Guest post by Dakota Murphey
Nowadays, it’s less common for siblings to live in the same town, children to stay close to home, or for grandparents to retire in the UK. And with so many incredible places to visit across Europe, why not make your next family meet up in a villa holiday of your dreams?
Organising a two-week beach holiday or weekend city break are fantastic opportunities to enjoy time together on a multigenerational holiday. It can also be an economical choice – pooling resources not only makes a luxury villa more attainable, but also allows you to share the cost of unforgettable experiences along the way.
Planning a holiday that pleases everyone can feel a little daunting. The secret to getting it right lies in choosing the perfect family-friendly villa with plenty of activities to make sure everyone returns home with great memories.
What Makes a Great Multigenerational Holiday?
In recent years, multigenerational holidays have grown in popularity, with half of travellers now happy to go away with both their children and parents. The appeal is clear: free babysitting, shared costs, and an extra set of hands in the kitchen all make travelling together even more rewarding.
With extra cash to keep everyone well fed, entertained, and smiling, the possibilities for an unforgettable holiday only expand. And why stop at family? Invite friends along to share the sunshine – whether it’s exploring a new city, discovering a different country, or celebrating a milestone birthday together.
Seaside Stays for Beach Babies and Adventurers
For waterside activities and stays that suit youngsters, couples, and older wanderlusters alike, coastal regions across France, Spain, Italy, and Greece are ideal. Beach holidays are always a winner, providing the ultimate playground for a group of any size. From swimming in gorgeous waters, to kayaking, paddle boarding or surfing, the seaside has loads to offer toddlers, teens, and everyone in between.
Beach villas with pools tick a lot of boxes for water babies and anyone who loves adventure. The UK is a great option for a family-first break with cliff-top hikes, long promenades, and plenty of attractions. Or venture to the warmer waters of the Mediterranean in Greece, Croatia, or Malta.
Traditional Sports for All Ages
Golf remains one of the most popular multi-generational activities, with European cities offering world-class courses. If you’re lucky to visit a municipal course, there might be family packages and lessons for younger players. Similarly, in the Spanish capital of Madrid, Casa de Campo has an excellent golf course that works well for families wanting to combine sightseeing with sport.
Fishing trips can be wonderful experiences for children, parents, and grandparents to enjoy together. Whether crab fishing from a dock or a day’s expedition at sea, there are plenty of options. For the extraordinary, a visit to unique spots and lakes across Europe is a chance to fish as a family and learn traditional techniques from local fishermen. Equally, from Dubrovnik’s old town, many Greek islands, or harbours in Spain, families can enjoy fishing excursions on tranquil boat trips with opportunities to catch local fish, spot dolphins, and admire the scenery.
Thrills and Excitement for the Young at Heart
Theme parks and entertainment complexes across Europe cater brilliantly for families. Paris leads the way with Disneyland Paris offering attractions ranging from gentle rides perfect for toddlers and grandparents, to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters that challenge even the bravest teenagers. If you’re in Barcelona, the Tibidabo Amusement Park provides spectacular views, and the nearby park’s historic charm creates nostalgic moments for grandparents.
It’s no surprise that many multigenerational trips include visits to zoos, aquariums, and parks, thanks to their timeless blend of fun and education. From London Zoo in Regent’s Park to Rome’s Bioparco, families can combine conservation and learning with entertainment. And after a day of exploring, whether you’re staying in London or spending a week in Rome, choose an incredible villa for a well-deserved rest.
Get Around with Ease
Every successful trip needs careful planning, especially when travelling with buggies or older relatives who have mobility concerns. Fortunately, London’s excellent public transport system makes it easy for mixed-mobility groups to get around. Step-free stations are clearly marked on the Tube, and river bus services offer a scenic and accessible alternative to underground travel.
Bath’s compact city centre allows families to explore on foot, and many cities offer park-and-ride services for those preferring not to walk long distances. It’s the same in many of Europe’s main cities, with places like Milan having an efficient metro system connecting travellers to all major attractions. Barcelona’s Eixample district and Paris’s family-friendly city also have excellent places to stay with great public transport to attractions and amenities.
Successful multi-generational travel isn’t about finding activities everyone loves equally, it’s about creating opportunities for different generations to enjoy shared moments together. Wherever you venture to in Europe, it’s those intergenerational exchanges that create treasured holiday memories for families to look back on for years to come.
If you’re looking for the ideal villa in a place that ticks all the boxes, get in touch with our helpful concierge team. They are more than happy to help make your shared dreams a reality this summer or in the future.
