Top 15 Best Sustainable Destinations for Families in Europe
Are you planning a family vacation to one of Europe's cultural hotspots? Then you'll want to stay somewhere with adequate space for everyone in your group, ... read more...kid-friendly amenities, easy access to public transportation, and self-catering options. Here are the best options for sustainable destinations for families in Europe.
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So, you want to give your kids an outstanding experience of a lifetime? Go observe bears in the wild! Come view and photograph the beautiful Wild Brown Bear, the most famous woodland resident in Wild Taiga. This activity is only available during the summer for parties of one to twenty persons. The wild Taiga, located on Finland's eastern border, exemplifies rich heritage and strong culture. Visitors may learn about the creation and importance of Finland's national period, Kalevala, through engaging events, celebrations, exhibitions, and interesting sites to visit.
The second significant component of Kuhmo and Suomussalmi is its evergreen woods, aapa bogs, pure water, and diverse animals. On guided tours, you may observe and photograph the forest's wild species, particularly huge beasts like as bears, wolves, and wolverines, which are either rare or extinct in other regions of Europe. There are several hiking trails available throughout the year, as well as husky trekking, fishing, berry and mushroom picking, hunting, paddling, and a variety of safaris. Nature lovers will enjoy the Hossa National Park, which includes the famed Värikallio cave drawings from the Stone Age.
Because of its position in Northern Finland, there is usually sufficient of snow for snowmobile, reindeer sleigh rides, and husky safaris in the winter. Skiing and snowshoe trekking are great ways to explore the winter landscape. Those looking for a rush can enjoy driving on the ice track or swimming in floating suits among raging rapids. Activities can be chosen from the weekly schedule or as part of week-long safaris with assured international group departures or private safaris.
Wild Taiga is a haven for leisure and an appealing entity made up of coniferous woods, beautiful streams, rich culture, a diverse range of activities, and friendly locals. Private lakefront hotels to backcountry cottages are among the lodging alternatives.
Location: Finland
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Malta is one of the most amazing destinations in the world, as well as one of the top film locations in Europe. Melliea, surrounded by verdant luscious valleys and the Mediterranean's crystal-clear blue waves, is fast establishing itself as a year-round resort. This area has a lot to offer, whether you go for a walk along the rural country trails, visit the historic Marian Sanctuary or one of the many local forts dotting the coastline, take a quick dip in the blue waters of Melliea Bay or the other 12 surrounding bays, or participate in one of the many activities organized by the Melliea Local Council.
There is a childhood fantasy that practically every youngster secretly hopes to be realized but, more often than not, doubts. What if you could reach out and touch your favorite cartoon character? What if you could have an adventure that was as nice as watching one on TV or reading one in a book? Popeye Village in Malta, which has become one of Malta's most popular attractions and is a unique experience for all ages, has provided answers to these queries.
Popeye Village is a living museum that is proud of its history. It has over 30 attractions that provide entertainment for people of all ages, including children and adults, with something for everyone, whether it's indoor or outdoor activities available on site such as mini golf, go kart racing around their track, or even horse riding if you want some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then this place will surely give you exactly what your heart desires. You may even build up an appetite after playing so many games during your stay since they provide great food items within their cafeteria area, which serves cuisine produced with fresh local ingredients at moderate costs!
Location: Mellieha, Malta
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For a family holiday, one of Romania's most beautiful places awaits you. For a few seconds, close your eyes and believe you've just turned back the clock 2000 years. Consider that the Dacians, the fiercest and most virtuous of the Thracians, as Herodotus refers to them, are battling the Roman legions, that gladiators enter the arena but may not survive, and so on. Does this sound familiar? From the annals of time. Now, open your eyes and imagine yourself in a Hollywood-style setting of Rome or Spartacus, with everything right next to you, in front of you, and all around you. This is taking place in Alba Iulia, Romania's Other Capital and the ancient capital of the Dacia Roman Province.
Once you arrive, you'll realize that Alba Iulia exceeds all of your expectations! Begin your day in Alba Iulia with a great breakfast in the snug comfort of a town hotel and conclude it with a thrilling gladiator combat under the flaming torch. The greatest time to visit is at any moment. Because history isn't less intriguing or spectacular in the winter than in the summer, or in the spring than in the fall. However, the best time to visit is during the tourist season, which runs from the end of April until the end of September. This way, you can be certain that you will not miss some of the most amazing and breathtaking historical reenactment events you have ever witnessed.
