A new family holiday index has revealed Europe’s best destinations for travelling with children, with Spain dominating the list and Mallorca taking the top spot.
The ranking, released by easyJet and easyJet Holidays ahead of the Easter travel season, evaluates destinations based on factors including activities, affordability and flight times of four hours or less.
Palma de Mallorca leads the index, followed by Portugal’s Algarve and Spain’s Costa del Sol, as the study highlights destinations that combine beaches, family attractions and straightforward travel logistics. Spain claims six of the top 10 places in the ranking, reinforcing its popularity for family holidays.
The Family Holiday Index analysed destinations across Europe using indicators such as access to beaches and pools, the number of family-friendly attractions like waterparks and mini golf, travel logistics, everyday holiday costs, and airport ease. It also prioritised locations reachable within short flight times, making journeys easier for families travelling with children.
Palma de Mallorca secured first place thanks to its combination of sandy beaches, waterparks and family activities within easy reach of the airport. The Balearic island destination offers attractions ranging from aquariums and boat trips to coastal adventures along Mallorca’s dramatic shoreline.
Portugal’s Algarve ranks second in the index, known for its honey-coloured cliffs and calm Atlantic beaches. The region’s seaside towns offer dolphin-watching excursions, coastal walks and large waterparks that continue to attract family travellers.
Spain’s Costa del Sol takes third place, with family-friendly resorts including Fuengirola and Benalmádena offering wildlife parks, aquariums and wide sandy beaches along the Andalusian coast. Evening promenades and seaside attractions also make the area popular with families.
Mediterranean island destinations feature strongly across the ranking. Sardinia, placed sixth, is praised for its crystal-clear waters and shallow beaches suitable for younger swimmers, while Crete ranks seventh thanks to its long coastline, resort towns and range of activities including waterparks and boat excursions.
Other destinations in the top ten include Costa Blanca, Lanzarote, Ibiza, Barcelona’s coastal resorts and Croatia’s Dubrovnik coast. The list reflects Spain’s continued dominance as a go-to destination for family holidays, with beach access, entertainment options and convenient travel playing a key role in the ranking.
EasyJet and easyJet Holidays Family Holiday Index – Ranked Destinations
| Rank | Destination | Country | Water/Beach Access | Family Activities | Logistics | Cost | Airport Ease | Score | Flight Prices | Holiday Prices* |
| 1 | Palma de Mallorca | Spain | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 87 | £28.99 | £315 |
| 2 | Algarve (Faro) | Portugal | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 85 | £22.99 | £329 |
| 3 | Costa del Sol (Málaga) | Spain | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 84 | £31.99 | £339 |
| 4 | Costa Blanca (Alicante) | Spain | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 82 | £29.49 | £315 |
| 5 | Lanzarote | Spain | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 81 | £36.99 | £379 |
| 6 | Sardinia | Italy | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 79 | £38.99 | £535 |
| 7 | Crete | Greece | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 78 | £55.99 | £309 |
| 8 | Ibiza | Spain | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 77 | £16.99 | £339 |
| 9 | Barcelona Coast | Spain | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 76 | £16.99 | £399 |
| 10 | Dubrovnik Coast | Croatia | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 72 | £42.49 | £365 |
“Family holidays are all about simplicity: easy flights and packages, easy transfers, destinations and resorts where there’s plenty to keep children entertained,” said Kevin Doyle, UK Country Manager.
“Our Family Holiday Index highlights some of the destinations across Europe where beaches, pools, waterparks and great value come together to create the perfect family break. With Easter approaching, it’s the perfect time for families looking to plan a last minute getaway to book – with plenty of affordable choices still available across a fantastic range of European destinations.”
