5 dream destinations for holidays in Europe with adult children

The thought of family vacations often brings to mind scenes of squabbles, dreary days cooped up in a small caravan, and plenty of moments that test everyone’s patience. However, as children mature and start to value time away from work and the company of family, trips that include the entire clan become far more enticing. Research from Auto Europe reveals that 14 percent of parents still cover the costs for their children’s holidays even after they turn 18. Additionally, these parents typically give their adult kids around £165 in spending money for each trip. With varying ages and preferences to consider, how can families choose the ideal holiday spot that satisfies everyone?

Here are our top five European destinations that are perfect for parents and their adult children to explore together.

Destination 1 - Lisbon

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a treasure trove of culture, making it a fantastic spot for families to enjoy activities suited for all ages.

One of the highlights of the city is the iconic Belem Tower, a historical gem from the 16th century. This stunning structure was built along the Tagus River to commemorate Portugal’s significant maritime explorations during the 15th to 18th centuries, and it remains one of the most visited attractions in the country.

For those eager to discover more, a leisurely walking tour through the city offers a chance to explore at your own pace. You can admire Lisbon’s charming, colorful buildings and stroll along streets filled with inviting cafes and bars, perfect for unwinding and creating cherished family memories together.

Destination 2 - Athens

A beach holiday isn’t always the best idea for parents and grown-up children vacationing together. All that lying around sunbathing can lead to members of the party becoming restless, and that’s usually when the bickering starts.

Athens, however, is perfect for adults of all ages, with plenty to keep them entertained over a week’s holiday.

Must-see attractions include the Acropolis, Parthenon and Panathenaic Stadium – which is the world’s only sports arena constructed entirely of white marble – while the Monastiraki markets are well worth checking out to pick up some unique souvenirs from your trip.

There are also traditional Greek tavernas aplenty for you to spend your evenings unwinding and catching up over local delicacies such as spanakopita – a kind of pie made from spinach and feta cheese – and, of course, moussaka.

Destination 3 - Rome

Rome is another of Europe’s most popular locations for travellers of all ages, making it a great destination with plenty of talking points to keep both older and younger adults amused.

Steeped in history, Italy’s capital has the sights, and it has the food. From the Vatican to classic Italian pizza and the Colosseum to gelato, Rome is perfect for catching-up with your children over a table filled with some of Europe’s finest cuisine, or seeing Ancient Wonders of the World up close.

Even if you’re not a particularly religious family, the stunning design of the Vatican makes the sacred site well worth a visit, and the shopping opportunities are world-class. Think Dior, Armani and Louis Vuitton, to name just a few.

Destination 4 - Salzburg

Vienna tends to be the destination most often thought of when trips to Austria are discussed, but Salzburg is just as beautiful and has more than enough to keep family members of all ages entertained.

Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart, and today, it is home to a museum that allows an insight into the internationally-renowned composer’s life, as well as a tour of some of the stunning hills and scenery featured in the classic movie The Sound of Music.

If films and music aren’t your cup of tea, or you’d rather leave those attractions to the [big] kids, Salzburg’s Old City and its cathedral have plenty of history for you to discover. In the evenings, you can meet up to swap stories about your days over a few drinks and some schnitzel – veal is the most traditional option if you want a truly authentic Austrian dining experience.

Destination 5 - Seville

In much the same way that Vienna often overshadows Salzburg in the popularity ranks, Barcelona tends to eclipse Seville when people are looking for city breaks in Spain.

You’ll probably already know that the city is famous for its oranges, but are you also aware that Seville is home to some of Europe’s richest history?

Just nine kilometres outside of Seville is Italica, the first city to be built outside of Rome, which features a 25,000 seat amphitheatre, and was the birthplace of Hadrian – the figure responsible for the ancient wall that divides England and Scotland. Although a trip here requires you to venture a little further afield, hiring a car allows you to see even more of this beautiful country along the way.

Seville is also home to Metropol Parasol, which is the largest wooden structure in the world, and Alcazar, a historic palace with exquisite gardens where the King of Spain likes to stay when he’s in the area. If it’s good enough for royalty, it should be good enough for your family.