Every Friday afternoon during the tourist season, the roman soldiers, gladiators, and dancing nymphs are ready to transport you two thousand years back in antiquity. If you just have one day in the heart of Transylvania, don't miss the Roman Castrum of APULUM, with the Roman road connecting the castrum's southern and northern gates.
Location: Romania
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Do you want to celebrate your birthday with coworkers, friends, or family? Come learn to surf in a sustainable location recognized by the European Commission with the "EDEN" mark. There is no need to bring your own equipment because the Inchidoney surf school will supply you with wetsuits, surfboards, boots, and gloves. Treat your family to a memorable surfing adventure in one of Ireland's most stunning sustainable tourist sites.
Inchydoney Blue Flag Beach in West Cork, near Clonakilty, is a Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point. Inchydoney Beach has repeatedly been chosen Ireland's favourite beach by international tourists on TripAdvisor, most recently in 2019 and characterized as "beautiful and untouched". The beach is famous among surfers and is regarded as excellent for novices. At the beach, you may rent a surfboard and a wetsuit. During the summer, there are lifeguards on duty. There is a public parking lot, restrooms, and access via ramps and steps.
The well-known and award-winning Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa overlooks the beach. This is a wonderful location for a romantic luxurious getaway, but it's also a terrific setting for lunch or a unique dining experience with panoramic sea views. Book your flights to Cork and your accommodation at the best price in Clonakilty; Inchidoney beach is just 10 minutes’ drive from Clonakilty.
Location: Clonakilty, Ireland
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The Eau d'heure Lakes are located in the south-western portion of Belgium, close to the French border. It is made up of five water planes divided by dams and having practically stagnant water, resulting in a very vulnerable biological equilibrium. The remarkable mix of man-made water lakes, nature, sea, and the Ardennes all in one spot has attracted an increasing number of visitors in recent years. This is an ideal family getaway, with sports like as swimming, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, rowing, rafting, and deep-sea diving available. The Red Crocodile tour, an amphibious bus that offers a journey half on the road and half on the water, is a popular aquatic sport to try.
This location achieves an optimum combination of man-made lakes and natural legacy that Mother Nature has bestowed onto this region. These two appear to be a fantastic match, and tourists may experience limitless water planes as well as the stillness of the forests and the roughness of the Ardennes. Water is quite important in the region. This is also reflected in the region's sustainability policies, which are in place to conserve the region's natural heritage. The waters in the five lakes are nearly stagnant, putting the natural balance at risk, and water management is one of the main objectives. Before leaving, don’t forget to visit the forest adventure “Natura Park” Join a guided tour around the Plate Taille dam Take a ride on the ‘Red Crocodile’ – a boat/ bus. Its route lies partially on the ground and partially on the water.
Location: Belgium
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Some spots in Romania will just captivate your family, particularly your children. And one of them, believe it or not, is Nicolae Popa Museum, a private peasant museum located in the little town of Tarpesti in Neamt County. The gate opens onto a wide yard with an open-air lane on a green hill, behind a classical fence. Many fairy-tale characters -carved in wood or stone- that enliven the entire environment can be seen on each side of the alley, among fruit trees, and at the end of the lane a typical home with wooden porch sits solidly on the ground. It is the home of the famous Târpeşti craftsman Nicolae Popa, which has been turned into a real ethnographic museum, one of the most beautiful and appealing of its kind in Moldavia.
Nicolae Popa, the museum's inventor and legend was a well-known original artisan, artist, extraordinary collector, and writer. He learned to make head masks as a child, because mask games are the most complex and spectacular of Neamţ County's New Year's traditions, and later perfected its stone (sandstone) and wood carving skills, developing his own style of depicting facial features: well-shaped eyes, thick lips, big teeth, big nose and ears, long hair and beards, bushy moustaches. The museum's holdings, which include traditional masks and costumes, wood and stone sculptures, numismatics, religious artefacts, icons, and naïve painting, form a living record of the local spirituality, which has been exceptionally well maintained in the villages of Neamţ county. Tourists of all ethnic backgrounds are captivated by the beauty of traditional clothes as well as the authenticity of Romanian dances and traditions.
