Best all-inclusive resorts with great food 2026
From Spain to St Lucia, we reveal the best all-inclusive resorts across the globe that guarantee delicious food
Forget beige buffets and limited drinks menus, today’s all-inclusive resort is aimed at an ever-younger, travel-savvy crowd who demand boutique design and the comfort of knowing that all those craft cocktails have been factored into the headline price. The luxe all-inclusive concept, long-established in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean, has lately picked up firmly in Europe. Premium wines, chef-led tasting menus and glasses of fizz are now deemed a must-have for any self-respecting all-inclusive resort, while some now partner with local restaurants in ‘dine out’ programmes that allow the culinarily curious to explore beyond the hotel compound. Seeing the winning recipe, upscale brands including Marriott, Hyatt and Wyndham are beginning to gather all-inclusive resorts at a pace, while established groups such as Domes Resorts are adding an exclusive top-tier to their all-inclusive categories. We've visited resorts across Europe and further afield – read on for our round up of the best all-inclusive holidays. Jump to: Best all-inclusive resorts in Europe Best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean Best all-inclusive resorts further afield Best all-inclusive resorts in Europe Ikos, Andalucia, Spain Best for: gourmet Spanish break The first foray for the Ikos brand outside Greece has raised the bar for Spanish all-inclusives, offering menus by Michelin-starred chefs, premium drinks and activities like paddle-boarding, yoga and golf, all on tap. There's massage for ‘deluxe’ guests in the spa, where you’ll find a lovely hammam, Anne Semonin treatments and an adults-only pool. There are five other swimming pools, around which this low-rise white-wash hotel is clustered in 21 acres of gardens along the beach. Kids’ clubs include tailored offerings for all ages, from four months to 17 years (free from four years old). The food available spreads across nine restaurants, with menus drawing from cuisines across Greece, the Med’ and Asia, accompanied by a 300-strong wine list. Then there’s the ‘dine out’ programme where dining at a choice of restaurants in Marbella and Estepona comes at no extra charge. Just an hour from Malaga airport, and a short bike ride along the promenade to the pretty town of Estepona, this is a well-located resort should you decide to step beyond its luxurious confines. Borrow one of the electric Tesla cars (complimentary for a day) to explore nearby Marbella or the hill town of Rhonda. Rooms and rates: Cool contemporary décor, whites and neutrals characterise rooms, which have complementary mini bars and Nespresso machines. There are family rooms and suites sleeping four to six and some doubles are interconnecting. From £343 per night based on two people sharing a double room. Check rates and availability at booking.com, British Airways, Tui or Ikos Resorts Creta Maris, Heraklion, Crete Best for: sustainable family-friendly resort Nestled along the dazzling Aegean coastline, Creta Maris is a family-friendly hotel which takes a local and sustainable approach to all-inclusive catering. Despite its sprawling size, the hotel has the unique advantage of never feeling busy around the numerous pools, restaurants, or private beach. In fact, the hotel gives the impression of a traditional Greek village with white-washed houses, cobbled streets, tucked away plazas and an abundance of plant and flower-life. Creta Maris underwent an extensive renovation in 2023. There are seven restaurants to choose from, ll with their own unique ethos and style, so it’s easy to stay for a week and dine somewhere new every night. Mademi is an à la carte Cretan barbecue restaurant specialising in local meats, such as flame-grilled steaks or perfectly prepared lamb kebabs. With uninterrupted views of the crystal-clear sea, it’s worth booking your table in time for the sunset. Right next door you’ll find Alatsi, an adults-only seafood restaurant with the same uninterrupted sea views. Pithos is an organic Cretan restaurant which has a traditional wood oven and only uses produce grown in their own kitchen garden or by local farmers who take part in their sustainability programme. Snacks and drinks are on tap from the lavish breakfast buffets until bedtime and you’ll find fresh fruit smoothies, homemade ice creams, Greek salads as well as all the children’s favourites such as hot dogs, waffles, crepes and slushies at the various snack points and close to the hugely popular waterpark. The generosity of the all-inclusive experience lasts until the moment of departure, catering for late-night flights. There’s a dedicated shower and changing area for checked-out guests, ensuring that the pools, beach, and restaurants remain at your disposal till the very end. Rooms and rates: You can choose from white-washed villas with balconies, to family rooms or adjoining apartments to villas with private pools. Rates start from £185 per night based on two people sharing. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Tui, Thomas Cook or Creta Maris Club Med, Val d’Isère, France Best for: countryside surroundings The French resort brand elevated its practised all-inclusive offering to include the Exclusive Collection, opened in 2023 in the Dominican Republic, Mauritius, Cefalù in Italy, Val d’Isere in France, and the Seychelles. Here, all-inclusive trills include champagne at 6pm, room service breakfast and poolside service, and private pool suites in some destinations. Along with offering an exceptional ski experience in winter, the Val d’Isère resort is a surprisingly good bet for a summer break. Free from Europe’s coastal humidity and peak season crowds, this Alpine escape has a sizeable spa with outdoor whirlpool and indoor pool plus pristine lakes to swim in, along with biking and hiking trails to explore the meadows and peaks of the surrounding Vanoise National Park. Children from 4-17 years old have complimentary club access where activities include mountain biking, treetop ziplines and camping under the stars. Food is French and effortlessly high quality. Dine at the resort’s two restaurants or two bars, focused on local ingredients from the Savoie region and nearby Italy, with a wide selection of wines available from local Alpine producers. Or step out to learn about local cheese-making at nearby Ferme de l’Adroit. Rooms and rates: Replete with wood and warm colours, rooms have balconies with mountain views, slippers and robes, and plenty of own-brand toiletries. Family rooms and suites sleep three to five people. A week’s stay in summer starts from £2,812 for a deluxe room with balcony sleeping two; under fours stay free. Check rates and availability at Club Med Quinta do Lago, Portugal Best for: travelling with kids With palm-tree lined avenues and a peaceful atmosphere, Quinta do Lago in the Algarve is a haven set in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is bolstered by sustainability initiatives including Q Farm – which grows fruit, vegetables and herbs for the restaurants, removing single-use plastics – and the use of electric vehicles. Native plants and wildlife are actively encouraged, and the golf course is GEO-certified (a widely recognised sustainability organisation in the golf world). It ticks a lot of boxes for those travelling with kids: coastline, child-friendly restaurants, mostly outdoor space, fun water sports and great weather. Sports facility The Campus is a high-end complex with tennis courts, a pool, a busy itinerary of classes and full-size sports pitches. The Lake is a more low-key, outdoor option, where you can rent kayaks, pedalos or paddleboards, and kids can tackle an inflatable obstacle course. Eat Lunch at Casa Do Lago, a fish restaurant with a sunny terrace next to the lake. The kids’ menu features staples like tomato pasta and chicken nuggets (served in a panko crumb for added foodie kudos). At steakhouse Bovino, take your pick from rib-eye and rump, or opt for local dishes including chistorra sausage, oysters from Ria Formosa and sides like black beans and farofa. Casa Velha is where you’ll find traditional Portuguese food served in a contemporary, small plates setting. Hotel chain Wyndham has a five-star outpost here, the Wyndham Grand Algarve, and it’s a great base for exploring the estate. A kids’ club offers daily sessions including pastry-making, clay work and treasure hunts, while family suites have the convenient addition of a kitchen for groups who like a self-catering option on top of the hotel and resort restaurants. For calmer times, relax at the pool and snack at theOasis Pool Bar, or active parents can hit the gym. Those in need of some R&R can book into the spa. Staff go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible, whatever your style. Kick off the day with an epic breakfast at the Caravela restaurant. Pancakes and eggs are cooked to order, or opt for tropical fruit, smoothies and more, including a heaving pastry section featuring the jewel in Portugal’s bakery crown, the pastel de nata. You can liberally dust these with as much cinnamon and sugar as you like with no judgement! Rooms and rates: Wyndham Grand Algarve suites start from €416. The resort is easy to access via Faro airport and it connects to Lisbon by train from nearby Loulé. Check rates and availability at booking.com, British Airways or Wyndham Grand Algarve Sani Resort, Haldiki, Greece Best for: choice of restaurants Nestled in the stunning surroundings of the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki, Greece, Sani Resort is situated on a 1,000-acre ecological reserve with direct access to miles of private beach. With over 40 restaurants and bars, the resort offers everything from gourmet dining to casual beachside snacks, and there are world-class childcare services from six months to teens, dedicated sports academies (tennis and football), and an array of water activities, including kids’ pools and the calm shallow waters of its beaches. This family-run resort has expanded into five distinct hotels, each offering a different experience but all sharing the same values of sustainability. Heated pools mean you can visit year round, but as this is a luxury setting, off-peak prices are more economical. Outside the resort you’ll find ancient olive groves, unspoiled beaches and tavernas nearby. Further afield, discover the cultural heritage of Mount Olympus, or take a boat trip to the Athos Peninsula, home to ancient monasteries and stunning landscapes. Within the hotel grounds Sani Marina is a lively spot with shopping, waterfront dining, and a relaxed atmosphere. Eat Sani is home to over 40 restaurants and bars, each offering something different to suit all tastes, from Michelin-starred dining to casual beachside bites. The resort’s ‘Dine Around’ program allows guests to enjoy a range of set menus at multiple restaurants on either a half-board or full-board basis. The breakfast buffet is a particular treat, where you’ll find freshly squeezed juices, an abundance of local yogurt and honey, homemade pastries and omelettes made to order, which you can enjoy overlooking the crystal clear sea. Restaurants like La Cucina (Italian), Water Restaurant (Mediterranean seafood), and the Asian Corner (Japanese and Thai) are standout choices, but there are also more casual options, such as beachside bars. and classic Greek tavernas overlooking the beach. And for families, the resort’s kids’ menus, designed by chef Annabel Karmel, ensure even the smallest diners are satisfied. Rooms and rates: Accommodation ranges from beach view bungalows at Sani Club to suites at Porto Sani and a more contemporary, sophisticated vibe at Sani Dunes. Many of the resort’s facilities and rooms are wheelchair accessible, and there is a dedicated disabled suite. Prices at Sani Club start from £244 per night for a double room, on a half-board basis. Check the offers available – in some parts of the resort children under 12 stay free or at a very reduced rate. Check rates and availability at British Airways or Sani Resort TRS Ibiza Hotel, Ibiza Best for: chic adults-only scene One for adults only, this is the place where grown-up denizens of Ibiza’s party scene come to kick back and be waited on hand and foot. Yes, uber chic serviced villas and chef-led fincas are still go-to Ibiza retreats but, set right in San Antonio, the TRS resort launched in 2022 has upped the game for the island’s all-inclusives. Signature Level, the top tier all-inclusive category, allows participating guests the option to dine out in select Ibizan agroturismos – hip beach clubs and sushi bars island-wide – along with giving them access to events at such institutions as Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza and Hi Ibiza. It also gives this category of guest their own sun lounger and hammock spot in resort VIP areas, such as the Gravity Sky Lounge, free spa access, a complimentary mini bar re-stock every three days and premium beverages, plus early check-in and late check-out. On site, restaurants range from El Gaucho serving Latino-Iberian grills, the Ibizan-style Helios with a classic beach club-style menu of salads and small plates, while Capricho is the elegant all-day dining spot with a sun-dappled terrace and show kitchens serving international food, both buffet and à la carte. Cava, Campari and cocktails seem to be permanently free-flowing throughout. DJs play discreet sets around the infinity pools, while the eighth-floor rooftop pool and cocktail bar is the spot for sundowners and laid-back live music where linen-clad staff in blend seamlessly with neutral tone décor. Rooms and rates: There are 378 rooms (53 of which are dedicated to Signature guests) from standard to deluxe, plus swim-up suites. Décor is all blonde wood and whites with splashes of colour from contemporary Spanish artists. Espresso machines and full-sized bottles of toiletries are included. Double rooms from £311 per night. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Tui, British Airways or TRS Ibiza Hotel Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villa, Greece Best for: boutique atmosphere Cut into a craggy cliff overlooking the deep curve of Mirabello Bay, this chic retreat in north-eastern Crete comes with its own private beach and villas secluded in swathes of olive groves. Built from the rocks excavated from the cove it sits in, this 290-room, low-key, rustic-luxe resort has a boutique atmosphere and family-friendly attitude. Among the myriad activities it offers, scuba diving, sailing and water-skiing up the excitement stakes. The spa centres around an indoor saltwater infinity pool with sea views, but also includes a hammam, all manner of places to steam and sauna, and high-tech facilities such as cryo and hyperbaric oxygen chambers. The creche accepts infants from four months for an extra charge, while the inclusive kids’ club caters to those aged four to 11. There's also an outdoor family pool and hang-out area for teens. Local produce is the cornerstone of all menus across the resort’s five restaurants and two bars. Health-conscious families can enjoy fresh, tasty dishes from the a la carte restaurants, all created by a nutritionist and holistic consultant. Elsewhere, there’s informal Mediterranean dining at Taverna and Pangea, while the RHO restaurant focuses on plant-based fine dining menus and offers farm-to-cup tea-pairing experiences. A lively calendar of events includes cooking courses and the annual Culinary Journeys series, which brings guest chefs from top restaurants around the world to cook for guests. Rooms and rates: All-inclusive rates are available for guests booking suites and villas, which comes with such luxuries as free room service and mini bar restocks. Two- and three-bedroom family villas are kitted out with everything imaginable to keep infants and kids safe and happy. The creche accepts children from four months at additional cost; kids’ clubs are free from four years upwards. Deluxe junior suite for two adults and one child for from €696 (£598) per night. