The best family friendly hotels in Europe for kids of all ages

We’ve spent hours reading the hundreds of reviews you’ve shared with us, to produce a visited & verified shortlist of the best family friendly hotels in Europe for kids of all ages. We hope you find this really useful, and if you do, we would be most grateful if you could book via the affiliate links in the article meaning we make a small commission (and can keep providing you with this kind of content!)

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A bite sized guide to: The best family friendly hotels in Europe for kids of all ages

The best hotels in Europe for babies

Caserio del Mirador, Spain

Monastery Estate Retreat, Crete

Sani, Greece

The best hotels in Europe for toddlers

Martinhal Sagres, Portugal

Menorca Experimental, Menorca

Octant Praia Verde, Portugal

The best hotels in Europe for children

Chateau les Carrasses, France 

Marbella Club, Spain

The Unbound, Amsterdam 

The best hotels in Europe for siblings

Hillside Beach Club, Turkey

Cretan Malia Park, Crete

The Peligoni Club, Greece

Caserio del Mirador, Spain

Parents themselves, the hosts of Caserio del Mirador – a family run rural retreat in Spain – excel at nailing the needs of babies and their sleep deprived mums and dads. A masterclass in how to overcome the pain points of travelling with kids, big boxes are ticked for convenience and ease. Tiny travellers are more than well catered for with a pool, trampoline, sandpit, dressing up and animals to befriend, but it’s the palpable sense of support for parents that really sets Caserio del Mirador apart; transforming a trip into a genuinely relaxing break for tiny human makers. The self catering apartments provide space and privacy, but far from being left to fend for yourself, the owners are committed to ensuring parents are well fed and watered. Breakfast is delivered to your room each morning, whilst a freshly cooked dinner is served communally in the evening, and wine is even handed to you on arrival at the kids early tea. Sounds like heaven? The pampering doesn’t end there either; well-deserved massages and facials can be arranged for adults, whilst tots are kept entertained by the baby-whisperer-like hosts

Summer prices from: £255 per night

Monastery Estate Retreat, Crete

Far from the maddening crowds of Crete’s larger resorts, nestled in the nature-rich south west corner, you’ll find Monastery Estate Retreat, a boutique bolthole that proves great things come in small packages. Rustic rural luxury at its finest, this isn’t an all singing all dancing facility heavy hotel. Head here if you’re looking for space, solitude, style and an on-site spa! The sprinkling of suites combine oh-so chic boho interiors with family functionality; there’s plenty of space next to the beds for the provided cots, or in them for co-sleepers, plus the private outdoor space is within baby monitor stretch and boasts personal plunge pools with majestic mountain views. Convenience is king here; a cornucopia of Cretan delights is delivered to your room each morning for a leisurely breakfast, dinner is served on the terrace just above your room, and faultlessly friendly staff are happy to entertain tiny travellers while mamas are pampered in the serene treatment rooms

Summer prices from: £220 per night

Sani, Greece

Is it even possible to talk about post-baby breaks without mentioning the joy-inducing juggernaut that is Sani? A reinvention of the all-inclusive, it’s a stay that’s become synonymous with ease and elevated family-focused facilities; there’s the creche that welcomes babies as young as four months (most start at 2 years old in hotels), beachside babysitting, swim lessons, Annabel Karmel menus and even a complimentary sleep consultation session. Whilst most families head to Sani Beach or Porto Sani, those in the know opt for a stay at Sani Club – a secluded hideaway hidden in the hills that allows you all of the parental benefits the hotel offers, without having to interact too much with other people’s kids

Summer prices from: £570 per night

Martinhal Sagres, Portugal

A perennial family favourite thanks to its impressive facilities, wide choice of accommodation (ranging from ocean view suites to large self catering villas), and whooping 5 Kids Club, Martinhal Sagres tops the charts for childcare. What makes a stay here so special though, is that all of this is achieved without compromising on a stylish stay for adults too. A masterclass in design-led babyproofing, the decor manages to be sleek, contemporary and functional – think curved edges on tables and comfortable seating. The food is delicious for all ages, and each on-site restaurant has an activity corner where kids can colour in or read books, supervised by childminders. There’s a sanctuary-like spa, tennis courts and gym, plus babysitters can be arranged. Make use of the genius baby concierge service for hassle free packing – you can pre-order anything and everything from nappies and toiletries to prams and carriers

