With so much to do, see, and explore; vacationing here with your family is a great way to have a trip you’ll remember forever. Here,  we look at 5 of the best family friendly vacations in Europe; perfect for those that love exploring, and those that love a little bit of relaxing:

1. Italian driving holiday

Road trips don’t have to be for college kids. In fact, you can take your family on a driving holiday and we promise there won’t be any cries of ‘Are we there yet?!’.

Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy by Rome Cabs

The Amalfi Coast in Italy provides one of the most romantic and breathtaking backdrops to a driving holiday, and is the perfect vacation for thrill seekers. Widely considered to be the most scenic stretch of Italian coastline, cruising down these winding roads can make anyone feel like a superstar.

You can stop off at some of the most whimsical hotel locations ever, sample delicious local cuisine, and bathe in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It is recommended that you drive this coastal route during the peak of tourist season to get the best vacation possible.

2. Villa in Spain

If you’re still looking for a week of complete relaxation but want to avoid the crowds, why not hire a villa in Spain?

Forgot the main tourist areas, and explore off the beaten track; whilst still unwinding by the pool and spending time as a family. A villa break acts as a great base to explore from, and gives you the freedom and isolation you don’t get in a hotel.

Just be sure to hire a car, and explore some of the hidden areas Spain or the Spanish islands have to offer.

Villas in Spain (Santa Pola Life Resort, Alicante) / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

3. Camping in the Lake District

England has some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, and makes for a family friendly vacation spot with a twist. If you love being ‘at one’ with nature, and have a real adventurous spirit, you should consider a camping holiday in the Lake District.

This vacation will provide you with some real, quality ‘family time’; away from all the distractions of modern life. Hire some bicycles and go exploring; go fishing; and eat around the campfire.

There are a plethora of stunning locations to choose from, and so much to do in the Lake District; it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular destinations for people all around the world. You should also look into hiring a car and exploring the surrounding area too!

Red Pike, Lake District, England, UK by Phil and Pam

4. Euro Disney

Children of all ages love theme parks; and children of all ages love the magical world of Disney. So why not hop across the pond, and take your family to Euro Disney?

Situated in the romantic city of Paris; Euro Disney is a mini version of the Florida theme park but offers much the same experience. Your little ones can enjoy collecting signatures from their favourite characters, watch the spectacular shows, and ride some of the great rollercoaster’s.

Whilst over in France, be sure to head to all the sights such as the Eiffel Tower for a once-in-a-lifetime tourist experience.

Disneyland Paris, France by Randal Sheppard

5. Skiing in Austria

If active vacations are more your thing, why not consider going skiing in Austria? This kind of trip is ideal for families that want action and adventure; and not lounging around on the beach.

Whether you know how to ski or want to learn together, this is a great family-friendly vacation with a difference. There are a whole host of locations and slopes, suitable for all ability levels, and there is plenty to do when the skiing is over.

Austrian Alps by Edward Simpson

Europe is home to some wonderful locations for family friendly vacations. If you’re looking for a trip with a difference, why not give it a try? You might be surprised at what you discover.

Core Assets Fostering help vulnerable children to find a safe and happy home with a caring family. Find out more at www.coreassets.com/fostering

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Visit the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise

Although this area is not that well-known by tourists, the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise or the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise offers some amazing scenery indeed. Mainly composed of mountain ranges in the 900 meter to 2200 meter range above sea level, the park definitely offers a varied landscape for road trippers. For instance, you can readily witness both steep alpine mountain cliffs and rounded peaks in this park. Moreover, there are water bodies that include two fair-sized lake basins and the Sangro River here as well. Along the road, you can expect to also see cows grazing and picturesque small towns that are unspoiled by tourists. Remember to drive until you get to a town called Vasto where you can then get the opportunity to see the beautiful Trabocchi coast firsthand.