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Mr and Mrs Smith, British Airways, Thomas Cook or Daios Cove Hillside Beach Club, Turkey Best for: unique hillside setting The Turquoise Coast of southern Turkey is something of a trailblazer for smart all-inclusive resorts. Here you’ll find the likes of Sundia by Liberty Exclusive, Club and Hotel Letoonia and Club Tuana – all-inclusive resorts that feel more like chic villages or boutique hotels, where good food is front and centre. And they have Hillside Beach Club to thank for the winning formula. Founded in 1994, terraced into the forested cliffs that rise dramatically out of impossibly azure waters around the town of Fethiye, this 330-room resort has been studied by Harvard for its record return bookings rate. Guest rooms are stacked up the hillside, an amphitheatre-like arrangement around the bay, main restaurant and pool. Get in shape to access clifftop rooms and the treetop spa, with paths, steps and wood bridges winding through the pines, or take the funicular. Paved walkways connect the main hub to the resort’s other beaches and restaurants. This is a rural retreat, but complimentary hotel shuttles run to Fethiye should you want to explore; excursions aboard a traditional Turkish, two-masted, wooden gulet boat access hidden beaches. There is an almost endless choice of complimentary sporty activities on water or land, which three different age-ranked children’s clubs to make the most of – other services for families include very decent children’s menus, a ‘baby park’ (play area), an outdoor theatre with daily events, buggies and a babysitting service. For all ages: take coffee roasting lessons, cookery courses and cocktail-making workshops. Food takes in a family style al fresco Italian restaurant, the club Pacha (12 years +), plus various venues offering excellent Turkish and Mediterranean menus with plenty of veggie, gluten-free and healthy options. Rooms and rates: Decked in tranquil neutral tones, almost all rooms have sea views, family style come with a large terrace and a separate single room. Those higher up the hillside are away from resort hubbub. Organic lip balms, hair bands and turquoise string friendship bracelets boost the generous toiletries range. One week from £2,560 for two adults and one child. Check rates and availability at British Airways, Tui or Hillside Beach Club Best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, Mauritius Best for: tropical beaches Situated on the southwestern tip of Mauritius, Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa is set against the backdrop of the iconic Le Morne mountain and has direct access to one of the most scenic shorelines on the island. You’ll be surrounded by tropical scenes, including an abundance of palm and coconut trees, pure white sand beaches, sapphire waters and the island’s largest lagoon on your doorstep. Guests staying at Paradis Beachcomber can also use the facilities of the neighbouring Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa which has a wealth of restaurants, pools and sporting opportunities, but you may well find your family is reluctant to leave the balmy pools and crystal waters for a stroll. However, a boat ride to snorkel and spot wild dolphins playing in the surf is a must, and active families will also love the pristine tennis courts, volleyball and mountain biking opportunities. A complimentary kids’ club for children aged 3 to 11 years old offers a wealth of creative opportunities and there’s an activity programme for teens aged 12 to 17 years old, which means ‘I’m bored’ are not words that will be mentioned on this holiday, so adults can really have a well-deserved break. Food is something that’s taken very seriously at Beachcombers, and there’s a great variety of family-friendly options. The Mediterranean restaurant Zest overlooks the beach and its open kitchen serves beautiful wood-fired pizzas, seafood, pasta dishes and al fresco sharing plates, as well as an imaginative cocktail menu. Children can play in the sand after eating in plain sight of their parents as they relax on rattan loveseats overlooking the lagoon. Blue Marlin serves world cuisine while La Ravenne specialises in classic Mauritian dishes which make the most of local ingredients. Breakfast is a bountiful affair with exotic fruits, fresh juices, homemade waffles, crepes and an almost endless variety of sweet and savoury treats – the only downside is you might struggle to drag the kids away! Rooms and rates: The hotel is made up of a variety of traditional, thatched roof buildings which offer both peace and privacy; those looking to travel with large or extended families can also investigate the option of larger villas. A night’s stay in a junior suite starts from £330 on a B&B basis. Check rates and availability at Beachcomber Hotels, booking.com or Thomas Cook Sandals, Grenada Best for: couples Sandals gives you the chance to soak up the Spice Isle on their adult-only all-inclusive resort, situated on Grenada’s gorgeous coastline at Pink Gin beach. Designed for couples, this large resort features warming fire pits, private pools and beautiful secluded areas for enjoying each other’s company. Guests can also try out a variety of land and water sports all included in the price of their stay, and make use of five pools, one of which includes a swim-up bar. There is also access to the state-of-the-art fitness centre, and spa featuring Caribbean-inspired treatments using natural regional products. With a large selection of room types, there is something to suit every couple. With stunning ocean and inland views, all rooms are spacious and equipped with a patio or balcony area. Sandals’ top rooms also come with their distinguished butler service, plunge pools and spacious living areas. There are 11 speciality restaurants on the resort. Head to Butch’s chophouse, serving up juicy steaks and fresh seafood. For an authentic Caribbean experience try out Spices, with its tropical surroundings, exceptional wines and spirits and warming hospitality. Expect dishes that make the most of what the island is famous for – nutmeg and cinnamon. All restaurants are included in your stay at no extra cost. At night, take in the energy of the rhythmic celebrations at one of six hotel bars always serving up premium liquors. Rooms and rates: Sandals pricing is dynamic but starts from around £2,109 per person for a Lover’s Lagoon Hideaway Junior Suite for a seven-night stay. Prices for premium rooms start from £3,599 per person for a South Seas Grande Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary on an all-inclusive basis for a seven-night stay. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, butler service and 24hr room service, return economy class flights with British Airways from London Gatwick Airport and resort transfers. Check rates and availability at Sandals Grenada, booking.com or Virgin Atlantic Cap Maison, St Lucia Best for: small boutique feel The Caribbean Windward island is a golden ticket for gourmet all-inclusive resorts, including East Winds, Jade Mountain and Sugar Beach. We’re singling out Cap Maison, in a spectacular clifftop location above Smuggler’s Bay at the island’s north, for its hacienda style and culinary excellence. For an all-inclusive resort, ‘the Cap’ has a boutique feel, with an honesty bar by reception, a clifftop swimming pool and just 49 rooms, suites and villas. There are wine tastings at Rock Maison, a decked bar at the base of the cliff which zip-wires its vintages down from the hotel. Cliff at Cap, above, is the open-air spot for both fine dining and breakfast, with a panoramic sea view backdrop. Expect French-Caribbean fine dining – with signature dinner dishes including ceviche of reef conch and ahi tuna with a mango balsamic jus; kurobuta pork belly with razor clams and squid served with a coconut foam. Even the beach bar, The Naked Fisherman, has culinary clout with contemporary seafood dishes as its central offering. Rooms and rates: Lead-in garden view rooms are cheery, if modest, with hand-painted Mexican tiles, wicker furnishings and jalousie shutters; villas are spacious enough for families but, overall, the resort’s atmosphere is quite grown-up. There are complimentary water sports a-plenty but no dedicated kids' club. Family offers at select times of the year include up to two children under 12 staying and dining for free, and rates include three hours of free babysitting. Summer season rates are around £452 per room, per night, and children under 11 eat free. Stays of three nights or more attract better rates. Check rates and availability at booking.com, British Airways or Cap Maison Palmaïa, Quintana Roo, Mexico Best for: wellness retreat The Riviera Maya has become something of a nexus of high-end, food-focused all-inclusive resorts. There’s Nizuc Resort & Spa, with superb pan-Asian and Indo-Chinese menus, and Tulum is shortly to welcome Mexico’s second Nobu Resort (the first is in Los Cabos, another top spot in Mexico for luxury resorts with great food). But we’re shining a spotlight on Palmaïa, an elegant wellness retreat just outside Playa del Carmen, for its bounty of vegan food and a spa based around a natural cenote. The Architects of Life programme includes beach and rainforest rituals such as cacao ceremonies, tai chi, sound-healing therapy and meditation, while a Waldorf Academy-led kid’s club programme aims to get youngsters to swap digital screens for outdoorsy activities immersed in nature. Jungle-backed and Caribbean-fronted, this green and serene spa hotel has dedicated villas, pools, menus and programmes for families, and areas for those travelling without children. Plant-based menus are found across all four restaurants, from the Mexican fine-dining LEK to El Caminante food truck, as well as in-room 24-hour dining, plus some fantastic healthy breakfast dishes, smoothies and baked goods on offer each morning. Rooms and rates: All 243 suites are ocean-front, some with swim-out access to the resort’s four infinity pools, others set among the mangroves. Sustainable and vegan principles at the forefront, so bathroom products are 100% biodegradable and not tested on animals, furnishings are leather-free and bedding is feather-free. From £891 based on an ocean-front queen or king suite sleeping two. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Thomas Cook or Palmaïa Best all-inclusive resorts further afield OZEN Collection, Maldives Best for: standout food The Maldives is synonymous with crystal waters, overwater villas and kind hospitality — and now, with standout food too. At OZEN Collection, spanning the islands of Maadhoo and Bolifushi, all-inclusive means local traditions, beachfront and underwater dining, wine tastings and warm service. Each villa comes with a personal butler (or hiyani) to top up your maxi-bar, make restaurant bookings and whisk you to dinner. Maadhoo is the smaller, more intimate of the two – lush, quiet and 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé. Its culinary centrepiece is LONU by Tuna, a fine-dining Maldivian restaurant led by chefs deeply rooted in local food heritage. Expect seasonal tasting menus that might include mas riha (spiced tuna curry) with heirloom rice, or garudhiya consommé with smoked tuna and lime leaf oil, all plated with understated elegance. Don’t miss M6M, the underwater restaurant, where marine biologists offer daytime reef tours and night-time brings a surreal setting of bioluminescence and soft lighting. Dishes like Maldivian lobster with curry leaf butter or sashimi with coconut vinegar pearls match the mood. Breakfast is exceptional too: alongside international choices, the Maldivian station serves mas huni (flaked tuna, coconut, onion and chilli) with warm roshi, kulhi mas and fiery lunumirus. Bolifushi, just 20 minutes by luxury catamaran from Malé, is larger and sleeker, with bigger villas (some with ocean slides), bikes and a strong focus on wine and global cuisine. At Origine, wine takes centre stage, thanks to a partnership with Tenerife’s Bodega Tajinaste. Guided tastings explore volcanic whites and bold reds paired with dishes like slow-cooked duck with pomegranate glaze or white fish with citrus beurre blanc. For something more relaxed, Sangu Beach offers Arabic dishes like meze platters, shakshuka and grilled seafood right on the sand. Open late for breakfast, it’s ideal after snorkelling or jet-skiing nearby. On the other side of the island, a buffet-style lunch offers generous sashimi and sushi options, barbecued steak, salads and curries. Villas come with personal butlers, private pools, freestanding tubs and optional floating breakfasts. Families can opt for two-bedroom residences, while honeymooners might prefer the Ocean Pool Suites. Both resorts have standout spas with Ayurvedic and Balinese treatments, plus yoga classes and tailored wellness programmes. Christine Hayes Check rates and availability at <a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theozencollection.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cd422d36c877d4a972e9608ddbf945f39%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638877366181955617%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4hrMQ9UCloQ5hKhg5cGpXUgn2LytxO7vthySJ8IGrl0%3D&reserved=0">theozencollection.com Kudadoo, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives Best for: opulent luxury When it comes to upscale all-inclusives, the Maldives set the gold standard. And this exclusive 15-villa floating retreat is perhaps the most opulent of them all. While no doubt pricey, part of the Kudadoo’s shining appeal is that absolutely everything is available at any time pretty much anywhere you want it. As a captive audience in the far-flung ocean-bound Maldives, some travellers may find this affords peace of mind. Luxury all-inclusive offerings, such as unlimited spa treatments, private yoga sessions, all water sports including scuba, excursions and all manner of gourmet food are on tap. There’s the very freshest sashimi and tropical fruits as you’d expect but you can also count on a very impressive cheese cellar, fine wines, spirits and champagne. Guests are also free to dine, inclusive, at nearby sister resort Hurawalhi, along with the much-photographed 5.8 Undersea Restaurant (although additional charges do apply there). Add to this the intuitive service of your private butler and you’ve got the sort of five-star experience found at any of the world’s best landmark hotels. This isn’t a family hotel in the traditional sense, but children will want for nothing with butlers on hand to conjure a roster of activities to entertain their small charges, plus a kids’ spa and, of course, tailored food menus. Rooms and rates: Barefoot luxury with wooden, stilted overwater villas topped with sloping Japanese ryokan-style roofs, indoor-outdoor bathrooms and generous decks with a private dining space, swing sofas and private pools. Doubles from £2,500 per night. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Mr and Mrs Smith, Thomas Cook or Kudadoo Discover more foodie travel tips at our travel hub. Read more travel guides for food lovers The best family hotels in Europe Best foodie holidays in Italy 4 seaside city breaks for foodies Top 10 foodie things to try in Rome
