The best family friendly beach hotels in Europe

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 beach hotels in Europe. We hope you find this really useful, and if you do, that you consider booking via our complimentary Tiny Travel Agency service or the affiliate links in the article (meaning we make a small commission, and can keep providing you with this kind of content!)

A bite sized guide to: The best family friendly beach hotels in Europe

Best for an intimate (and more affordable) Ikos alternative – Eagles Place, Greece 

Best for a gastronomic cuisine scene – Vila Vita Parc, Portugal 

Best for an adult atmosphere & family facilities – The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino, Greece

Best 5* camping resort – Les Prairies de la Mer, France 

Best for watersports – Noah Surf House, Portugal 

Best sustainable stay – Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, Mallorca 

Best for diverse dining and exceptional entertainment – Forte Village, Sardinia

Best for wind-free winter sun – Princesa Yaiza, Lanzarote 

Best for snorkelling – Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi, Sardinia 

Best gold standard getaway – Sani Club, Greece

Best for nature & nurture – GRECOTEL LUXME COSTA BOTANICA, Corfu 

Best for an authentic, affordable, all inclusive – Parga Beach Resort, Greece 

Best for coastal & culinary connoisseurs – Baia del Sole, Italy 

Best for an easy, breezy, beautiful break – Martinhal Sagres, Portugal

Best for a foodie Eden – Ekies All Senses Resort, Greece

Best for a creative Kids Club – 7Pines, Ibiza

Best for grown up vibes – Villa Le Blanc, Menorca

Best for an elevated all inclusive – Daios Cove, Crete

Best for lesser known luxury – Hotel Misincu, Corsica

Best for holistic hedonism – Nobu Hotel, Ibiza 

Best for a budget friendly beach break – Le Phare, Il de Re

Best for an amazing array of activities – Verdura Resort, Sicily

Best for a seaside spa stay – Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey

Best for failsafe family facilities – Domes of Elounda, Crete

Best for adult alone time – Hillside Beach Club, Turkey 

Best for coastal culture – Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Best for an alternate beach break – Du Lac Et Du Parc Grand Resort, Italy 

Best for sporty sprogs – Conrad Chia Laguna, Sardinia 

Best for no expense spared superlatives – Lujo Hotel Bodrum, Turkey 

Best Ikos beach – Ikos Aria, Kos 

Best lesser trodden trip – Poda Boutique Hotel, Albania 

Best for stunning surroundings – Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay, Montenegro

Eagles Palace, Greece

Sensational sands and calm, shallow waters set the scene at Eagles Palace – an intimate, family fun, all inclusive. In keeping with its Small Luxury Hotels of the World membership, this is a resort for those who want facilities, at no compromise to adult appeal. Dining is local and uniformly delicious: think Michelin-menus at Kamares, fresh Greek flavours at Armyra, modern meals at Vinum, seafront comfort food at Cantina and a tantalizing buffet at Mealthron. There’s also a handful of heated pools, impeccable service, and villas sleeping up to 8. The real standout? The Scott Dunn run Kids Club for Tiny Travellers 4 months plus

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Vila Vita Parc, Portugal

A must-stay for foodie families, Vila Vita Parc is a colonial-style clifftop resort whose Moorish design echoes the moreish spell it casts upon all guests lucky enough to visit. The varied dining scene spans 10 restaurants, including one double-Michelin star offering. While you may not expect a gastro getaway to be big on childcare, the supervised setup here is equally enticing. Babes 1+ are welcomed into the creche, there’s a Kids Club for those 4+, and an applaudable teen wellness programme with skincare & DJ workshops, plus mocktail making classes. The outdoor playground features slings, swings and trampolines, while you’ve got aquatic adventures aplenty on offer from the secluded sandy white beach out front. We’re talking paddle boarding, canoeing, scuba diving and boat tripping 

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The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino, Greece

