. It’s a well-equipped beach with facilities like toilets and showers, offering a more comfortable beach experience.
If you have adventurous teenagers, St Tropez has plenty of fun water sports they can try, from kayaking to jet-skiing. They can even take their own hyperlite paddle board, and they’ll have a great time! There are also diving schools with professional instructors providing lessons to beginners and teenagers.
For kids who love culture and history, take them to the town’s fascinating museums, such as the Museum of Maritime History. It’s housed in a historic citadel with over 500 years of history and features extensive exhibits of the town’s daily life.
2. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza may be renowned as Spain’s top nightlife hotspot, but it’s also a surprisingly fun place to travel for families with teens, especially those who love lively beaches. For a more enjoyable bonding moment with your teens, consider staying in luxurious villas in Ibiza. These villas have multiple rooms, perfect for families with teens who want to sleep in a separate bedroom.
Riding jet skis at Playa d’en Bossa, the island’s main beach resort, is a fun activity your teens will love to try. As Ibiza’s longest beach, Playa d’en Bossa offers plenty of space for parents to lounge around while the kids play. The beach is also home to some of the island’s most famous beach bars, so expect a crowd of partygoers during the peak times.
If you want to escape the crowd, visit Santa Eulalia, a quieter area of Ibiza that is more family-oriented. It’s on the east coast, home to Puig de Missa, a fortified church complex with a watchtower.
Exploring the medieval ruins of Dalt Vila, the fortified Old Town of Ibiza, is a fascinating way to learn about the island’s history. Bounded by imposing walls, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to historic sites like the Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves and the Can Botino building, a former Dominican monastery.
3. Lake Garda, Italy
As the largest of the Italian lakes, Lake Garda is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, luring visitors of all ages. If you are a family with teens, you’ll have plenty of options, from beautiful beaches to fun theme parks and scenic hiking trails. The region is also home to picturesque lakeside villages that are a joy to explore with the kids.
The best way to explore Lake Garda is to take the ferry that transports people from one lakeside village to another. One of the most beautiful villages to explore in Lake Garda is Salo, a medieval town with a history of over 2,500 years. Enjoy leisure walks along Lake Garda’s longest promenade. Enjoy the waterfront views and stop by for snacks or meals at one of the restaurants and cafes.
Garda is an ideal base for your family getaway. It’s a bustling resort town with numerous restaurants and cafes along the lakeside. Garda is also home to some of Lake Garda’s best beaches, with amenities like a sunbathing deck for parents to relax while the kids play in the water.
4. Zermatt, Switzerland
For a holiday your kids cannot resist, take them to Switzerland for a summer camp. Switzerland is a fantastic destination in Europe for teen summer camps. It’s great for teenagers who want to meet new friends, learn new skills, and spend the night in the camp surrounded by Switzerland’s splendid mountain scenery.
Switzerland is best suited for families with adventurous teenagers. In Zurich, they can try hot air ballooning or white water rafting. Those seeking more thrilling adventures can try paragliding. If your kids want to hit the slopes, your best option is Zermatt. It’s one of the country’s top skiing destinations, home to traditional Swiss chalets surrounded by gorgeous snow-capped peaks.
If you want to stay in a breathtaking city on your holiday to Switzerland, look no further than Bern. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the quaint medieval Old Town has a stunning Alpine backdrop offering numerous fun activities to keep your teens occupied.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
If your teens are big fans of the Game of Thrones, they are most likely familiar with Dubrovnik since it’s one of the filming locations of this famous television series. In fact, you can book a tour to take you to these locations, such as the City Walls and Minceta Tower.
As one of Croatia’s top tourist destinations, Dubrovnik offers numerous activities and attractions for teens. They can embark on an off-road adventure to explore ancient fortresses, take a ferry to cruise to the nearby Elaphiti Island or play at Lapad Beach, which has shallow turquoise waters and amenities like lifeguards on duty.
One of the best ways to enjoy Dubrovnik’s most fascinating views is to take the cable car ride to Mount Srd. At the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city and the nearby islands. It’s also possible to hike to the top if your kids are up for some hiking adventure.
If you’re looking to getaway on a European excursion, then there are loads of great European Cruises From Southampton to choose from.