Venice, jewel of Italy’s Veneto, is in a culinary league of its own with seafood classics like sarde in saor and sweet favourites such as frittelle
Venice is a city like no other, with shimmering canals, hidden alleyways and a food culture shaped by the sea. From cicchetti – the Venetian take on tapas – to hearty regional classics, the city is brimming with dishes that celebrate its history and setting. Whether you’re hopping between cosy bars for small plates or sitting down to a fresh seafood feast, Venice serves up plenty to tempt every kind of traveller. Explore more foodie travel inspiration and discover our top eats from around the world in our travel hub. Or bring a taste of Italy to your table with our collection of Italian recipes – from timeless pasta and pizza to sweet treats like tiramisu. 8 foods to try in Venice 1. Frittelle A recent take on these little doughnuts includes Nutella, but the traditional Venetian version involves pine nuts, citrus peel and raisins or sultanas. Try them at Rosa Salva (a Venetian chain) – and have a napkin handy! 2. Veneziana If you want one of these panettone-esque treats straight off the train, turn left out of Santa Lucia railway station, walk down Rio Terà Lista di Spagna and step into a little slice of Italian life in Pasticceria Dal Mas. 3. Fritto misto A good place to try fritto misto is Osteria Ai Promessi Sposi, a Cannaregio neighbourhood institution, but ensure that you book ahead. Order a carafe of cold prosecco and the crispy fried seafood dish for an unforgettable meal. 4. Sarde in saor Fresh fish is marinated with vinegary onion, raisins and pine nuts, here, all of which lend a sweet tang. Light and fresh, this is the perfect dish for a hot summer’s day, especially when paired with a glass of crisp white wine. 5. Fegato alla veneziana The intense sweetness of slow-cooked onion balances the delicate flavour of the calf’s liver in this dish, a legacy of Venice’s maritime past, when perishable offal was discarded before voyages. It’s still popular today. 6. Cicchetti Local delicacies in bitesized form, cicchetti are often eaten as bar snacks. Try white salt cod (baccalà mantecato), a juicy prawn in oniony saor, greens and creamy stracciatella cheese, or polpette (small meatballs). 7. Risotto al nero di seppia Purple in colour, deeply savoury, utterly Venetian, the musky flavour of this squid ink risotto is the essence of the lagoon. The ink which gives this moreish dish its colour has a distinctive umami taste. 8. Moeche The ultimate seasonal dish, moeche (softshell crabs) are only available for a few weeks when the lagoon crabs have shed their hard shells. Simply covered in flour and fried, they won’t be cheap, but they’ll certainly be delicious. Discover more expert recommendations... Best foods to try in Anguilla Top foods to try in Chiang Mai Top foods to try in Singapore Best food markets in London Winter sun destinations for food holidays Top foods to try in Spain
Seven gadgets that can help you to reduce food waste
Over half of food waste in the UK comes from our homes, so we're spotlighting the best gadgets and tools that could help you reduce how much you throw away
As food lovers, we struggle to see ingredients and leftovers going to waste, so we're always looking for easy solutions that help us cut back on how much we throw away. According to climate action charity WRAP, which is behind Food Waste Action Week, a staggering 10.7 million tonnes of food waste is generated in the UK every year, and while a chunk of that is produced by farms, manufacturers, restaurants and supermarkets, around 60 per cent of food waste comes from our own homes. But as we hard as we try to keep track of use-by dates, repurpose leftovers and remember those items hidden at the back of the fridge, we could all do with a helping hand – and that's where the products listed below come in. These tools have been designed with reducing food waste in mind, to help you throw away less, save money on your grocery bills, and lower your carbon footprint in the process. We've included some items that you'll be familiar with but perhaps haven't considered buying before, plus other unique gadgets that make it easier to store and repurpose your food more efficiently. For further tips and to find out how the Good Food team uses up leftovers and spare ingredients from the Test Kitchen, read our guide on how to reduce food waste. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. Seven gadgets that can help you to reduce food waste Joseph Joseph FridgeStore™ clear rotating organiser Available from Joseph Joseph (£20), Fenwick (£20) If your fridge-freezer and cupboards are packed to the rafters with jars and bottles you don't use regularly, this clever multi-tiered turntable from Joseph Joseph will help you keep track what you have in stock. We've all made the mistake of buying a surplus of ingredients we didn't know we already had, but with this organiser, you'll have a better visibility of smaller items that are at risk of getting lost, like spices, pastes and condiments. Available from: Joseph Joseph (£20) Fenwick (£20) Lakeland Fresh Stretch silicone onion pod Available from Lakeland (£3.99) For those dishes that require just half an onion, this pod from Lakeland will stop you reaching for the cling film and keep the other half fresh for your next recipe. The stretchy silicone top hugs around the onion half easily and releases when you twist the two parts of the pod in opposite directions. The pod is also freezer-safe, and once you've emptied it, you can pop it in the dishwasher. For other produce, Lakeland also sells a lemon pod, avocado pod and cheese pod. Available from: Lakeland (£3.99) Zwilling Fresh and Save vacuum food storage Available from Zwilling (£89.95) Regular storage containers do a pretty good job of preserving food, but this clever vacuum-sealing set from German cookware Zwilling goes the extra mile. Using an automatic vacuum pump and specially designed containers, it's able to extract the air from each box and bag in seconds, so the contents stay fresher for even longer. Available in small and medium sizes, the seven-piece set includes the vacuum pump, plus two borosilicate glass containers and two reusable BPA-free bags that are microwave and freezer-safe. If you pair it with the Zwilling Culinary World app (via the QR code on the lids), you can also track how long your food has been stored for, receive reminders and discover new recipes. Available from: Zwilling (£89.95) Judge spaghetti measure Available from Harts of Stur (£1.96), Judge (£4), Amazon (£4.99) Pre-portioning your ingredients with a set of kitchen scales is perhaps one of the most obvious tips for reducing food waste, but for an even speedier hack when cooking spaghetti, there's this budget handheld tool from Judge, which allows you to measure out one to four portions so you serve consistent amounts every time. It's dishwasher-safe and easy to store too. Available from: Harts of Stur (£1.96) Judge (£4) Amazon (£4.99) OXO Good Grips herb keeper Available from Amazon (£38.30) Not all of us have the space to grow our own fresh herbs, so if you rely on packets or small pots from the supermarket, you'll know the struggle of scrambling to use them up before they start to wilt. This nifty storage container, which is part of the OXO Good Grips range, is ideal for keeping herbs like coriander, dill, chives, thyme and rosemary ultra-fresh, as well as tall vegetables like celery sticks, spring onions and asparagus. On the front of the container, there's a fill line to indicate how much water you need and a ventilated basket that allows air to circulate, plus a hinged lid so you can access the contents easily. The dishwasher-safe basket also has a hook on the back, so you can hang it on the inside of your fridge door. Available from: Amazon (£38.30) Ninja Blast portable blender Available from Very (£39), Amazon (£39), Ninja (£39.99), Currys (£39.99) A blender is a great way to use up fruit and veg that's a little past its best, as you can blitz ingredients into smoothies, sauces and pesto. This portable model from Ninja is ideal for small kitchens without much storage space, and in test produced smooth, consistent results in just 30 seconds. It comes with a 530ml blending cup, a sip lid with a handle, cup cover, blade cover, and USB-C rechargeable motor base and charging cord. The lid is designed to be leak-proof, too, so you can pop it in your bag and take it on the go. Available from: Very (£39) Amazon (£39) Ninja (£39.99) Currys (£39.99) Lomi kitchen composter Available from Lakeland (£399.99) Making compost from food waste that would have otherwise gone to landfill is relatively straightforward, but often takes time and can get a bit smelly. This gadget, which is good-looking enough to sit on the countertop, speeds up the process significantly without using up lots of energy, while reducing nasty food odours in the process. In our experience it has some trouble breaking down seeds, but otherwise does solid job handling most types of household food waste (leftovers, fruit skins and so on), garden waste, scraps of paper and more – producing what it calls 'Lomi Earth', which is a bit like fertiliser, in as little as four hours. Available from: Lakeland (£399.99) Related reviews Best food storage containers Best blender Best juicers Best spiralizers Best fridge-freezer Best soup makers Best hand blenders Best kitchen scales Best slow cookers Best smoothie makers Best food processors More on reducing food waste Good Food podcast: Max La Manna on tackling food waste How to reduce food waste How to reduce food packaging waste Zero-waste recipes for every day The Good Food sustainability glossary How to waste fewer potatoes How to waste fewer bananas How to waste less bread How to waste less asparagus How to use up leftovers
8 best unspoilt beach destinations in Europe
Swap crowds for wide open sand, beachside tavernas and hidden gems – check out the best unspoilt destinations in Europe
As summer approaches and the days start getting longer, thoughts naturally turn towards holidays and a sunny beachside trip with friends or family. But, with parts of Europe suffering from overtourism and everywhere from Brighton to Barcelona being packed with visitors, it can be hard to decide where you should go for a less hectic break by the sea. However, Europe spans almost 50 countries and is roughly 5,000km wide – meaning there's a wealth of glorious beach spots to visit that are off the regular tourist trail. Discover these hidden gems this summer, from the wild waves of the Ionian sea and the natural thermal rock pools of Italy, to far-flung Scottish beaches mistaken for tropical sands and a French beach so good, it’s been immortalised in song. Beach season varies from place to place, but generally starts in March and April and finishes in September or October. The further south in Europe you go, the earlier opening and/or later closing seasonal bars, restaurants and hotels will be, so check in with each establishment to confirm dates before travelling. The earlier and/or later you travel in the season will also be cheaper, with peak (read: most expensive) time being the summer months of June, July and especially August, which is generally school holiday time across Europe. We’ve chosen a selection of places for all budgets, and most of our list contains beaches that can be reached by public transport, car or, in some cases, by foot. But, check for accessibility before visiting – some places may have steep steps or rocky hills that you'll need to walk up or down. Don’t forget to always bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and in the case of very remote beaches that may not have nearby cafes or bars, a picnic and something special to drink once you reach your destination. Read on to discover some of Europe’s best unspoilt beaches. Best unspoilt beach destinations in Europe Maronti Beach, Ischia, Italy Along the Amalfi coast, those in the know skip the crowded beaches of Positano and Capri and head for the lesser-known island of Ischia from the end of March onwards. Just a 50-minute boat ride from Naples (tickets from £14 return), this island is an unsung gem of Italy. It's a volcanic isle with dramatic mountainous scenery, both natural and manmade thermal and wellness spas, gorgeous beaches, and incredible food and drink. San Montano beach in the north-west should be your first port of call, as it will introduce you to the stunning rugged beaches and turquoise waters of the island. In the south, take a trip down the (admittedly very steep) steps at Sorgeto Bay to discover natural geo-thermal rock pools in the shore. But, be careful – they can become boiling hot! Take the water taxi to Maronti beach for lunch cooked by the hot sands. Cooking al fumarole is a tradition here, where ingredients such as fish, chicken and veg are placed in tin pans, covered and put in holes dug in the sand – they cook in just over an hour. Just two restaurants cook in this incredible traditional way: Ristorante Da Nicola Fumarole and Hotel Terme Ferdinando, with its picturesque, sun-filled terrace. Paired with some of the island’s award-winning volcanic wine, Enaria, it’ll be a beachside lunch that you’ll likely remember forever. Ischia produces several great wines, and the vineyards are worthwhile stop-offs if the weather takes a turn. Tenuta Callito is worth a visit – stay in its newly converted farmstay and check out the wine-based spa with its red wine bath. Elsewhere, there’s incredible seafood to be had at Ristorante Pizzeria Fratelli La Bufala – try the garlicky sautéed giant clams, soute’ di vongole – and parmesan-crusted pizza bread. Pick up a traditional mozzarella and prosciutto-stuffed zingare sandwich from the much-loved Boccia bakery in Ischia town before your boat back to the mainland. How to do it: stay in the majestic Hotel and Spa Excelsior Belvedere (doubles from £256) in Ischia town, with an incredible view of the iconic Aragonese castle – it’s where the celebrities stay when in town for the Ischia Film Festival in June. On the south side of the island, try the luxury Miramare (doubles from £320) in the pretty village of Sant’Angelo, which is within walking distance of beaches and popular thermal parks. Praia do Guincho, Cascais, Portugal Lisbon is arguably one of Europe’s best city breaks, but as the locals know, it’s best to head down the coast for beach hangs at the weekend. Drive or get the train from Cais do Sodré station, and travel west along the coast towards Cascais. Stop off at Praia de Carcavelos, a massive, fun, family-friendly beach with lots