Abruzzo National Park, Italy by Marco Tersigni

Visit the Amalfi Coast

Often declared to be most scenic coastal area in Italy, the Amalfi Coast or the Costiera Amalfitana consists of charming villages, amazing cliffs, and gorgeous vistas. Further, there are also beautiful turquoise waters, fertile-looking hills, and well-manicured gardens. In fact, UNESCO declared this area to be “an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values.” Moreover, since plenty of the towns in this area such as Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano have inspired artists for over the past 500 years, the area must be a beautiful one indeed.

Amalfi Coast, Italy by Pietro Crincoli

Visit the Tuscany Area

Without a doubt an extremely popular area for tourists, this well-known area is located on the west coast of Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. While the country-side and world famous villas are indeed beautiful, the stops along the way to view art from the Renaissance period are another reason to travel to this area. Moreover, the area is also an excellent one for foodies as excellent Tuscan food and wines can be readily found here. Of course, if you are looking to unwind and spend some time in the sun, the Viareggio beach is also an excellent place to visit.

Rowing into the sunset towards Ponti Santa Trinita in Florence by Chris Wee

To conclude, Italy definitely is a great place to discover via a car road trip. From the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise to the Almalfi Coast, to Tuscany, Italy offers plenty of diversity for you as well.

John is the author of several used car rental sales blogs like Hertz rental sales and also enjoys writing about travel and vacations.

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Beach in Sicily, Italy / photo by admin

1. Ostia

Ostia is about thirty minutes from Rome by train, and is one of the most popular summer day trips for Roman citizens. Three miles of golden sand is bordered by the Paolo Toscanelli boulevard; a great place for you to stroll down, popping into the cafes and restaurants for bite to eat. The beautiful beach is divided up into public and private areas- you can access the private for a fee; these beaches are usually less crowded with better facilities. If you’re tired of the sun, check out the Roman ruins or the historic port of Ostia Antica.

2. Nettuno

Slightly further from Rome is the bay of Nettuno. Easily accessible on foot, the sea esplanade leads to modern Nettuno; whereas the older ‘Il Borgo’ part is located near the town centre. Il Borgo contains some of the Amalfi coast’s best restaurants, with a beautiful view over the port area. Live music and other activities take place over the summer on the esplanade and the marina. The best small beach is the Spiaggia le Sirene.

3. Santa Marinella

It’s just a quick train ride from the Rome Termini station, (only 45 minutes) to this picturesque beach commune. The clean Mediterranean sand and crystal waters attract many locals, so this isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for privacy and seclusion! Adding to the allure, one of Italy’s most famous seafood restaurants – L’Acqua Marina – is located only ten minutes away.

4. Sperlonga

When you need a break from the history, consider Sperlonga. Although it’s two and a half hours from Rome, the journey is definitely worth it when you see the stunning pale sandy crescent and open ocean view. The beach is well-developed, with all facilities within easy reach; and the local eateries serve everything from fish and chips to authentic Italian cuisine. Some places will even deliver food direct to your beach towel!

5. Santa Severa

With the officially-recognized cleanest waters around Rome, this beach is easy to get to from Rome by bus or train. In addition to the pristine sand, there’s a nature reserve located on a nearby headland; as well as a naturally formed cave system once used as a hiding place by slaves.

Whether you’re renting one of the Rome apartments or staying in an Amalfi coastline villa; visiting a local beach is the perfect way to finish off your summer vacation. Make sure you leave early to grab that prime spot on the sand!

Next time you are heading over to Europe, why not rent one of the apartments in Rome from Worldwide Accom.There are many within the city centre, close to the metro stops as well, meaning you can easily hop on the metro to all the attractions or even to the beach.

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Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to explore Europe, as there are so many stunning vistas which can be viewed by car as you make your way through this diverse landscape. The size and proximity of the different nations of Europe means that you can be in a totally different country in a matter of hours. From the rugged coastline of Scotland to the snowy mountains of Germany to the sun soaked villages of Italy, here are a few of the best road trips to enjoy throughout Europe.

