Best family-friendly villas in Europe: where to stay in France, Italy, Croatia, Portugal and beyond

This upmarket resort, overlooking a sandy beach on the Algarve, has a choice of plush two-bed houses and villas, alongside its standard doubles and quadruple family rooms.

The villas are well equipped for families, with highchairs, dishwashers, baby gates and that all-important coffee machine. It’s the resort facilities that have the real wow factor, though. Not only are there five swimming pools (with toddler pools and indoor and outdoor options), but there’s a tennis court, a bike pump track, a football academy and a minigolf course. There's also a well-stocked games room with consoles, air hockey and family cinema nights.

There are five bespoke kid’s clubs on-site, catering for six-month-old babies through to teens keen to surf or dive. Leaving parents plenty of time to check out the high-end spa – sheer holiday bliss!

Sleeps: Four or five

Nearest airport: Faro Airport (73 miles)

This fab complex on the island of Lefkada is home to 12 villas each with 2-3 bedrooms. It's incredibly family friendly and is a brilliant setup if you're looking to kick back in your own private villa but also want access to pools and amenities.

There's an on-site creche for kids from six months to three years and the Turtles kids' club is designed for children 4-6. During peak school holiday weeks in May, July and August, the Dolphins kids' club offers sessions for older kids aged 7-11. All clubs are run by qualified childcare specialists and nannies.

On the facilities front, families will love the central swimming pool and separate shallow pool for little ones, and the poolside bar and taverna serve traditional Greek treats and drinks.

The villas are surrounded by lush sub-tropical gardens and each has a private terrace and kitchen facilities. Each is equipped with a Toniebox for bedtime fun.

By booking through Simpson Travel, the package price includes complimentary childcare in May, June, September and October as well as flights and transfers.

One of the major selling points of this pretty two-bedroom villa on sunny Lanzarote is its outside space. Not only is there a kid-pleasing pool (which can be heated), but there’s also a cute garden cabana - with a TV and a fridge - ideal for escaping the midday heat. Come the evening, gather for a family BBQ, followed by a dip in the Jacuzzi.

Inside, the master bedroom has a super-king bed, and the second bedroom has two singles, with the aircon meaning everyone should get a restful night’s sleep. The supermarket is a short walk away, and you’re also handily placed for some well-rated restaurants.

Sleeps: Four

Nearest airport: Lanzarote Airport (four miles)

This sprawling five-bedroom retreat in the lush Croatian hills near Dubrovnik makes an excellent-value family base, especially if you’re travelling as part of a larger group.

Hiring a car means you’re well placed for day trips to Dubrovnik’s beautiful Old Town, as well as some pristine beaches. That said, there’s plenty at the property to keep children entertained, including a pool with a volleyball net, a small football pitch, a badminton net and a ping pong table.

The owners are onsite if you have any queries, but the villa has a private entrance and exclusive use of the facilities. Cots are available free of charge.

Sleeps: 10

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (11 miles)

This stylish villa resort on Tenerife's Costa Adeje offers families space and privacy, as well as access to all the facilities you’d expect at a 5-star hotel.

The detached villas range from cosy one-beds to generous three-beds, and some also have their own pool or hot tub. Kids will love making friends at the shared family pool and playground. Plus, there’s a well-stocked kids’ club for 4 to 12-year-olds - allowing grown-ups the chance to test out the treatments at the Naiad wellness centre.

The resort restaurant gives parents a break from meal prep, and it's even possible to order dinner to be delivered straight to your door.

Sleeps: Four

Nearest airport: Tenerife South Airport (14 miles)

Want to invite the grandparents or maybe some friends on your next family trip? This chic eight-bedroom villa in the idyllic Algarve countryside, could be just the place for everyone to indulge in some well-earned R’n’R.

The communal areas are bound to be a hit with kids, who can play pool in the games room or kick back in the large lawned garden, complete with a built-in BBQ and an infinity pool. Cots and highchairs are available free of charge, and although the property doesn’t have aircon, the thick walls, pretty window shutters and fans make sure everyone can stay cool.

The tranquil location means hiring a car is recommended, but this does mean you can reach both the blue-flag beach in Gale and the lively resort town of Albufeira in around 15 minutes.

Sleeps: 14

Nearest airport: Faro Airport (22 miles)

Parents of toddlers and young children will adore staying at this 20-acre estate in the beautiful Umbrian hills. Each of the eight properties here is well-stocked with games, books and toys. And helpful baby equipment like cots, sterilisers, blenders and bath mats can all be provided for free.

The gated communal pool contains a small slide and a heated splash pool, and kids will love exploring the playgrounds (with a zip wire) and charging about the large playing field. The kitchen means you can prepare meals to suit your family’s schedule and tastes. However, it’s also possible to request breakfast goodies from the local bakery or order homemade lasagne for an easy family supper.

Bigger groups can hire the whole villa – ideal for a special family celebration.

Sleeps: Two to 30

Nearest airport: San Francesco d'Assisi Airport (20 miles)

Bahiazul Resort Fuerteventura does an excellent job of combining chic luxury with family-friendliness. Each white-washed villa has its own private pool and walled rooftop terrace but also features practical amenities like a highchair, a washing machine and a dishwasher. There’s a playground in the resort for kids with energy to burn, while active parents can head to the gym or treat themselves to a rejuvenating treatment in the spa.

The resort offers a bed-and-breakfast rate, so you can start the day by tucking into a generous buffet of fresh fruits, pancakes, bacon and eggs. You’re also a short drive from the Acua waterpark and some of the island’s best sandy beaches.

Sleeps: 2 to 10

Nearest airport: Fuerteventura Airport (22 miles)

This dreamy 18th-century farmstead, deep in the French countryside, houses four holiday homes designed especially with families in mind.

Not only do the gites share a sociable pool (which, for peace of mind, is located behind a wall with a lockable, self-closing gate), but there’s also a boules pitch, large sunken trampoline, a small playground and bikes for all ages. Tweens and teens will no doubt make a beeline for the games room, with its table tennis, table football and pool table. Meanwhile, parents may get a little time to relax on the sunny terrace.

Should you be part of a larger group, Le Grange is a good choice of gite; it has six bedrooms, three bathrooms, plus a well-equipped kitchen (with bonus points for the dishwasher).

Sleeps: 12

Nearest airport: 62 miles

If you’re searching for a laidback Greek getaway with older children, this elegant villa on the quieter island of Paxos makes an excellent choice.

The four spick-and-span properties share a good-sized pool, and you’re opposite a pretty, pebbly beach for dips in the crystal-clear water. Then, come the late afternoon, take a short walk along a coastal path from the pretty harbour town of Gaios, with its tavernas, bars, and boutiques. Alternatively, set out earlier to zip across to the stunning beaches of nearby Antipaxos by boat.

Sleeps: 4 or 5

Nearest airport: There are no direct flights to Paxos; ferries take around one hour from Corfu.