of volleyball and surfing to enjoy, for an arroz de peixe – a Portuguese paella, of sorts – at Marisca Petisca. When you get to Cascais, dodge the influx of visitors and head down to Praia do Guincho via the number 15 bus. Geographically located between Cascais and the equally charming Sintra, the soft sands of the beach lead out to the Atlantic Ocean – while the sea can be slightly bracing before the high summer months, the sweeping Serra de Sintra hills in the background make it a beautiful place to spend a day or more. Join the locals for a surfing lesson – check out Moana Surf School, with group lessons from £33 – or simply grab a table at one of the spectacular restaurants along the coast and watch the world go by. Michelin-starred Fortaleza do Guincho offers two tasting menus (£120 and £160) based around memories, or a la carte dishes like the 'wolf in sheep’s clothing', catch of the day, moray eel and black garlic (£40). At the other end of scale – and literally at the other end of the beach – there’s the more homely Bar do Guincho, serving up a wide range of seafood and meat dishes, including prego, a steak sandwich (£15). Or, because you're at the beach, try the prego de atum (tuna steak sandwich, £16). There are lots more sandwich and burger-based offerings that should please any kids, too. When you head back via Cascais, check out Santini ice cream parlour, which has been around since 1949 – flavours of the month when we visited were clementine, Greek yogurt and strawberries. Stop at Sacolinha for another traditional sweet treat, bola de berlim – a doughnut filled with nata custard. How to do it: if a meal at Fortaleza do Guincho wasn’t decadent enough, there’s also a five-star hotel in the former fortress, offering stylish and spacious rooms from £170 a night. Further along the beach, Estalagem Muchaxo looks out over the bay, with double rooms and breakfast from £67 – settle in by the roaring fireplace on colder nights in the bar. Slightly in from the beach, the Parque de Campismo Orbitur Guincho campsite in the nature park has self-catering double bed bungalows from £67 a night. Plage de Trousse-Chemise, Île de Ré, France First immortalised in a 1962 song by Charles Aznavour, Trousse Chemise, this beach, which is tucked away on the north-west of the French island, is just as dreamy as the tune dedicated to it. While you can access the island via a toll bridge from La Rochelle on the mainland, we’d recommend ditching the car as soon as possible – make like the islanders and hop on a bike to explore this peaceful part of the world. The pine tree surroundings of Plage de Trousse-Chemise means it manages to escape some of the heftier waves from the Atlantic, which makes it perfect for families with young children. Lunch – or an evening sunset – should be spent enjoying the view at La Cabane de la Patache, a 10-minute walk along the beach. There’s obviously seafood on the menu, but also lots of other French classics, like asparagus vinaigrette or beef tartare, with mains coming in at around £20. Île de Ré is famous for its oysters and the little huts that serve them, so if you’re visiting between April and November – when the season runs – you can do an oyster crawl, stopping off at Les Huîtres de Trousse Chemise at Portes-en-Ré or La Cabane du Feneau (£14 per dozen). Don’t let the casual nature of these oyster shacks fool you – they get extremely busy in summer, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance. Elsewhere, save room for galettes or crêpes at Fricoter – it also offers picnics to take away to the beach – and ice cream at the historic La Martinière Saint-Martin de Ré, known locally as 'the temple of ice cream'. It's open from the Easter holidays, and offers up to 300 flavours of artisan scoops, at around £4 each. How to do it: closest accommodation to the beach is the four-star camping site Camping Le Phare, set upon the salt planes. The luxury cabins sleep up to six people and cost from £600 a week in low season. Hôtel Le Chat Botté in the pretty village of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines has doubles from £108 a night, and when you’re done splashing around in the sea, you can take a dip in its eco-friendly natural swimming pool, or have a well-being treatment in the spa. It’s also within walking distance of the Phare Des Baleines lighthouse, which has a 257-step climb to an incredible view of the whole island. Berneray West beach, North Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland In 2009, the Thai island of Koh Chang promoted the beautiful white sands and turquoise sea of Kai Bae beach in an advert. But, the picturesque image used was actually Berneray island, 8,000 miles away in the Outer Hebrides. Once you've made the trip to the islands off the coast of north-west Scotland, it's easy to see where the confusion lies. The ferry ride from Uig on the mainland to Lochmaddy takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, then it's a 20-minute drive to Berneray’s West Beach. The long journey is more than worth it, though: the expanse of pristine sand stretches far into the horizon, framed by the rolling hills of the highlands and the clear, aquamarine blue of the sea. Corncrakes, waders, lapwings and oystercatchers can all be spotted making the beach their home, too. There’s not too many places to eat on Berneray, but the Berneray Shop and Bistro is worth the trip in itself. Open for lunch and dinner in high season – generally running from May to September – homemade fish and chips (£15.5) are always a winner, but try the signature Berneray langoustines hoagie (£14.95) or a baked potato with Hebridean Smokehouse smoked salmon (£12.95). Save room for a slice of the light-as-clouds pavlova, and don’t forget to book in advance, as this place naturally gets busy in summer. Elsewhere, we’d recommend picking up some of the incredible local produce from the shop at Berneray to take on a picnic to the beach. If you’re travelling via North Uist, pick up a scallop and Stornoway black pudding roll (£8) or North Uist lobster sub roll (£12) from The Wee Cottage Kitchen, a tiny roadside trailer slinging out some of the best sandwich-based meals in the British Isles. Beach picnics have never been more decadent. How to do it: the remoteness of Berneray is a big part of its pull, but it means that accommodation close to the West beach is scarce, and can be a little pricey. There’s a cute micro-cabin called Kelley’s Pod that sleeps three and costs from £120 a night, while by the East beach on the island, the quaint Seal View B&B offers a family room from £120 (kids five and under go free). Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa, Spain It might have been voted one of Spain's greatest beaches, but Playa de Bolonia is still relatively quiet and mostly visited by locals. It’s no wonder Spaniards are keeping shtum on this one: the cork and wild olive trees of Estrecho National Park and big sand dunes frame the 3.8km beach, which is an ideal spot for windsurfing and other watersports, plus watching the sunset. After you’ve dusted the sand off, head into the small village of Bolonia, where history buffs can discover one of the country’s best-preserved Roman settlements. Try cheap and cheerful local tapas at Bar Garum, which offers a menu del dia – set meal – for £12, or a tasty stew made with langoustines and chickpeas (£6). Closer to the old Roman ruins, Restaurante Otero serves great food with a side of brilliant beach views – try the traditional red tuna from the region, atún rojo de almadraba (£14). Restaurante Miramar serves up fried fish, like chipirones (baby squid, £7) or boquerones (anchovies, £6.5), that you’ll still be dreaming of long after the holiday is over. How to do it: accommodation in the village leans towards the more basic. Bellavista Bolonia offers hotel rooms (from £60 for a double or £70 for a triple) and self-catering apartments (£80 a night; sleeps three), and is just a five-minute walk from the beach. The Hurricane Hotel (small doubles from £61 a night) is the must-stay hotel in Tarifa – it's a 15-minute drive from Bolonia and boasts a tropical garden, swimming pool, sauna and hammam. Avali beach, Lefkada, Greece <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/03/Avali-beach-8bf79a5.jpg" width="3750" height="2500" alt="Fabulous spring sunset view of Avali Beach. Colorful evening seascape of Ionian sea. Fantastic outdoor scene of Lefkada Island, Greece, Europe. Beauty of nature concept background." title="Fabulous spring sunset view of Avali Beach. Colorful evening seascape of Ionian sea. Fantastic outdoor scene of Lefkada Island, Greece, Europe. Beauty of nature concept background." /> Avali beach on Lefkada (technically an island, but connected to mainland Greece via a floating bridge) is another European stunner that’ll make you think you’ve been transported to the Caribbean or Maldives, with its fine pebbles and blue sea that merges with the bright summer sky. Umbrellas and sunbeds can be rented for about £8, in keeping with the budget prices of a break here. When it comes to eating, Gaidaros Canteen Kalamitsi at the north end of the beach is the place to be – a friendly, super-relaxed al fresco restaurant that serves up Greek classics. It’s a similar story at Avali on the south side of the beach, which offers traditional Greek fare, like courgette fritters and tzatziki (£5) or slow-cooked chicken with peppers (£10). Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered to here. After a day on the beach, Lefkada has plenty more to offer visitors. There are numerous scenic hikes winding around the green-carpeted hills and mountains, plus the medieval castle of Agia Mavra. Bustling Lefkada town, with its colourful architecture, is a 40-minute drive away from Avali. Pop into the Phonograph Museum, which is full of music and folk bric-à-brac, and stop off at Stavrakas for ice cream or the traditional soft drink soumada, made from almonds and orange flower water. How to do it: accommodation in this area tends to be a little more rustic and no-frills, but Casa D’Irene, close to Avali, offers budget double rooms with incredible views from £53 a night, which also includes a light breakfast buffet. A little further up the hill in the village of Kalamitsi is Liofos Studios, which has self-catering apartments with either mountain or sea views from £50 a night. The village also has a couple of grillhouse tavernas worth visiting – try the vine-covered terrace of Ionio or Platanos. Qeparo beach, Vlorë County, Albania <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/03/GettyImages-2167801980-9262258.jpg" width="2119" height="1415" alt="Stuffed eggplants (aubergines) served on the terrace of the Riviera, Qeparo beach new village of the Ionian coast, Albania, Europe" title="Stuffed eggplants (aubergines) served on the terrace of the Riviera, Qeparo beach new village of the Ionian coast, Albania, Europe" /> Why not discover the Albanian riviera this summer? Qeparo beach is a short walk from Qeparo village along a seafront promenade, which is easily accessible and takes you down to the narrow stretch of the shore and aquamarine Ionian sea – bring beach shoes, as the ground is a mixture of pebbles and sand. This beach is lesser-known than other tourist hotspots such as Dhërmi or Ksamil, but there are still lots of amenities, including sun loungers and umbrellas for a fee, plus a variety of nearby places to eat. Paradise Grill is a beach-side joint serving up all the best its wood-fired grill has to offer – there are ribeye steaks from £5 per 100g or tomahawk steak for £6 per 100g. Jo & Jo’s street food cafe is more American-inspired, and perfect for those craving hefty burgers (the Big Jo burger is £10) or club sandwiches (£6). For those with more of a sweet tooth, its waffles with various toppings are a must-try, and cost around £4 each. A 15-minute walk up from the beach into the hills is Taverna Dhrami (cash only), the star dining spot in this area. It’s a family-run restaurant serving Greek classics like moussaka and tzatziki, as well as the always excellent grilled catch of the day, served with bowls of salad and herbed chips. A meal out on the terrace – which looks down onto Qeparo beach – comes alongside one of the best sunsets you’re likely to see all year. How to do it: there are two choices for accommodation in this neck of the woods: beach-side, which provides easy access to the shoreline and its amenities, or slightly up in the hills in the ancient village. Valta Hotel is the best-placed hotel for the beach, with stylish doubles from £128 (open from May), including sun loungers and umbrellas on its private section of the beach (this will save up to €100 a day). Up in the hills is the converted self-catering farmhouse Villa Olive Old Qeparo, which has a swimming pool and outside terrace and is a steal starting at £58 a night for two people. Sandhammaren Strand, Skåne, Sweden This Baltic Sea spot is a peaceful place to spend a summer’s day (or even a winter’s day, if you’re up for a blustery, energising long walk). One of the beauties of this powdery sand beach is that it stretches out for miles, so there's no chance of someone else’s beach towel encroaching onto yours. There’s nothing touristy or over-developed here – the Hagestad nature reserve that backs onto the beach keeps it a wild and rugged experience, with the scent of pine trees mixing in with the salty sea air. You might even spot an elk lingering in the distant forest. The area, which is in the southernmost tip of Sweden, also has the unusual reputation of being the place where, in the past, the most ships have run aground. As such, it's known as the ship graveyard of Sweden. During the summer months, you can get a potted history of pirates and shipwrecks at the Sandhammaren Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1860s (entrance for adults is £3). While the isolated beach is all part of the appeal, food options are limited – a picnic is probably your best bet – but the cosy and quaint lighthouse cafe Sandhammarens Fyrgrill is open Monday to Friday, offering decent snacks and light meals, like prawn sandwiches (£14), fish & chips (also £14) or traditional meatballs. Or, have a big brunch prior to visiting the sea at Jord & Bord. It's a five-minute drive up the coast, and has a sensational organic and vegetarian menu, with dishes like grilled aubergine & hummus meze (£11) or a vegan burger with kimchi coleslaw, roasted potatoes & aïoli (£11; open Friday to Sunday). How to do it: within walking distance of the beach is Löderups Strandbad, with comfortable cottages that sleep up to six people from £140 a night. It’s also a bed and breakfast, with doubles from £104. It has a swimming pool that's open in summer, and the on-site restaurant is also decent, with barbecues available during the high season. If you’d like to lean into countryside living even more, try the rustic farmhouse B&B Vinkille, with rooms (from £108) including breakfast that features homegrown veg and homemade jams and marmalades. Hungry for more foodie travel content? 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The best rail journeys in Europe for food lovers
Sustainable and scenic, travelling by train can make the journey as thrilling as the destination. Here we share six of the best train routes in Europe for foodies.