A concept not unfamiliar to Sani devotees, the Costa Navarino estate in Greece’s lesser-trodden Peloponnese brings together four 5* hotels, 40 restaurants and four 18-hole golf courses. While The Westin Resort is the most obviously family-focused, those who want to dip in and out of a child-centric scene can bed down at The Romanos for the best of both worlds. Just pop on over next door for the fully fledged water park, Kids Club (4 months+), indoor climbing wall, outdoor ‘Escape Game’ and NBA basketball school, before retiring to the more serene set up back at your breathtakingly beautiful base. Feeling unmobbed by the masses, it’s impossible not to instantly decompress here and the gorgeous rooms from private pool suites to the exceptional beachfront villas certainly help turbo speed the road to parental relaxation

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Les Prairies de la Mer, France 

The French Riviera may be beautiful but most hotel stays there are on the pricey side of price. Our advice? Head slightly down the coast from Saint-Tropez to Les Prairies de la Mer instead. The waters are just as clear, the food just as fabulously French, the crowds fewer, the beaches quieter, and the price a lot more appealing. A 5* campsite combining pitch-your-own spaces with luxe Polynesian-inspired lodges, families seeking camaraderie with resort resources gather for a getaway big on outdoor living and little on cost. Water babies are in their element in the outdoor pools; sporty sprogs can get their kicks with football matches and tennis sessions; whilst foodies will love the choice of six onsite restaurants. Combining fresh air fun with fabulous facilities (and comfy beds!), Les Prairies de la Mer makes for a great budget friendly beach break

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Noah Surf House, Portugal 

It’s clear from the name this Portuguese pad is heaven for watersports fans, but Noah Surf House offers SO much more than just a base to ride the waves. Combining (endless) aquatic activities with eclectic aesthetics and an affordable price tag, it’s an oasis for all outdoor enthusiasts (whether they have strong sea legs or not). The surf scene is obviously a big tick, but the impressive swells are matched with an equally applaudable array of non-water based entertainment; there’s yoga (for mums & minis); pilates; skateboarding; cycling; trampolining; and, plenty of gorgeous trekking routes on the doorstep. If you need to reward yourself with a little lie down after all the action, the ocean-view infinity pool is the perfect place to rest. If you’re passionate about getting your kids off screens and want access to endless enjoyment for them (without having to resort to a ‘kiddie’ resort), Noah Surf House is for you

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Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, Mallorca 

It’s no secret Mallorca is big on beaches. This balearic island may be small in size but she’s sure got a mighty shoreline. Universally regarded as one of the country’s best examples of sugar-soft sands, Playa de Muro is the stuff postcard fodder and Iberostar Selection Albufera Park offers families an affordable all inclusive base to soak up the scenery from. Giving guests 2 for the price of 1 when it comes to facilities, whether you’re staying at Albufera Park or Albufera Playa you’re welcome to use the pools and restaurants across both resorts – totalling a whopping 7 pools and 10 restaurants. There’s also family rooms, 3 Kids Club (4 – 17 years, with a slide spiralling tiny travellers down from reception!), mini water slides, playground, unlimited ice cream parlour and a daily schedule of activities, including epic evening entertainment. Newly revamped in 2023, parents can rest assured you’ve got style & foodie substance in spades here. One of the leading hotel groups in the world for their sustainability efforts, the eco-credentials get a big tick from us too

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Forte Village, Sardinia 

On an island famed for blindingly beautiful beaches, the fact we’re heralding the sublime shores fronting Forte Village as one of the country’s best really is high praise indeed. A yearly pilgrimage for parents who have experienced the unique, and superlative, set up & never looked back, this is the type of place you check into and immediately rebook your next stay. The white-sands and sheltered bay more than earn Forte Village a place on this list of the best family friendly beach hotels in Europe, but the delights of this Italian stallion go above and beyond a pristine postcode. The bigger the better could be the unofficial motto here, where you’ll find 8 hotels, a double digit choice of restaurants and a ludicrously long list of activities on offer. Everything from the enormous bedrooms to the bountiful buffet spreads take luxury to a whole new level. Beaming broods are guaranteed, no matter their age or interests. For mum & dad, there’s golf and a show stealing Thalasso spa, while continuing the maximalist thread, the appropriately named Children’s Wonderland is open to those straight out of the womb! 

