Are you already planning the ultimate family vacation for the summer of 2026? This year's travel trends show that we are overwhelmingly choosing "coolcations" (escaping the heat), relaxation, and authentic experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly sun vacation or an active adventure in nature, Europe has surprising gems in store for 2026.
1. The Algarve, Portugal: The place for a child-friendly sun holiday
The Algarve remains an absolute favorite, but those looking for an affordable family vacation in the Algarve in 2026 should head to the unspoiled west (Sagres and Lagos) this year. Here you will still find that rugged coastline and the space that you sometimes miss in the middle of the Algarve. For those seeking luxury and convenience, there are numerous family-friendly resorts in Portugal that are focusing even more this year on ecological kids' clubs and water sports programs.
Top attractions & activities:
Zoomarine & Aquashow: These parks remain the absolute top choices for a day full of adrenaline. Tip: Book your tickets online to skip the queues.
Ria Formosa: Take a boat trip through this nature reserve to spot flamingos. For older kids, a kayak trip to the caves of Ponta da Piedade is unforgettable.
Budget tips & insider hacks:
Renting a car in the Algarve tip: Pick up your rental car from providers just outside Faro Airport (such as Luzcar or Yor Car); this can save you up to 30% compared to the major counters inside.
The hidden lunch: Look for Pastelarias in the inland villages. A "Prato do Dia" (daily special) often costs less than €12, including a drink and coffee.
Free fun: Visit the sunset at Cabo de São Vicente, "the end of the world." Take a picnic basket; the atmosphere is magical and costs nothing.
2. Chalkidiki, Greece: Quiet Beaches on the Mainland
Forget the overcrowded islands; for a relaxing holiday in Chalkidiki with children, the Sithonia peninsula is the best choice in 2026. Here you will find the most beautiful quiet beaches of the Greek mainland, where the water is crystal clear, warm, and shallow for meters.
Top attractions & activities:
Boat rental in Vourvourou: You don't need a boating license! Rent a motorboat and sail to the uninhabited Diaporos Islands for your own private beach.
Aristotle Park: A theme park dedicated to the philosopher with interactive instruments such as sundials and optical lenses, very fun for curious children.
Budget tips & insider hacks:
All-inclusive Chalkidiki families: Although all-inclusive is popular, you save a lot by staying in an apartment and eating locally. Visit the mountain village of Parthenonas for an authentic dinner with a view; the prices there are much lower than on the coast.
Water shoes: A small investment, but essential for the pebble beaches and to safely climb over rocks.
Snorkel hack: The bays at the Drenia Islands are free and offer an underwater world that is very accessible for young children.
👉 Plan your family vacation to Chalkidiki, Greece, today!
3. Småland, Sweden: The ultimate "coolcation" and sustainable family vacation
Sweden is the trend of 2026. A sustainable family vacation in Sweden offers the perfect escape from the heat. In Småland, the birthplace of Pippi Longstocking, you will experience the ultimate nature vacation with deep forests and sparkling lakes.
Top attractions & activities:
Astrid Lindgren’s World (Vimmerby): Not an amusement park with fast rides, but a theater park where you walk through the stories of Pippi and Ronja the Robber's Daughter.
Moose Safari: Visit the Skullaryd Moose Park for a ride in an open cart through the habitat of these impressive animals.
Budget tips & insider hacks:
Camping with children in Småland: Make optimal use of the Allemansrätten. This right allows you to camp wild for one night in the wilderness, provided you leave no trace.
Pippi Longstocking Park tips: Bring your own lunch (there are picnic and grill spots everyplace) and buy your souvenirs at the official regional outlet instead of in the park itself.
Picking berries: In the summer, the forests are full of blueberries and raspberries. Free, healthy, and a top activity for the kids.
4. Istria, Croatia: The King of the Road Trip
Croatia is more popular than ever in 2026. A road trip to Croatia with children is the most carefree option for families from the Benelux due to the modern campsites and crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
Top attractions & activities:
Brijuni Islands: A national park where you ride an electric train past a safari park and real dinosaur footprints.
Aquapark Istralandia: Chosen as one of the best water parks in Europe with slides for all ages.
