Looking for the best beaches in Europe with toddlers? Europe is a treasure trove of stunning coastlines perfect for little travelers, where gentle waves meet soft sands and family-friendly atmospheres are abundant.
While destinations like Portugal, with its golden Algarve shores, and the iconic French Riviera often steal the spotlight, let’s not overlook the hidden gems. We’ll dive into some of Europe’s best beach vacations for toddlers, showcasing familiar favorites and venturing off the beaten path to discover places like the emerging Albanian coast, offering a unique and less crowded experience.
Pack your buckets and spades, and let’s explore the best beaches in Europe with toddlers!
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Lisbon, Portugal
Best for: a big city vacation with plenty of beach options
Toddler friendly Lisbon is the perfect combo of city amenities with plenty of beaches nearby. Almost all restaurants will have high chairs for your toddler, and the public transportation network is extensive, so you can get anywhere in the city pretty easily!
Check out Praia da Conceição and nearby Praia da Rainha for calm, sandy beaches right by the train stop.
Find shade in the many parks throughout the city, many with full playgrounds and cafes for adults. For indoor fun, check out the Oceanarium – a spectacular aquarium perfect for beating the heat!
Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Science Museum) is also great for hands-on activities for toddlers.
💡 Pro tip: Lisbon is very hilly (think San Francisco) so you will definitely need a stroller for your toddler.
Nice, France
Best for: pebble beaches and the elegance of French living
The capital of the French Riviera, Nice is a lovely summer beach destination with toddlers. Make sure you bring water shoes for the pebble beaches that the region offers. Pebble beaches are great for not getting sand in every crevice (just make sure no stones are making it to your toddler’s mouth).
Within the city, take your toddler to burn off some energy at the Play Park at Promenade du Paillon, then take a stroll along the 3 mile Promenade de Anglais (and hope for a stroller nap).
Later, stop by one of the many farmer’s markets to make a picnic before climbing up to Parc du Château for great city views.
Head to Parc Phoenix for a zoo, botanical gardens, tons of green space to run, a playground, splash pad… everything.
Nice is a very popular destination for both the French and foreigners, so make sure you book everything far in advance!
Split, Croatia
Best for: lots of beach options with a historic Old Town
If Dubrovnik is the Pearl of the Adriatic, then Split is the Flower of the Mediterranean. While still a tourist destination, Split sees far fewer tourists than the hordes that crowd Dubrovnik.
Split has both pebble and sandy beaches for toddlers. Firule Beach is a sandy beach with shallow waters, perfect for a toddler to splash around. Bacvice Beach is a pebble beach with a playground. Ditch the crowds at Bene Beach, a pebble beach with a playground and lots of shade. Duilovo is a dog friendly pebble beach that’s great for toddlers (and parents) who are missing their pup back home!
Within the city, stroll along Riva Promenade, the waterfront area of the Old Town. Diocletian’s Palace in Old Town is pedestrian only – a great place for toddlers to run along without worry of cars.
Climb up to Marjan Park for the petting zoo and playground, plus check out the hiking trails (if you’re patient enough to hike with a toddler). You will be rewarded with beautiful views of the city below!
Try taking a tuk tuk tour for an overview of the city. For something unique, check out Froggyland – a museum of taxidermy frogs doing human things.
Çıralı, Turkey
Best for: a unique beach experience with a chance to see baby turtles making their way to the sea
Çıralı, Turkey, offers a uniquely peaceful and natural setting, making it a wonderful destination for families with toddlers.
Çıralı Beach is a long, wide beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, offering ample space for little ones to explore near the calm, clear waters. This is one of the absolute best beaches in Europe with toddlers.
The village is nestled in a lush valley, providing opportunities for gentle walks and exploration of nature. The lack of large resorts and busy roads contributes to a tranquil and safe environment.
Çıralı is a significant nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtle. During the nesting season (roughly May to August), families can have the incredible experience of witnessing turtles laying eggs or baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea, a truly remarkable sight!
It’s crucial to observe these creatures responsibly and respect the conservation efforts in place. This is a great opportunity to teach toddlers that we can look and watch without touching.
Outside of the beach, the ancient ruins of Olympos add a fascinating historical element to the area. Head to the eternal flames of Chimaera in Yanartaş, a unique natural phenomenon that can be a memorable experience for families. Just be cautious with toddlers around the flames.
Albufeira, Portugal
Best for: lots of beaches to choose from and waterparks
Albufeira, Portugal is a beach lover’s paradise. There are numerous golden sand beaches to choose from. When traveling to Portugal with toddlers, check out Praia da Marinha and Praia do Camilo. The Algarve region is home to many of the best beaches in Europe with toddlers.
For a little more action, there are lots of water parks nearby with toddler friendly options. Aquashow is a water park in Quarteira that also has rollercoaster rides (mostly for adults). Aqualand has a large, shallow pool with slides and a mushroom, and also a lazy river.
Make sure you check out Feisa, the sand sculpture park! Both kids and adults will be impressed with the sculptures that the artists make using thousands of tons of sand. Each year has a different theme, so you’ll never see the same thing twice!
Take the Albufeira Tourist Train (essentially a car that looks like a train and drives on the road) to get your bearings of the city!