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Princesa Yaiza, Lanzarote 

The golden sands of Playa Dorada beach act as the backdrop to hassle free family holidays at Princesa Yaiza in Lanzarote. Set on a lively pram-friendly promenade, both calm seas and the restaurant-rich Rubicon yachting harbour are steps from the hotel. Music to the ears of year-round sun-seekers, the small bay here is backed by bodyguard-cliffs, protecting visitors from the island’s infamous winds. Location isn’t the only reason to hotfoot it over to Princesa Yaiza, the childcare offering here is pretty special too. There’s a (chargeable) creche for 4 months +, a free Kids Club for 3 +, evening entertainment, joy-inducing soft play and plethora of playgrounds to boot. With six pools and nine restaurants there’s more than enough entertainment and foodie flex to keep all members of the gang happy

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Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi, Sardinia 

If you’re someone who gets a deep sense of joy from discovering hidden gems, this Sardinian seaside stay is for you. The epitome of beachside la dolce vita, sensational scenery (think: sugar-soft sands and gin-clear waters) is just the beginning here. As you’d expect in this corner of the continent, food is very much a focus here – with a mixing pot of modern Mediterranean, traditional Italian, and Asian dishes. Water babies will appreciate the gently sloping family pool, ocean-gazing infinity icon and wealth of watersports on offer – the snorkelling in particular is a real highlight. Parents daily dose of downtime comes courtesy of the brilliant Kids Club (3+), while supervisors of tweens will appreciate the sports academies and open air evening cinema screenings

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Sani Club, Greece

Sophisticated Sani is world-famous for her family-first facilities, but the blindingly beautiful beachy backdrop doesn’t get shouted about enough (in our option). Set on an 1,000 eco reserve, the sublime sands here are enchantingly empty. With sweeping views of the sapphire sea, Club is the most nature-rich string in the Sani bow, and the base to book if you like your A* star amenities to have a side of peace, privacy and private pools! Alongside a creche (6 months+) and Kids Club (4+), sprogs will go wild for the sport, Bear Grylls Survival Academy and Treetop Adventure Park. Oh, and we haven’t even got to the world-class dining across the whopping 26 restaurants yet….

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GRECOTEL LUXME COSTA BOTANICA, Corfu 

Greece’s golden child, sun-soaked Corfu tops our list for an easy to reach island getaway, with its white sand beaches, aquamarine waters and history-rich streetscapes. It’s the one-of-a-kind GRECOTEL LUXME COSTA BOTANICA, we urge you to book as the base for your brood. Think: rural-romantic boudoirs, a brilliant Kids Club (4+), onsite Aqua Park and range of all inclusive restaurants. If we were to dream up a sandy stretch for nature lovers, it would definitely look something like this. Backed by rolling dunes and fronted by the butterfly-bue Ioanian, you’ll see more wandering wildlife than sunbed-battling tourists in this neck of the woods. There’s a taverna-lined town a short stroll away, but be warned: this foodie Eden sure is hard to leave

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Parga Beach Resort, Greece

Calling all foodie families minding their purse strings: we’ve found your next gastronomic getaway. Largely flying under the mummy Whatsapp group radar, lesser known Parga Beach Resort offers up a restaurant-rich beach break, ideal for those looking to max out on local culture, while minimising their spend. An all inclusive rooted in place, food may be all you can eat, but it’s also very much in homage to the land, with homemade dips, bbq meat and freshly caught fish starring on the menus. Offering a boutique spin on resort living, the set up here feels village-like in nature; high rise hotel rooms are replaced with a scattering of low rise bungalows, and alongside the 2 main pools there’s a further 6 small watering holes sprinkled throughout the verdant grounds, providing pockets of peace at every turn. Small in size but rich in facilities, there’s a Kids Club (4+), playground and sublime spa. The stretch of sand Parga calls home is considered by Greeks to be one of the country’s best, and with a postcard-perfect town a short 15 minute stroll away, we’d argue the location doesn’t get more better 

