The best beaches in Europe for a family holiday

Want to go on a holiday under the sun with your family? It can be complicated to find the ideal destination to match the perfect suntan and a memorable experience. Little Guest has listed the best beaches in Europe to spend your vacations with your feet in the water. Paradisiacal islands in Greece, coves in Spain, postcard landscapes in Italy, fine sandy beaches in France or turquoise beaches in Portugal, here is our selection 

1. The best beaches in Greece

In Crete 

The Elafonissi beach

Located on the island of the Gods, the Elafonissi beach is camped out on the west of Crete and represents, certainly, one of the most beautiful beaches of the island and of the world. Its crystalline and turquoise blue waters, its small shells and its white and pink sand wake it to a heaven on earth. Its advantage? Its warm and shallow water. It simply makes the whole family want to travel. Thus, it will inevitably entertain all the children. 

Where to stay? At the Avra Imperial *****. Located in the seaside city of Chania, it is the ideal establishment to visit the lagoon and the beach of Elafonissi. The prestigious hotel is nestled in an oasis of tranquility and seems to be the perfect place to stay in family in a paradisiacal setting. 

The Balos beach 

Its white fine sandy beach, its incredible landscapes, its brilliant turquoise blue lagoon offers you a postcard panorama. The atoll is ideal for taking a bath in family. Indeed, its waves are missing, the water is incredibly transparent and the little fish will be your swimming companions in the calm of this exotic beach. In addition, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world thanks to its impressive characteristics. 

Where to stay? At the Domes Zeen Chania *****, also located in the port city of Chania. Thought in a bohemian chic and intimist spirit, the sumptuous offers services worthy of a 5-star establishment. We find suites and villas with private pool of unequalled comfort and a nursery, a kids-club and all the equipment necessary to take care of the little ones: baby cot, stroller, emergency bottle…

See our practical guide for visiting Crete with your family.

In Kos

The Elafonissi beach on the left & the Avra Imperial ***** on the right

The Marmari beach 

Jewel among the jewels of Kos, the Marmari beach is illuminated by its warm sand and its shining waters. The quality of the water is such that it has been awarded the Blue Flag certification! Numerous water activities are available: diving, sailing, surf or sailboard! On solid ground, you can play beach-volley, run a kite or experiment horse-riding on the beach. Dinner options are various and can be found easily accross the beach.

Where to stay? At the Grecotel Casa Paradisio ****. Build on the beach, the hotel is an ode to nautical activities. Its pool and seafront will make you want to dive and enjoy some fresh feeling while enjoying sunlight. Three kids-club, adapted to every age group, are available for children and have tons of fun activities to share. And for the parents, they can opt for a turistic getaway in neighboring villages or an invigorating spa session.

In Santorini 

The Ammoudi beach 

The Ammoudi beach deserves a visit!  Located below the port of Oia where the famous white houses glitter, its exotic tranquility offers charming moments to share with the family. Ideal for a relaxing vacation, its postcard setting with its unmatched turquoise waters and fine sand does not disappoint. 

Where to stay? At the Andronis Arcadia Hotel *****. Ideal for families looking for serenity, the establishment offers services of a luxury hotel. Camped out on the edge of the Oia, the establishment invites you to immerse yourself in rooms and suites with a private pool.

2. The best beaches in Italy

In Sardinia 

Cala Goloritzé 

Nestled behind a forest of holm oaks and arbutus, the wild cove of Cala Goloritzé offers a postcard landscape from an enchanting dream. Located in the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei, the small white pebble beach is ranked among the most beautiful in Sardinia. This natural beauty, reflecting an air of the Caribbean, can be reached by a hiking trail.

Where to stay? At the Arbatax Park Resort & Spa Suites Del Mare ****. Nestled in a 60-hectare nature reserve, the lavish resort is a family-friendly haven. Located in the small town of Arbatax, it is an oasis of lush greenery for visitors. Comfort, elegance and a youthful atmosphere are the key words of the hotel. There is a baby club, a kids club and a teens club.