Sustainable, civilised and in many cases, supremely scenic, travelling across Europe by train brings families within reach of some great food destinations. And when you consider routes that ride high into the Alps, through the lavender-hue landscapes of rural France and even onto a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina to Sicily, the journey can be as much of a thrill as the final destination. Overall, children travel by train for free in Europe until much older than they do in the UK. Rules and fares differ with each country’s operator, and while some trains are more family-friendly than others, for the most part Europe’s proliferation of different trains – be they roomy double-deckers, high-speed services, sleepers or those with proper dining cars – make travelling a pleasure for families. And with far less in the way of luggage restrictions or carbon emissions than flying, train travel brings peace of mind. By many calculations a train trip produces up some 90% fewer CO2 emissions than a comparable flight. Rail Europe is a useful resource for information and booking, offering end-to-end ticket bookings from the UK to most parts of central and western Europe. The Trainline is a very similar offering. However, it’s worth noting that as booking windows differ between operators across Europe, your searches on these platforms may not show all available trains if they’re not yet open for sale, or the routing is outside the European regions covered by their ticketing capabilities (tickets from trains in parts of eastern Europe and Scandinavia, for example, can be booked directly with the national operators). It's also worth noting that these booking sites give minimum connection times between trains as standard, which does not account for delays. This may leave you out of pocket if you have, say, a non-refundable sleeper train booking. So, allowing more generous connection times makes travel less frenetic for families – but you should also consider turning those connections into stops. This not only breaks long journeys but adds another destination that can be explored, and splitting your booking into separate legs can make things cheaper, too. A rail pass could be a good option if you’re planning a bigger trip. Bjorn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe says: “For those planning extensive travel, especially across multiple countries, rail passes can offer excellent value. Passes like the Eurail Pass or the Swiss Travel Pass provide unlimited travel within certain regions and time frames, making them ideal for family vacations or extended trips.” For detailed information on the very best routes for specific destinations, related bookings windows and who to book with, the all-knowing Man in Seat61 is your trusted guide. Advocacy group, Flight Free Travel has some great inspiration for trips while Snow Carbon is an invaluable resource to plan winter trips to the Alps, including a useful rail-ski map of France. And if you need a little handholding when it comes to setting up a holiday by train, operators including Railbookers and Byway can organise tailor-made trips with train and hotel bookings built in. The best European train routes for food lovers Take the train to Spain Ride the rails all the way to the Spanish seaside around Barcelona, taking in a slice of Provence as you go. Hop on the Eurostar to Paris where you can see the revamped Notre Dame newly risen from the ashes, and break the journey to indulge in crêpes at Breizh Café or enjoy farm-to-fork food and a leg stretch at Le ReCyclerie, on Paris’s former Petite Ceinture railway line. For overnight stays, fun and funky Yooma is walking distance from the Eiffel Tower, and has family rooms sleeping up to six, with bumper breakfasts (free for under 2s), and an organic fruit and veg ‘farm’ on its rooftop. The fast TGV service (3hr, direct) from Gare de Lyon includes services on kid-pleasing duplex (double-decker) trains that have a café-bar serving drinks, simple sandwiches and a few hot dishes (quiche, lasagne and the like). See the Rhône River Valley – and maybe even a distant glimpse of the Alps – the Burgundy vineyards and the Provence lavender fields roll out before you as you head south to the walled city of Avignon. Visit its medieval gothic palace and try some exemplary Provencal cuisine by popping into Les Halles. The market, with its living Mur Végétal green wall, is a great place to pack a picnic for onward travels – from herby olives and regional goat’s cheeses to freshly baked fougasse loaves plus fruits, veggies charcuterie and more. Then it’s off to the sunny southern shores of Spain, to Barcelona – the fastest services with Renfe or TGV taking around four hours, while slower trains allow stops in places like Nîmes, Montpellier, Narbonne, Perpignan and, across the border in Spain, Figueres and Girona. In Barcelona, check into family-friendly Casa Camper where spacious rooms sleep up to four, children under five stay free, and living areas are strung with a hammock. Informal, Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, Dos Palillos is on site, while the complimentary snack bar, stocked with wraps, salads and drinks, is a treat for families. As is the rooftop terrace with sun loungers and a plant-shaded shower to cool off in. Set in the Raval neighbourhood, it’s right in the thick of things, walking distance from the MACBA modern art museum, buzzy Boqueria food market and pedestrian La Rambla boulevard. And if you want a quieter beach break, take the R1 train line north along the coast to nearby castle-topped Canet de Mar, or the Rodalies de Catalunya commuter train south to neighbouring Garraf and Castelldefels for windsurfing and coastal hikes. How do to it: The Trainline has one-way tickets to the above destinations. London – Paris costs from £51, and children under four travel free if sitting on an accompanying adult’s lap. Paris to Avignon costs as little as £12.96, and children under 12 can get a half-price ticket on TGV INOUI trains, while under fours travel free if sitting on an accompanying adult’s lap. Avignon to Barcelona costs from £39.27 and under threes travel free on AVE services, as long as they don’t occupy a seat and carry a free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old get a 40% discount on ticket prices. A tale of two canal cities: Amsterdam & Haarlem Eurostar’s direct service puts London in reach of the Dutch capital in four hours – with up to 80% lower CO2 emissions than taking a flight between the two cities. And from February 2025, when Amsterdam Centraal station completes refurbishments, direct services will resume inbound, making this a quick and easy round-trip, perfect for families making their first foray into holidaying by train. You can expect the usual Eurostar provisions – wifi, accessible loos with baby changing facilities and café cars selling sandwiches, snacks and some hot food. A meal is included in Plus & Premier classes, with wine if it’s after 11am. Once you’ve cleared the Kent countryside and the 20-minute transit through the Channel Tunnel, you’re off through the fields and villages of northern France rattling along at up to 300 km/h (186 mph), Calais and Lille flashing past, before crossing into Belgium. There’s a brief stop at Brussels Midi station, before you speed into the Netherlands, crossing several windmill flanked rivers. Amsterdam offers plenty of foodie fun, but it can get very busy. So, make a day of it then hop on a local train from Centraal station, 20 minutes to Haarlem, a more tranquil canal city near the sea. Here, you’ll find similar gabled houses flanking canals, the beautiful De Adriaan windmill on the river Spaarne and a bevy of museums including the Netherland’s oldest, The Teylers Museum with arts and science collections including fossils and dinosaur skeletons. Try the Thrill Grill for upmarket burgers with Dutch beef and gouda, helmed by local TV chef, Robert Kranenborg, or head to Jopenkerk a brewery-bar in a spectacular former church setting with bistro-style food including a kid’s menu, toys and books, and an outdoor terrace. Check into Hello I’m Local, a boutique hostel with a library of board games, a café serving all-day breakfasts (everything from Stroopwafel to scrambled eggs), and rooms sleeping up to 14, many with their own loos and showers. And from here, it’s a 15-minute bus ride to the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park for sand dunes and lake swimming, and the beach town of Zandvoort. How to do it: Byway has a five-day trip to Amsterdam and Haarlem, including return rail travel and B&B hotel accommodation from £498 per person based on a family of four, with two children under 12, sharing a room. Into the Alps & the lakes The Bernina Express, the panoramic train connecting the north and south of Europe is one of the world’s most unique rail rides, taking you from snowy peaks to palm trees. Passing through 55 tunnels and crossing 196 bridges & viaducts on its way from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, it snakes past the Morteratsch glacier, multiple mountain lakes and, topping out at 2,253m (7,391ft) above sea level, it’s Europe’s highest rail pass. Then, once you’re in Tirano, local Italian trains take you straight to Lake Como (in just over an hour) and Milan (just under three hours), where Italy stretches out before you, including Rome in just under three hours. To get to the Bernina’s start point in Chur, take the Eurostar from London to Paris (2h20). Cross the city by metro or taxi to Gare de Lyon where the Man in Seat61 always recommends lunch at its chandelier- and fresco-decked Le Train Bleu for iconic rum baba and traditional gratin dauphinois, after which you can catch a double-decker, high-speed TGV-Lyria train through the rolling hills of France to Zurich in four hours. A leafy, lakefront city backed by mountains and surrounded by parks, Zurich is the perfect place to burn off steam before the onwards journey. Have a fondue with a view at Hillz restaurant on nearby Uetliberg mountain, complete with cable car, playground and ice cream kiosk. Overnight at Meininger Greencity, with family rooms and discounts on breakfasts and room rates for kids. The double decker train from Zurich comes complete with a family coach and play area, and whistles along lakes Zürichsee and Walensee before climbing into the mountains to Chur in around an hour. Pick up the shiny red Bernina Express on a neighbouring platform for the narrow gauge railway ride into the Alps, complete with panoramic sightseeing cars and a little refreshment trolley serving snacks and drinks. How to do it: The Trainline has a one-way ticket from London to Zurich from £93.38. Children under four can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Swiss Federal Railways sells tickets for the Zurich to Tirano route, including the Bernina Express, from CHF 96 (€101) per adult, children under six travel free, and under 16s half price. To Sicily by sleeper train & ferry Italy is a supremely child-friendly place to travel by rail, with plenty of sleeper services to explore but none is as legendary as the route from Milan and Rome to Sicily that includes the train shunting onto a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina. It’s a bucket-list travel experience, a thrill for kids and it saves a night’s hotel bill, too. Intercity Notte (ICN) trains have 1-4 berth sleepers (with ensuite showers and loos), and more affordable couchettes (bunk rooms with toilets and washrooms in the carriage); both have bed linens. Berths come with bottled water, a salty packet snack plus a light breakfast (juice, coffee, packet pastries), but there’s otherwise no café or food service, so pack a picnic. If you’re travelling from Rome, get yourself some goodies at the covered market in Testaccio, with some of the city’s best street food, and revered panini from Mordi & Vai. And if you’re travelling from Milan, make sure you leave enough time to wonder at the scale of its Centrale station, a Mussolini-era monolith with sky-scraping columns and vast rooftop sculptures of mythological animals. It’s also one of Italy’s busiest railway station, with 24 platforms so it’s not one to dash through easily. Its 40-plus food outlets take in everything from pizza at Spontini, Naples street eats À Puteca di Rossopomodoro and an entire two-level food hall. Trains depart Milan late evening and Rome just before midnight, with the early morning sea crossing usually shaking passengers awake. Then, once in Sicily, the train offloads again, to run down the east coast, skirting the foothills of Mount Etna before passing flamingo-filled lagoons en route to the coastal city of Syracuse. How to do it: From €39.90 (£33) per person, in a four-person couchette booked via ItaliaRail. Book with Rail Europe or The Trainline if you want to include the journey from the UK (around 10hrs with one change to Milan). A string of city breaks to the home of New Nordic cuisine Have a real rail adventure, taking in a string of beautiful European cities, including the birthplace of New Nordic cuisine, Copenhagen. Start by taking the Eurostar direct from London to Brussels (1h56), to pause and explore this handsome city lined with gothic palaces and Art Nouveau mansions. Try beers from local breweries in the guinguettes found in most city parks, café kiosks serving house-made salads, waffles and burgers, including Parckfarm in Tour & Taxi Park, a former industrial area now with a community orchard, with beehives, a bread oven and a greenhouse cafe serving veggie dishes from local producers. Check out the Banksy Museum and pick up some handmade chocolates at Sainte-Catherine Food Market, before heading back to Brussels Midi to pick up high-speed ICE service to Cologne Hbf (1h48), and from there onto Hamburg (4h37). Speed north through Germany, and while the scenery is largely suburban, some trains have seating areas at either end behind the driving cab, with a glass screen offering views along the tracks – a boon for little navigators. And if you haven’t packed a picnic, there’s a proper restaurant car with table service, and a changing menu of German dishes, like goulash and bratwurst. Take an overnight pause in Hamburg and its lovely Alster lakes, and explore the impressively revamped waterfront HafenCity district, home to the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg's futuristic concert hall that looks like its sailing into the river Elbe. Check out Miniatur Wonderland, the world’s largest model railway, taste a superior fish sandwich, fischbrötchen, at Brücke 10, a pontoon restaurant floating at St Pauli Piers. Then check into 25 Hours Hotel HafenCity with family rooms sleeping four, which can be connected to twin bunk rooms, and children under seven stay and breakfast free (a buffet with pastries, bircher muesli and hot food). And finally, it’s off to Copenhagen on Deutsche Bahn (4h37), a journey of many bridges spanning the increasingly water-frayed landscape, including the vast Rendsburg High Bridge with a gondola below transporting cars across the canal. Pack a picnic as, at best, food provisions extend to a refreshment trolley. From the Tivoli Gardens amusement park to harbourside trampolines and child-pleasing museums including a Carsten Höller-designed slide in the city’s Danish Architecture Centre, Copenhagen is supremely family-friendly. And it’s one of Europe’s pilgrimage spots for food lovers. Read our pick of the places to eat here. And of course, if you’re seeking onwards train adventures, Denmark’s blonde sand beaches and Legoland are a short journey away, and there are direct trains to the Swedish coastal cities of Malmo and Gothenburg, gateways to the rest of Scandinavia. How to do it: Book London to Brussels on the Eurostar (from £26). The final three routes – Brussels to Cologne (from £14), Cologne to Hamburg (from £13) and Hamburg to Copenhagen (from £22) – aboard Deutsche Bahn services. You can book directly with them, or use Rail Europe to book the route, end-to-end. Children under six travel free on Deutsche Bahn trains and don’t need a ticket if they don’t require a seat. Children six-14 require a child ticket but travel free when accompanied in most cases (children six-14 travelling alone get a 50% discount). See more information on the Deutsche Bahn website. Ride the rails to the French Riviera With high-speed, double decker TVG trains putting France’s sunny south coast within direct reach of Paris or Lille in around six hours, travelling to the French Riviera by train is a no-brainer for families. If you want to skip Paris and head straight for the beach, changing trains in Lille involves just a platform switch, rather than a cross-city transfer, for direct service to Marseille, then onwards connections along the Riviera. Going via Paris is usually cheaper, overall faster and offers more frequent connections including a direct TVG to Cannes and Nice from Gare de Lyon, and an overnight Intercité de Nuit sleeper from Gare d'Austerlitz to the same destinations plus Toulon, St Raphael for St Tropez, Cannes and Antibes. Both routes, via Lille or Paris, use trains with a café car selling drinks, basic cold snacks and a few heated up meals. Sleepers have four- and six-berth couchettes, which can be booked in their entirety via the ‘Espace Privatif’ option. But pack a picnic: there’s no food on sleepers, apart from some coffee and croissants sold in the morning. Ouigo, a subsidiary of SNCF French Railway, runs a similar daytime service from Paris to the south of France. It has cheaper fares, but there are airline-style baggage limits/fees and no catering. Opting for the sleeper one way and a day service the other offers kids both the excitement of bedding down on a train, and the fun of seeing the landscape change during daylight hours. Once you’ve left Paris or Lille, you’ll shortly be through the farmlands to Lyon, south of which you’ll cross the Rhône Valley and its waterways on towering viaducts, spotting the Alpine foothills, zipping past pretty Provencal hilltop villages to reach the glint of the Mediterranean at Marseille. If you continue to Nice, the train hugs the water along the Côte d'Azur passing mega-yacht populated harbours, sandy beaches and cliffy inlets studded by palm-shaded mansions. How to do it: Byway has a six-day trip travelling from the UK to Marseille then onwards along the Riviera to Cassis, gateway to the rocky, coastal Calanques National Park. It costs from £493 based on two adults and two children under 12 sharing B&B hotel accommodation in a family room (three nights in Cassis, two in Marseille), including return train travel. Check out more travel: 6 family-friendly trips: gourmet glamping Fowey Hall, luxury family hotel 6 eco-friendly family getaways 5 foodie family cruises Best all-inclusive resorts with great food