Location: Neamt, Romania
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If museum seems to be boring with your kids, visiting a volcano may interest them. Built in the lair of one of the most recent volcanoes in Europe, it is essential to understand the history of the Azores. The Capelinhos Volcano rises magnificently to the sky near the island's westernmost tip, as a testament to the last volcanic eruption in the Azores, which added additional territory to the existing one. Entering this location is like arriving on the moon, with the grey volcanic ash and lapilli thrown forth between 1957 and 1958 being overrun by green plants eager to colonize this new territory. The inside of these volcanoes may be seen in a succession of opposing rocks, strata, and curves, as well as a game of startling colors and textures, in the abrupt cliffs of Capelinhos and Costado da Nau.
The undersea volcano that erupted spectacularly off the island of Faial in 1957 provided scientists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to examine a remarkable geological event from its inception until the day it died. The Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre explains all they've learnt in great detail. The center, designed by architect Nuno Ribeiro Lopes, is located on the bottom floor of the now defunct but still accessible lighthouse. The displays and exhibits inside the center explain the narrative of not just this volcano, whose 13-month-long eruption forced half of the island's people to flee to America, but also of the tectonic processes that shaped the Azores' remarkable scenery.
Location: Faial, Azores, Portugal
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Jrmala is a green coastal resort with many natural resources, including pine trees, mineral springs and mud, a healthy marine environment, dunes, and a white sand beach. Livu Akvaparks is one of Northern Europe's largest water parks. It is open all year and is located in the vacation town of Jurmala. The water park has a total size of 18,000 m2. Several features unique to Europe are housed in the wide premises and summer outdoor beach. Livu Akvaparks is a renowned Baltic holiday location for families and visitors.
The park is separated into four functional zones: energetic entertainment on the slides, leisurely family recreation, an SPA complex, and an open-air summer beach. The water park has over 20 different slides, 10 swimming pools, and several more activities. Visitors to the water park may enjoy the stream bath, salt chamber, Turkish bath, sauna, Tylarium, and mineral water jacuzzi. There is a cafe Zambezy on the entertainment territory that serves full meals, as well as a bar in the SPA complex where you can have excellent cocktails directly by the pool. In the summer, an outdoor café on the riverbank with a large patio opens its doors. Book your flights to Riga, your best price accommodation and best tours and activities in Latvia.
Location: Latvia
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Vienna, formerly the seat of the powerful Habsburg Empire, retains a sense of grandeur and elegance. Today, many of its parks and palaces are available to the public, and the chandeliered ballrooms and frescoed halls host a staggering array of museums. Although it may not appear to be an obvious family destination, there are several museums, parks, and gardens that are especially suitable for families with small children.
Many people come to Vienna to see the Natural History Museum. It's a veritable encyclopedia of natural wonders housed in one of two twin palaces. The Venus of Willendorf (the world's oldest sculpture) is the highlight for historians, but youngsters will flock to the dinosaur exhibits, which feature countless full fossils as well as moving, roaring, life-size artificial copies.
The House of Music blends grown-up exhibitions (portraits of great composers, artifacts from their life) with interactive exhibits that children enjoy, such as a musical stairway with each step a virtual piano note, allowing you to play your way up and down. There's also a wonderful virtual conductor installation in which Zubin Mehta, conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic, interacts with you and assists you in leading his orchestra - and if you're too choppy with your directing, the players will give up on you and grumpily cease playing.
If your kids like horses, take them to see the famed Spanish Riding School exhibition or perhaps a practice session (which are open to the public and ticketed). See the Lipizzaner horses in action, dancing and jumping, but make a reservation in advance. These events are frequently sold out, and the lines to get tickets on the day can stretch several city blocks. A free glimpse is available by peeking through the glass atrium of the stables across the street from the performance area.
Location: Austria
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With so many historic sites, cultural attractions, and areas of interest in London that most adults would like, it's easy to believe there aren't many alternatives for youngsters. Because London offers something for everyone, it's no surprise that it's also a great destination to take kids. It's packed with museums, many of which offer kid-friendly areas where kids can learn about history, science, technology, and more.
