Best European trips with teens (we are running out of places!)

[Traveltart]

Big birthday coming up next month. It’s me, DH and two early teens. Wanted to book something exciting and long haul but events have spiked prices everywhere. We are now thinking short haul. Trip will be one to two weeks. The problem is we have done a lot of European travel…

What has been your best European trip ever? We loved Sardinia but it was peak summer and we need to take leave in April.

We have been to: Italian lakes, most of the big Italian cities, Paris and many places in France, Greece and many islands, major cities Rome, Milan, Berlin, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Budapest, Copenhagen, Sofia, Stockholm, Geneva, Zurich, Basel, Warsaw, Prague, Salzburg, Venice, basically anywhere beautiful! We have also had plenty of Croatia holidays and have driven a lot through Europe.

I have looked at inter-railing but DH thinks DC would hate it as it would be a lot of travel and bouncing from hotel to hotel. I must have overlooked some gems or fab holidays you’ve experienced in spring?

Slovenia?

Stay in the foothills of the Dolomites, hire a car and explore!

Have you been to Madeira?

Black Forest in Germany

Madrid? Toledo? (They are close together) Bilbao? via the ferry for added interest

We have had this issue as well. Favourite one in Europe probably Lapland / Arola Bears both in the winter and in the bear season (goes to mid August).

Valletta
The Hague
Parts of the UK you haven't previously visited.

Tour of the Baltic states. Jump from Vilnius, to Riga, to Tallinn. Or drive. So beautiful. And Tallinn is gorgeous to spend time chilling at the end.

Poland has much to offer. One week in Poznan, and then a week in Gdansk. Best of both worlds.

Not Europe but what about Marrakech/morroco? Just come back from a girls trip there and I loved it. Now looking at taking my son (9) next Easter!

Otherwise I don’t see much Spain on your list… we did Valencia/madrid last summer and I also like Malaga/palma/Barcelona.

Go to Madeira, or to Kotor in Montenegro - or hiking in Albania!

Doesn’t look like you’ve been to Spain. Our teens loved Barcelona.

It won’t be very warm in April anywhere, and too late for snow. So I would go with it and do a city trip to Copenhagen.
You can hire a car for 1 week to explore outside city, and use public transport for 1 week inside.
You could also do a two city trip and end up in Malmo Sweden and fly back from there

Woah thanks for your suggestions! Much appreciated! We have been to Llubjana but not explored the rest of Slovenia. I want to do it but maybe in summer.
We have done a lot of Spain - Madrid, Seville, Barcelona repeatedly, most of the costs, Malaga (city is fab and underrated!).
I have heard mixed reviews of Madeira - is April a good time?
I have been to Riga but the family hasn’t - thanks for the Baltic suggestions! And Lapland is an interesting suggestion! Also have not done Iceland but what’s the best time of year to go?
Am loving your suggestions!
Love many parts of the UK but I really enjoy leaving these shores too! I love Scotland but DH not so keen. We will do a domestic trip another time but want something more exotic for big birthday.

Am in two minds about Morocco too.

Algarve. Just back from Lagos, amazing, everything you could want from a holiday.

Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga. I did this by train last year, flew into Seville and out of Malaga. It was so easy to do and there wasn't one part of the trip I could say was disappointing. It was fab. No kids though, but there's plenty to see and do. For teens the hair raising heights of the Caminito del Rey will appeal, and well, there's something fab to see in all those places. Cordoba won my heart though. Gorgeous.

If you hired a car, which I didn't want to do, you could tailor an Andalucian adventure to suit yourselves.

Valencia is an incredible city with lots to do. If you’ve not been that is a very good shout! Just remember the old city centre/old town is set back from the beach by a couple of Km. It’s very least to go between by tram though.

Fly to Faro or Lisbon then Uber (from Faro - about £50) or hire a car. Some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Europe. Amazing restaurants.

We have done this including staying in the hills a few years ago. Was amazing. The Ahlamabra is incredible.

Germany is a much overlooked and fabulous place to visit. Blackforest or area around Munich, so much to do and a great outdoorsy family feel everywhere.

Yes!! I recommend Valencia to many people especially ones with small DC. The park is incredible and the city is compact. Late dinners though! DC won’t remember it and we could do it but maybe not this time.

Spent a lot of time there and have relatives. I agree, especially the south. And one of these days I want to explore the glamorous beach resorts like Sylt. But in summer!

We have been to the Algarve and all the places between Porto and Lisbon. Comporta is gorgeous too.

Austria is great Salzburg, Zell am see is beautiful or any of tbe alpine towns....

Tallinn

Monaco/Nice/Cannes

Porto

What about changing the how instead of the where? Hire a camper or motor home and take a road trip. In April you can easily find space in campgrounds and aires and go as far or slow as the mood dictates.

Azores? Was great in July but I believe the weather is similar throughout the year. Also don’t see you’ve been to Iceland yet. Could be lovely to swim in the hot waters and see all the natural sights. Reykjavik is a cool town too.