The Best Family Resorts In Europe This Year

Whether you're thinking about baby weaning or teenagers, here's our roundup of the best family resorts in Europe this year

Has private access to Falésia Beach, this year voted World's Best Beach at the TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards. And there's a gorgeous bar, Maré, there too for day time drinks and food

A choice of 12 restaurants depending on your mood - extremely accommodating for children

Self-catering options available if you prefer to have a bit more independence when it comes to mealtimes

Cons

Summer temperatures can mean more planning must go into how you fill afternoons
Absolutely everything you need is onsite, so you might not end up leaving the resort very much, especially if you haven't hired a car

Nearest airport:	Faro
Transfer time from airport:	30 mins
Price from:	£171 per night based on a family of four sharing for seven nights
Price in high season:	£675 per night for a two-bedroom garden suite based on a family of four sharing for seven nights in July
Restaurants and catering:	There are 12 restaurants to choose from, and two bars, as well as a well-priced onsite supermarket for those who are self-catering
Pools:	There are seven outdoor pools dotted around the garden including a main pool, which has a swim-up bar, next to the children’s pool; a tucked-away, peaceful infinity pool and a heated indoor pool at the health club (swimming caps are compulsory)
Beach access:	You are a lift ride and a short walk away from the hotel's private beach - Falésia Beach- recently voted one of the world's most beautiful beaches
Kids' club:	The resort's Children's Village includes the Porto Pirata, two giant pirate ships, where you'll also find trampolines and a kids pool which offers supervised sessions when it's included on the day's activity list (subject to parents' approval).
Others:	Check out the yoga and Pilates wellness getaways

We travelled with my parents and our two-year-old, our first 'multi-generational' holiday - and we couldn't have picked a more perfect resort. While we had separate rooms in the hotel's Ocean Suites wing, we also had a connecting door so my parents could watch our son if we wanted to go out for dinner once he was in bed, for example, it offered us the perfect compromise between holidaying together and still maintaining the kind of privacy a shared villa wouldn't. Our room had a full kitchen, complete with washer and dryer, which meant we could pick from one of the excellent on-site restaurants (O Pescador was our favourite, with its choice of fresh local seafood, and the O' Grill was a total treat, too, as we watched Piri Piri chicken prepared on the grill in front of us) or simply prepare our own dinner in our kitchen when my toddler was feeling a bit more fussy, and eat it on our private terrace.

The fact there was such a well-equipped kids' club and playground, as well as a site which was very well suited for buggy walks, meant the days were easier to navigate with our toddler, and there was a lot of space for him to run around. There really is so much on offer for little ones, whether it's the bouncy castle, the toy car racetrack or the mini-golf. The hotel also offers supervised activities (whether that's football, archery or art projects). The facilities are free for guests but you can pay for supervised sessions which must be pre-booked.

It was a magical experience for my parents to be able to play on the beach with my son, and go swimming with him in the pool for the first time. It was also wonderful that they could enjoy their own break, with a visit to the Serenity Spa for my mum, or a spot reading in the shade under the pine trees for my dad. The staff couldn't have been more accommodating and we found travelling in May to be the perfect time of year for us, temperature-wise.

Best family resorts in Europe - Puy du fou

Family-Focused Facilities: When it comes to catering for families the excellent kids’ clubs has to be the pièce de resistance. Over 4s can be left here all day, should you fancy a day to yourself so you can finally read a book, and under 4s can attend the club chaperoned by a parent. The kids’ club has loads of toys, activities, a playground and friendly staff on hand, so you can rest assured your children are getting the best care. There’s extra activities you can pay for, including mug painting, mocktail and pastry classes for 4+ kids, too. Babysitting in the evenings is available at an extra charge. There’s even a kids’ table at the breakfast buffet, entertaining activities for kids around the pool, including a visit from a falconer during our stay, family rooms have a private area outside with a baby-safe gate leading into your own stretch of pool. Plus, there’s a dedicated children’s pool and separate areas for adults.

Wide Range of Dining: Four on-site restaurants offering diverse cuisines, including child-friendly options means variety for fussy eaters isn’t an issue here. Victoria Restaurant – The main buffet restaurant, is perfect for breakfast with a wide selection of fresh pastries, fruit, and hot dishes. The dinner buffet often includes local Portuguese fare. Ria Restaurant specialises in seafood inspired by the nearby Ria Formosa lagoon. Ria offers a casual yet sophisticated setting. Think grilled fish, shellfish cataplanas, and fresh salads—ideal for a sunny lunch. And Sensai Restaurant offers Asian-fusion dishes, from sushi rolls to fragrant curries. It’s a hit for older children and teenagers who love exploring new tastes. Palms Pool Bar is a relaxed option for quick bites and refreshing drinks. Their mocktails were a hit with our child, and it’s a lovely spot to lounge during the afternoon. If you’re a fan of local delicacies, don’t miss the Algarve’s fresh seafood specialties—Dover sole, octopus salad, and clams steamed in garlic and white wine. There are also plenty of kid-friendly options like pizza, pasta, and grilled chicken, so nobody will be storming off in a hangry mood here.

Luxurious Amenities: Full-service spa, well-equipped gym, and access to golf – and did I mention you can ship your kids off to the kids' club for as long as you like?

Welcoming Atmosphere: Staff go out of their way to ensure families feel at ease.

Prime Location: Close to beaches, golf courses, and the buzzing Vilamoura Marina.

Cons

Shuttle Dependence: The resort is not directly on the beach, but the hotel provides a regular shuttle which runs throughout the day and evening.
High Season Crowds: During peak summer months, availability at the kids’ clubs and prime pool seats can be limited.
Price Tag: It is a five-star property, so travelling during school holidays can be pricey.

Nearest airport:	Faro International Airport
Transfer time from airport:	30 minutes
Price from:	£911pp
Pool:	With multiple swimming pools—including a dedicated children’s pool—everyone has ample space to splash around. The adult pool area maintains a serene vibe, letting parents grab a moment of respite while the little ones play safely nearby.
Restaurants and catering:	There are four restaurants and multiple bars
Beach access	If you fancy venturing off the resort, the concierge can arrange beach excursions, water sports, and scenic tours of the Algarve’s stunning coastline. The resort itself is surrounded by some of the region’s top golf courses and offers a shuttle service to Vilamoura’s beaches—Praia da Falésia being the closest, is around a 10-minute drive.

Despite travelling with our boisterous two-year-old, we left Anantara Vilamoura feeling refreshed and reset because of the fantastic child-appropriate amenities on offer. Holiday successes with young kids are really about finding somewhere where they’re busily and happily entertained while you’re able to unwind and steal some moments to yourself, and that was actually possible here. From its outstanding kids’ clubs and generous selection of dining options to its proximity to the region’s best beaches and surrounding activities, we found it an experience that was both luxurious and accessible. While the need for a shuttle to reach the shore might not appeal to everyone, it’s a small trade-off for the high standard of hospitality. Parents in need of some pampering can retreat to the resort’s spa. I had a very relaxing massage where they used local elements like salt and almond oils. There’s also a well-equipped gym, plus opportunities for tennis and nearby golf, which we didn't get involved with. And don’t forget to admire the art– striking textured art is on display all around the resort and really sets it apart from more generic interiors. The route to the spa especially feels like you’re in an art gallery. Overall, it was a brilliant experience and an unforgettable holiday I was still recommending to people long after we arrived home.