And relax! Best family-friendly European beaches revealed

Platja de Alcudia beach in Majorca has been voted the top family-friendly beach in Spain by local families. (Getty Images)
Platja de Alcudia beach in Majorca has been voted the top family-friendly beach in Spain by local families. (Getty Images) (Getty)

Foreign holidays could be back on the cards for many families this summer, following the government announcement that fully vaccinated passengers will not need to quarantine on their return home.

Wannabe holidaymakers who have received two coronavirus jabs will no longer be required to self-isolate for 10 days after returning to England from destinations on the amber list.

The news has seen many scrambling to book a summer getaway with travel firm Skyscanner revealing the agency saw a 53% increase in traffic from the UK within 30 minutes of the announcement.

Thomas Cook also reported a doubling of web traffic in the moments after the announcement, and it has continued to grow since.

No doubt the review will have been warmly welcomed by those who have been dreaming of hitting the beach in a sunnier spot - but now that we can travel, the pressure to pick the perfect destination has never been greater.

Thankfully, travel experts have done the research for you, getting the insider info on the best family friendly beaches from actual locals.

To help British families prep for their long-awaited beach getaway Vrbo asked local families in Spain, Croatia, Italy and Greece to recommend their favourite family-friendly beaches to escape to.

Watch: Bookings for flights to amber list countries up by 400%.

The all important criteria on why each local beach made the cut ranged from cleanliness, to how shallow and gentle the water is for little ones to splash in.

The range of food options available on the beach also ranked highly as important for a family day out for 44% of Spanish families, as well as beach safety including the presence of lifeguards and first aid posts, which was particularly important for 43% of parents.

As well as offering insider information about the must-visit beaches, families also shared the 'beach hacks' their swear by to enjoy a fuss-free day on the sand, including the best time of day to go, what to bring and how to keep cool.

That's summer sorted then!

Spain

Javea Xabia Playa El Arenal beach in Alicante also ranked highly with Spanish families. (Getty Images)
Javea Xabia Playa El Arenal beach in Alicante also ranked highly with Spanish families. (Getty Images) (Getty)

Top Family Friendly Beach Destinations in Spain for 2021

Alcudia, Playa de Alcudia

Isla Cristina, Playa Central

Chiclana de la Frontera, Playa de Santa Marina

Jávea, Playa del Arenal

Cambrils, Cap de Sant Pere

Beach hack: Early morning is the best time of day to go to the beach and catch the sunrise, according to 43% of Spanish families, while over half (56%) suggest bringing a fitted sheet for a sand-free space and a further 46% recommend putting your phone in a re-sealable bag to avoid sand getting everywhere.

Croatia

The picture perfect beach in Rab island in Croatia was voted the top beach by Croatian families. (Getty Images)
The picture perfect beach in Rab island in Croatia was voted the top beach by Croatian families. (Getty Images) (Getty)

Top Family Friendly Beach Destinations in Croatia for 2021

Rab Island / Lopar (Rajska plaza)

Brela (Punta rat)

Krk Island / Baška (Vela Plaža)

Crikvenica (Crni Molo)

Brac Island / Bol (Zlatni Rat)

Beach hack: A third of Croatian families suggest using a yoga mat instead of a beach towel to make lying on the beaches more comfortable.

Italy

The beautiful beach at Tropea is a hit with Spanish families. (Getty Images)
The beautiful beach at Tropea is a hit with Italian families. (Getty Images) (Getty)

Top Family Friendly Beach Destinations in Italy for 2021:

Tropea, spiaggia la Rotonda (Calabria)

Gallipoli, spiaggia la Padula Bianca (Puglia)

Cefalù, provincia di Palermo (Sicily)

Villasimius, spiaggia di Porto Giunco (Sardinia)

San Benedetto del Tronto, la Riviera della Palme (Marche)

Beach hack: Six in 10 Italian families swear by bringing frozen water bottles and juice to the beach, to make sure the entire family keeps cool.

Greece

The beautiful beach at Elafonissi in Crete is famous for its soft pink sand. (Getty Images)
The beautiful beach at Elafonissi in Crete is famous for its soft pink sand. (Getty Images) (Getty)

Top Family Friendly Beach Destinations in Greece for 2021:

Elafonisi beach (Crete)

Armenistis beach (Halkidiki)

Voidokoilia beach (Peloponnese)

Simos beach (elafonisos island)

Finikouda beach (Peloponnese)

Beach hack: 55% of local families would suggest taking some cash to the beach with you – not everywhere is contactless, especially on the beaches.

Watch: The best beaches in the world.

Advertisement