Planning a European summer vacation that works for everyone from toddlers to grandparents feels impossible, doesn’t it? You want those picture-perfect moments – exploring centuries-old castles, lounging on white sand beaches, indulging in endless gelato – but finding summer destinations in Europe that can engage multiple generations without anyone feeling bored or left out is the real challenge.
After 20 years of family travel across Europe with our own multi-generational crew, we’ve learned what actually works for families seeking that perfect balance. We know you need destinations with enough variety to keep teenagers engaged while grandparents can relax, as well as practical considerations like accessible attractions and accommodation options that work for different mobility levels and interests.
This is why we’re sharing our tried-and-tested European summer destinations – places where storybook towns meet modern splash zones, where cultural city breaks blend seamlessly with beach relaxation. These aren’t just beautiful locations. They are carefully chosen spots where every generation in your family will find their own slice of European magic under the summer sun.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
Summer Destinations in Europe for All Ages
1. Mallorca, Spain
Where to stay: Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma
Average summer temperature: 79°F (26°C)
Spain’s Balearic Islands have long been a ‘summer holiday’ staple for Brits and Germans flying south for guaranteed sun. While the average temperature is pleasant, it can often climb to 100°F! Luckily, the coastal breeze means Mallorca is the perfect place to visit in late June for a summer getaway.
Water-loving groups are spoiled for choice with kid-friendly pristine beaches. Palmanova Beach, with shallow water and playgrounds, is ideal for little ones. Water parks like Aqualand El Arenal are in abundance. Outdoor activities like cycling along Palma Promenade or hiking the popular Castell d’Alaró route are easy activities for everyone.
Grandparents and toddlers alike will be adhering to local customs when they take their afternoon siesta here!
2. Taormina, Sicily
Where to stay: Mazzarò Sea Palace
Average summer temperature: 83°F (28°C)
One of the best, most underrated summer destinations in Europe has to be Sicily. Clear skies and sunny weather are a given. Plus, a coastal town like Taormina offers sandy beaches and rocky coves. Throw in Greco-Roman ancient ruins, labyrinthine streets, and dramatic cliffs with views of Mount Etna, and what more could your group want?!
Spiaggia di Isola Bella is a popular beach that allows you to walk out to a nature reserve at low tide. Check the event schedule for Teatro Antico to watch a performance in a 3rd-century theater. Shop for souvenirs along Corso Umberto and stroll in the shady Villa Comunale gardens.
Active groups can’t miss hiking Mount Etna on a half-day excursion. This active volcano is Europe’s largest, and the best way to see it is close up! It’s only a one-hour drive from Taormina, so you have no excuse.
3. Bergen, Norway
Where to stay: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
Average summer temperature: 63°F (17°C)
In recent years, some travelers have sidestepped the immense summer heat in Southern Europe. Thanks to their long daylight hours and cooler temperatures, city breaks in European countries like Norway are becoming increasingly popular in the summer peak season. The colorful, historic harbor city of Bergen is the ideal destination.
Spend your longer days soaking in the breathtaking views from Fløyen Mountain. Don’t worry, you can ride the Fløibanen Funicular to the top! Enjoy the musical and cultural events that run throughout the summer season. Book a day trip to the fjords, as the longest and deepest Norwegian fjord (Sognefjord) is outside Bergen.
4. Chania, Crete
Where to stay: Domes Zeen Chania
Average summer temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Everyone can agree that the Greek Islands are a must-visit summer destination, and for good reason. Ancient history, beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and cheese … You can’t beat it! Of the 227 inhabited islands in the Aegean Sea, Crete is the best for multi-generational group trips.
For starters, Crete is the largest island, and its capital, Chania, has an international airport. It’s super easy to fly in, rent a car, and explore the island on a week-long trip. History buffs will love visiting Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Lygaria Beach outside Heraklion is calm, clean, and quiet; perfect for families.
Back in Chania, groups can enjoy dinners overlooking the 14th-century Venetian harbor. Wander through the narrow Old Town streets and take evening walks to the city’s 16th-century lighthouse for sunset. If you are visiting Crete with kids, it doesn’t disappoint!
5. Zadar, Croatia
Where to stay: Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik
Average summer temperature: 79°F (26°C)
People flock to beautiful cities on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, like Split and Dubrovnik. Zadar is a no less beautiful and historic alternative with slightly fewer crowds for a relaxing summer trip. Its 9th-century Old Town, Roman-era ruins, and clean beaches mean it’s a great destination for groups of all ages and interests.
Zadar is known for its medieval churches, such as the 11th-century St. Mary’s Convent, 12th-century St. Anastasia’s Cathedral, and the round, 9th-century Church of St. Donatus. Check out the musical Sea Organ and swim in the Adriatic Sea at Golden Wave Beach. The natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park is a 90-minute drive away. There’s no better place for a day trip!