The best European campsites for families
A camping holiday is a great option for kids – and you don't need to be versed in tents and flysheets to enjoy. Here, we unpack how to camp in Europe and share 6 idyllic destinations
Camping is like catnip for children – an irresistible invitation to break free and have fun al fresco, bringing the excitement of bedding down in cabin, caravan or under canvas. And if you’re not a family that’s versed in the ways of guy ropes and flysheets, fear not. Most European campsites offer fixed caravan and cabin-style accommodation, pre-erected tents and some truly glamorous glamping options – many complete with bedding. Lots come with cafes and shops selling the basics – if not more impressive local farm fare – so you may not need to pack any more than you would for a resort-based holiday. And if needed, you can cart all the necessary kit, as many of Europe’s campsites can be accessed without flying – by road, rail or ferry – which means you cut your carbon footprint, too. To see which parts of Europe are easiest to reach without taking a plane, The Green Traveller has a useful flight-free journey planner. What kind of campsites are there? Europe has campsites to suit every taste and most budgets. There are huge holiday camps like Domaine des Ormes, in Brittany complete with an 18-hole golf course, multiple swimming pools and restaurants, a high-wire adventure course and hundreds of acres of woodland and wildflower meadows. Then there are boutique operations like Champagne Perron-Beauvineau whose rustic wood cabins and pitches are surrounded by the vineyards of the Champagne region, where the hosting Perron family offer personal recommendations on where to eat and private wine tastings. Many of the smaller sites are sustainable holiday options – independent, family-run outfits where your payment goes directly into the local economy. While those set away from honeypot coastal resorts offer the opportunity to get back to nature on a low-impact holiday in places where overtourism isn’t a concern. Lots of rural campsites, including European locations of Featherdown Farm, the UK’s glamping pioneer operation, are part of local farming communities, so you’ll often find fresh food on site, some offering the chance for children to collect eggs, feed the animals or help with seasonal harvests. How do I avoid the crowds? To secure the best spot, booking ahead is crucial. Savvy European families are poised to pounce on their preferred pitch in December when many of the popular coastal holiday camps in France go on sale for the following summer. Don’t want to join the fray? Scandinavia is a good option to avoid the peak season heat and scrum of southern Europe’s seaside. Sweden has some beautiful campsites, where you’ll find simple local food and a homespun hospitality, while Denmark has 4,350 miles of blond sand, dune-backed coastline. It’s true that without a ferry service or direct rail link from the UK, Scandinavia is tricky to get to if you want to cart your camping kit. However, Denmark is within reasonable reach overland by ferry or Eurotunnel to France, and more-so from England’s east coast ports to the Netherlands, where Denmark’s wealth of camping options are within about six-seven hour’s drive. You can also escape the coastal crowds by heading for the Alps where many mountain villages in Switzerland, Austria and France are reinventing themselves as summer playgrounds, with accommodation ranging from treehouses to yurts, trapper cabins to safari tents, along with wild pitches at the foot of glaciers. With ski lifts to take mountain bikers to the tops of trails, almost endless hiking opportunities, plus swimming and kayaking in lakes and rivers, the Alps are a cooler, calmer and less crowded summer holiday alternative to the Med and French coast campsites. What about small rural pitches? Huttopia offers numerous campsites in the Alps – and across Europe – in some superb natural settings. The company is a favourite with James Warner-Smith, author of several camping guidebooks and editor at HipCamp, a vast resource for info and booking camping breaks. “For family trips, Huttopia is really well set-up,” he says. “They have great family facilities, a relaxed vibe and they're actively trying to avoid the more congested reputation of campsite 'chains' with natural settings, like woodland and dunes.” And many, like Huttopia Saumur in the Loire Valley and Huttopia Meursault in Burgundy’s wine country combine excellent credentials for foodie families. How should I book? Big players like Eurocamp and Canvas Holidays have hundreds of large family-friendly holiday parks on their books, whereas HipCamp’s database of some 140,000 campsites take in peaceful private spots, public lands along with equipped campgrounds. Other trusted resources include Canopy & Stars for special glamping spots in France, Italy, Spain and the Nordics, while PitchUp and Great Little Campsites offers bookings and info on near-countless campsites across Europe, many with eco credentials. And among the numerous websites offering site reviews by camping families, Mumsnet and Family Camping Europe are worth a look. The 6 best European campsites for families France: Camping Le Brévedent With its lakeside setting, sweeping wooded grounds centring around an 18th-century hunting lodge, a farm-to-table restaurant and small organic vegetable garden, this family-run campsite in Normandy is a chateau-camping charm. Owner Raphael Bony serves cider and calvados nightly from the lodge bar, surrounded by ancestral oil paintings and often accompanied by a local folk band. Made from produce grown in the surrounding orchards, apple libations loom large here in the Calvados region, and the free kids’ club in July and August, during harvest season, sees children gather windfalls and hold apple-and-spoon races before pressing them into juice after lunch. Plastic bags are eschewed in favour of the reusable ‘green Le Brévedent sac’, provided for guests to carry morning croissants home from the shop, which also sells freshly baked goods, eggs, coffee-to-go and myriad treats from the region including Pont-l’Evêque cheese made on a neighbouring farm and apple jelly compote made in nearby Le Bréveden. The restaurant serves local, organic seasonal produce led by plant-based dishes (unusual for this animal farm-fed part of France), featuring things like lentil dahl with yogurt and peanut butter, Buddha bowls and pizza. And where meat is served, it comes from breeders of the Pays d’Auge, two miles away. There’s a heated swimming pool and plenty of space to run around. And you’re a half-hour’s drive to the Normandy beaches, surrounded by cider routes to follow and within launching distance of some outstanding coastal seafood restaurants, where kids can have a go at windsurfing and sand yachting. And within one-hour’s drive from Caen (for the Portsmouth-Caen ferry), and three hours from Calais, it’s within easy reach of the UK. Great for: Sociable families who like a campfire singalong, with children from tots to teens. Cost: A two-night pitch costs from €35 (£30); a week in a two-bedroom safari-style tent with an equipped kitchenette and bedding, sleeping two-four, costs €420 (£350). Larger tents are ensuite and the site has shower blocks and an outside kitchen area with sink and fridge. Book it: Hipcamp.com – Camping Le Brévedent France: Camping Domaine des Mathevies This long-standing family-run campsite, set on a wooded hillside in Sainte-Nathalène, is a favourite for its sensational views of the Périgord Noir countryside, expansive shady grounds and local food. British owners Natalie and Patrick McAlpine run this boutique operation in the Dordogne with 40 pitches, many under the canopies of walnut, cherry, fig, apple and plum trees, all with electricity hook-ups, plus 11 well-furnished cabins spread around the edge of the site and farmhouse gîte accommodation. This is a laidback retreat for adults and kids alike. The toddler’s playground is overlooked by the Cosy Nook Café, so you can relax with a café au lait, keeping the kids in plain sight. There’s a sandpit and climbing area, along with a children’s pool, a larger pool, tennis courts and table tennis area. The café has fresh bread and croissants delivered every morning; a superb spot to wake up slowly, seated on a daybed under the shade of a lime tree (and if you must, there’s wifi, plus satellite TV in the evenings). For something stronger, there’s local artisanal beer and a range of Bordeaux and Sainte Emilion wines. In July and August, the site hosts different food trucks, serving everything from pancakes and crepes to wood-fired pizzas, Vietnamese cuisine, fish and chips and gourmet burgers. Veggie and vegan options and children's portions are available. The on-site honesty shop is stocked with local wines, cheeses, and fresh bread, and the medieval city of Sarlat is 10-minutes’ drive away. The Dordogne culinary hub has a renowned Wednesday and Saturday market selling premium Périgord produce – black truffles, duck confit, Cabécou goat cheese and various varieties of strawberries – plus restaurants taking in the Michelin-starred, traditional cafés, farmhouse inns and chic bistronomie spots. There is easy access to castles, prehistoric caves, and the site can arrange canoe trips on the Dordogne River, passing the pretty villages of Beynac or La Roque Gageac and picnicking on one of the many beaches. Travelling from the UK, take the Eurotunnel or ferry, then drive (8h). Or take the Eurostar and change in Paris for a TGV service to Brive-la-Gaillarde or Bordeaux (shortest journey time 5hrs), then it’s a two-hour drive. Great for: Families with children from tots to tweens, and nature- or food-loving teens. Cost: Pitches from €19 (£16), and from €50 (£42) per night for a chic wooden chalet with a decked terrace, equipped kitchenette, loo and shower (bedding provided, linen can be rented). Book it: Hipcamp.com – Camping Domaine des Mathevies Netherlands: Camping Nij Wybranda Surrounded by cycle routes in the Friesland lake district, this site is an excellent choice for sporty families. Set on a farm, with pitches in tree-lined meadows, kids are encouraged to come along and help feed the animals including goats, cows and chickens. Horse and pony trekking is available on site while there’s myriad water sports on offer in local lakes plus boating on the pretty canals around the village of Sneek. The farm shop sells bread, goats’ cheese, and curd on request, along with locally made meat, honey and ice cream; Sneek (a 20-minute drive away) has restaurants and shops selling Dutch and Fresian specialities like stroopwafels, apple and cinnamon pancakes, various types of meatballs and sauerkraut-topped mashed potato, rollmop herrings and plenty of local kaas (clove) cheese. And along with the canals to explore, Sneek has a bevy of cultural attractions including a maritime museum, railway museum and art gallery with interactive exhibits for kids. North Holland’s beaches are half-hour’s drive away, while Amsterdam is about 90 minutes, connected to London by direct Eurostar (3h52) and east England’s ferry ports. The site offers pick-ups from local transport. Pitches come with electricity and wifi, and there are three apartments in the old farm building complete with kitchens and bathrooms, where breakfast can be provided, plus a trekker’s hut available to rent (with access to the campsite’s showers, loo blocks and washing up area with microwave and communal fridge). Great for: Active families with kids of all ages. Cost: Electric pitches from €20.50 (£17); three-night stays in a farmhouse apartment, sleeping three, from €199 (£166). Book it: Pitchup.com – Camping Nij Wybranda Spain: Camping Begur Head to the Costa Brava for a campsite that’s been sitting pretty surrounded by coastal forest for more than 50 years. With a Biosphere Tourism certificate the site is committed to preserving the native environment. There are 3,458 listed trees spread over the grounds, and the site organises nature and bird-watching activities. You’ll find shady pitches and two large pools, one heated and one salt-water, plus a mini farm where children can feed chickens, donkeys and ducks. There are rides on the farm’s vintage tractor and vegetable-growing classes in the on-site garden. Sports and activities include a games room, an air-conditioned gym, Pilates sessions, table tennis and a climbing wall, plus a free kids club for ages three to ten during high season, with evening entertainment for all ages. You'll wake up each day to the smell of fresh bread from the bakery, which is set at the entrance to the site alongside a little supermarket, butcher, fishmonger, bookshop and greengrocer, and there are 27 sturdy brick barbecues spread over the grounds available for use. The on-site restaurant serves local dishes – expect the likes of seafood paella, chilled gazpacho, grilled steak and patatas bravas. Don’t miss the chance to try the excellent wines of the DO Empordà region during tasting evenings. Accommodation ranges from tents and motorhome pitches to two-bedroom safari-style tents sleeping five, all with water and electricity. Plus, little chalets, bungalows and mobile homes. There’s wifi throughout, four shower blocks and a laundry room. Set just inland, the campsite is around a mile-and-a-half from both Platja Fonda beach and the mediaeval hilltop town of Begur. 78 miles north of Barcelona, and 36 miles east of Girona, the campsite is well-placed for arriving by plane, but also travel by train from the UK, changing in Paris or Lille in around eight hours Great for: Families with primary school-aged children. Cost: Seven nights in July staying in a Premium two-bedroom holiday chalet sleeping four guests, from £1,430 per party. Book it: Eurocamp.co.uk – Camping Begur Italy: Camping Delle Rose Run by the Fortunato family since 1969, this idyllic Italian campsite just across the border from France is surrounded by the chestnut, eucalyptus and mimosa trees of the Nervia valley. Backed by the distant Alps, the hillside spot is dashing distance (around eight miles) to Liguria’s beaches and an hour’s drive from Nice – with both its international airport and train connections to the UK (11hs from London, with one change in Paris). In summer, the swimming pool and paddling pool is perfect for cooling dips, while the playground and a pétanque court are favourite spots in the evening – and there’s a kid’s club (6-10 years) and entertainment in July and August. Overlooking the pool, the restaurant serves regional food, from trofie pasta with Ligurian pesto, homegrown Taggiasche olives and rabbit ragu, plus wood-fired pizzas. There’s also a bar serving breakfast, sandwiches and quick bites plus an onsite grocery store selling the likes of fresh bread, wine, eggs, deli goods, fresh fruit and veg, along with some pharmacy essentials. The medieval village of Isolabona, with shops and restaurants is around a mile away. The site was voted a ‘gastronomic delight’ 109 times by customers who booked via Pitchup last year, a record for the platform. Accommodation is in colourful clapboard mobile homes sleeping up to six, arranged together, hamlet-style, plus glamping safari tents and cabins along with camping, touring and motorhome pitches. Great for: Families with primary school-aged children. Cost: Pitches from €20 (£17), mobile homes from €33 (£28) with sheets provided. Book it: Pitchup.com – Camping Delle Rose Croatia: Camping Village Simuni Pick a pitch under the shade of an old holm oak or pine tree in view of the sea and you’ll want for nothing at this large camping village on the Croatian island of Pag. The site has direct access to six different beaches, one with an inflatable water course. The pebble bays are great for families with small children, as the water depth increases gradually and the sea is calm. And there’s plenty for older children and adults to do, too with an on-site water sports centre offering sailing and windsurfing lessons, and a dive centre offering courses and excursions to visit underwater caves. On land, there’s a treetop adventure course, mini golf, driving range, tennis courts, beach volleyball and evening entertainment including movie nights. This is a busy site in summer but with its 900 pitches spread over 35 hectares, it should be possible to find some seclusion. There are four restaurants and four bars including Pescaria serving fresh, local seafood and Mali Raj whose menu takes on breakfast toasties, crowd-pleasing risotto and pasta dishes, burgers and salads. There’s also a supermarket and weekly fish market. BBQs are permitted in designated areas on site. Pag itself is known for its lamb, grazed on herb-scented rocky pastures, along with sharp, salty Pag sheep’s cheese, and is home to several of Croatia’s most feted vineyards including Vina Otoka Paga famed for reviving the local Gegić grape, which makes a straw-coloured, fruity-floral white wine. The campsite is seven miles from Pag Town, where you’ll find a respectable range of restaurants serving Croatian and international cuisine, and is connected to the mainland by a causeway bridge. The closest international airport is Zadar, about an hour by road, served by a local bus. Accommodation, in clapboard mobile homes with decked terraces, sleep between four-six people in two-three bedrooms, with a loo, shower and kitchenette. Plus, pitches for tents and mobile homes with water and electricity and access to the site’s eight spacious shower blocks. Great for: Beach babies, water sports lovers and active families. Cost: For seven nights in July, staying in a two-bedroom holiday chalet sleeping six, prices start from £1,225 per party. Book it: Eurocamp.co.uk – Camping Village Simuni Check out more travel: 6 family-friendly trips: gourmet glamping Fowey Hall, luxury family hotel 6 eco-friendly family getaways 5 foodie family cruises Best all-inclusive resorts with great food
