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Northern Portugal - Forget about the Algarve and its crowded beaches—there is so much more to Portugal. Start with the city of Porto, where the whole family can go on a cruise on the Douro River (while the parents get to sip on excellent wine). Little ones can also spend a fun day at The World of Discoveries theme park.

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Northern Portugal - Cross the famous Dom Luís I Bridge all the way to Gaia for a breathtaking view of Porto. A road trip along the northern coast can be great fun for the whole family as it is packed with beaches, culture, and delicious cheap food.

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Carpathian Mountains, Romania - As gorgeous as it is, the Carpathian Mountains region in Romania is still under the tourist radar. If you're looking for great hiking spots and jaw-dropping views, this is the place for you.

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Carpathian Mountains, Romania - Adventurous families will enjoy the journey from Bucharest to the Dracula’s Castle in Bran, which takes you through snow-capped mountains and remote villages. If you're brave enough, do it on a bike!

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Athens, Greece - It's never too early to teach your kids some history, and what better way than to take them to see Athens's Acropolis and Parthenon?

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Athens, Greece - For an alternative option, head to the Pelion peninsula, north of Athens, which is dotted with picturesque villages and excellent beaches.

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Corfu, Greece - The Greek islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos, are usually crowded, but Corfu is nestled off Greece’s northwest coast and boasts equally incredible beaches.

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Corfu, Greece - Corfu also features unique fauna and flora in Greece, and the temperatures are usually pleasant at around 30ºC. Grown-ups will be delighted by the excellent wine on offer too.

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Brittany, France - Brittany qualifies as one of France's most beautiful regions, with some of the country's best cuisine. Head to Quimper, where you can enjoy delicious macaroons as you stroll along its pretty alleys.

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Brittany, France - Take the family to Île Louët, a protected island where you can stay overnight for a wonderful and quiet cottage experience.

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Almería, Spain - Whitewashed buildings and arid hills make Almería's landscapes standout, and its seaside is one of Spain's most beautiful.

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Almería, Spain - Head to San José, where you'll find tranquility that makes it a great destination for both kids and older relatives. The fresh seafood is delicious, so don't miss out on the sticky rice with octopus and clams.

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London, United Kingdom - London is a vibrant city in the summer, with many activities taking place all over. Because it has so many incredible parks, including Hyde Park and Green Park, it's a great destination for kids too.

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London, United Kingdom - And if your little ones are big fans of Harry Potter, just book a day trip to the Warner Bros. Studios—it's guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

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Peniche, Portugal - Peniche sits 100 km north of Lisbon,  surrounded by wild sandy beaches and cave-filled cliffs. You can also take a boat to Berlengas, a group of islands classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

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Peniche, Portugal - This beach town attracts surfers from all around the world because of the curvy waves and powerful tubes, so it's the perfect place to get some exercise during your vacation.

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Malta - This Mediterranean gem is still fairly off-the-beaten-track. The weather is mainly sunny all year round, accommodation and food is affordable, and you'll find plenty of cultural and historical treasures in the island's capital, La Valletta.

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Malta - For a fun day with the family, head to the quirky Popeye Village (pictured), which was built in the 1970s.

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French Pyrenees, France - If you're looking for an escape from cities and beach towns, then the Pyrenees are the perfect alternative. Summer in the mountains offers plenty of activities, such as river rafting, kayaking, horse riding, and of course, hiking!

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French Pyrenees, France - A great way to get the whole family moving is by going on a mountain biking adventure. The views are some of the best in the whole of Europe, and you'll sleep like babies after all the exercise.

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Dalmatia, Croatia - One of Croatia's most beautiful regions, Dalmatia boasts strikingly beautiful beaches, sumptuous landscapes and natural parks, and mouthwatering gastronomy.

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Dalmatia, Croatia - Split is a beautifully historical city, but if you want to escape the urban vibe, head to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take a boat to the picturesque island of Brač.

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Marche, Italy - Italy is crammed with tourists all year round, but summer is by far the most intense period of the year. Ditch the likes of Venice, Rome, and Florence, and take your family to the eastern region of Marche.

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Marche, Italy - The capital Ancona is a small town along the Adriatic Coast with virtually no tourists. It's surrounded by sandy coves and limestone cliffs, but Numana beach is by far the region's gem.

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Vienna, Austria - The Austrian capital is a great option for a family summer vacation, with its grand palaces and narrow cobblestone streets. Don't skip the Schönbrunn Palace and the beautiful surrounding palaces.

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Vienna, Austria - The Prater amusement park is one of Vienna's postcard sites, and kids (and adults) will love the yummy pretzels!

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Tenerife, Canary Islands - Tenerife's southern part is very popular among beachgoers, but the island has so much more to offer. Head to the northern Benijo beach to escape the crowds, and stay in Garachico for the real Tenerife experience.

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Tenerife, Canary Islands - However, Tenerife is not just about the beaches. Visible from pretty much everywhere around the island, the Teide volcano sits in the middle of the Teide National Park, which is a great place to spend a day or two with the family.

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Zurich, Switzerland - You might think Switzerland is a more mature destination for holidaymakers. In fact, capital Zurich it's actually a great choice for the whole family. 

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Zurich, Switzerland -

Among many other things, children can enjoy the medieval Altstadt (old town), with its drawbridges, ancient architecture, and thousands of fountains. 

You should also take a tour of Europe's prettiest hilltop towns and villages

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