6. Budapest, Hungary
Where to stay: Aquaworld Resort Budapest
Average summer temperature: 77°F (25°C)
You could say this about many European cities, but there’s nowhere like Hungary’s capital city. Budapest straddles the majestic Danube River with the hilly ‘Buda’ on one side and bustling ‘Pest’ on the other. It’s packed with diverse things to do!
Many of its landmarks are in pedestrian zones. You can easily walk around this beautiful city in sunny summer weather. See the epic views of ‘Pest’ from Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle. Explore the old Jewish Quarter and head inside Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe. Don’t miss the Hungarian Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, or a food tour (this is the one we loved!).
Adult-only groups should check out cool ruin pubs like Szimpla Kert. Budapest is also famous for its ornate thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért. While Budapest’s world-class museums will interest art lovers, families should head straight to Flippermúzeum. Home to over 140 interactive vintage arcade games; need I say more?!
7. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Union
Average summer temperature: 75°F (24°C)
Often overshadowed by its neighbor Italy, the small European country of Slovenia is around the same size as New Jersey. It’s one of our favorite summer destinations in Europe for all ages! Ljubljana is the capital. It’s known for endless green spaces (including the sprawling Tivoli Park), national museums, and castles.
One of the best things about staying in Ljubljana is the proximity to Lake Bled. Your group will love taking a day trip to this iconic spot, just a 40-minute drive away. It’s a great place to visit in summer with the dense forest surrounding the church in the water. You can book a private boat tour to create lasting memories.
8. Malta
Where to stay: Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa in Mellieha
Average summer temperature: 86°F (30°C)
Does your group love the Italian and Greek islands but want to travel somewhere new? Enter Malta. Nestled in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and North Africa, Malta’s sunny weather pairs well with its warm, turquoise waters and sandy beaches. It can be pretty scorching in the height of summer, but you can take respite in its medieval cities!
Malta’s capital, Valletta, was built with tall streets to provide shade. They also stretch coast to coast to allow the sea wind to flow through. Check out the views and historic sites at Fort St. Elmo—Malta was a prominent military base for centuries—and the picturesque Barrakka Gardens.
Venture further afield to the fortified city of Mdina, where you enter via a closed gate. Take a boat trip to the smaller islands of Gozo or Comino. The latter’s famous swimming holes, like the Blue Lagoon or Santa Maria Caves, are the best places to spend a sunny afternoon as a group.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
Where to stay: Villa Copenhagen (or one of other favorite Copenhagen hotels)
Average summer temperature: 68°F (20°C)
Does your family or group prefer the bustle of city life over a beach resort? The right place for your European getaway is Copenhagen! Like Bergen, Denmark’s capital enjoys long days in the warmer months without the scorching temperatures.
The best way to get around Denmark is, of course, by bike. Visit the Little Mermaid Statue and the royal palaces like Christiansborg and Rosenborg on two wheels. Kids and adults alike will love watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony in Amalienborg. Sample all of the delicious pastries at Skt. Peders Bageri and Reinh. van Hauen.
It’s a great opportunity to visit two European destinations with little extra effort. The Swedish city of Malmö is an easy day trip accessible by train across the Øresund Bridge. Don’t forget your passports!
10. Edinburgh, Scotland
Where to stay: The Balmoral Hotel (or one of these family-friendly Edinburgh hotels)
Average summer temperature: 64°F (18°C)
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is a must-visit destination in summer if your family or group loves cultural festivals. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world, draws huge crowds every August. The Royal Military Tattoo, Book Festival, Film Festival, and International Festival are happening simultaneously, too!
Aside from the festivities, Edinburgh is known for its charming medieval architecture. Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with quirky, tall tenement buildings. Find Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, St. Giles Cathedral, and more along the Royal Mile (Edinburgh’s main street).
There is an infinite number of day trips from Edinburgh to choose from. Spend a full day searching for the Loch Ness monster in the Highlands or take a half-day trip to Rosslyn Chapel.
Travel tip: Wake up early! Even during the summer festival season, the city doesn’t wake up until after 9:30 AM. Climb Arthur’s Seat hill overlooking the city in the morning, and you’ll see relatively few people.
11. Porto, Portugal
Where to stay: Torel Avantgarde
Average summer temperature: 73°F (23°C)
Portugal’s second city, Porto, is one of the best summer vacation spots on the Iberian Peninsula. Groups can enjoy the best of Porto’s rich culture, which includes port wine, baroque churches like the São Francisco Church, and the medieval Ribeira district. While it’s the perfect place to travel with older kids or a friend group, younger kids will still have a good time here!