The National Maritime Museum in London, possibly the largest maritime museum in the world, invites children of all ages to explore the exciting history of Great Britain. There are particular activities for toddlers, such as days dedicated to studying history via dance, music, and tales. The Ship Simulator, the Children's Gallery, and the Pirate Ship Shooting Down game will appeal to teenagers.
Every youngster adores the enchanted Harry Potter films, and there is no better way to bring this imagination to life than by visiting Warner Brothers Studio London - The Making of Harry Potter. View the colorful movie sets, props, and costumes. While learning about special effects, your children will be fascinated at how movie magic works. This 3.5-hour trip will keep everyone entertained with interactive activities. Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time, and don't forget to get your children a unique wand!
Your children will have the opportunity to learn about some of the most significant aspects of the natural and cultural worlds at the Horniman Museum. Based on the lifelong interest of Victorian tea dealer John Horniman, the museum has a collection of about thirty thousand natural history and foreign cultural items. The iconic Totem Pole, the Humanity in the House of Circumstance neoclassical mosaic fresco, the aquarium, the massive walrus, and the beautiful galleries and exhibitions are just a few of the Horniman Museum's most popular attractions for children.
Location: England
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People in Copenhagen love children! And most children love Copenhagen. Ample space, 125 public playgrounds, and kid-friendly activities set the stage for a fun day in the city for kids of all ages. Copenhagen is a city built to meet the requirements of both children and their parents, so parents can feel at ease as well. See where you can feed your infant, rent baby equipment that would be too difficult to transport, and decide what you want to do with your children.
Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, isn't all about fine restaurants or searching for marijuana in the self-proclaimed republic of Christiania. It also has a lot of attractions that make it ideal for families. Tivoli Gardens, for example, the city's amusement park, is the world's second oldest continuously functioning theme park, and it's just as fascinating — if not more so — than one erected in the previous decade. As the birthplace of fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen is an ideal vacation for fans of his works, notably The Little Mermaid, whose monument can be found in the port.
Reservations for prams and pushchairs on buses and trains, children's menus in restaurants, art museums in children's height, and, of course, discounts at all attractions. Copenhagen is kid-friendly and full of activities for the entire family. Many cafés and restaurants in Copenhagen provide specific children's menus and a highchair for toddlers. Some establishments, on the other hand, go out of their way to make youngsters feel welcome.
Location: Denmark
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Dubrovnik is a captivating city on Croatia's magnificent Dalmatian Coast, so it's no surprise that it's at the top of many people's vacation wish lists. It's famous for its stunning landscape and, of course, Game of Thrones filming spots, but it's also a great place to take the kids. Dubrovnik family vacations are all about coastal adventures, historical discoveries, and amazing experiences - whether at water, in the skies, or on four wheels.
Take the whole family on an off-road excursion to discover the wonders of Dubrovnik on a wonderful Buggy Safari. This thrilling adventure will take you through old fortifications, former minefields, and rolling countryside alive with animals. The best part is that you receive the most amazing panoramic views of the city and surrounding shoreline, making it a memorable experience. The 2-hour trips are led by skilled English-speaking guides in 4-seater buggies. You may join a group trip or arrange a premium, private tour that picks you up from a location in Dubrovnik of your choice.
The Dubrovnik Walls are one of the city's most recognizable attractions, providing an informative as well as entertaining excursion. The earliest elements of the limestone construction date back to the 7th century, and you may climb the several towers and forts linked by these walls. Take beautiful family photos on the Dubrovnik Walls, with the Adriatic Sea, the lovely Old Port, and the Old Town's carpet of terracotta rooftops as a backdrop. The anticlockwise circuit begins at Pile Gate, Ploe Gate, or the Maritime Museum. Take plenty of water with you because it gets rather hot up there.
Location: Dalmatia, Croatia
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Prague, the Czech Republic's capital, is one of Europe's most attractive cities. Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, is an ideal place for a family vacation with your children. During your vacation, you will be able to get lost amid the city's historic structures, enjoy a variety of puppets and toys, and explore some of Prague's numerous towers. This city is a true treat for youngsters, and it allows adults to relive their childhood.