In Sicily

Scala dei Turchi 

Formed by a cliff of white calcareous rocks, the Scala dei Turchi is one of the most beautiful places in Sicily. Its rocks create an extraordinary contrast with the turquoise blue of the sea.  The imposing iceberg-like cliff and its views offer a sumptuous spectacle. Bring your camera!

Where to stay? At the Rocco Forte Private Villas Verdura Resort. Located in the heart of the hills of the Sicilian’s west, the villas enjoy an exceptional intimacy. Settle down in the Italian countryside to enjoy personalized and luxurious services: private pool, luxury family activities, sports fields, etc.

Isola Bella

Presented as one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, the Isola Bella beach is an idyllic little spot located in the heart of a nature reserve. The beach of pebbles and shells is surrounded by cliffs, which makes it a wild and intimate place. This sumptuous setting with its azure blue sea and lush greenery is worth a visit!  

Where to stay? At the UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia ****. This green hotel is located in the Sicilian resort of Giardini-Naxos. This rare pearl offers to immerse oneself in a warm and family atmosphere while enjoying family-friendly and kid-friendly services. A whole program is designed around visiting families so that they can be pampered during their stay.

Take a look at our practical guide for a perfect trip to Sicily!

3. The best beaches in France

In Corsica

The Palombaggia beach

Appreciated by families thanks to its easy access, the Palombaggia beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica and is ranked in the TOP10 of the most beautiful beaches of Europe. Bordered by a mountain abounding pine trees, its golden sandy beaches and crystal clear water make it a postcard landscape. This natural beauty is, moreover, located in a protected site and it is a mosaic of colors which offers itself to the visitors.

Where to stay? At the hotel Don César *****. Planted in the heart of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, the luxurious hotel is snuggled in a dreamy setting. Popular with families looking for sweet life, we find ourselves immersed in a sensational environment! What could be better than being rocked by the soft sound of the waves while enjoying the beautiful Corsican sun?

The Bodri beach

An enchanting and paradisiacal setting awaits you when you lay down your towel at the Bodri beach. Located in the north of the island of Beauty, near the Ile Rousse, it offers panoramas from the Caribbean. On the program: idleness, turquoise water and fine sand beach. 

Where to stay? At the hotel La Signoria *****. Nestled in the heart of Corsica’s nature, this building with its authentic Provencal decoration promises a stay under the sign of luxury and well-being. Intimate, the hotel offers you the possibility to stay in one of its 5 private villas, each with a private pool overlooking the magnificent Mediterranean Sea! 

Do not hesitate to read our practical guide to go on a family holiday in Corsica!

In the Alpes-Maritimes

The beach of the Baie des Fourmis

Located in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the beach of la Baie des Fourmis offers an exotic vegetation in an enchanting setting. This small jewel enjoys a turquoise blue water and a typical white sand of the southern beaches. A beach with paradisiacal waters with intense colours, a splendid view over the villa Kérylos, this rare gem can be reached by walking along the green coastal path. 

Where to stay? At the Negresco *****. Dressed on the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice, the luxurious hotel is a real institution for families! Decorated with neoclassical inspirations, the establishment has been designed for families. Indeed, children are treated like little kings! Numerous creative activities, cosmetics, multiple childcare equipment, etc.

The La Gravette beach

Nestled between the ancient Antibes ramparts and the Vauban port, the fin sandy beach is perfect for families. There, children are having a great time building sand castles. On the program, a total immersion in the Antibes landscape while enjoying the azure and temperate water of the sea. 

Where to stay? At the Opio Resort Club Med ****. Located a stone’s throw away from Cannes, the establishment offers exclusive and exceptional services entirely adapted for travelling families. Let the Provencal atmosphere of this address set the pace for you. The must of the hotel: its all-inclusive formula, its 3 swimming pools as well as numerous activities to discover.