Sail on a boat cruise along the Douro River and stroll through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. Sip a coffee, lemonade, or something stronger on a bar terrace with views of the colorful merchant houses. An afternoon at the beach is always a good idea. Luckily, Praia do Carneiro is ideal for watching the sunset across the Atlantic.
For a change of scenery, north to the waterfalls and lagoons of Peneda-Gerês National Park. And yes, all-adult trips will be spoiled for choice with wine tastings and vineyard tours!
12. Côte d’Azur, France
Where to stay: Hôtel La Pérouse in Nice
Average summer temperature: 79°F (26°C)
If it’s good enough for the Hollywood elite to return year after year, there must be something special about the French Riviera! The coastline along France’s south coast offers dramatic coastlines dotted with cities like Nice and Cannes, towns like Eze and Menton, and the micro-state of Monaco.
Make your trip to the Côte d’Azur your own. Do you want to check in at a luxury resort with a private beach club that you never want to leave? Do you want to hop from town to beach to bar to garden to boat instead? You can!
Enjoy the soft sands and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the best beaches for families include Plage des Sablettes in Menton, Plage de la Gravette in Antibes, and La Croisette in Cannes. While in Cannes, take the boat out to Île Sainte-Marguerite. Discover an old fort and an abundance of eucalyptus trees.
If this is a special vacation, splash out on a lavish dinner! The Cote d’Azur has many restaurants with Michelin stars such as Mirazur in Menton and Le Chantecler in Nice.
13. Black Forest, Germany
Where to stay: Hotel Traube Tonbach in Baiersbronn
Average summer temperature: 70°F (21°C)
Head off the beaten path and take a road trip through the charming towns of Germany’s Black Forest. The summer months are the best time to visit, thanks to the mild temperatures. Active groups and nature lovers will love hiking and biking here without dripping in sweat!
The small town of Baiersbronn is a great base. It’s close to the Nationalpark Schwarzwald with its many waterfalls, streams, and hikes. Easy trails for the whole family include the Legend trail to the Allerheiligen monastery ruins or the Schliffkopf Loop.
Other cool places to visit are the Treetop Walk Black Forest and Friedrichsbad Baden-Baden thermal baths. Furtwangen is known for its connection to the cuckoo clock, so don’t be surprised to see huge clocks around town! There’s so much to do here that you’ll need to spend one week exploring everything.
14. Lake Garda, Italy
Where to stay: Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort in Padenghe sul Garda
Average summer temperature: 77°F (25°C)
While couples will find a romantic vibe in Lake Como, families, and groups will enjoy a summer break in the lively Lake Garda. Italy’s largest lake has several small towns dotted along its shoreline, and you’ll find endless things to do.
No vacation in Lake Garda is complete without an epic boat trip. Hop on the ferry from a main town like Sirmione (or wherever you’re staying) and explore some of the cutest towns. Limone sul Garda is, you guessed it, famous for its lemon trees. Head to the hilltop castle and museum, which boasts hundreds of lemon trees around the estate.
Strong winds mean Riva del Garda in the north is the perfect place for water sports like windsurfing. Swim, play volleyball, or canoe from Spiaggia Sabbioni. This pebble beach might not be fun to sunbathe on, but you won’t get bored!
Sirmione, at the bottom of Lake Garda, is a lively town where you can rent bikes to get around. Visit the ruins of a large Roman villa and delight in handmade gelato at Gelateria Mancini dal 1933.
15. Killarney, Ireland
Where to stay: The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens
Average summer temperature: 65°F (18°C)
With rainy shoulder seasons and a blustery, cold off-season, summer is the perfect time to visit Ireland’s national parks. Killarney was the country’s first national park and it’s the perfect destination for all ages and interests. Killarney town itself is super cute with historic Irish pubs. Many are family-friendly, like The Laurels Pub and J.M. Reidy’s.
Killarney’s long, rich history can be uncovered in the 15th-century lakeside Ross Castle. Muckross House is a stately manor that hosted Queen Victoria in 1861!
Lough Leane (‘lough’ means ‘lake’ in Irish) and Torc Waterfall are just two natural highlights. Explore the countryside on a Jaunting Car (horse and carriage) tour so even grandma can come along.
Best Summer Destinations in Europe for the Best Group Trip
Summer vacations are more enjoyable when everyone can come along. There’s no better time of year to relax, unwind, and watch a beautiful sunset or build sand castles together. Each place on this list could be your group’s best European destination for kids (and adults!) of all ages. No matter your budget or interests, there’s something for everyone!
About the author: Kirsten is a family travel expert who has been traveling with kids for over 20 years. She has been featured in Travel & Leisure, Parents Magazine, AFAR, Vogue, NBC, Lonely Planet, and Thrillist, to name a few. Kirsten is also the content creator behind Kids Are A Trip, an award-winning site for planning family vacations.