Where to go on your autumn break?
If you act quickly, you can still book your perfect holiday abroad this autumn. Here are our best European picks that offer something for the whole family.
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Barcelona and Madrid
Especially if you are travelling with slightly older kids or teenagers, the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Madrid are a safe bet.
In Barcelona you can easily combine your city break with some beach living. The beaches around Barcelona are easily accessible and outside the main tourist season not too crowded. Barceloneta beach is an obvious choice but you could also try the family friendly Nova Icaria or the local favourite Sant Sebastià.
In Madrid the many museums, galleries and cultural events will keep children and adults equally entertained. The main museums, such as Prado will impress children too, but you could also visit the Railway Museum or the interactive Robot Museum.
The Greek Islands
The Greek islands are a great choice for some autumn sunshine and island exploration! You could choose to relax on one of the familiar favourites such as Santorini, Heraklion, Rodos and Hania, island hop between the main islands – or visit some of the smaller gems as well.
Good ferry connections make it easy to explore several islands at once. The boat trips are a great way to enjoy the scenery and children will appreciate the adventure of hopping from one place to another.
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Gran Canaria and Tenerife
Gran Canaria and Tenerife are a go-to for families for good reason. These destinations will give you a holiday with a capital H with sun, watersports, swimming and great food.
Gran Canaria has good options for activities that suit the whole family. A boat trip is a must if you love the sea. You can choose anything from a glass bottom ferry to sea fishing. The children will also love the classic waterpark Aqualand.
Tenerife has become a bit of a hiking destination with routes spanning from challenging to family friendly. There are mountains, cliffs, rain forest and an actual volcano Teide to see, so heading inland for a hike is recommended. With smaller children you could rent a car and pop out for small walks to see the natural wonders.
Copenhagen
For a city break that suits all ages, make your way to Copenhagen. The small scale of the city makes getting around easy, the museums and parks will keep everyone entertained and there are even great food options around. Check out our best family friendly tips for Copenhagen here.
Several interesting events are also happening in Copenhagen this autumn. Culture night on the 15th of October is a festive evening that suits the whole family. Tivoli also has a lively program including Halloween themed pumpkin carving, theater performances and live music.
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Budapest and Prague
In Central Europe good destinations for an autumn break are Budapest and Prague. Both are easily accessible, have a lot to explore and options for different budgets.
Budapest is great for sights that are equally interesting to children as they are for adults. Buda castle is impressive regardless of your age and taking the funicular to get on top of the hill makes the visit even more memorable. If the weather is good head to Margaret Island, a city park that has playgrounds, restaurants and even a petting zoo.
Prague on the other hand has a rich history in children's culture. The National Theatre has plenty of family friendly shows on and you can also see the traditional Laterna Magika performances there. Another local tradition is puppeteering, and some of the best puppet performances in the world can be seen at the National Marionette Theatre. If you want to bring a puppet home you could visit Marionettes, a shop selling traditional wooden ones.