5 Family Reunion Destinations in Europe
Gathering a whole slew of extended family in one spot within the United States for just a day or two for a family reunion can be an absolute nightmare, so planning an entire trip abroad for such a thing could seem absolutely unfathomable! Even if you have a travel advisor seamlessly planning all your trains or flights and transfers, you might still be left constantly having to repack kids’ suitcases or helping an aging relative navigate an airport. But there are some perfect family reunion destinations in Europe that limit the headaches of moving a sizable group around, while still offering something that caters to everyone’s interests.
© Reuben Teo | Unsplash
1) Tuscany, Italy
There are countless stunning villas in Tuscany that can bring you all together under one roof. Culminate each day by cooking family meals in a homey kitchen with the fine ingredients the region has to offer before dining on the terrace and watching the sun set over the hills. Adults will love the world-class wine you can pick up on your way to your villa and kids will love the wide-open, grassy spaces.
Those who want to simply relax can spend their days by the pool while those looking for an adventure can set off for any of the nearby stone towns like San Gimignano in the Chianti area and Montalcino in the Val d’Orcia area. Florence, the capital of Tuscany and one of Italy’s most iconic cities, is also within easy reach if you’d all like to spend a couple of days shopping and touring museums.
© Gheorghi Bruno Viktorov Pentchev | Dreamstime
2) Andalusia, Spain
When traveling with a group full of varied interests, it’s important to find family reunion destinations that can suit many different needs. Spain’s southern region of Andalusia fits that bill perfectly. History and architecture lovers will be in awe of the many arches of Granada’s Alhambra, Seville’s tile-lined Plaza de España, and the series of white-washed villages fanned out across the land. Those looking for a vacation of sun and sand will thrive in coastal cities like Malaga or Marbella and cultural connoisseurs will love a flamenco performance or a night of tapas tastings. And the outdoorsy will feel right at home amidst the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
© Aleh Varanishcha | Dreamstime
3) Loire Valley, France
Castles delight people of all ages, and France’s Loire Valley has no shortage of them, with a few of the most notable being Chateau Chambord, Chateau Villandry and Chaumont-sur-Loire. The gardens accompanying these architectural marvels are equally impressive, and provide stunning backdrops for family reunion photos. And if you really want to feel like a royal family, you may even want to stay in one of the smaller chateaus around the region.
Meander through medieval streets in historical cities like Tours and Orleans or abundant vineyards out in the countryside. For a unique experience to bond over, consider cruising above the landscape on a hot air balloon ride. Or learn to create culinary masterpieces from a French chef with a cooking class that ends in a delightful meal sure to include lots of fresh cheese and fruit.
4) Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is one of the best family reunion destinations not only in Europe, but around the world, for a family who loves to ski and snowboard. Shredding your way down top-tier slopes alongside the Matterhorn’s magnetic presence is an unforgettable experience. Whenever you’re in need of rest, you can retire to your luxury chalet share stories next to a roaring fireplace or over a heaping pot of fondue.
Zermatt shouldn’t be ruled out as a summer destination either. Switzerland’s same iconic peaks will be there, surrounded by greenery as opposed to a blanket of white. There are an abundance of hiking trails for all skills levels, whether you’re a family looking to conquer mountaintops together or simply stroll through some gorgeous scenery.
5) Algarve, Portugal
Even the families who love to bicker the most will have a hard time finding something to squabble over, while they’re blissed-out with their feet in soft golden sand and the sound of the ocean rocking against Portugal’s southern coast. The Algarve has gotten more and more popular in recent years, bringing in top-notch dining and accommodations. If some people need a beach break, there are plenty of towns to visit that simply ooze nautical charm. And if you’re the type of family who can’t resist some friendly competition, there’s an array of top-notch golf courses lined with breathtaking sea views for a fun family outing.
Featured image: © Tatyana Tomsickova | Dreamstime