Many different measures can be used to evaluate, weigh, and quantify our home continent; these include concrete figures such as identifying its largest nation (which would clearly be Russia) and its tiniest one (the Vatican City). It also encompasses examining places with the highest population density like Monaco, versus those with some of the lowest densities, including Iceland when you consider Greenland under Danish governance—which,
politically speaking, it is
).
However, some aspects prove more challenging to measure. Which nation crafts the finest wines (relax, France; I’m simply asking)? Or which can claim the most exceptional national cuisine (once again, France, you needn’t get so worked up — everyone knows “cuisine” comes from your vocabulary, and although this might demonstrate your undisputed talent for cooking, let’s try to maintain decorum)?
What about the most elusive concept—family-friendly environments? Does Germany feel like the most comfortable place regarding this aspect?
die kinder
; is Italy the
campione
when it comes to
belli bambini
; or has some other European country become the undisputed master of making small children suffer?
Of course, this is entirely a matter of personal opinion. That’s precisely why multiple authors have attempted to address it. In this case, five writers have undertaken the task.
Telegraph Travel
Regular contributors share their views on which European nation is deemed the most welcoming for families—while also pointing out regions where having children around might not be as appreciated…
Friendliest: Greece
Maybe it’s the clarity of the sky, maybe it’s the consistently blue summers seas – but I have
Never viewed Greece as a nation with anything but a sunny demeanor.
Basking in the coziness of its climate, and content with its fate among the whispering olive groves.
If this description seems somewhat trite, let me tell you that my overall view of the area at Europe’s southeastern tip has largely mirrored this sentiment. While I am aware that beyond the beaches and traditional Greek restaurants, Greece does face challenges and hardships, these less pleasant aspects were not commonly encountered during my numerous trips—moments when cheerfulness fades into worry. Throughout approximately two decades and around twenty visits, Greece has consistently presented itself as serene, welcoming, and sociable—even invariably kindhearted—to someone with my level of familiarity.
I’m not certain whether it’s necessary to describe them as “the friendliest family” — however, being welcoming towards and having fondness for kids is certainly characteristic of the Greek personality. That’s partly why Greece has consistently been a favored vacation spot ever since I had my child. Over the years, I’ve experienced countless gestures of goodwill, yet nothing compares to what happened at a quaint restaurant in Parga located in northwest Epirus. The chef there, also a mother, took time out to show us her compassion by walking our infant son around the dining area for about five minutes so we could enjoy some semblance of quiet during our meal without worry.
Least friendly: The UK
Maybe due to its grayer skies, this nation seems – at least from my perspective – not quite as welcoming for families. Theme parks here, packed with crowds, are characterized by interminable lines and a
general surliness
, at eateries where children presumably shouldn’t even be noticed, much less make noise, Britain’s approach toward its youthful populace frequently falls short compared to the warmth found along the Mediterranean coast. Maybe this difference stems from living under grayer skies most days instead of just during my annual fortnight vacation in July and/or August when basking in sunshine. Isn’t there an age-old saying about how too much exposure can lead us astray?
Chris Leadbeater
Friendliest: Wales
I’ve taken my two kids to dine on conveyor-belt sushi in Japan, go boating to secluded islands near Mauritius, and ride camels in Morocco. If you ask them about their experiences, they could tell you all about it.
want
to go through and the response is invariably the same:
Wales
.
You might find it hard to believe, and your kids could be preteens (one 10 years old and almost 13), yet they still act quite wild. However, Wales offers them all they require: navigating through muddy areas using maps, looking for salamanders, walking through creeks wearing boots, and sleeping in tents surrounded only by nocturnal owl calls. Parents will appreciate the added benefit that exciting activities in Wales come at an affordable price.
Walking across the Welsh border via the shaky Biblins Rope Bridge over the River Wye doesn’t cost anything (though indulging in a marshmallow-studded hot cocoa at the cafe on the opposite bank might be considered part of the price). Exploring Hay-on-Wye’s thrift stores for used books comes without charge as well, with finds that can last a lifetime. Additionally, tumbling down slopes into streamlined basins filled with breeding tadpoles provides amusement suitable for all ages (for this activity, head towards Castrogi Brook located between Llanvair Disgoed and Chepstow).