It may be a lovely opportunity to discover Prague's history, food, and distinct culture with your children. This city has a plethora of family-friendly activities that may be experienced over a few days. If you're wondering what to do with your kids whilst visiting Prague, consider the suggestions below.
The Toy Museum is located inside Prague Castle. With seven rooms displaying toys from various nations and eras, this is the world's second biggest toy museum. Tin robots, porcelain dolls, railway sets, model boats, teddy bears, and a variety of modern toys will delight both children and adults. Before leaving the castle grounds, be sure to visit St George’s Basilica, the Old Royal Palace and the Imperial Stables in particular, which your children are bound to love.Vyehrad Castle is perched atop one of Prague's numerous hills, affording panoramic views of the city. The castle grounds have beautiful gardens that are ideal for jogging about and spending time outside. You'll need to use the cable car to go to the Petn Lookout Tower. Children always appreciate the sensation of riding a cable car up a hill and witnessing the buildings shrink beneath their feet. The mirror maze is also located in this area of Petn Hill, and youngsters will enjoy watching how their reflection may be warped in various ways.
Location: The Czech Republic
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Reykjavik is a huge metropolis condensed to the size of a tiny hamlet, ideal for a family-friendly city vacation. You'll find everything for adults - national museums, landmark cathedrals, historic architecture - as well as everything for youngsters, from geothermally heated swimming pools to whale-watching expeditions. Reykjavik is a city that caters to small visitors. For one thing, it is well-known for being child friendly. Locals are content to let newborns and toddlers sleep in strollers outside, while older children are free to wander the suburbs and remain out late during the warm summer evenings.
The weather is the most important worry for parents. The Icelandic environment may be freezing for young hands, and the city's insanely powerful winds can wreck canopy-covered strollers. Fortunately, municipal buses are free for children under the age of twelve, and indoor activities can readily withstand even the most torrential downpours. Another advantage is the terrain: downtown Reykjavik is mainly flat, with few if any steps to climb. Sidewalks are broad, making it simple to navigate with a stroller, and distances are small enough to be covered with a baby carrier - the downtown area is just 3km (1.86 miles) wide when measured from the Old Harbor to Helmmur.
Reykjavik has a zoo, or at least a zoo-like facility. The Hsdragarurinn, run by the City of Reykjavik, is more like a petting zoo with unique features like a chamber full of huge spiders and snakes, a pool of ringed seals feasting on herring, and an enclosure where Arctic foxes, Iceland's sole terrestrial animal, look wistfully at the adjacent geese. The famous Family Park, just next to the zoo, has an outstanding wooden playground that's a fantastic location to burn off some energy.
Location: Iceland
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When someone mentions Munich, the first thing that springs to mind is beer, and a lot of it. But why should having a family prevent you from experiencing that pleasure? All of the beer gardens in Bavaria's capital welcome children, and they all provide lots of food and non-alcoholic beverages for their younger customers. Aside from that, there are museums such as BMW World, which features a variety of technologically innovative displays that are guaranteed to captivate visitors of all ages. While it is better to avoid the city during the three weeks of Oktoberfest, there are still 49 weeks to enjoy.
Hellabrunn Zoo, one of Europe's top zoological parks, is a wonderful location to take your children for a fun day out. It covers 40 hectares and is located 5 kilometers south of Munich's center. It is home to over 18,000 animals representing over 750 species. It launched the Geo- Zoo idea in 1911, with animals living together in enormous, open-air environments meant to replicate their original habitats. Hellabrunn Zoo has 3 restaurants, 6 ice cream kiosks, and 1 crepe kiosk, so you may easily spend the day there.
The Englischer Garten (English Garden) is a 3.7-square-kilometer public park in Munich's city center. A 78-kilometer network of routes meanders through wide expanses of lawn and wooded areas, providing plenty of space for bikers, joggers, and strollers to enjoy themselves. A spacious children's playground is located right adjacent to the Japanese Teahouse Kanshoan. If you enjoy surfing, you may try your hand at riding the artificial wave at the Eisbach stream's southern end. Restaurants, beer gardens, and ice cream stands are also available in the park.
Location: Germany