Scotland’s Western Highlands

Start from the historic city of Edinburgh and take a 250 mile drive through winding roads and green countryside to the Isle of Skye. There are plenty of great historical sites to stop at on this scenic road trip, such as Linlithgow Place, Eilean Donan Castle, Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument and Fort William’s West Highland Museum. The scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful, from rolling hills to tranquil Lochs to rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops.

If you get hungry along the way you can stop and enjoy some fresh seafood along the coast, such as oysters, scallops and mussels. Keep your eyes peeled because out the window you could spot seals, otters, foxes, deer, and birds.

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland, UK by the Starling 2011

The Alpine Road, Germany

This route starts at the island town of Lindau located on Lake Constance and will take you 300 miles along the edge of the Bavarian Alps. The route twists and turns through picturesque small towns and villages, green alpine meadows, ancient forests, snowy mountain peaks, and fairy-tale castles giving you a fantastic taste of classic European scenery.

Lindau harbor, Lake Constance, Germany by Cody

The Amalfi Coast Road, Italy

This is a stunning drive through one of the most beautiful areas of Europe. Mountains overlook the clear glistening blue sea and stone churches are perched on the hills above villages of brightly coloured houses. The road winds slowly around the coast and takes you through hidden coves and sun soaked lemon groves. Anywhere you stop you will be treated to rich and flavorful Mediterranean food and friendly smiles from the locals, as well as soft sandy beaches. Be sure to take it slow, as you will want to stop multiple times to take the camera out and capture the amazing view.

Amalfi coast, Italy by Jenny

The Transfagarasan Mountain Road, Romania

This road in the mountains of Romania is thought to be one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It is 56 miles long and runs through the Fagaras Mountains which are part of the Transylvanian Alps. Host Jeremy Clarkson of the television show Top Gear claims that the Transfagarasan is the best road in the world.

This windy mountain road is filled with hairpin turns and challenging twists, so the maximum speed is 25 miles per hour. The road is only open from June to October because in the winter it is blocked by snow. On the way, you can even stop at the castle of Vlad III the Impaler, whom Bram Stoker based the character of Dracula on. You can also see Balea Lake, which is a glacier lake with cold, clear, icy water surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.

The Transfagarasan Mountain Road, Romania by Cristian Bortes

These are just a few of the most amazing road trips throughout Europe, but there are many more. Next time you have a weekend or a few days to get away, grab the steering wheel, put some music on the stereo and get out there on the open road!

Before you head out on the open road and enjoy one of these amazing European road trips, be sure to get some cheap car insurance so that you are protected no matter what happens along the way.

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Amalfitana Coast has been inhabited since the early Middle Ages. There are many cities with important architectural monuments and works of art. The local people adapted to the terrain variety (the terraced vineyards, orchards in the valleys). The largest center of Amalfitana Coast is the historic town of Amalfi. The main monument is The Dome from 10th century. Another popular place is the village of Positano and Ravello romantic village with its beautiful gardens. Since 1997, Amalfitana Coast is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

View Amalfi Coast – the most beautiful coast in Italy in a larger map

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Positano, Campania, Italy by Stefano Costantini

Positano is one of the world’s most beautiful resorts and, of course, one of the most expensive. The most renowned beaches here are sandy beaches Spiaggia Grande and Spiaggia Fornillo. There is also the rocky beach Scogliera. Of course you can do a wide range of activities here. The most popular is the diving and surfing. However the area is suitable for hiking as well. During the summer season Positano holds many festivals and celebrations. Among the most significant is the celebration of the landing Saraceno – “Festa di Santa Assunta” or Festival of Dance – “Premio Positano“.

The city was an important port during the 16th and 17th centuries, but later in the 19th century many people moved out and those remaining lived very poorly. Around the year of 1950 a poor fishing village has been discovered again and opened to a new and lucrative industry. Today the inhabitants live solely from tourism. Currently Positano has around 4,000 inhabitants.

Positano, Campania, Italy by Jensens

There are several sights that you can find here, but visitors are coming here mainly for romantic sunsets. One of the best ways to enjoy a sunset is sitting on the beach with a glass of Limoncello.

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