Best European countries for a family holiday 

If you’re looking for a safe, friendly place to spend the holidays next to your family, you may want to consider the European countries below. Some are more affordable than others, so no matter your budget, you can still visit them and have a few days off in such beautiful countries. The rich culture and traditional practices make Europe a great destination, so you’ll have unique experiences. Let’s see what the best countries for going on a family holiday are.

Greece 

Starting with a warmer climate, Greece is one of the high-ranked countries when it comes to tourist attractions. Its history remains still in people’s practices, and you’ll notice many traditional formalities and standards there. What makes Greece exceptional is the multitude of islands and the excellent food, so no matter where you go, you can find accommodation next to the sea. Plus, you’ll only have healthy meals since Greek people have a Mediterranean diet. 

Since we’re close to the end of the year and Christmas is around the corner, you may want to visit Greece starting from the 24th of December, when the celebrations begin, until the 6ht of January. You’d spend a unique holiday since festive boats are more common than Christmas trees. 

As to what Greeks eat, be prepared for many sweet treats, like:

• Milopita, spiced apple pie
• Karydopita, a walnut cake similar to baklavas;
• Kariokes, a walnut-filled chocolate crescent; 

The food is usually based on local and seasonal ingredients, but pork and lamb are also the typical feast options when it comes to meals. And let’s not forget the traditional Christopsomo bread.

Belgium 

Going from warm to chilly, the weather in Belgium can be quite pleasant, even in winter. Belgium is known for its beautiful castles and chocolate, waffles, and beer. It might be challenging to visit because it has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. But don’t worry, people are used to tourists from all over the world, so they’ll find a way to understand you. 

There are plenty of fun activities to do in Belgium, as each city has something unique, so here are the best cities to go to:

• Bruges is a mediaeval town where the distinguishable Gothic architecture will make you fall in love with the city. Some remarkable places you need to check are the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Grote Markt and the Low Country townhouses;
• Durbury is the best place to have Belgian beer and eat at the refined restaurants between the cobblestone streets. The wooded valley will make you go back in time while walking on the Rue des Récollets;
• Antwerp is Belgium’s second most popular city, with busy trading centres and mediaeval streets. The Het Zuid neighbourhood is the city’s modern side, with bohemian coffee shops and avant-garde art galleries. Given the grandiosity of the city, it’s a great choice to visit it during the holidays, so if you wish to see a Christmas market Antwerp, we strongly encourage you to choose the winter season for a vacation;

Czech Republic 

The Czech Republic is one of the most accessible cities to get around due to its first-rate public transit and welcoming people. It’s the best sightseeing place since it has many beautiful attractions. So, besides visiting the capitol, the city’s countryside is what truly showcases the uniqueness of the Czech Republic. For example, the Bohemian Paradise is one of the most popular attractions with splendid rock formations and old castles. There’s also the Podyjí National Park, where you’ll stumble across ancient villages and towns between the unspoiled forests. 

Moreover, the Czech Republic is one of the places where Outlander was filmed, so if you want to visit those places, you should check Na Kampe, the Strahov Monastery and the Radnicke Schody Steps, where our beloved Claire from the second season walked her way through time and space. 

Still, if you plan to visit the country soon and have a Czech Christmas, know that you’ll have one of the most generous meals on the 24th of December. You’ll have the chance to try their traditional carp and potato salad and mushrooms and fish soup. It’s necessary to check the Christmas market Prague event this year, which will open its doors from the 26th of November to the 6ht of January. The bright decorations will make the holiday experience more exciting, and the local food and handicrafts will impress you. 

Finland 

If you prefer a colder climate, Finland is a great choice, but this country will amaze your kids because this is the place where real Santa lives. You can meet him in Rovaniemi on any day of the year, and since he’s receiving many letters, he also provides an address for your kids to transmit their wishes on the preferred gift. You can send Santa a postcard at his main post office address (Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Arctic Circle,FINLAND) or an email. 

If you go to Lapland, which is Santa’s territory, you may even watch reindeer in their natural habitat so that you might spot them almost everywhere. However, if you wish to get closer to them, reindeer safaris are provided by travel agents, and their purpose is to make people connect with arctic nature. 

Other awesome things to do in Finland are riding husky sledges or having a snowmobile ride somewhere the Northern Lights are easy to spot. Your kids will surely love all these activities but don’t worry about the cold because accommodations provide you with warm rooms, nutritious food and hot drinks to keep you tireless. The traditional Finland cuisine consists of pork roast served with a variety of fish and salads, and the usual Christmas Eve breakfast here is rice pudding. 

Wrapping up 

No matter how you wish to spend this Christmas, these European countries are the best to offer you an unforgettable experience. With their unmatched culture and traditions, you won’t forget the food, the people and the sights of these locations. What do you think about our recommendations?