In need of the ultimate holiday with sun and sea or to explore the pulse of the big city? We offer flights for the whole family to both big cities and the beach, so you can enjoy yourself by the pool or explore the city's many cultural experiences. Whatever you want for your next family holiday, Norwegian has a flight that suits you and your family.
Explore the Algarve from Faro
While the Algarve’s coastal towns like Carvoeiro and Portimão draw many visitors to their sun-soaked beaches, the region’s capital Faro is often overlooked as a destination in its own right. But if you’re taking your family to the Algarve, it’s well worth staying in this fascinating city, which combines historical monuments and Portuguese charm with plenty of beaches. While these aren’t within walking distance of the city, those that make the effort to reach them will be rewarded with some of the quietest and most pristine beaches in the Algarve, making them perfect for families. Highlights include the remote Ilha da Deserta, the more popular and easily accessible Praia de Faro, and the Ria Formosa nature reserve, excellent for snorkelling – it has one of the largest populations of seahorses in the world – and kayaking.
Visit Alicante to soak up the sun
Alicante, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, has all the ingredients for a great family getaway – its coastline has everything from urban promenades to wild coves. One of Alicante’s most popular beaches is the Blue Flag-awarded El Postiguet, with a palm-lined boardwalk right next to the city’s Old Quarter. It’s a great family beach, with white sand, sport zones, loungers and plenty of parking. For a true taste of the Mediterranean take a day trip to Tabarca Island, Spain’s first ever marine reserve. After you’ve explored the coves, beaches and fishing port, tuck into a traditional caldero – a kind of fish stew with rice and potatoes – at one of Tabarca’s many restaurants.
Fly to Antalya to explore ancient ruins by the beach
There’s a good reason why Antalya is one of the most visited cities in Turkey – it’s right in the middle of 640km of coastline, with half a dozen attractive beaches within reach of the city. Combine a family beach holiday with a lesson in Turkish history at Olympos Beach, where you can swim in clear Mediterranean waters near ancient ruins. For young families, head to the Blue Flag Portakal Beach in Alanya to the east of the city. This kilometre-long stretch of sand fronts numerous beach clubs and hotels, all of which offer amenities such as loungers and umbrellas. Another Blue Flag urban beach is Konyaalti Beach, which translates as “the cove down the cliffs” – it has plenty of activities for families, including paintball, horse riding, golf, a waterpark and an upmarket food court.
Visit Dubrovnik for urban beaches and a slice of history
Renowned for its picturesque Old Town – a backdrop on screen for everything from Star Wars to Game of Thrones – Dubrovnik has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Croatia. Join the hip summer crowds on kid-friendly city beach Banje, which is just a short walk from the Ploče Gate and offers jet skis, inflatables and sun-loungers (through the Banje Beach lounge bar. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head for beautiful local hangout Sveti Jakov. The tiny bay, which looks back over the city, is an easy half-hour walk from the Old Town and is rarely crowded.
Discover Menorca's crystal-clear waters
With its sandy beaches and crystal clear water, Menorca is the most authentic and low-key of the Balearic Islands, and has been a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993. It’s also the perfect location for a family holiday in Spain, with nearly 700 sq km of beaches and 300 days of sunshine every year. Cala en Turqueta is one of the island’s most spectacular – and famous – beaches. Although it’s small, there are bathrooms, a beach bar and lifeguards, making it a good choice for families with young children. Just to the east, Cala Macarella has incredible views across the bay from its clifftop. For a beach with excellent amenities, head to Son Bou, the longest beach on the island. Families with kids of all ages will love its water sports, restaurants and gently sloping sands.
Visit Tenerife for stunning landscapes and stargazing
When planning a family trip to Tenerife, it’s best to avoid the party crowds that pack the Playa de las Americas and head to a quieter resort like Costa Adeje. Here you’ll find Siam Park, a Thailand-themed attraction that was recently voted best water park in the world by TripAdvisor. Thrill-seeking teens will head straight to the Tower of Power, which sends you hurtling through a shark tank, while younger kids will enjoy the turquoise waters of The Wave Palace. For more water fun, book a boat tour at the Costa Adeje port for whale watching, snorkelling with turtles or lunch in a local bay. The fun continues after sunset with stargazing in the Teide National Park (one of the best places in the world to see stars in the night sky) under the shadow of the island’s volcano, on an excursion with Tiede by Night.
