Baby on board! Brilliant baby and toddler-friendly Euro breaks
From nannies and cuddly toys to cots and kids’ clubs, here’s our pick of the European resorts making family travel effortless.
1. BIJAL, Turkey
If the prospect of dragging all your baby or toddler gear onto a flight fills you with dread, you’re going to love BIJAL, a new villa-only resort in Antalya Province that has something for families of all ages (we’re talking newborns to teens). Concentrating on the babies, each luxe villa includes potties, prams, baby monitors, play mats, and bath sets. There’s also an on-demand nanny service (meaning you can have a date night), every kid gets a bike for the duration of the stay (ideal for older children) and did we mention the family cabanas on the beach, providing shade and toys? Living. The. Dream.
2. Verdura Resort, Italy
We’re awarding Verdura, a five-star escape on the wild coast of southern Sicily, a gold star for its commitment to keeping every hotel guest happy, including babies and tots. Thanks to its Rocco Forte Kids’ programme, young guests are as pampered as older ones, think kids’ passport at check in, cuddly toys, hooded bath towels and a Verduland kids’ club, where all kind of fun goes down. Worried about travelling with a baby for the first time? Don’t be, as Verdura makes it manageable, providing free baby meals, a 24-hour babysitting service, cots, highchairs, bibs, bottle warmers, sterilisers and even musical mobiles.
3. Sani Beach Resort, Greece
Ok the first thing you need to know is that children under 12 stay free at Sani Beach Resort. That’s music to Muddy’s ears, but if you still need convincing, we can also tell you it’s famous for being that rare thing – luxurious yet family-friendly. Think kids’ menus in gourmet restaurants, tiny dressing gowns, a large heated lagoon-style pool for children to splash around in, and a glorious white sand beach. Childcare and kids’ club are super slick and professional, meaning you get to hit the spas, restaurants and beach for some much-needed adult time and know they’re in safe hands.
4. Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa, Italy
First rule of Baby Club? No one talks about Baby Club. Except we’re going to because, well, Baby Club at Grand Palladium is helping exhausted parents from all over Europe. Not only does the five-star all-inclusive give you 90 minutes free baby/childcare daily (more than enough time for a massage or to read a few chapters of your new book), but, and this is crucial, you don’t have to book until two hours in advance, meaning your holiday really can be relaxed, flexible and, whisper it, spontaneous. Got older kids? They’ll want to head to the Mini Club for arts and crafts and the kiddie pool, while teens get to hangout in their own private space complete with music and video games. Four pools, a gorgeous beach, and plenty of choice when it comes to family rooms and suites should keep the whole family happy.
5. Anassa Hotel, Cyprus
Psst! There’s a Baby Go Lightly service at this five-star Paphos playground, which basically means you can pre-book everything you think you might need when travelling with a baby, like buggies, swimming nappies, bottles and cots. Nothing’s too much trouble which means that A) you can travel mercifully light and B) you don’t have to remember a million things (always tricky when you have baby brain). The kids’ club cares for babies as young as four months, so check in now if you need sleep pronto.
6. Martinhal Sagres Family Resort, Portugal
This Algarve getaway loves littlies so much, it’s launched a Baby’s First Holiday package (runs until 4 April, 2025). And what does this consist of you cry? Well, let’s just say your recent arrival’s going to be chilling with you in a beach room (or one-bedroom apartment) for four nights, have a welcome pack on arrival (nappies, baby wipes, powder), an in-room bottle warmer, steriliser and changing mat plus a special gift (hopefully the gift of sleep). Want to know the best bit? It’s not just baby who benefits, because as part of the package you’re entitled to a 50-minute massage, romantic dinner (with two hours’ babysitting) and a ‘water experience’ for baby and you (we’re hoping that involves a pool rather than wet nappies). Where do we sign?
7. La Zambra, Spain
Set high in the hills above Malaga and Marbella, La Zambra’s the tranquil haven you’re seeking, even with a baby or tot in tow. Make use of Baby Club (six months to three years) when you want to relax in the spa or pool, while older kids (four to ten years), have indoor and outdoor play areas to work off some energy, plus all kinds of interesting activities laid on, like gardening, crafts and nature walks.
8. Westin at Costa Navarino, Greece
If you’re a parent of infants it’s pretty much guaranteed you’re tired and craving a bit of ‘me’ time right now. Which is where this luxurious getaway comes in. Regarded as one of the best family resorts in the world, its Cocoon Kids Club looks after children aged four months to four years. That’s right, if you’re longing for an uninterrupted lie down for an hour, you can leave your baby in the safe hands of fully-trained super nannies who are experts in things like sensory play and communication. Meanwhile, toddlers are enjoying storytelling, role play and dancing. Older kids? The resort has its own Aqua Park and a long sandy beach. Family suites sleep up to four and cots are included.