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Baia del Sole, Italy 

Beach-blessed Calabria is well known (and revered) by Italians, but remains largely undiscovered by the UK mummy circuit. In the very tip toe of Italy’s boot, the sublime seascape here is known as the ‘Coast of the Gods’, and when you bed down at Baia del Sole it’s easy to see why. The exquisite private beach is perfect bucket-and-spade fodder and there’s a whole host of ways to explore the sparkling sea; from canoeing and stand up paddle boarding to bliss-inducing boat tours. And then there’s the food: where a spotlight is shone on seasonal, local produce in the 2 onsite restaurants. The all-round family entertainment complete the pretty picture: with a toddler pool, complimentary Kids Club (3+), nightly discos and engaging workshops – we’re talking hip-hop, street art and photography classes

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Martinhal Sagres, Portugal

For the ultimate easy, breezy, beach break, parents flock to Martinhal. Portugal is highly regarded as one of the most beach blessed countries in the world, and the private sandy stretch at Sagres is certainly picture-perfect. A villa plus hotel resort, synonymous with style and family facilities, this Portuguese pad offers the best of both worlds – in spades. From tots to teens there’s something for everyone, thanks to the 5 Kids Clubs, sports academies and even private baby swim lessons

Martinhal has made it their mission to create a true seaside sanctuary for parents; allowing adults to indulge in the type of sophisticated getaways they were used to pre-kids, whilst their tiny travellers are expertly entertained. No parental pain point has gone unaddressed; there’s staff on hand to distract and delight children at tea time (name us a better luxury than being able to eat with two hands and your attention solely on your adult dinner date), a genius baby concierge service and even a weaning menu. The abundance of floor-to-ceiling windows, natural decor and surround sound ocean views will make for a truly memorable family getaway

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Ekies All Senses Resort, Greece

The antidote to running around like a headless chicken at home, Ekies is the type of resort that calls for horizontal holidaying. A million miles away from overflowing inboxes and to-do lists, juggle struggle stresses melt away at this peaceful parental paradise. Whether you opt to bed down in the Coco-Mat mattresses in the bedrooms, cushioned sun loungers on the beach, or hammocks strung up in the sea – naps for all ages will come easily. Set amidst a natural playground of fragrant forest, aquamarine waters and bone white sands, the insta-worthy views outside are matched with impeccable interiors inside. A whimsical decor dominates, with playful accessories, Greek murals and tongue in cheek touches. The food here is truly fantastic, and warrants your plane tickets alone. Adults can rest easy knowing the glorious grounds are safe for tiny travellers – the palm-fringed pool is well shaded and the sea is shallow. A creative Kids Club runs during the summer (for those 5+), and if you opt for a Junior or Loft Suite your baby monitor will stretch to both beach and restaurant 

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7Pines, Ibiza

For a family friendly form of hedonism, head to 7Pines Ibiza, a luxury resort presented as a charming quaint Spanish village, warmly welcoming children to the White Isle. Burrowed in the heart of a pine forest with spectacular vistas to one side and secluded beaches to the other, this resort forms the ultimate backdrop for a family snapshot. All suites have private terraces or balconies and that all important baby monitor to pool reach. The real star of the show? Kio House, their onsite Kids Club with heart, passion and purpose. Forward-thinking with a focus on environmental education, it’s been designed to enhance children’s eco-awareness through Montessori play. Activities are centred around sustainability and conscious creativity; think beach cleaning days followed by upcycled art sessions

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Villa Le Blanc, Menorca

More laid back and low key than its well known Balearic neighbours Mallorca & Ibiza, Menorca is renowned for its endless sandy shores  – with more beachy coastline than the other two islands combined – and crystal clear waters. As the sun sets against the shoreline of Santo Tomás Beach, you’d be hard pushed to find a better viewing vista than the private outdoor bathtubs found on the balconies at Villa Le Blanc. Menorca’s first grand luxury hotel, it’s a gorgeous whitewashed Mediterranean getaway full of cool corners & natural light flooding large arched architecture. Catering to both children and their discerning parents equally well, there’s a Kids Club, children’s pool, spa and three amazing onsite restaurants. Days can be blissfully spent swimming laps in the lapis lazuli pool or lounging on the softer than soft sands

