Selecting your first destination

Written By Eli Zoback

Planning Your First Family Trip to Europe: Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland

Planning your first family trip to Europe can feel overwhelming. There are so many incredible destinations that deciding where to go first is often the hardest part. The reality is that your trip should really be defined by your expectations and the reality of traveling with kids. Some families prefer a slower, more relaxing trip where you stay in one place and explore at a comfortable pace. Others prefer a faster tempo where you try to see as much as possible in the time you have. There’s no right or wrong answer — it simply comes down to your preferences and what kind of experience your family enjoys.

The three destinations we are asked about most often are Italy, France, and Spain, with Switzerland often added to itineraries because of its incredible scenery and easy transportation. We’ve spent extensive time in all of these countries traveling with kids, and each one offers something unique. One important thing to remember when planning a European summer trip:

From June through August, Europe is extremely busy. Expect crowds in the most popular destinations and make reservations for major attractions well in advance.

Italy: Our Favorite Overall Destination

If we had to pick one country that consistently delivers for family travel, it would probably be Italy. Much like the United States, Italy offers a wide variety of regions and experiences. You can hike in the Northern Alps, explore Renaissance cities, relax along dramatic coastlines, or slow down in small countryside villages.

The four classic destinations most travelers visit are:

  • Venice

  • Florence

  • Rome

  • The Amalfi Coast

One of the biggest advantages of traveling in Italy is the excellent train system, which connects most major cities and drops you right in the center of town.Rental cars are useful if you plan to explore rural areas, but driving and parking in major cities can be challenging.

Northern Italy and the Lakes

Northern Italy is known for its spectacular scenery. The Italian Lake District is particularly famous, with Lake Como often considered the most beautiful. The surrounding villages, mountain backdrops, and waterfront promenades make it an unforgettable place to visit. Nearby Milan is Italy’s financial capital and a major international airport hub. It also serves as a great starting point for exploring the Alps or continuing north into Switzerland. To the west lies the Italian Riviera, a stretch of coastline near the French border. Unlike some of Italy’s more famous destinations, many towns here feel more local and less touristy. A helpful travel tip: destinations that aren’t heavily featured in major travel guides often offer a more authentic experience and lower prices. For example, a pizza in Milan might cost 15 euros, while in a smaller town you might pay 5 euros or less.

Florence and Tuscany

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the cultural center of Tuscany. The city itself is compact and incredibly walkable, but it gets extremely crowded in the summer months. If you’re planning to visit museums like the Uffizi Gallery or Accademia, booking tickets in advance is essential. One of our favorite ways to explore Florence with kids is through guided bike tours, which often include child seats or trailers.

Nearby day trips include:

  • Pisa

  • Siena

  • Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre’s famous coastal hiking trails may be challenging for younger kids, but you can easily explore individual towns and take the train between them.

Venice

Venice is unlike any city in the world. Because it is built entirely on islands, cars are not needed. Arriving by train is the easiest option, as the station is located right at the edge of the city. One thing families should keep in mind is that many hotels are only accessible by walking or water taxi. When we visited, we had about a ten-minute walk with luggage after arriving. If that sounds like a hassle, choose a hotel with a private dock. Two or three days in Venice is usually enough time to experience the city.

Rome

Rome is busy, chaotic, and fascinating all at once. The Colosseum, Vatican, and Roman Forum are some of the most remarkable historical sites in the world. Most families spend three days in Rome, although you could easily spend a week exploring. Walking is often the fastest way to get around due to traffic, so staying near the areas you want to visit can make your trip much easier.

The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe.

Famous towns include:

  • Positano

  • Amalfi

  • Ravello

  • Sorrento

The views are incredible, but the area can become extremely crowded during peak summer. The island of Capri is a popular day trip, and we highly recommend exploring it by renting a small boat for the day rather than staying overnight.

Puglia

If you want a slower, more authentic experience, Puglia in southern Italy is an excellent choice. Many Italians vacation here, and the region offers beautiful beaches, historic villages, and very reasonable prices compared to other parts of Italy. Dinner for a large group with wine can often cost under €100, which is rare in most popular tourist areas.

France: Paris and the Riviera

Many travelers separate France into two experiences: Paris and everywhere else in France. Paris has a reputation for being a bit reserved toward tourists, but once you understand the culture it becomes one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Major highlights include:

  • The Eiffel Tower

  • The Louvre

  • Notre Dame

  • The Paris Catacombs

The Catacombs are especially interesting for older kids and teenagers. Outside of Paris, the atmosphere becomes much more relaxed and welcoming.

The French Riviera

The French Riviera is one of the most beautiful coastal regions in Europe. Nice serves as the main airport hub and a great base for exploring the area.

Nearby destinations include:

  • Antibes

  • Cannes

  • Monaco

  • St. Tropez

Each town offers a slightly different experience, from luxury and glamour to laid-back beach life.

Spain: A Fantastic Family Destination

Spain is often one of the most enjoyable destinations for families. The culture is very welcoming to children, the food is fantastic, and the overall cost tends to be lower than Italy or France. While the capital, Madrid has many great museums, I would probably skip with younger kids as there are many other areas better suited for kids.

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. The architecture of Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, gives the city a unique character. Barcelona also has something many European cities lack: a great beach right in the city.This allows families to combine sightseeing with relaxing beach time.

Popular day trips from Barcelona include:

  • Montserrat

  • Girona

  • Costa Brava beach towns

Costa Brava starts east of Barcelona and continues towards the French border. Here you will find a collection of beach towns that range from small to large with varying vibes. Some of these places are quiet and somewhat remote where others are busy with active nightlife. Obviously picking a city that isn’t overrun with nightclubs is probably best with children as some of the Spanish nightclubs go all night.

Costa del Sol

Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol is known for its sunshine and beautiful beaches. Cities like Malaga, Marbella, and Estepona combine historic charm with modern beach resorts. Malaga in particular has become one of the most exciting cities in Spain, with excellent restaurants and museums.

The Strait of Gibraltar

One of the most unique experiences in southern Spain is visiting Gibraltar. From the top of the Rock of Gibraltar you can see across the water to Africa, and the area is famous for its wild Barbary macaques, which kids love.

Switzerland: The Most Scenic Country in Europe

Although not always included in Mediterranean itineraries, Switzerland offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.

Destinations like:

  • Zermatt

  • Interlaken

  • Lauterbrunnen

  • Lucerne

feature stunning alpine landscapes, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Switzerland also has one of the best train systems in the world, making it incredibly easy to travel between towns. The only downside is cost — Switzerland is significantly more expensive than most of southern Europe — but the scenery alone makes it worth considering. A simple meal for a family of four will typically cost $75, so finding accommodation that includes breakfast can actually be a significant cost savings over the course of a week. Getting around is easy, both with a car or train, if you’re planning on exploring some of the mountain towns like Lauterbrunnen a car can be easier, just watch out for speed cameras, there are everywhere in Switzerland.

Final Thoughts

Your first family trip to Europe doesn’t need to include everything. In fact, the best trips usually involve two or three destinations where you can slow down and really enjoy the experience. Whether it’s exploring ancient cities in Italy, relaxing along the French Riviera, discovering the beaches of Spain, or hiking through the Swiss Alps, Europe offers incredible opportunities for family travel. And once you go once, you’ll quickly realize there’s always another destination waiting for your next trip.

We have lots more detail for each of these destinations and we have traveled extensively throughout Europe so we can help plan a perfect vacation

Eli Zoback