Summer is the perfect time to get away and enjoy the summer sun with your loved ones. Whether you’re travelling with young children, teens, or grandparents, there are many beach holidays in Europe for families that offer something for everyone. From gentle waves for paddling to fun seaside towns with family attractions, these destinations are ideal for relaxed days and memorable evenings.
We’ve picked ten family-friendly beach spots across Europe, each in a different country. All of these have soft sand, calm waters, fun things to do, and places where both kids and older adults can enjoy their time.
So, whether it’s building sandcastles, joining a local festival, or taking a boat trip, your summer can be as easy-going or active as you like.
Let’s look at the best beach destinations to visit this summer.
Best for: Sandy beaches, caves and family boat trips
The Algarve region is full of beaches that are great for families, like Praia da Marinha and Meia Praia. The water is calm in many spots, and you’ll find safe areas for kids to swim. Older family members will enjoy cliffside walks or joining a boat tour to see the famous sea caves. There are waterparks nearby like Slide & Splash, and many family-run restaurants offer outdoor seating with sea views.
Summer highlight: Local festivals like the Portimão Sardine Festival in August, with food and live music.
To explore more about the Algarve, visit here.
Best for: Clear water, snorkelling, and nearby towns
Costa Brava’s coastline has quiet bays like Tamariu and Llafranc that are great for children. Many beaches have gentle slopes and clear water, making them good for snorkelling and paddling. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour or visit the botanical gardens in Blanes for a peaceful walk. There are family-friendly resorts and plenty of cafés for lunch breaks.
Summer highlight: The Cap Roig Festival (July–August) hosts concerts in the open air, some with family shows.
Best for: Warm sea, local food, and history
Crete offers wide beaches like Elafonissi, with shallow pink-tinged sand that’s fun for kids to explore. Older family members can visit local villages or relax in beachside cafés. There are family-friendly attractions such as the Cretaquarium and ancient ruins in Knossos. Most resorts cater to all ages with pools, shaded areas and easy beach access.
Summer highlight: Summer music nights in Heraklion – some events are free and held outdoors.
Discover more about family travel in Crete.
Best for: Soft sand, local traditions, and easy walks
In southern Italy, Puglia’s beaches such as Torre dell’Orso and Punta Prosciutto are wide and calm, great for kids to run around safely. There are small towns nearby to visit for ice cream or evening strolls. Grandparents will enjoy the slower pace and chance to try local food, while children can play safely in the shallow sea.
Summer highlight: La Notte della Taranta (August) – a music and dance event that includes family-friendly shows across the region.
Best for: Rock pools, coastal walks, and family activities
Brittany’s beaches, like those in Saint-Malo and Dinard, offer rock pooling and shell collecting at low tide. There are coastal walks for all fitness levels and historic forts to explore. Family cycling routes and sailing schools are common, and many beaches have lifeguards in the summer.
Summer highlight: Les Nocturnes in Dinard – summer evening markets and music in July and August.
Learn more about Brittany holidays.
Best for: Pebble beaches, water fun and historic day trips
Beaches near Zadar like Borik are calm and offer beach activities for everyone. Families can take day trips to nearby islands or visit the Sea Organ – a musical art piece powered by the waves. Grandparents might enjoy a ferry ride to Nin, a small old town with healing mud flats by the sea.
Summer highlight: The Full Moon Festival – with lanterns, family stalls, and food markets along the waterfront.
Best for: Seaside strolls, old town visits, and beach fun
Budva has sandy beaches like Mogren Beach which are easy to reach and well-serviced. Kids can enjoy paddle boats, while older family members can relax with a drink near the beach. You can walk to Budva’s walled Old Town or take a short drive to peaceful Jaz Beach, which is also good for families.
Summer highlight: Budva Theatre City Festival – includes open-air performances suitable for all ages.
Explore Budva and Montenegro’s coast here.
Best for: Shallow water, family resorts and safe play areas
Ayia Napa’s Nissi Beach and Makronissos Beach are known for their soft sand and shallow waters, ideal for young children. There are shaded play areas, mini-golf spots and safe paths for pushchairs. Older relatives can enjoy fresh seafood meals or visit Ayia Napa Monastery.
Summer highlight: Ayia Napa’s beach festivals and open-air concerts in July and August – live DJs, cultural shows and family-friendly seaside events.
Best for: Nature, dunes, and peaceful family time
On the Curonian Spit, Nida offers clean beaches surrounded by forests and sand dunes. It’s quiet and great for a slower holiday. Families can rent bikes, visit the Thomas Mann museum, or take a boat ride on the lagoon. Grandparents will enjoy the cooler summer weather and simple walks.
Summer highlight: Family bike rides and sandcastle days along Nida’s endless dunes and beaches – nature trails, pine forests, and shallow waters perfect for kids.
Best for: Kite flying, wide beaches and casual walks
The long, sandy beaches of Hel are perfect for families who want space and sea air. You’ll find shallow areas to splash around in, and there’s a seal sanctuary that’s popular with children. You can also take a small train to explore the whole peninsula, which grandparents will enjoy for its ease.
Summer highlight: Dolphin spotting boat trips, sandy beaches with calm shallows, and kite-flying on the Hel sandbar – perfect for family adventures all summer long.
Wherever you choose to go this summer, these beach holidays in Europe for families offer easy ways to relax, explore and spend time together. From quiet beaches to local festivals, there’s something here for every generation.
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