Side note, I did not forget Zoomarine, a very popular family attraction in the area. I’m not a fan of large sea creatures in tanks or the exploitation of training dolphins. Do your own research before deciding to visit this park.
Lopud, Croatia
Best for: families who truly want to do nothing at the beach all day
A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Lopud Island has a relaxed atmosphere where life moves at a slower pace. Lopud is proudly car-free, so you can feel more at ease letting your toddler run around exploring. It’s the perfect island for traveling with a toddler!
Šunj Beach is a sandy beach with shallow waters and umbrellas and lounge chairs for rent.
There are plenty of restaurants on the island, but you can also take the ferry to other destinations in the Elaphiti Islands or even to the metropolis of Dubrovnik.
Palafrugell, Spain
Best for: a beach vacation away from the crowds of Barcelona
Palafrugell, located in the heart of the Costa Brava, Spain, is a charming destination with plenty to offer families with toddlers known for its beautiful beaches.
Platja de Llafranc has a relatively sheltered cove and gentle waves, making it perfect for families with small children.
Platja de Tamariu is also known for having a beach library, and also has calm waters for toddlers.
Beyond the beach, Palafrugell has several children’s parks with swings and slides. You can also check out la granja del Mas Rumbau, a farm offering a chance for kids to interact with animals.
Stroll along the coastal paths to enjoy the scenic views, or check out a family friendly boat trip in the area.
Palombaggia, France
Best for: experiencing one of the world’s most beautiful beaches
Palombaggia, located in Corsica, France, is renowned for its stunning beauty and often ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. It features shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine, white sand, creating an ideal environment for toddlers to play safely.
The gentle slope of the sandy seabed is perfect for little ones to wade and enjoy the water, plus there are plenty of pine trees offering shade.
The surrounding area also offers opportunities for easy-going exploration. Boat trips are available in the area, and can provide a fun family activity.
Take note that the beach can get crowded during peak season, so planning your visit for earlier in the day or during the shoulder seasons might be beneficial.
Palombaggia’s combination of natural beauty and gentle waters makes it a top choice for families seeking a relaxing beach vacation in Corsica.
Marmaris, Turkey
Best for: a European vacation technically located in Asia
Marmaris, Turkey, is a vibrant resort town offering a mix of bustling activity and calmer, family-friendly areas perfect for toddlers.
Check out İçmeler Beach, known for its shallow, calm waters and sandy shores making it ideal for safe play. Turunç beach, a short boat trip or drive away, is another good option, known for its clear, gentle waters.
Take a scenic cruise over to Cleopatra (Sedir) Island, known for its shallow waters and unique sand. Legend has it the sand was brought over from Egypt in ancient times.
Beyond the beaches, Marmaris has parks and playgrounds where toddlers can burn off energy. Both Atlantis Water Park and Aqua Dream Water Park have dedicated areas for toddlers to splash around.
Naxos, Greece
Best for: a relaxed and authentic Greek island experience
Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands in Greece, is an excellent destination for families with toddlers, offering a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches and a variety of activities.
Agios Georgios (St George’s Beach) is a top choice for families with young children and is considered one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island. It features shallow, calm waters, fine sand, and a sheltered bay, making it very safe for toddlers to play. The beach is also lined with family-friendly tavernas and cafes.
Agios Prokopios and Agios Plaka beaches are also known for their long stretches of sandy shores, relatively calm waters and are also well equipped with amenities.
Explore the charming streets of Naxos Town, including the Venetian Castle, for a fun and gentle activity. The waterfront promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls with strollers.
Naxos has a rich agricultural heritage, and visiting local farms can be an educational and enjoyable experience for children.
Naxos provides a wonderful balance of beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for a family vacation with toddlers.
Spille Beach, Albania
Best for: visiting an underrated gem
Spille Beach in Albania is emerging as a family-friendly destination, offering a more relaxed and less crowded alternative to some of the more popular beaches in the region. Spille Beach is known for its relatively shallow and calm waters, making it safer for toddlers to play and wade.
The beach boasts fine, golden sand, providing a soft surface for toddlers to play and build sandcastles. It’s framed by greenery and pine trees, providing some natural shade.
Albania’s tourism sector is growing, so Spille Beach is gradually developing its amenities. This means that while it retains its natural charm, it may not have the same level of infrastructure as more established resorts.
The surrounding coastline offers opportunities for exploration. Rent a car and immerse the local Albanian culture and enjoy fresh, local cuisine.
Wrapping it up
From the sun-drenched shores of Portugal to the tranquil bays of Albania, Europe offers a diverse array of beaches perfect for creating unforgettable family memories. Whether you’re seeking the well-established amenities of popular destinations or the charm of hidden gems, there’s a sandy paradise waiting for you and your little travelers. Remember, the key to a successful toddler beach vacation is prioritizing safety, comfort, and a relaxed pace. So, pack your sunscreen, grab those tiny swimsuits, and prepare for days filled with sandcastle building, gentle waves and endless giggles.
What do you think about the best beaches in Europe with toddlers? Share your favorite toddler-friendly European beaches in the comments below, or tell us about your own family beach experiences! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more family travel tips and inspiration. Start planning your dream beach vacation today!
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Molly spent her 20’s traveling the world, mostly solo. She loves planning travel almost as much as actually traveling, and loves the added challenge of traveling with her toddler. Get to know Molly.
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