Finding the best beach for families in Europe

What makes the best beach for families? Powder soft white sand, swaying palms and turquoise waves… or sand you can make castles with, a café with a toilet and surf shallow enough for a toddler to paddle?

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At this time of year, at least half my thoughts are taken up with dreams of beaches (actually, that’s true most of the year, but I start to seriously crave beach in the grey days of January). And I’ve been casting my mind back over some of my favourites.

Tiny coves on little Greek islands with aquamarine water so clear you can see your feet as you stroll in to the waves – and steps away, equally tiny tavernas serving mouthwatering seafood and mezze.

For my beach essentials with kids, check out my top picks for fun on the sand

Volcanic black sand in the Canary Islands, and building sandcastles with my daughter in Lanzarote on some of her first holidays overseas – as she attempted to devour the gigantic cone delivered by the ice cream stall nearby, the family-friendly staff always ready to supercharge the size of the scoop for kids.

The beaches of Mallorca where I spent some of my own childhood holidays, returning home with memories of palm trees, chocolate milk for breakfast and sand almost too hot to walk on.

All perfect in their own way.

But what would make your perfect family beach? I asked my Facebook and Instagram followers – ‘clear waters, shady palms, refreshments delivered to my sun lounger, fabulous snorkelling!’ said one. It’s a tempting picture (and proof I’m not the only one fantasising about lying on the sunny sand right now)

‘Café and toilets, toddler paddling safe, sandcastle sand,’ said another – and when I think of beaches with my daughter, that’s definitely got our key requirements ticked off.

‘Not finding five fag ends every time you move!’ pointed out a third. Ugh, now there’s a thought to make you shudder – and according to research, cleanliness makes the top five must-have for a great family beach.

The only things beating that beach essential were value for money – beach for less? Count me in – and the temperature, of both the air and the sea, as well as the flight duration of under five hours.

Because while we’ve visited some truly stunning beaches at the end of a long-haul journey, it’s hard to beat the Mediterranean: close to home, calm waters and you could be eating anything from tapas and pizza to baguette or mezze around its shores.

For another 15%, the best beaches have to have child-friendly attractions such as waterparks or theme parks nearby – always a bonus although I’ve got to admit it’s not one I usually worry about much. Perhaps in a few years, if my daughter develops a daredevil streak though…

Put that all together and you’re still spoiled for choice. Using those five top criteria, and comparing 10 European countries – Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Turkey – the survey picked out the best beach destinations, with 50 places in Europe that are perfect for family beach holidays.

So where is the best beach for families in Europe?

The winner is… *slightly sandy drum-roll*

The Greek island of Crete. Having visited with my daughter (and before that as part of a Greek island hop), there’s no question it’s a great option for families, including the pink sand of Elafonisi beach.

Add in mythical minotaurs and the chance to explore the ancient palace of Knossos, or walking with dinosaurs at Dinosauria Park and there’s plenty for kids beyond the beach as well.

Personally, I don’t think you can go too far wrong with any Greek island – we’ve also visited Corfu (itself in eighth place) as well as Kos and Symi, Rhodes, Kefalonia and Skiathos.

Next in the list of Europe’s top beach destinations came the Costa Blanca, with the Costa Brava, Costa Dorada and Costa de la Luz also in the top 10, along with Majorca.

Add in gorgeous Cyprus, another island I’d love to return to, especially lovely Paphos – there are some great things to do in Paphos for all ages, as well as those gorgeous beaches.

And how about fascinating Malta, where I once learned to dive, and Sardinia, whose own white sand beaches seem to transport you straight to the tropics, and you’ve got the complete top 10.

The best beaches for families on a budget

If you’re looking for sun and deliciously warm sea on a budget, it’s got to be Turkey, with Gumbet, Belek and Bodrum, Antalya and Side standing out, as well as the resort of Alanya.

Or go for one of the lesser known Canary Islands, La Palma, comes out top. As I work my way slowly around the Canaries, I definitely need to check this one out.

The Greek island of Kefalonia takes fourth place in the value chart, followed by the glorious Algarve.

The best beaches for families with waterparks

If it’s all about the amusement and water parks for you, there are 10 in Crete, helping the island get that top spot for best family beach destination.

Cyprus also has nine, including award-winning Fasouri Watermania Water Park in Limassol, with its 30 different attractions – and 2,000 sunbeds to chill out on in between.

All you need now is a bucket and spade! I’ll be on the lounger next door.

PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST BEACH FOR FAMILIES IN EUROPE

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All beach cravings and constant desire to book another trip to somewhere sunny and sandcastle-friendly are my own.

Images copyright MummyTravels

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