From visiting Tintern Abbey (where a guide took the children on an unscheduled exclusive tour and sparked their imagination with stories about concealed carvings and spirits) to browsing at Llangollen’s Oggie Shop, where the attendant demonstrated great forbearance as they carefully chose pastries, the Welsh folk have consistently shown kindness to us. That’s precisely why we plan to return this year.
Least friendly: Crete, Greece
It turned out that Crete’s wintertime sun could be unexpectedly cold. Therefore, upon checking into a hotel located to the east of Chania, it barely made a difference that our path to the beach was hindered by an active thoroughfare cutting through partly industrialized areas (given how many hotels open each year on the island, finding picturesque and easily reachable spots might be challenging).
Rather than engaging in sandcastle construction, we chose to visit Chania’s Archaeological Museum. Inside, we discovered stunning Roman mosaics and a Minoan sarcophagus—but also witnessed a security guard scolding kids who approached the display cases too closely. To lift their spirits, we went to a nearby water park; although it worked somewhat, each descent through those shaky slides towards shockingly cold and murky waters made us uneasy as indifferent lifeguards seemingly ignored what was happening.
The family-oriented services on the island appeared to be lacking, yet we enjoyed an exceptional dinner at a restaurant tucked away down a fragrant pathway lined with flowers in a neighboring fishing village. During our evening walk on the beach after the meal, we stumbled upon two deceased rodents lying on the sands. This sight was so repulsive that even the feral cat population showed little interest; however, my child later recounted this encounter as one of the most memorable moments of his vacation.
Amanda Hyde
Friendliest: Italy
It’s not about the history. It’s not about the art. It’s not about the culture. (Are you
met
A child lately?) And it surely doesn’t resemble the lengthy –“so boring!”– lines at every airport (as well as each hotel check-in counter, car rental place, and sightseeing spot…).
Nope, sorry, Leonardo,
it’s the food
.
Pizza for every meal?
Prego, signore!
Is spaghetti Bolognese the more refined option?
Si, signora!
Are all the vegetables presented battered and deep-fried together with pieces of fish?
Fritto misto per tutti
, mate! Add some breadsticks and
gelato
And you have a child’s dream for a family vacation.
Apart from that, you have the stunning beaches of somewhere like Sardinia for the little ones; bloody, Gladiator-filled Rome for elementary school children; Instagram-worthy landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa for social media-obsessed pre-teens; and the artistic hubbub at places like the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia in Florence for aspiring college students or unexpectedly mature high schoolers.
Children of every age will enjoy this laid-back
Dolce Vita
lifestyle involving late-night dinners past bedtime. Actually, the sole issue is that they become somewhat
too
Excited about everything. A few big glasses of Chianti for mom and dad along with a round of pizzas?
Least friendly: France
Parents: [cheerfully] “Come on, Charlie, go ahead and use your French. The locals appreciate when you attempt to speak a bit of their language, plus it’ll be great practice for your GCSE exams.”
Charlie: [hesitantly, blushing] “Hello. May I…”
French waiter: [dramatically sighs, rolls his eyes, adds €10 to the bill, and speaks over Charlie with patient yet impeccable English] “The burger, yes?”
Seriously, France isn’t even
adult
-friendly,
let alone
child-
friendly
The French view their own children with a dismissive lack of interest – and ours with hidden disdain because of our kids’ style blunders and unwillingness to consume escargot.
Vacances
elsewhere.
Ed Grenby
Friendliest: Austria
Great family vacations desire three elements: engaging activities, comforting cuisine, and a cultural atmosphere where children aren’t necessarily the main focus but are still highly welcomed. Austria excels in all these areas (although I would also commend its neighbors, Germany and Switzerland, for their noteworthy contributions).
During your time here, you’ll enjoy skiing in the wintertime, hiking with a backpack during the summertime, and swimming in clear lakes, as well as exploring Vienna.
the globe’s most livable metropolis
.