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Daios Cove, Crete

Spacious suites and villas are cut into a private cove and surrounded by botanically blessed grounds, sprinkled with palm trees and pretty pink flowers, at Daios Cove, a luxurious beachfront abode which exudes an adult atmosphere with a family friendly feel. Comfort goes hand in hand with style here, where every detail has been designed not only to make parents’ lives easier, but to be nice on the eye as well. Mum and Dad are free to kick back and relax on the beach or lounge around the infinity pool (making use of the All Inclusive cocktail menu) whilst tiny travellers are in the Kids Club. Foodies should add Daios Cove to their bucket list immediately – the inventive menus offer a sensational take on traditional local cuisine with a fine dining spin. An age appropriate selection of highchairs can be found in the restaurants, where children’s menus are always available. Water babies of all ages will be heaven, thanks to the jaw dropping beautiful pools and wealth of water sports on offer 

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Hotel Misincu, Corsica

Nestled between France and the western coast of Italy proudly sits Corsica – a wild and wonderful island inhabited by unspoiled, untamed countryside and bluer-than-blue waters where no filter is needed! Framed by a backdrop of wild olive groves & orange blossom trees and fronted by a private beach, Hotel Misíncu is a barefoot luxury escape bringing a taste of the south’s sophistication to the more rugged, rural northern shores. The design vibe here is boujee beach shack; airy rooms and suites are adorned with driftwood sculptures, wicker armchairs, neutral linens and sea breezes. Spend your days strolling from plage to pool (where the sumptuous in-water sunbeds are the ultimate extravagant accessory). Tiny travellers can check into the Kids Club, where treasure hunts and fishing lessons are on the agenda  

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Nobu Hotel, Ibiza

Whilst Ibiza is known for its sensational shoreline, it’s not easy to find a beachfront bolthole on the White Isle – with a large number of hotels built into the cliffside. If you like your sands within crawling distance, Nobu Hotel is where you’ll want to head. Serious foodie credentials and minimal bed:beach commute aren’t the only pull of staying here. The namesake restaurant and enviable location share the spotlight with the Six Senses spa and epic Kids Club (4+) as the headline act at this epicurean enclave. Everything from the sleek family pool to the soothing interiors is easy on the (sleep deprived eye), whilst the interconnecting rooms and robust roster of seriously cool classes for kids (think graffiti art, sushi making and DJ lessons) makes Nobu Hotel the ultimate seafront spot for families

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Le Phare, Il de Re

A penny saving price tag is a shore-thing at Le Phare – an oceanfront ‘open air hotel’ on Il de Re. Whilst France might not be famous for brochure-worthy beaches, this uninterrupted stretch of golden sand (blighted by neither hotel or hordes of holiday makers), is calling out to families looking for a boujee, yet budget friendly, break. Pairing the convivial spirit of camping with hotel facilities, Le Phare is proud to do things a little differently. Guests bed down in stylish shacks, complete with proper beds, hot showers, aircon and TVs. Whilst Mother Nature offers her own playground in the form of the sprawling Atlantic, there’s also a free Kids Club during July and August, plus indoor & outdoor pools. If you like to supplement your sunbathing with mornings spent ambling charming French villages, Le Phare will definitely appeal 

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Verdura Resort, Sicily

Set your out of office message to ‘sunbathing in Sicily’ and hotfoot it over to Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort. Whilst you might be bringing your (pintsized) boss with you, the theme-park-large Kids Club is guaranteed to captivate all ages and activity interests, leaving parents to their own devices. ‘Time off’ can be spent snoozing under the masterful hands of your therapist in the swish spa; getting your game on in the, not one, not two, but three golf courses; or, chowing down the Michelin-designed menus. A masterclass in enriching entertainment for offspring, activities at ‘Verduland’ span from astronomy and mythology to cooking, gardening and Junior Sports Academies. Private beaches are a rarity in Italy, but the sprawling stretch of sugary sands and sun-soaked seas are reserved just for guests at this seriously indulgent Italian idyll