4. The best beaches in Spain

In the Canary Islands

Playa Abama 

The ideal place to enjoy intimacy and appreciate a completely isolated place, the Abama beach, on the western side of Tenerife, offers and absolute tranquility, nested between volcanic cliffs and a rocky barrier that stops the waves. The dark cliffs enclose the beach from both sides which gives to the place a unique atmosphere which is perfect for convivial moments in family during a stay in family in the Canary Islands. Natural, spacious and isolated, it is the dreamlike place for une forgettable moments.

Where to stay? At The Ritz-Carlton, Abama. Overlooking the Abama beach, this hotel offers a privileged access to the beach, on foot or by cable car. This prestigious address in the region of Tenerife brings to families everything they need, from the baby-club, kids-club, to the golf court, it is the certainty of a comfortable and relaxing stay, for parents and for children!

The playa de Los Gigantes

Here is a magnificent beach bordered by volcanic rocks. It is in the playa de los Gigantes that we enjoy the crystal waters and the exotic sun. Not to be missed: the breathtaking sunset while taking a bath with the exotic fishes of the archipel.

Where to stay? At the Baobab Suites *****. It is between the Atlantic ocean and the Volcanic massif of Teide that the hotel opens its doors. Modern, the luxury establishment strongly answers to the families looking for serenity and tranquility. The playground of the kids-club welcomes children and offers them multiple activities and educational games.

In Ibiza 

The Cala Codolar

If you’re looking for a peaceful cove in the west of Ibiza, the Cala Codolar is for you! Ibiza is a destination where the majority of the time the party is. However, the island covers many paradisiacal and accessible places for families. When you arrive at the beach, you immediately feel a relaxing atmosphere. It is not very crowded and is an ideal place to relax with your family while swimming in the emerald waters of the beach. 

Where to stay? At the 7Pines Resort Ibiza *****. This sumptuous family hotel is camped out in the heart of a pine forest and benefits from a magnificent view over the Mediterranean sea. Exceptional rooms and suites, personalized family services, good value for money, the hotel guarantees you a fabulous stay.

The Cala Llenya

This adorable beach bathes in the Mediterranean basin of Ibiza. Fine white sandy beach, crystal clear and shallow water and fragrant valley of pines, it is ideal for families. On the program, laughs during baths, sand castles or drawings on the beach. 

Where to stay? At the ME Ibiza *****. The 5-star establishment is a true cozy cocoon for the epicurean families. There, the keyword is happiness! Indeed, you can hear cries of joy from the sumptuous kids-club where multiple activities and games are offered daily to the little ones. 

Don’t hesitate to consult our practical guide to Ibiza!

5. The best beaches in Portugal

Praia de Nossa Senhora Da Rocha

Located in the Algarve region, on the southern tip of Portugal, the beach is circumscribed by high cliffs with golden colors. Charming, we reach the clear and soft waters easily. Surmounted by an ancient chapel, this place and its history deserve to be discovered! 

Where to stay? At the Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa *****. The magnificent establishment is nestled in the heart of luxurious gardens as fragrant as colourful. Its traditional architecture of the region of Algarve makes the luxurious, an original and elegant establishment. Its rooms, suites and villas, benefiting from childcare facilities, offer a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Figueirinha beach

Famous for its long stretch of white sand, the beach is located in the Arrábida region, south of the Portuguese capital. Its calm and turquoise waters make it an ideal place to have fun during a family holiday. The beach is peaceful and protected by lush vegetation. 

Where to stay? At the Marthinal Lisbon Chiado Family Suites *****. The family establishment is a small paradise located in the heart of Lisbon. Offering quality services, comfort and calm, the hotel is able to convince all families in search of a warm and elegant atmosphere. Described as “The World’s First City-Centre Elegant Family Hotel”, it has a kids-club and various childcare facilities.

Enjoy your family trip!

Solen, 20 years old, travel lover, from Rennes, France