Summer prices from: £480 per night

Menorca Experimental, Menorca

A green carpet of heavenly scented pine groves greet guests at Menorca Experimental, a peachy pink design-led oasis, that proves you can cater incredibly well to children without the need for a Kids Club. Elevated agrarian aesthetics combine with a playful ode to Picasso in the 19th century reimagined farmhouse. This isn’t a Kid Club kind of place, instead a gaggle of children can be found free roaming in the gorgeous grounds or splashing about in the welcoming pool. Choose from nine private villas (each with their own plunge pool) or rooms in the main house. Top tip: ask for a ground floor room – these come with lovely suntrap terraces, perfect for whiling away nap times. You’ll need to hire a car to explore the island, but Menorca’s hidden coves and secret beaches, blessed with Caribbean blue seas, do not disappoint. Small in size, but mighty in sandy sights, you can be pretty much anywhere within forty minutes. Plus the airport is an easy breezy 20 minute drive away 

Summer prices from: £400 per night

Octant Praia Verde, Portugal

Once your previously small, sleepy and super portable babes have graduated to walking, talking toddlers certain holiday practicalities are well worth considering; most importantly revolving around snacking and snoozing. At this age separate sleep spaces and kitchen access can be a game changer. On the blissfully unspoilt eastern Algarve you’ll find Octant Praia Verde, a boutique hotel offering an affordable solution to holiday space maths. Rather than needing adjoining rooms, even the entry level suites boast separate living spaces (with sofa beds) and mini kitchenettes. There’s a private staircase leading to a stunning, sandy expanse, meaning no cars, car seats (or tantrums) need to be involved in days at the beach. Older siblings (4+) are welcomed at the free seasonal Kids Club, where garish mascots and pumping music is replaced with treasure hunts and outdoor play 

Summer prices from: £250 per night

Chateau les Carrasses, France

There’s an aesthetically pleasing abode for all requirements at Château les Carrasses, a seriously elegant wine estate in France’s lesser visited, but locally loved, Languedoc. The turreted 19th century fairytale castle offers cosseting & charming hotel rooms, whilst spacious self-catering suites, apartments and villas are scattered throughout the sublimely scented grounds. Striking the coveted balance of privacy and slick hotel services, expect wine tastings, in-room spa treatments, yoga classes and a delicious on-site restaurant. Offering the best of both worlds, you can choose between spending your days sunbathing by your personal pool, or making new friends by the stunning communal one. A seasonal Kids Club runs during the summer (for 4+), with a focus on creative, open-air play. Brand new for 2023, tiny travellers will love the mini farm, complete with chickens, goats, sheep and a donkey to befriend. Picture perfect market towns, sunbaked beaches and verdant vineyards are all within easy reach. Make use of the hotel’s excellent babysitting service, for some adults only time (preferably featuring wine)

Summer prices from: £238 per night

Marbella Club, Spain

Picture the scene: lush botanical gardens fronted by a sublime sandy beach and backed by whitewashed cottages oozing vintage glamour. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the Caribbean at the Marbella Club hotel, a flamboyantly fabulous finca onced frequented by Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly. Famed for having one of the best Kids Clubs in the world (welcoming tiny travellers aged 4+), children are treated to their own 5000 sq m mini village (or kingdom – it sits in the grounds of Prince Alfonso’s former villa). A utopia of joy, activities include flamenco yoga, pottery & cookery classes and perfume making. A mammoth of entertainment it may be, but tucked away as it is behind a massive wooden gate, it doesn’t dominate the space or detract from the grown up vibe. Feel free to leave the parental paraphernalia at home, as everything from moses baskets and cots, to prams, play pens, blackout blinds and bottle warmers can be reserved in advance, allowing parents the elusive luxury of travelling light. The hotel goes out of their way to provide a hassle free experience, even sourcing specific nappies and milk formula should you need! Take advantage of the babysitting service to completely relax and recharge. A dedicated team of qualified and accredited bilingual nannies are on hand to help parents enjoy some much needed ‘me-time’. Or for the ultimate luxury, a good night’s sleep, night nannies are also available upon request