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Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey

If your idea of a break doesn’t involve making small talk with school gate mums on neighbouring sunbeds, you’re probably going to want to swerve Ikos and Sani over the holidays. A name synonymous with superlative spas, ‘those in the know’ know that Six Senses hotels also dish up fantasy fodder for families. The free Kids Club at Six Senses Kaplankya (4+) will be music to mum’s ears, whilst the Mary-Poppins-esque nanny service will expertly whisk off any tots too young to attend. Home to the largest hotel spa in Europe, there’s no parental tension the heaven-sent therapists can’t fix. Not just a tantalising treat for your body, this Turkish delight dishes up gourmet dining for your tastebuds, and mental-load melting views for your mind. The three beautiful private beaches are just the icing on this very chic cake

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Domes of Elounda, Crete 

Few hotels are both as gorgeous and generous with their facilities as the Domes group. A name that needs no introduction, if we were picking our bolthole based on the beach, the flagship, Domes of Elounda, comes up trumps for us. Here, parents are invited to rest & recalibrate on white sandy shores next to crystal clear, always calm, lagoon-like waters. Further scoring on location is the proximity to the picturesque town of Parga – a mere 20 minute mooch away. Next-level entertainment is supplied courtesy of the Kids Club (4 months +) and roster of evening activities, including live music, al fresco cinema nights and bubble shows

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Hillside Beach Club, Turkey 

With not one, not two, but three blindingly beautiful beaches to behold, Turkey’s Hillside Beach Club is a bonafide bolthole for coastal connoisseurs. In-the-know families flock to this entertainment enclave for its unique mix of first-class facilities and cleverly designated separate spaces for mummy & minis. It’s easy to pretend you’re a no strings (or smalls) attached twenty something living your best life, when you’re solo sunbathing it up on the two adults only beaches – aptly named Silent and Serenity. Where are my loud & proud kids you ask? Having the time of their lives in the Kids Club (4+) – which is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best. Evening shows & discos keep the fun flowing, while sunrise yoga and hikes ensure a stress-free start to the day. The onsite restaurants dish up delectable dishes, while the two spas keep moaning muscles in check. If you’re looking for a getaway big on leisure and little on logistics, take note

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Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Croatia 

For a beach break with a side of sightseeing, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is an ideally placed island retreat. Standing sentry over the aquamarine Adriatic, the jewels of the Old Town can be reached via a 30 minute Bond-Girl-esque boat dash (or 15 minute shuttle bus). A slick seafront stay with super-swish amenities, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is not short on parent pleasing accolades; with both the sprawling spa and extensive roster of Kids Clubs (4 in total, ranging from 1-15 years), considered some of the country’s best. ‘Tropical Adventure’ and ‘Superhero’ evenings await the older set, running from 8pm during the peak period. A mecca for sporty sprogs, the hotel also hosts an array of academies throughout the year (7+), plus there’s the Gaming Room and two family pools. A definite perk for those who hate sand being stuck to them (Hi, it’s me!), the crystal clear, warm warms here are fronted by shingle & stone. If you fancy your fill of the powdery stuff, the hotel runs boat trips to neighbouring Lopud Island, where peacocks roam pine forests and the golden goods deliver

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Du Lac Et Du Parc Grand Resort, Italy 

Ok, we’re stretching our definition of a beach break slightly here, but the mirror-like expanse of Lake Garda is definitely up there with Europe’s best watery wonderlands – we’re just replacing sea for fresh water. Those who have the pleasure of resting their heads at Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort are in for a real treat: we’re talking, peace-permeating pads dotted through tranquil tropical gardens, a Mini Club (3+), 3 swimming pools (plus one for pintsized people), 3 gourmet restaurants, plus pinch-me views at every turn. The location itself is also stand out – right on the lake, with the restaurant-lined streets of Riva del Garda just a 10 minute walk away. Guests can swim, stand up paddle board, or kayak from the small stretch or pebble beach, or simply sit back and soak in the tranquility

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Conrad Chia Laguna, Sardinia 