The best European city breaks for families
With 50 countries all boasting their own unique culture, food and history, Europe is a treasure trove of family-friendly urban holiday destinations. Here we provide travel tips and recommendations for some our favourite European cities
For those who have a wanderlust for travelling, becoming a parent doesn’t have to curtail your opportunities for adventures. On the UK's doorstep, just a short train, plane, ferry or car ride away is Europe; 50 countries each with their own unique culture, food, history and languages, stretching from the snow-capped mountains and fjords of Scandinavia, to the sun-soaked beaches of the Mediterranean and the historic, grand architecture and art of eastern Europe. Travelling to Europe for a city break – four or five days over a weekend or school holiday – is a fantastic way to get a little taster of a country. And while there are no kids’ club to drop your children off at, by pre-planning together as a family and creating an itinerary factoring in activities that will be fun for children as well, this effort will make memorable, eye-opening experiences for all the family that will hopefully last a lifetime. It might be refreshing upon visiting some European countries to see how integrated kids are into all aspects of life there. It’s not uncommon for all the family to eat late at night together in places like Spain, Italy and Greece, with restaurants happily welcoming and accommodating babies and small children; while in countries like Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, children are at the heart of society – even down to town planning, with incredible open-air playgrounds and parks found in most city centres, or free entry to galleries, museums and exhibitions, many of which have been created with kids in mind. And exploring these cities with children in tow is still accessible and arguably so much more culturally rewarding than a week on a beach, though if you’re smart, you can factor that in too. Here’s everything you need to know about creating the perfect European city break with kids. When should I travel with kids in Europe? Unfortunately, the travel industry sometimes exploits the school holidays, hiking up prices that they know parents will be forced to pay. But sometimes flying somewhere a few days earlier than the holidays can mean a saving of hundreds of pounds – check when your particular school has inset days and make use of these dates to get ahead of the crowds and expensive peak holiday times. Summer holidays are traditionally the priciest time of the year to travel, so think about taking a trip in the February, May or October half terms instead: southern Europe such as southern Spain, Greece and Italy are still toasty warm by late autumn, but will be cheaper and less crowded. Otherwise booking to travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are traditionally cheaper than the weekends; and many airlines have sales events, particularly in January, so snap up cut-price tickets for the rest of the year then. The first few days of September before school starts are when prices drop again; check out a Eurostar train-and-hotel package for a last minute, preterm trip. And while travelling around Christmas and particularly the new year is expensive, again, check if your school has inset days before or after the official holidays; a winter trip to spend a few days wandering around merry Christmas markets in Germany, Austria or Czech Republic will get everyone in the festive spirit. A few other bits of advice: be flexible on when you can travel, weigh up whether the cheap early-morning or late night flights are actually worth it (sometimes having to get a taxi to or from the airport when there’s no public transport negates the cost-saving) and remember that a lot of museums, galleries and restaurants are traditionally shut on Mondays. Where should I stay when travelling with kids? Up until recently, Airbnb looked like they were revolutionising holiday accommodation: cheap houses, good for groups and families, in residential parts of cities that allowed tourists to live like locals. But increasingly renting an Airbnb property is now more expensive than hotels – and often includes strict rules and/or half a day of cleaning required – plus several cities have banned or restricted short-terms rental sites like this for having a negative impact on the community and for pushing locals' rent up. If you’re travelling as a family, you’ll ideally want a house or large flat to stay, giving you access to things like a communal area, bathrooms and kitchen for breakfast (young kids will often want cereal long before the rest of the city has woken up), or for some lunches and dinners at home to save money. However, there are some more ethical versions of booking these types of accommodation: Fairbnb runs on a similar rental model, and 50 percent of the commission goes back into a local project. Home exchanges are also picking up in popularity too, with the bonus of making your family holiday much cheaper too: try Home Exchange, People Like Us or Kindred. Or, you can book houses or more unique stays through Booking.com (check the ‘entire homes and apartments’ or ‘holiday homes’ under the ‘Property type’ section). The humble guest house is also always worth a look – they are often cheaper than bigger hotels, and you might be able to get a family room, or like bigger hotels, ask if there’s two adjoining bedrooms available. Always ask about whether a single bed can be added to the room, or if there’s a room with two doubles, and find out what provisions there are for baby cots too. The 6 best European cities to visit with kids Berlin Germany’s capital has long been associated with clubbers and creatives; but those in the know are aware that it’s a surprisingly great location for a family holiday too. For the more artistically-minded, head to the contemporary Hamburger Bahnhof gallery to check out weird and wonderful artworks – they have family Sundays where there’s louder, interactive sessions in the space – or step into the future at Futurium, a free-to-enter space that explores what the world around us will look like in 50, 100 or even 500 years later. If retro technology is more your family’s jam then check out the computer games museum, Computerspielemuseum, where guests can play on everything from Pong to cutting-edge VR headsets. Berlin, though bitingly cold in winter, often has hot and sunny summers, which is why there are a lot of popular open air pools in the high season, favourites being the slide-filled Sommerbad Kreuzberg and Sommerbad Neukölln. Don’t forget to bring I.D. as it will be required for entry, and cash if you fancy a plate of chips or an ice-cream from the kiosk. Berlin neighbourhoods can have incredible local playgrounds and there are also plenty of parks for children throughout the city – there’s even an art-themed minigolf course in Tempelhofer Feld, or stop by to visit Europe’s biggest zoo in the Tiergarten. To get more amongst nature, the outskirts of Berlin has some stunning lakes where Berliners go to cool off: go for a splash in Müggelsee, Krumme Lanke and in the Grünewald forest, Schlachtensee, stopping for a seafood or schnitzel feast at Fischerhutte am Schlachtensee. If you’re keen for an overnight stay out in the forest, family rooms at the lake-side Seehotel Grunewald start from £77 a night, while back in Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte are good, central places to stay – try Apartments Rosenthal (family-sized apartments from £200 a night) or the cheap and cheerful Pension Prenzlberg (quadruple rooms from £100) – while the canal-side living and independent shops and restaurants of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg might appeal more, in which case try out Hotel 26 (rooms from £140). Berlin’s got a great fast-food culture, so be sure to eat like the locals and stop for a burger at the Burgermeister kiosks (known as “the best burger in Berlin”), a currywurst from Curry 36 or brave the hour long queue for a kebab at Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap. Elsewhere, there are great noodles to be found at Cocolo Ramen, or Korean food at the bright and spicy Angry Chicken. Reykjavik A four and a half hour flight from the UK – and halfway to America – might not be the first place you’d think of for a long, family-focused European weekend break, but Iceland, and its capital Reykjavik, has everything you’d need in spades. The land of fire and ice is a great option for bucket list trips to visit active volcanoes (or an indoor theatrical lava show), spot whales and puffins on a high-sea boat trip and hike around jaw-dropping waterfalls and erupting geysers – and happily for the kids, ice cream is hugely popular here, even despite the chillier climes of most of the year. Cheap flights can be found on the low-cost airlines Play, Easyjet and Wizz Air, and while some people can find Iceland on the pricier side, we found it comparable with prices in London. Families with children six or under can really cash in, as kids that age go free on pretty much any tour, travel or museum or gallery entry. There’s also the Reykjavik City Card, which is about £43 for a 48-hour pass, and allows you free entry to many of the city’s sites. We recommend the Árbær Open Air museum, Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park (there are free-to-use grills for your own BBQs in the summer) and enjoyed the modern art gallery Kjarvalsstaðir gallery, with a little playground in the park outside; all of which are included on the pass. A wander up the cheery Rainbow street, stopping for pictures and a pastry from Brauð & Co bakery ,will take you on to one of the area’s many outdoor, geo-thermal heated pools, the 86-year-old Art Deco Sundhöll. Spend a couple of hours happily splashing about in the heated pools – they have lots of toys, floats and pool noodles for kids too – and for dinner, you might be surprised to find that fish and chips are traditionally on the menu here (try Fish and Chips Vagninn or Reykjavik Fish). Or, there’s always a warming bowl of ramen at Ramen Momo, or burgers next door at Le KocK (their bagels and doughnuts are also on-point). Don’t forget to leave space for an extravagant sundae at OmNom ice-cream. Bed down in the stylish Exeter Hotel (double rooms from £152, which includes a great buffet breakfast), a stone’s throw away from the harbour and its many tours; or the comfortable Hotel Frón, also in the centre of the city, which has family rooms and two-bedroom apartments sleeping up to four people for £250 a night. Rotterdam Think of the Netherlands, and Amsterdam is probably the first city that comes to mind. But given the wildly expensive prices of hotels in the capital city, Rotterdam is a cheaper and equally culturally-packed city to visit. Just a 30-minute train from Schiphol airport – or just over two hours from London on the Eurostar – with two new big additions to the city in 2025, it makes it the perfect time to visit. Fenix – an international art museum devoted to the theme of migration – will draw big crowds when it opens in May 2025, as will the National Museum Of Photography, making it a must-visit for any shutterbugs in the family. Meanwhile, other great works of art can be seen at Depot Boijmans Van Beuninge – make sure to have a run about on their oasis, tree-filled rooftop and stop for a sandwich at Renilde restaurant. Surrounded by water – the port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe – naturally, it plays a big part in the city. Dive into more maritime adventures with the city’s Maritiem Museum, which has a fun soft play and immersive section for younger kids, and nearby you can stay on a big, converted ship called the SS Rotterdam, which has a family room for a very budget-friendly £111 a night. Or push the boat out for a fun night’s stay in a smaller houseboat called a Wikkelboat, complete with outdoor hot tub looking out to the marina in the harbour by Fenix (a boat that sleeps up to six is available from £227 a night). Should you want feet on firmer ground, try the Hotel New York (rooms from £158 a night). Rotterdam was flattened by bombs in World War II, and the city was built back in new and exciting ways – you don’t have to be an architecture buff to admire the city’s futuristic, Tetris-like Kijk-Kubus, Cube Houses, built by Piet Blom in the ‘70s. Pay €3 and you can check out the inside of one too in a tiny museum. A short walk from the Cube Houses is the Markthal; the city’s giant halfpipe-like food hall, which recently celebrated its 10th birthday. There’s a whole world of flavours in the little stalls and shops here: choose anything from dumplings, gyros and tapas to churros and stroopwafels. Rotterdam in general is a haven of international cuisine, including lots of noodle, pizza and pasta restaurants, but if the family want a traditional Dutch meal, then head to the petite Het Eethuisje van Delfshaven, a home-style cooking restaurant where there's hearty dishes like beef stew, schnitzels or sausage and mash on the menu. Those with a sweet tooth will want to leave room for apple cake and cream for dessert. Ted's Place - up on the rooftop of a high rise - is the perfect spot for brunch in the city, hidden in the middle of a secret mini-farm that looks out across the skyline of the city. Go say hi to the chickens or even try some honey from the on-site bee hives. If you’re visiting in summertime, follow the yellow brick road of converted rail lines along the city’s answer to New York’s Highline, the Luchtsingel - ‘air boulevard’, before stopping for a dip in Van Maanenbad outdoor swimming pool. There’s an impressive indoor pool, should you want to speed through some proper lengths, but splashing about under the trees outside is a more relaxing alternative. A weekend break can be finished with a few rounds of pinball on some of the 100 machines at the Dutch Pinball Museum. Lisbon With cheap prices, a city-and-beach combo and generally cracking weather, it’s easy to see why 15.3 million international visitors chose to holiday in Lisbon in 2023. The outdoorsy nature of the city means that happily, you’ll often find playgrounds right next to charming little cafes and bars. If you’re making a visit to the iconic Time Out Food Market, take your food to go and enjoy it to the right of the building where there’s a tiny playground and al fresco bar right next to it. Alternatively, hike up the hill to the Jardim do Príncipe Real playground, which looks out all over the city, or head to the tiny Praça das Flores, a picturesque square with a petite playground surrounded by restaurants that mum and dad will enjoy such as Cafeh Tehran, Magnolia, or Black Sheep natural wine bar. Fantasising a move here? Book the cute Flores Guest House nearby (family rooms from £80) and make believe for a weekend. Bear in mind Lisbon is incredibly