Unmatched family escapes in Europe’s top spots

Whether your clan is outdoorsy and adventurous, keen for a little culture or prefers leisurely time spent horizontal by the coast, these family holiday ideas are certain to bring you all together to make memories over summer.

Discover how Vienna is made for family getaways

Exploring Vienna with children becomes far more relaxed with a stay at Hotel Sans Souci Wien, where thoughtful touches make a family city break feel easy rather than over-planned. Children up to 12 stay free in their parents’ room, while older children can enjoy a second room at a reduced rate during July and August, offering more flexibility for longer stays.

The concierge team also creates personalised itineraries tailored to each family, helping guests discover everything from grand imperial landmarks and world-class museums to quieter neighbourhood cafes and green spaces away from the crowds. After a day exploring the city, families can return to spacious rooms and a calm, contemporary atmosphere in the heart of Vienna’s cultural quarter.

Plan your stay at Sanssouci-wien.com

Indulge in contemporary luxury on Crete’s coast

Set along a Blue Flag stretch of shoreline near Rethymno, Grecotel LUX®ME White is a sleek, contemporary resort shaped around the rhythm of the sea. Clean-lined architecture, lagoon-style pools and light-filled interiors create a calm, distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere, while newly refreshed rooms and villas look out across the Cretan coastline. The resort’s Luxury Made Easy all-inclusive concept includes seven distinctive restaurants for Mediterranean, Italian and Asian-inspired cuisine and relaxed beachside dining experiences.

Spend sun-soaked days between the private beach, spa and sea-view fitness spaces and trying out the water sports options. Spacious rooms and children’s activities on site keep parents’ minds at ease, and the Kingdom of Poseidon water park at the nearby Grecotel Marina Palace will delight little and big kids alike.

Book a stay at Luxmewhite.com

Embrace a warm welcome at an iconic stay on the Cretan coast

Along one of Crete’s longest sandy beaches, the newly transformed Creta Palace enters a bold new era this summer. As the only luxury resort on the island that puts guests inside a living town, Rethymno, Creta Palace pairs contemporary beachfront style with the warmth of authentic Cretan hospitality. Redesigned rooms and family suites offer sweeping sea views, while a striking new poolscape of four overflowing pools, expansive spa and upgraded fitness spaces allow you to switch off from the world.

Dining options encompass seven restaurants and four bars, from seafood by the beach to Greek and international flavours. The heart of the resort is a lively recreation of a Cretan village square, complete with boutiques, a long-standing kafeneio (coffeehouse) that remains unchanged since 1989 and a chapel, while the new water park makes it an irresistible destination for all ages.

Find out more at Cretapalace.com

Spend a family summer in the Swiss Alps

Surrounded by mountain lakes, hiking trails and dramatic Alpine scenery, rocksresort offers a contemporary base for families looking to make the most of summer in the Swiss Alps. Spacious apartments combine modern design with practical features including fully equipped kitchens and flexible living areas suited to longer stays. Right outside the resort, gondolas rise into the mountains, and bike trails, walking routes and the resort’s own freestyle park provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

The largely car-free setting adds to the relaxed atmosphere, with shops, cafes and restaurants all within walking distance. Families can also take advantage of the Summer Family Deal, which includes accommodation, gondola access and a range of seasonal activities designed to help guests experience more of the region with less time spent planning.

Discover more at Rocksresort.com

Make memories on a luxury getaway to Rhodes

At Princess Andriana Resort & Spa, family holidays revolve around keeping every age group entertained without losing the sense of relaxation that makes a summer break feel worthwhile. As part of the H Hotels collection, premium family rooms and suites offer plenty of room to spread out, with options for private pools offering added privacy.

Children spend many happy hours at the Aqua Princess Water Park with its slides and splash areas, while adults love the sandy beach, indulgent spa, well-equipped gym and sports including padel and tennis. A kids’ club, open-air entertainment and watersports ensure there’s always something happening, while the ultra-all-inclusive dining programme covers everything from high-end Mediterranean cuisine to barbecue classics, with options for all ages.

Discover more at Hhotels.gr

Head off for an Arctic summer under the midnight sun

Swap crowded beach resorts for the dramatic landscapes of Arctic Norway at Snowhotel Kirkenes, where endless daylight, quiet fjords and fresh northern air await. Choose between a stay in a traditional Gamme wilderness cabin or experience Snowhotel 365, the world’s only snow and ice hotel open year-round. Long, light-filled days encourage getting outdoors, embarking on king crab safaris and husky experiences or encounters with reindeer and peaceful walks through forested trails beneath the midnight sun.

As the seasons shift into autumn, the surrounding landscape turns golden and the Northern Lights may appear overhead. It’s a very different kind of summer escape, combining wilderness, adventure and striking Scandinavian scenery far above the Arctic Circle.

Save 25 per cent on summer and autumn stays booked before 1 July 2026 at Snowresortkirkenes.com (no offer code needed)

Discover a world of experiences in Egypt

Tailor your Egyptian journey of discovery across three fascinating destinations in this land rich in ancient history and cosmopolitan culture. Wake to views over the Nile at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, your gateway to exploring energetic modern Cairo and discover historic wonders at the incredible Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world. Dive into the Red Sea’s hidden treasures at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, a beachfront sanctuary offering access to vibrant marine life, desert adventures and breathtaking scenery.

Alternatively, immerse yourself in a genuine Mediterranean experience at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, an idyllic destination to explore ancient history and culture, including the newly restored Greco-Roman Museum and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Save up to 20 per cent on bookings at Fourseasons.com/egypt

Experience the best of active Alpine living

Combining South Tyrolean charm with modern design and comforts, Hotel Valserhof boasts family fun, Alpine retreats in Valles. Ideal for active families, the destination is home to a plethora of hiking, biking and walking trails – all amid the unspoiled, stunning mountain surroundings. Within the hotel, spacious rooms are designed for family relaxation, with panoramic views of the Alps. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the wellness area and sample the sauna, indoor pool and rejuvenating treatment list.

Providing the perfect base for discovering the Dolomites, Hotel Valserhof blends regional cuisine with personalised service, so that your escape feels as special as possible.

Book your Alpine escape now and receive a 10 per cent discount with code ‘VALSER10’ at Valserhof.com

Pack smart for family road trips with portable power

Summer family holidays often mean packing up the car and heading off on the open road — coastal drives, countryside stops and spontaneous overnight stays along the way. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 makes van trips simpler, offering reliable power for taking the whole brood off-grid. With a 1,070Wh capacity and 1,500W output, it comfortably runs travel essentials such as cool boxes, kettles, tablets and portable entertainment, helping keep everyone relaxed and well-fed without interruption.

Its compact design also means it’s easy to store, fitting neatly into car boots or campers. Advanced safety features, including ChargeShield technology, ensure stable performance throughout the trip. Made for modern family travel, the Explorer 1000 v2 helps turn long drives into easy, enjoyable summer escapes.

Buy yours at Uk.jackery.com

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