Best family road trip destinations in Europe and beyond

Road tripping with kids in tow might not sound like the best idea. But there are some road trips that are easily doable for families. In fact, there’s something magical about hitting the open road with music blasting (even if it’s nursery rhymes!), snacks and the promise of a different adventure every day. We’ve put together the best road trips in Europe you can make as a family – even throwing in a cheeky Florida itinerary, if you fancy taking your trip across the pond. So buckle up, pack your sunnies and let’s explore some of the top family-friendly road trip routes on offer…

Florida

America’s so-called Sunshine State is nothing short of legendary. And Florida’s about so much more than its famous mouse. It’s one of the best family road trip destinations for sunshine, thrill rides and beautiful beaches. Start your journey in bustling Miami, where colourful art deco buildings meet palm‑lined streets, and head north along the coast towards the theme park capital of the world.

The drive from Miami to Orlando is a classic family route. You can detour to the Everglades for an airboat ride to spot alligators, or pause in Fort Lauderdale for a water taxi adventure.

From Orlando, families can continue west towards the Gulf Coast beaches – think Clearwater and St Pete Beach – where lazy days of sandcastle building and paddleboarding await.

Potential routes:

Miami to Orlando – around 4 hours driving, but stop at Fort Lauderdale for a canal cruise or the Everglades for an airboat ride.

Orlando to Clearwater Beach – approx. 2 hours, with theme parks behind you and Gulf Coast beaches ahead.

Portugal

Portugal’s stunning coastline needs no introduction, and the roads are easy to navigate, making it one of the best family road trip destinations for families who love beaches, culture and tasty food.

Your adventure could start in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital. Take some time to explore the colourful streets of Alfama, ride the iconic trams and grab a pastel de nata, or two. From there, hit the road towards the Algarve, where the coastline gets spectacular. The drive south takes you past dramatic cliffs, secret beaches and traditional fishing villages.

Don’t miss the coastal town of Lagos. Parents can admire the stunning views, while kids will love the sea caves and safe sandy beaches. Further east, Praia da Marinha is a real gem and often features in lists of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

Potential routes:

Lisbon to Lagos (Algarve) – 3.5 hours along the A2 motorway with plenty of stops for coastal views, castles and charming fishing villages.

Lagos to Praia da Marinha – 1.5 hours, including detours to explore hidden coves and scenic cliff paths – perfect for family photos.

Ibiza and beyond

Ibiza might have a party island reputation, but it’s also got quiet, family-friendly beaches and postcard-perfect towns. Ibiza’s old town – Dalt Vila – feels straight out of a storybook, while the beach at Cala Tarida has gentle waters that are perfect for little ones.

From Ibiza, take a ferry to Formentera, a smaller island where families often fall in love with its turquoise water and flat roads that are ideal for bike rides. Formentera is more laid‑back than its neighbours, making it one of the best family road trip destinations in Europe.

If you choose to include Mallorca in your trip, you’ll be treated to winding coastal roads, dramatic inland scenery and plenty of beaches with shallow waters.

Potential routes:

1. Ibiza to Formentera (ferry) – 30 minutes on the ferry. Once on Formentera, flat roads make cycling or scooting around easy for kids.
2. Formentera to Mallorca (ferry) – 1–2 hours on the ferry. Mallorca’s coastal roads offer short drives between beaches, caves and family-friendly restaurants.

Mainland Spain

Spain is a classic choice for family road trips, thanks to its sunny weather and welcoming culture. One of the best road trips in Europe for families is the drive along the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol – both offer gorgeous seaside views, historic towns and plenty of stops where kids can stretch their legs and explore.

Start in Alicante, where the castle overlooking the city is as cool as the beach promenades are long. Head south towards Valencia, a city with futuristic architecture, vast parks and one of Spain’s most child-friendly attractions – the City of Arts and Sciences. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and huge aquarium.

Continue south towards the Costa del Sol, where you’ll find family-friendly beaches, waterparks and huge shopping malls in the likes of Malaga and Marbella.

Potential routes:

Alicante to Valencia – approx. 2.5 hours, with beaches and parks en route.

Valencia to Malaga (Costa del Sol) – 6 hours, but break it up with stops in Gandia, Murcia or Almeria to stretch legs and explore small towns.

Italy

Italy’s another firm favourite for family road trips in Europe. And it’s no wonder with its coastline, culture and cliff-hugging roads. From the Amalfi Coast in the south to the dramatic shores of Liguria in the north, Italy has all the ingredients for a bucket‑list road trip. The Amalfi stretch – including towns like Positano, Amalfi and Ravello – offers breathtaking views, winding coastal roads and hidden coves that feel like your own secret spots.

Kids will be delighted by the food – pizza, gelato and pasta appear on almost every menu – while adults can enjoy vineyard views, historical sites and culture around every bend. If Amalfi’s roads feel a bit too dramatic with younger kids, take a gentler route through Tuscany’s countryside or around its famous lakes – gorgeous drives with castles, gardens and lakeside towns to explore.

Potential routes:

Naples to Positano – 1.5 hours along scenic coastal roads, with plenty of opportunities to pause for views, gelato or a paddle.

Florence to Siena (Tuscany) – 1.5 hours through rolling hills, vineyards and medieval villages – perfect for slow sightseeing with kids.

Croatia

Croatia has become one of the most talked‑about family travel spots in Europe, and for good reason. Driving along the Dalmatian Coast is nothing short of spectacular – winding roads with views over the glittering Adriatic Sea, little coves to splash in and charming towns like Split and Dubrovnik.

You can easily combine your drive with ferry crossings to islands like Hvar and Korcula, where crystal‑clear waters and quiet beaches feel made for families. Croatia’s friendly vibe, good‑quality coastal roads and mix of historic towns and beautiful beaches make it one of the best family road trip destinations for anyone who wants a Mediterranean adventure.

Potential routes:

Split to Dubrovnik – 4.5 hours, but break up the drive with stops in Makarska or small coastal villages.

Dubrovnik to Hvar (ferry) – 2 hours – once on Hvar, flat roads and quiet beaches are perfect for cycling and family exploration.

Tips for planning a family road trip

Before you set off, here are a few tips that make your journey even smoother:

1. Plan your stops – break long drives into shorter legs with interesting towns or beaches to explore.
2. Snacks and games – keep everyone happy with favourite treats and car games to pass the time.
3. Book ahead – especially in peak season, so you secure the best villas.
4. Mix activities – alternate beach days with cultural stops to keep kids entertained.

Villa Holidays is all about stress‑free family adventures. Whether you’re parking up by the Florida coast, choosing a sea-view villa in Portugal, or setting off along Spain’s sunny roads, we make it simple to find the right base for your trip. Search our huge range of villas today.