Summer prices from: £1,200 per night

The Unbound, Amsterdam

Far from being an adult only indulgence, the stimulating smells, sounds and sights of city breaks can offer just as much entertainment as any beachside Kids Club. For parents growing bored of the conventional ‘fly and flop’ summer holiday, Amsterdam’s The Unbound offers a brilliant combination of cultural hits and countryside living. The Venice of the North may be most well known for her canals, but the wonderful waterworks don’t stop there. Spaciously designed boutique cabins and suites surround a picturesque pond and lakeside sandy beach at The Unbound. Little legs can roam free in the private green oasis or ride the giant swan waterbike, whilst parents relax in the Barrel Sauna, Spa Barn and hot tubs. If you fancy a museum mooch simply hop on a bike (or grab a cab) to be canalside in a flash

Summer prices from: £170 per night

Hillside Beach Club, Turkey

One of a new breed of resort hotels where decor, dishes and details are all of exceptionally high quality, coastal Turkish delight Hillside Beach Club has been designed for ease and to please. A picturesque paradise hugging the Turquoise Coast, guests are invited into an Eden-like landscape of pine covered hills and azure waters. Far from being a once in a lifetime trip, Hillside boasts the highest returning guest rate we’ve ever seen. Families come back every year for the faultless service, endless activities and idyllic setting. There’s a babypark for children under three, but the hotel really comes into its own for those 4 +. ‘Kidside’ has its own waterslides, pool, workshops and children’s cabaret. Teens will appreciate the freedom (and safety) to roam, whilst the full board price tags means they’re welcome to satiate their never ending appetites, without the need for parents to dread the bill at the end of their stay. Life at the hotel is built around Hillside’s motto of ‘feeling good’ – and it’s an easily achievable goal, thanks to the wealth of wellness on offer. There’s morning yoga sessions on the deck, every watersport under the sun available, two spoiling spas and an adults-only Silent beach, for a well-deserved grown ups ‘time out’ 

Summer prices from: £184 per night

Phāea Cretan Malia Crete

Teens are treated to their own private hangout at Phāea Cretan Malia, with a personal pool and outdoor cinema screenings. Younger tots (3+) can pick vegetables from the mini organic garden, cook up a storm or put on a theatrical performance at the Little Explorer’s Kids Club, where there’s an emphasis on environmental entertainment and education. This eco-conscious ethos is evident in all aspects of the hotel. A botanical blessed bolthole inside and out, you’ll find a lush landscape married with plant print decor. The long winding river pool has plenty of shallow sections for splashing and is surrounded by outrageously comfortable double daybeds. Glorious interiors (and exteriors) aside, Cretan Malia Park is a name to know for foodies – from modern Mediterranean mezzes and wood fired Cretan classics, to authentic Italian pizza, pasta and pavlovas, the menus across the six restaurants are simply divine 

Summer prices from: £270 per night

The Peligoni Club, Greece

Forget everything you thought you knew about Zante. At boho beach club Peligoni, hedonism is served in the form of fantastic foodie fare, aesthetically pleasing alfresco living and barefoot luxury. The untouched coastline, with sparkling sapphire seas, is a world away from the infamous strip. Combining the privacy and space of villa living with the amenities of a 5* resort, there is no accommodation on-site, instead guests choose from a range of serviced villas nearby (pick a pad close to the club itself so teenagers can come and go as they please). Not so tiny, tiny travellers will love the wealth of watersports on offer, social mixers, pool parties, SUP safaris and more. Dinners can be taken in the privacy of your own villa, at local tavernas, or at the club itself, where teens can dine on communal tables with their friends. For little brothers and sisters, the highly coveted crèche welcomes babes as young as 4 months, whilst older kids are treated to endless entertainment by famed Sharky & George

Summer prices from: £1450 per week (plus club membership)

See our edit of the best family friendly beach hotels in Europe for more recommendations and subscribe to our newsletter