Travel to Vienna and ride its iconic Ferris wheel
When visiting Vienna, a trip to the Prater is a must. Located in the corner of the large Wiener Prater park, the Wurstelprater is the oldest amusement park in the world. It’s a unique combination of adventure and charming Viennese tradition. The centrepiece of the park is the Wiener Riesenrad, an almost 65-metre-tall Ferris wheel that’s one of Vienna’s most iconic attractions. It has famously featured in films such as The Third Man and Before Sunrise. As well as the Riesenrad, the Wurstelprater also has a selection of thrilling rollercoasters, a spooky ghost train and plenty of rides for younger children. From November to January the Prater Winter Market brings some seasonal magic to the park with live performances, hot punch – and Santa Claus.
Visit Lisbon for beaches, museums and playgrounds
A family break in Lisbon isn’t just about sun and sand (although there’s plenty of that). It’s also a city teaming with entertaining museums, beautiful parks and delicious food. First things first, though… the beaches. These are located a short train ride from the centre of the city. Many are family-friendly and patrolled by lifeguards and the best of these are Praia da Conceição, Praia do Tamariz and Praia de Carcavelos. Back in the city, explore the ocean without getting wet at the Oceanário – Europe’s largest aquarium (voted the world’s best by TripAdvisor). The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is also unmissable, as much for its own striking riverfront architecture as for its interactive exhibitions. For spectacular views and nature hikes, head to Monsanto Forest Park, the largest green space in the city that’s often called “Lisbon’s lungs”. Younger kids will love the Alvito Playground with a pirate ship climbing frame and a colourful selection of slides. No visit to Lisbon would be complete without a pastel de nata (Portuguese tart). The best come from the ovens of Pastéis de Belém – but be prepared to queue.
Discover Copenhagen's fairytale heritage
The Danish capital is a compact city that makes getting around with kids a breeze. Take a trip back in time at Tivoli Gardens, which opened in 1843 and is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world. Discover the fairytale world of Hans Christian Andersen, with a self-guided walking tour that takes in The Little Mermaid sculpture, the Nyhavn neighbourhood where the author lived, "Rundetårn" where he wrote his fairy tales and the Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tale House. Escape the city centre with a trip to nearby Kronborg Castle, famous as the home of Hamlet, just 45 minutes’ drive away in Helsingør. Take a tour of the magnificent Renaissance palace in the company of Hamlet’s friend Horatio and explore the spooky casements, the underground passages beneath Kronborg.
Visit Barcelona for a culinary adventure
Sunny Barcelona is as much fun for parents as it is for kids, making it the perfect destination for a long weekend in Spain. For adventure and spectacular views, take the funicular to the amusement park on Mount Tibidabo, which has rides and rollercoasters for children of all ages. Aspiring footballers should check out FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium tour, where you can visit the dressing rooms, sit in the dugout, tread on the turf and explore an entertaining museum. Also worth a visit is the CosmoCaixa science museum, featuring an indoor Amazonian rainforest and planetarium. Make mealtimes fun and embrace the local culture with a tour of the city’s tapas bars followed by churros (a fried pastry that can be dipped in chocolate). Devour Barcelona offers a family-friendly walking tour with activities and snacks along the way.
Explore Amsterdam on a bike tour
Amsterdam is a great city for a long weekend break with kids. While the streets are famously bike-friendly, skip the city tours and head to the countryside where it’s less busy and you can spot windmills, horses, dams and ducks as you cycle the pleasantly flat landscape. We Bike Amsterdam offers four-hour countryside tours suitable for children, with a stop midway for apple pie and coffee. Keep young kids entertained and see the picturesque city from the river with a trip on the Pancake Boat. During the 2.5-hour trip families can enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake buffet and a ballpit for the kids. Other Dutch specialities that children will love include fries and bitterballen (meat croquettes), which can be sampled at Foodhallen, a former train depot that’s now home to over 20 streetfood stalls. Feed your older kids’ minds with an eye-opening history lesson at the Anne Frank House.
Discover Rome
Get kids fully immersed in ancient history and Italian culture with a weekend in Rome. Start with the major sites, like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum – go early to avoid the crowds and employ a guide who can really bring the sites to life for kids. For an even more immersive experience, head to the Rome Gladiator School, where you can watch gladiator shows and even be a gladiator for a day. Then explore the city’s famous food with Walks of Italy. They have several highly recommended kid-friendly tours involving market visits, trattoria and gelato tastings, and a chance to make your own proper pizza.