When it comes to cuisine, my children, now teenagers, have never known anything better than the cakes found in Vienna.
kaffehaus
(don’t forget, this is where it all began for the
viennoiserie
That the French have embraced as their own). Additionally, there’s the schnitzel and great wine for the parents – besides, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland are all considerably more accommodating to vegetarians compared to, for instance, France or frequently, even Britain.
Ultimately, Austria – along with Germany and Switzerland – is remarkably hospitable towards children. Additionally, there are
Kinderhotels
if you have toddlers or younger kids, but also
traditional operas presented using puppets
, merely one of the numerous methods the city where Mozart was born ensures accessibility to classical music.
Least friendly: Spain
“She has quite an appetite for dinnertime at eight,” crooned Ol’ Blue Eyes. While his lyrics weren’t about British kids, they easily could’ve been. Spaniards are well-known for their habitually tardy mealtimes; lunch starts no sooner than one o’clock, with dinner served promptly at eight, both lasting long into the night. For parents whose offspring aren’t prone to napping on cue, these schedules can be daunting. In contrast, restaurants in France adhere more rigidly to specific hours as well, yet typically open earlier—a schedule that generally aligns better with younger Britons’ routines.
Sara Sherwood
Friendliest: Turkey
I adore Kalkan in Turkey for its secure, welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. This charming seaside town lies close to Antalya and is about a two-hour journey from Dalaman Airport. The area boasts excellent rooftop eateries where one can savor delicious mezze dishes accompanied by the enchanting sound of the nightly calls to prayer. Additionally, each visit, I make sure to purchase a solitary red rose for my spouse from our favorite cheerful florist, whom we jokingly refer to as “the chicken family” due to an amusing coincidence when we initially encountered him; everyone had chosen identical poultry kebab meals upon meeting.
During the day, it functions as a beach club where I also get a Turkish massage. Then, I stroll through the winding hills of the charming town, exploring its trendy boutiques to pick up counterfeit soccer jerseys for my boy and phony designer fragrances for my girl. All the while, I savor some mint tea and speculate about why tourists are visiting – “snorkeling,” “perfect smiles,” and so forth.
In October, during half-term, we visit when the mercury hits around 25°C, and the surrounding beaches like Patara (nestled among ancient Lycian sites) and Kaputas (picture-perfect with its pristine sands) remain tranquil. A great day trip would be to Saklikent Gorge, just a 20-minute drive away. There, you can embark on a thrilling rafting adventure through one of Earth’s most profound gorges. Post-adventure, unwind at an eatery along the riverbank; their meals are divine enough to cause even a gallbladder issue but still tempting me into having dessert afterward.
The children’s favorite activity is the excursion from Kas to the Greek island of Meis, where they enjoy swimming at the stunning nearby Blue Cave. Later on, everyone witnesses an amusing scene when my wife, who has a fear of turtles, suddenly dashes out of a waterfront restaurant as Maximus the enormous turtle approaches seeking food.
Least friendly: Iceland
Iceland — as the name suggests — is chilly. We went there for New Year, and indeed, the glaciers were quite prominent.
Game-of-Thrones
The scenery beyond the wall is breathtaking, yet having a picnic with gloves on near a waterfall along the Golden Circle when the children turn blue due to 100 mph winds and temperatures of -7°C? Not really my idea of fun.
“Sneaker waves” occasionally take several lives annually along these dangerous shorelines. As for the Aurora Borealis? They’ve never been spotted due to constant cloud cover. The city of Reykjavik presents itself as a chaotic blend of concrete structures, construction equipment, and corrugated metal, with a single glass of ordinary wine costing more than a typical restaurant meal. It’s impressive how they utilize geothermal energy from hot springs to warm most residences; however, this leads to everything emitting an odor reminiscent of sulfur. Notably absent were mentions of feral horses prone to damaging vehicles or the peculiar custom where locals, feeling lethargic and delirious from lack of daylight during New Year’s Eve, engage in launching fireworks at each other throughout the town streets.
Ben Hatch
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