Sardinia’s trademark whiter-than-white sands and immaculate waters are in full show stopping force at Conrad Chia Laguna. A paradisiacal stretch of coastline, natural beauty certainly isn’t in short supply here, but neither are fully-fledged facilities. Active family? This one’s for you. Alongside a creativity-inspiring Kids Club (3+), seasonal football and tennis academies keep tots on their toes. Offspring gladly burning off excess energy, parents are free to indulge in a solo swim in the panoramic pool, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the plethora of restaurants, or catch 40 winks in the spa  

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Lujo Hotel Bodrum, Turkey 

Winning Europe’s best for a multitude of parent pleasing perks, Lujo Hotel in Bodrum knows a thing or two about being top of the class. Starting with the sublime shoreline, where 3 private beaches beckon with their golden sands. The Midas touch continues inside, where all rooms, suites and private villas come complete with personal Joy Advisors – who, you guessed it, are on hand to ensure your endorphins never stop flowing. Keeping kids enthralled is easy in the GINORMOUS Kids Club (1+), 5-slide waterpark, or West End worthy evening entertainment. The vast array of watersports and endless exercise classes on offer keep the active types happy, while R&R seekers are more than catered to in the sublime spa. Foodies will think they’ve died and gone to heaven. Not only is every cuisine imaginable covered in the roster of restaurants, it’s all inclusive to boot

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Ikos Aria, Kos 

While all Ikos outposts are synonymous with elevated eating and comprehensive childcare, the superlative sands at Ikos Aria in Kos are definitely a cut above the rest of the resorts. Think: wide, deep and blessed with cashmere-soft golden grains. A sensational seafront isn’t the only trump card up Aria’s sleeve. Alongside the trademark elegant interiors you’ll also find two ancient ruins inside the resort. Exploring Kos’ other bountiful beaches is made easy, thanks to the lesser lauded (but utterly brilliant) Local Discovery & Drive programmes – which give guests a complimentary Tesla hire for the day alongside museum passes.  Back at the hotel, as standard, the creche welcomes tots from 4 months & there’s a free Kids Club from 4 years. Parents can pat themselves on the back for a choice well made, whilst sipping cold Chablis  by the pool or dining on Michelin designed menus

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Poda Boutique Hotel, Albania 

Searching for Champagne sands, twinkling turquoise waters and change in your post-holiday pocket? For a quieter (and significantly) cheaper European beach break, head to Albania. Only recently having opened up to tourists, a holiday here is still on the hush-hush side. Not yet firmly on the family holiday radar, sprogs and their supervisors can expect sun-sure shores, ancient ruins, cool restaurants and stunning National Parks. Whilst the scenery easily goes toe-to-toe with neighbouring Corfu and Puglia, the people: photo op ratio is a lot lower. A jaunt to Albania is about low-key relaxing. Hotels here boast amazing al fresco views, but there’s a no-frills theme to the interiors. Ksamil’s most charming bolthole has to be Poda Boutique Hotel – a beachfront base with outdoor pool and toes-in-the-sand restaurant

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Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay, Montenegro 

Montenegro doesn’t usually roll off the tongue when talking about family getaways, which we’re here to tell you is a good thing! This pint-sized country goes toe to toe with neighbouring Croatia for the accolade of clearest waters and softest sands. The one award Croatia wins hand down? The gold medal for tonnes of tourists. For a quieter Adriatic abode, the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay is a brilliantly located luxury hotel, nestled on Kotor Bay – an unspoilt, UNESCO World Heritage site. Offering a rolodex of room options, families have the choice of one to four bed beachfront apartments, many with swim-up pools or roof terraces with hot tubs. Scandinavian style dominates, with minimalist interiors taking their cue from the breathtaking scenery outside. Soak up serene vibes of the waterfront spa, explore the brochure-beautiful bay, or devour elevated dining at The Lighthouse restaurant

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Themes: The Family Friendly European Edit, Hotel Hotlists

You might also be interested in: The best family hotels with waterparks,  Which is the best Ikos resort for your family?,  The best family friendly hotels considered as alternatives to Ikos