Top 10 European islands to visit with kids

Dear readers, there is some time I prepare this article for you. I know that many of you are afraid to travel with kids. I think that travelling with kids to destinations like London or Barcelona, for somebody can be tough, that is why I proposed to write top 10 islands to go with kids.

• Mallorca

Mallorca is a big island. If you want to go to relax and enjoy the beach, I would advise you to go to a resort and enjoy the beaches. Calas de Mallorca (Beaches of Mallorca) all of them are clean, with crystalline water and with various land craft along the beach. Below are all the beaches of Mallorca: Alcudia, Andratx, Arenal, Cala Bona, Cala Mayor, Cala Mesquida, Cala Millor, Calas de Mallorca, Cala d’Or, Cala San Vincente, Cala Ratjada, Cala Vinas, Camp de Mar, C’an Pastilla, C’an Picafort, Canyamel, Colonia Sant Jordi, Deia, Illetas, Magaluf, Paguera, Palma, Palma Nova, Playa de Muro, Playa de Palma, Portals Nous, Porto Colom, Porto Cristo, Puerto Pollensa, Sa Coma, Santa Ponsa, S’Illot, Soller, Valldemossa.

But if you want to discover the island more, and rent a car then read this post, where I tell you all the details for a perfect adventure with your kids.

• Menorca

Menorca is the smallest sister of Mallorca. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it means the environment is prioritised over socioeconomic development, which has led to the preservation of many areas of Menorca. 

This island is for beach lovers. Only Menorca has 99 beaches to discover. And everywhere you go you cannot decide which one is better. A real paradise for kids.

• Ibiza

Who said Ibiza is for party only? It is true that many people go there to enjoy different parties before having kids. Actually Ibiza, is one of the islands, that knows to have both categories of travellers. The Northern part of the island is dedicated for families with kids, or simply people who love to enjoy the pure nature.

• Gozo

Gozo is the second-largest of the Maltese islands, only about 13 km long, and it’s the one we’d pick for small children. It’s rural, quiet and slow, with short drives, easy parking, and none of the traffic of Malta. We spent five nights there in May 2018 with a five-year-old and a two-year-old, in a villa with a pool in Xagħra.

The highlights for us were Xlendi Bay, sunsets at Dwejra where the Azure Window used to stand, the red sand of Ramla Bay, and the Citadel in Victoria. Gozo also has three Blue Flag beaches in 2026: Ramla, Marsalforn and Ħondoq ir-Rummien.

Read next: Gozo with kids: 7 best things to do, beaches and where to stay · our 5-day Gozo itinerary · where to stay in Gozo with kids

• Malta

Malta is the main island, busier and more built-up, and it’s where you’ll land. For families it works best as one or two days on either side of a stay on Gozo. Valletta, the capital, is small and built on a grid, and one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. It’s also steep, with many streets that turn into steps, so bring a baby carrier rather than a buggy.

Our last day was Valletta, straight from the airport: City Gate, a playground by Fort St Elmo, and the five-minute ferry to Sliema, which the boys loved.

Read next: Malta and Gozo with kids: our family guide · Valletta with kids in one day · Malta airport to Gozo with kids

• Comino

Comino is the smallest of the three islands, with almost no permanent residents. It’s famous for one place: the Blue Lagoon, where the water is so clear you can see your children’s toes from the boat. It’s a short boat ride from Mġarr on Gozo or from the north of Malta.

Changed since our visit: since 1 May 2025 you need a free booking, in a time slot, to land at the Blue Lagoon. With kids, take the morning slot on a weekday. We went on a Sunday and it was packed by 11:00.

Read next: Blue Lagoon Comino with kids: 2026 booking, boats and tips

• Tenerife

Tenerife is one of the first islands we discovered as a family with kids. It is one of the biggest Canary Islands (8 main islands and many smaller). Tenerife is considered 365 days summer island as all year round has approximate 20-24 C degrees. Because, it is rounded by Ocean, the water is colder than expected but still acceptable.

Damian, who was only 2 enjoyed discovering the island with us.

• Lanzarote

Lanzarote is another Canary Island, and we went there already in 4. A warm place, with 25 C degrees all year around. Once you go there you are guaranteed with great weather, volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, washed-white villages, and great treasures to see thanks to Cesar Manrique. The island is windy, but if you find a good place to enjoy some sun, then you will find this place spectacular.

• Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the second largest island of the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura is situated in the Atlantic ocean hundred kilometers off the coast of Saharan Africa. The island was formed by ancient volcanoes and shaped by the winds from the Sahara desert. It is a Spanish island, even if it is so far from main country.

With its rugged, volcanic terrain, surrounded by white sandy beaches, makes a perfect holiday destination for families, couples and surfers. The wind blows constantly and cools down the warm temperatures, that is why this Spanish island is a year-round place to visit.

• Sardinia

Sardinia is one of the top summer destinations. We went there in March, and didn ́t enjoy turquoise waters. The countryside is ablaze with color and the warm, sunny weather is ideal for touring. Accommodation prices are also very reasonable and, outside of the main centers, there are few tourists around. Here to mention, the island of Sardinia is HUGE, so if you plan to visit it, just be sure where you will stay longer, in the North or in the South of the island. It is not so easy to get from one side to another, it is like 4h drive. Not sure your kids will enjoy it.

• Malta and Gozo with kids: our family guide
• Menorca with kids: best beaches, where to stay and what to do
• What a family trip to Ibiza costs
• Gozo with kids