A family holiday in Europe doesn’t have to cost the earth. From charming Budapest to sunny Spain, here are our top picks of family-friendly European destinations that won’t break the bank:
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the capital and the largest city of Hungary. It’s a charming destination, with a lively music scene, neo-classical architecture, and a rich offering of natural thermal baths. There are a range of family-friendly activities to engage in: visit the World Heritage-listed Royal Palace and Castle Hill, relax in a thermal bath, and explore the streets of District V. If you want a break from the city, take a tour of the Buda Hills via the popular Children’s Railway. Budapest is an all-around cheap destination, as long as you steer away from the tourist hotspots along Danube River. According to the Telegraph, you can purchase both a soft drink and a glass of wine for under a euro.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is a treasure trove of medieval architecture, impressive museums, and historical monuments. The Wawel Royal Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the city’s biggest drawcard. (It is now a museum with five separate sections). Not only is Krakow one of the most affordable European destinations, but it also has plenty of free things to do. Visitors can climb Kopiec Kraca for beautiful views of the city, admire Europe’s largest medieval square in the Old Town, or visit the many wonderful museums (only free on certain days). According to Budget Traveller, you can travel easily on a € 25 to € 30 budget per day.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is known for its colourful baroque buildings, ancient chapels, countless church spires, and cobbled lanes. Visitors can get lost in Old Town Square and stumble across Gothic churches, unexpected gardens, and charming cafes. Families with older children will enjoy the Baja bike tour, a cycling tour that takes you up to Prague Castle and down again alongside the Vltava River. Kids of all ages will love Prague Castle, with its fascinating architecture, fairytale atmosphere, and magnificent size (it’s the largest castle in the world). According to the Business Insider, a two-night stay for two adults in a three-star hotel will cost about € 70.
Athens, Greece
Athens is a beautiful paradox: both ancient and modern, with the perfect mix of beauty and history. The city itself is basically an open-air museum, with 5th-century landmarks and beautiful ancient buildings. The city also a cosmopolitan side, with trendy restaurants and bars, shops, stylish hotels, and entertainment quarters. You can marvel at The Acropolis, soak up the culture at the National Archaeology and Byzantine Museums, or amuse yourself and the kids at Allou Fun Park. Athens can be quite affordable if you avoid the tourist traps and stick to the delicious street food – the city was listed number 10 on Telegraph’s list of the cheapest European destinations.
Mallorca, Spain
With never-ending beaches, coastal cycling paths, and exhilarating watersports, Mallorca has all you need for a family holiday. ‘Cheap’ might not be the first words that come to mind when you think of this stunning Balearic Island, but it’s easy to save when there are so many budget-friendly things to do. Soak up the sun at one the many pristine coves, explore the Serra de Tramuntana by bicycle, or enjoy a picnic on a quiet beach. Since Majorca boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine, you could spend most of your days at the beach (the kids certainly won’t complain). Playa de Muro is a great family resort, with long stretches of soft golden sand and clear, shallow waters.
Your family will love a holiday to any one of these European destinations. But if a holiday in Mallorca sounds like your idea of paradise, contact us. We have a range of stunning Mallorca Hotels, with fabulous facilities and amenities to suit the whole family.
