Family holidays: the best European destinations to travel with children this summer, according to TUI

Choosing a destination for a family summer vacation isn't always easy: you have to balance activities for children, relaxation, and options for enjoying time together. To help with this decision, TUI has compiled a ranking of the best European coastal destinations, or those near the sea, after analyzing more than 150 cities and coastal areas.

The study considers key factors such as the range of leisure activities for children, including theme parks, ice cream parlors, playgrounds, and swimming pools, among others; the variety of activities for all ages; the number of family-friendly accommodations; and the weather conditions during the summer months.

The analysis also incorporates the range of family experiences available at the destination, an element that is increasingly influencing vacation planning. According to a recent survey by TUI Musement, the excursions and activities division of the TUI Group, among families with children who regularly book activities during their trips, more than 66% book at least two. The most popular plans are theme parks and family leisure activities (over 76%), followed by boat trips (almost 68%) and outdoor activities (over 65%).

The result is a selection of destinations that stand out not only for their tourist appeal but also for offering experiences that connect young and old alike.

The top 5

1. Lisbon, Portugal . With a score of 9.16 out of 10, the Portuguese capital tops the ranking, with strong results in all categories analyzed. The city boasts 17 parks and 37 family hotels per 10 km², one of the highest densities in the ranking. Furthermore, the high rating (7.36/10) for children's leisure reflects the wide variety of options available for kids, from playgrounds to ice cream parlors.

Among the more than 200 excursions and activities available on TUI Musement, families can find options for all tastes, such as boat trips on the Tagus River, visits to the Oceanarium, or the SL Benfica stadium and museum, ideal for combining with relaxing days on the region's beaches.

2. Naples, Italy . Thanks to its pleasant summer temperatures (an average of 25.2°C), the range of leisure activities for children, and the variety of ways to discover the city, Naples is a very complete option for families looking for culture, fun, and sunshine, with more than 150 experiences available on TUI Musement.

Among the options that best suit a trip with children are visits to iconic landmarks like Castel Sant'Elmo or exploring the mysterious passageways of Naples Underground, which combine entertainment and learning and allow for an engaging introduction to history.

3. Porto, PortugalThird place goes to another Portuguese destination, confirming the country's leadership in family holidays. Porto (9.01/10) boasts 13 parks and 32 family-friendly hotels per 10 km², offering a wide variety of options concentrated in a single area. Children can enjoy walks along the river, expansive green spaces, or have fun on Matosinhos beach.

Among the activities that typically attract families, TUI Musement highlights a visit to the iconic Lello Bookstore, whose aesthetic evokes the world of Harry Potter, as well as exploration games for discovering the old town in a fun way. For those wanting to extend their getaway, cruises through the Douro Valley are a perfect option for discovering one of Portugal's most emblematic landscapes.

4. Catania, Italy . The Sicilian city, which combines heritage, beaches, and nature, occupies fourth place with a rating of 8.99 out of 10 and an average summer temperature of nearly 27°C.

Families can alternate strolls through the Baroque city center and relaxing days by the sea with excursions to Mount Etna, an experience especially appealing to children due to its adventure and discovery aspect. Boat trips to discover some of Sicily's most beautiful bays are also highly popular.

5. Barcelona, ​​Spain . With a score of 8.92/10, Barcelona closes out the top 5 and stands out for its combination of urban leisure, outdoor spaces, and cultural offerings for all ages. Its potential as a family destination is also reflected in the wide variety of experiences available through TUI Musement, the largest in the entire ranking in this category.

Barcelona also excels in its high number of parks and green spaces per square kilometer, and visits like Park Güell remain among the favorites for families with children. Furthermore, Gaudí's works, such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, spark the imagination of young children. According to TUI Musement, many families take advantage of their stay in Barcelona to include a trip to PortAventura Park.

Rounding out the top 10
are other destinations especially suited to families seeking sun, outdoor activities, and adventures designed for children. Rhodes (Greece) stands out for its summery climate, with an average temperature above 27°C, and for its high rating for children's leisure activities (7.08/10). Among the most popular activities to enjoy with children are family-friendly themed cruises, such as Pirates of Rhodes, ideal for adding a touch of adventure to a vacation.

In Cyprus, Paphos and Limassol feature in the ranking thanks to their combination of tranquil beaches and family-friendly activities. Meanwhile, Side (Turkey) stands out for its high concentration of family-friendly accommodations, with 33 family-friendly hotels per 10 km², while Marmaris, also on the Turkish coast, rounds out the top 10 as a well-rounded option that combines good weather, wide beaches, and a variety of activities.

Source: TUI