Budget tips & insider hacks:
Best campsites in Istria 2026: Choose a campsite with an 'Istra Card' partnership. This gives you up to 20% off on museums and boat trips.
Dolphin spotting in Istria tips: Don't book an expensive private excursion, but take the regular evening boat from Rovinj around sunset; there's a 90% chance you'll see dolphins jumping around the fish farms.
P+R Pula: Park your car on the outskirts of Pula and take the shuttle to the amphitheater. Cheaper and faster than searching for a spot in the busy center.
5. Zealand, Denmark: Valhalla for Young Families
Denmark is synonymous with convenience. A family-friendly vacation in Zealand, Denmark, offers wide beaches and an infrastructure that is fully set up for families with strollers.
Top attractions & activities:
Knuthenborg Safaripark: Europe's largest safari park, where you drive among the tigers and giraffes. Don't forget the spectacular Camp Adventure with the famous lookout tower.
Møns Klint: The white chalk cliffs are a natural wonder. Children can search for 70 million-year-old fossils in the limestone here.
Budget tips & insider hacks:
Free outings in Denmark: Almost all national museums in Denmark are free for children under 18 years old. This makes a day of culture in Copenhagen or Roskilde very affordable.
LEGO House Billund tips: Although Billund is located in Jutland, it is a great day trip. Book the "Late Entry" tickets (after 3:00 PM) for a reduced rate if you only need a few hours.
Roadside Stands: Buy your fresh strawberries, potatoes, and eggs at the unattended stalls along the road. You pay through an honesty system (often cash or via a local app).
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Vacations in Europe (FAQ)
1. What are the best family-friendly vacation destinations in Europe for 2026?
For 2026, the Algarve (Portugal), Istria (Croatia), and Sithonia (Greece) are the absolute top choices for sun seekers. For families who prefer to avoid the heat (the so-called coolcations), Småland in Sweden and the Danish Riviera are the most popular emerging destinations.
2. How do I find a cheap family vacation in the summer?
The best way to save money is to book early (before January) or to choose a road trip to Croatia or Denmark, which saves you on expensive plane tickets. Additionally, it helps to stay in accommodations with a private kitchen, so you don't have to eat out every evening.
3. Which European countries are the safest for traveling with young children?
Denmark and Sweden consistently top the list of the safest and most child-friendly countries in the world. The infrastructure there is fully designed for families, with excellent healthcare, clean public spaces, and safe bike paths.
4. Where can I avoid the heat in Southern Europe during the summer?
Due to the rising temperatures in the south, more and more families are choosing a summer vacation in Scandinavia. Regions like Småland in Sweden offer mild temperatures between 20°C and 25°C, ideal for outdoor activities without the intense heat of the Mediterranean.
5. Do I need a rental car for a family vacation in the Algarve or Istria?
Although resorts offer many facilities, we recommend renting a car for both regions. In the Algarve, it gives you the freedom to visit the quieter beaches on the west coast, and in Istria, a car is essential to travel from the beautiful coastal towns to the water parks inland.
6. What are the best free outings with children in Europe?
In countries like Denmark, many national museums are free for children under 18 years old. In Sweden, nature (thanks to the Right of Public Access) offers free entertainment such as berry picking, swimming in lakes, and hiking. In Greece and Portugal, most beaches are free to access, which is perfect for a budget-friendly day.
Discover inspiration for your summer vacation.
Would you like to go on vacation during the summer holiday, but you don't know where to? Then check out our top lists for the summer vacation in 2026. Below you will find our other blogs, full of inspiration so you can also enjoy your vacation:
Top 5 Summer Destinations in the Netherlands (2026) - Discover unique hidden gems in the Netherlands for a relaxing vacation.
Top 10 Summer Vacation Destinations in Europe (2026) - Get inspired by the most popular destinations in Europe, from sun-soaked beaches to cultural cities.
Additionally, you will find many more travel ideas, tips, and vacation inspiration for 2026 on our Stories page. Get inspired and plan your perfect vacation:
👉 Check out all the blogs and stories on our Stories page and discover the best destinations, accommodations, personal stories, and tips for your summer vacation!