hilly and full of cobblestones, so unless small babies can be carried in a sling – or buggies are easily transported – there will be a lot of energetic walking involved. You might choose to head to the hip, artistic warehouse district around LX Factory, or stroll through the old part of town, Alfama (you might hear strains of traditional Fado music), and up to the castle at Castelo de São Jorge (take a tour around the impressive medieval fortress), and up even further to the lookout Miradouro da Graça, where you’ll find another playground and parkside cafe-bar, a perfect place for a sundowner. A gorgeous sea-view apartment for four people can be booked in this area at Portas Do Ceu for £277 for two nights. A long weekend here wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach, so jump on a train at the Cais do Sodré station and head out towards Cascais, where any number of the beaches are beautiful – sporty members of the family can even pick up a surfing lesson or join in some volleyball on a beach like Praia de Carcavelos. On a Sunday, join the locals in digging into an arroz de peixe – Portugal’s version of paella – it’s a little more soupy but still incredibly flavourful; we enjoyed a great big terracotta bowl of it at Marisca Petisca. Once you’ve munched your way through several packets of pastel de nata – and stopped by Anthony Bourdain’s favourite seafood restaurant, Cervejaria Ramiro (book a table upstairs in advance – the staff are really accommodating with kids) – the last day should be spent in the contemporary Parque das Nações district, which is out of the city centre, back towards the airport. Pavilhão do Conhecimento is one of the best kid-friendly science museums we’ve ever visited: the walking, talking robots and the circus room were the major attractions here, and the other attractions like the oceanarium and the cable cars will make sure Lisbon’s a place that everyone is desperate to visit again soon. Paris Paris might not immediately jump out as a family-friendly option, but there's plenty to be found for children, especially on the outskirts of the city. As Paris neighbourhoods (arrondissements) spiral out like a snail shell from the touristy centre, the areas around the 10th and 11th are a good place to stay; with decent hotels and lots of independent restaurants and boutiques on the doorstep. At the fancier end of accommodation is Les Jardin du Marais, where a family suite starts from £226 a night; while Aparthotel Adagio Paris Buttes-Chaumont (sleeping four) near the picturesque park of Buttes-Chaumont slightly further out in the 20th goes for £167 a night. For first timers, a trip up the Eiffel Tower is a must. It's extra-special at night time, when the whole building shimmers and sparkles like a big disco ball on the hour, every hour. Make sure to book your tickets a few weeks beforehand, and you won’t have to queue. Then, the early bird catches le worm – breakfast is an exciting affair in Paris, where you’re never more than a few metres away from a stunning croissant or pain au chocolat. Standout bakeries include Du Pain et des Idées (the chocolate and pistachio swirls are especially good here), Tout Autour Du Pain and Boulangerie Mamiche (make sure to also try their babka). Hot chocolate is also big business here: try the classic Angelina’s or in the literary cafe, Les Deux Magots. For lunch or dinner, it’s best to head to a traditional boullion or bistro - most kids will be happy with chicken or steak haché and chips; these restaurants are casual and also very pocket friendly – try Bouillon Pigalle or the cheerful Brasserie Des Prés, or there’s always crêpes a plenty in places like the Breizh cafe in Canal Saint Martin. You’ll want to set an entire day aside for La cité des sciences et de l'industrie, the city’s excellent science and industry museum, which has a whole section especially dedicated to children; one for 2 to 7 year olds, one for 7 to 12 year olds, where they can get hands on with water experiments, machinery, computer quizzes and even building a “house”. And babies aren’t forgotten either – a soft play “baby city” is also available, and is free on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Other cultural centres always worth a visit are the Pompidou Centre in Les Halles – there’s often a great art or photography exhibition there – meanwhile any Emily in Paris fans will want to climb to the top of the steps at the Sacré Coeur to take their own selfies. If the weather is good, and the children are up for a run about, there are great playgrounds in Jardin du Luxembourg, the Trocadero (opposite the Eiffel Tower) and near the science museum in La Parc De La Villette – including a little farm. In the large parkland to the east (Bois de Boulogne) and west of the city (Bois de Vincennes), the old-fashioned amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne, the Jardin d'Acclimatation, is popular, as is the zoo and mini-golf in Bois de Vincennes. Florence While we all probably dream of a week’s family holiday in a Tuscan villa, prices can be prohibitively expensive, but a short break in Florence can be done on a budget, getting a taste of everything this popular region in Italy has to offer. Florence has got two big draws: its art and its food. While it’s probably a bit over ambitious to try and do all the incredible cultural offerings going on here (not to mention pricey), it’s best to choose one or two to focus on – plus, children are more likely to engage in one or two museums, than if they’re dragged to a never-ending list. For us, the Uffizi Galleries was the must-see gallery – walk over the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge beforehand – to see Boticelli’s Birth of Venus in person, or the vicious snake head of Medusa, all set in a staggering beautiful gallery that looks out over the Arno river and up to the Tuscan hills. This city is an artists’ city too, so another tip for children is buy them a sketch pad and pens and ask them to draw the famous pictures, buying you time to look through the history of art or the galleries have special themed tours for kids with downloadable brochures – flowers and monsters are the most recent subjects. Other bucket-list sights will be Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze – you can actually see a replica statue for free in the Parcheggio del Piazzale park in the south, with a bonus of incredible panoramic views of the city (bring a picnic from the Mercato Centrale) – or the painted ceiling on the dome of Florence Cathedral. One of Florence’s most famous sons, Leonardo Da Vinci, has not one but two museums dedicated to him in the city. We recommend heading to Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum on Via dei Servi, where visitors can get totally hands-on with his inventions, and learn just how far ahead of his time this visionary really was. As for other monumental machinery: there’s also one of Europe’s largest model railways at the HZERO Museum. When it comes to food, it’s hard to put a step wrong in this city. And it should be plain sailing for the children too: who doesn’t like a diet of pizza, pasta and ice-cream? Little gems of a restaurant such as Trattoria Sostanza offer the best of the simple, hearty local cooking, while Osteria Cinghiale Bianco is the place for pasta with the local favourite wild boar ragu. The best pizza is the subject of wildly raging debate, but Il Pizzaiuolo and Gustapizza always rate highly. The gelato is plentiful – so good it sometimes deserves a twice-a-day treat – but the trick is to steer clear of bright coloured stuff, the traditional artisanal ice cream should be in muted colours, and not piled too high (it means it is fresher). Favourite spots include Gelateria dei Neri, Gelateria di Medici and Perche no. Dreams of staying in a fancy villa needn’t be dashed by the budget either, a family room sleeping four in the old-fashioned but grandiose Hotel Villa Liana to the east of Florence costs from just £122 a night, whereas more basic stays – but closer to the centre – can be found from £142 a night for a quad room at B&B de’ Biffi. Check out family holidays: 6 family-friendly trips: gourmet glamping Fowey Hall, luxury family hotel 6 eco-friendly family getaways 5 foodie family cruises Best all-inclusive resorts
Sani resort - luxury family hotel review
Sani offers a wealth of accommodation and dining options to suit families of all shapes and sizes, discover what the hotel has to offer with our extensive review.
Sani Resort is well known for offering luxury family-friendly travel and is renowned for its excellent but discreet service. Nestled in the stunning surroundings of the Kassandra Peninsula in Halkidiki, Greece, the hotel is situated on an expansive ecological reserve with direct access to miles of private beach. Sani offers world-class dining and diverse activities for all age groups. Why Book? With over 40 restaurants and bars, Sani offers everything from gourmet dining to casual beachside snacks. The resort’s extensive family offerings, including world-class childcare services, dedicated sports academies, and an array of water activities, make it an exceptional choice for parents seeking both relaxation and adventure. Additionally, the presence of Greece's largest heated pool ensures that families can enjoy the water seasonally, extending the resort’s appeal well beyond summer where off-peak prices are also more economical. Set the Scene The resort is tucked away within a 1,000-acre ecological reserve, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding hills. Whether you’re arriving by private car or the resort’s fleet of sleek Volvo vehicles, the journey takes you through olive groves and natural landscapes, immediately setting a tone of peacefulness and exclusivity. As you enter the resort, you're greeted by airy, open spaces with a subtle but stylish décor that balances modern luxury with natural beauty. What’s the Backstory? Originally developed in the 1970s, the resort has grown significantly but continues to maintain its emphasis on blending modern luxury with its unique surroundings whilst upholding its sustainability credentials. The family-run resort has expanded into five distinct hotels, each offering a different experience but all sharing the same values of sustainability and guest-focused luxury. The Rooms Whether you’re staying in a beachside bungalow at Sani Club with views of the Aegean Sea or a spacious suite at Porto Sani, the interiors are tastefully created, expect neutral tones, warm woods, and elegant touches. Each hotel within the resort has its own unique style but the emphasis is on open space, and rooms are large and well-appointed, with many offering private balconies or gardens. Families are well catered for, with suites featuring large living areas, ample storage, and, in some cases, private pools or direct beach access. Sani Club’s beachfront bungalows are especially notable for their panoramic sea views, making them perfect for those seeking peace and privacy. For those with older children or teens, Sani Dunes offers more contemporary, upscale accommodations with sleek interiors and a sophisticated vibe. The Area/Location The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, from the ancient olive groves to the unspoiled beaches. For those wanting to explore beyond the resort, the nearby Sani Marina is a chic, lively spot with boutique shopping, waterfront dining, and a relaxed atmosphere. Further afield, visitors can discover the cultural heritage of Mount Olympus, or take a boat trip to the Athos Peninsula, home to ancient monasteries and stunning landscapes. Food and Drink Dining at Sani Resort is an experience in itself. The resort boasts an impressive selection of over 40 restaurants and bars, each offering something different to suit all tastes. From Michelin-starred dining to casual beachside bites, food is an integral part of the experience. The resort’s "Dine Around" program allows guests to enjoy a range of set menusat multiple restaurants, offering a seamless way to explore the diverse culinary options on offer. For standout experiences, Sani Gourmet, the resort’s annual food festival, celebrates top-tier culinary talent with Michelin-starred chefs and wine pairings that are nothing short of spectacular. One of the highlights from past festivals included a menu curated by the legendary Massimo Bottura, whose dishes like charcoal grilled veal with orange and yellow pepper puree are a true feast for the senses. Restaurants like La Cucina (Italian), Water Restaurant (Mediterranean seafood), and the Asian Corner (Japanese and Thai) are standout choices, but there are also more casual options, such as beachside bars serving everything from cocktails to fresh seafood. And for families, the resort’s kids’ menus, designed by renowned chef Annabel Karmel, ensure even the pickiest eaters are satisfied. The Service The service at Sani Resort is exemplary. From the moment you arrive, you’re made to feel like a VIP. The staff are highly trained, attentive, and go out of their way to ensure that all guests’ needs are met. Whether it’s providing personalized recommendations for activities or arranging for fresh towels and drinks by the pool, the attention to detail is evident throughout the resort. Even the littlest touches, like the welcome drink upon arrival or the complimentary beach bags, show how much the resort values its guests’ experience. For Families Sani Resort is a family paradise, offering a vast array of activities that cater to every age group. The resort’s childcare services are second to none, with options ranging from the Sani Creche (for babies 4 months to 4 years) to the Ozone Club (for teens). In between, the Melissa Mini Club offers exciting excursions and treasure hunts, while various on-site academies, including the Chelsea Football Academy, Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, and Bear Grylls Survival Club, provide action-packed fun for active children and teens. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, Sani Resort’s beaches offer shallow, calm waters ideal for young swimmers, and the resort’s dedicated kids' pools and playgrounds ensure everyone is entertained. Eco Effort Sani Resort is committed to sustainable tourism. The resort’s extensive eco-friendly initiatives have earned it numerous accolades, and it continues to lead the way in responsible travel. From electric vehicle charging stations to sourcing ingredients from local farms and implementing a no-waste approach in many of its restaurants, Sani works hard to minimize its environmental footprint while still offering a luxurious experience. Accessibility Sani Resort is highly accessible, with a focus on ensuring that all guests feel comfortable. Many of the resort’s facilities and rooms are wheelchair accessible, and there is a dedicated disabled suite. Guests with specific needs can request special arrangements in advance, and the resort staff are always happy to assist. Insider Tip Sani Gourmet, held during the summer months, is a must for any food lover visiting the resort. If you want a truly unforgettable experience, be sure to book one of the beachfront bungalows at Sani Club for incredible views and direct access to the beach. It’s a peaceful, idyllic spot perfect for a romantic getaway or a family retreat. For those looking to explore more of the area, make time for a visit to the Sani Marina for a laid-back afternoon of shopping and dining, or take a boat trip to explore the nearby Athos Peninsula for a glimpse into Greece's ancient heritage. Prices at Sani Club in a Double Room start from £278 per night, on a half-board basis. For more information, please visit Sani Resort.
Planning a romantic break to France's capital city? Between casual strolls along the Seine, indulge in some of the best food to eat in Paris…
Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the country they are travelling to. French food isn't all about haute cuisine and fine dining—some of the best food to enjoy in Paris can be bought from a humble boulangerie for just a couple of euros. Bite into a buttery croissant, savour a crunchy baguette, or try your hand at making the colourful macaron, which takes more effort but is worth every second. Here's our pick of the gastronomic highlights. If you’re exploring the city and want helpful tips on where to eat, check out our guide to the best places to eat in Paris. If you’re inspired by French culture and cuisine, try our French recipes or top French dessert recipes. 20 local food to eat in Paris 1. Steak frites For the quintessential bistrot dish, steak frites, head to one of Paris’ atmospheric French brasseries, complete with brass fittings, linen tablecloths (red gingham optional) and smart, aproned waiting staff. These restaurants are so integral to the city’s dining scene, even multi-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse has opened one: Champeaux in Les Halles. The simple pairing of a grilled steak with various optional sauces and chips is elevated to serious heights when the meat is well selected and carefully matured, and the potatoes are fresh, hand-cut and double-fried. Choose your cut of beef, your ‘cuisson’ (order ‘à point’ for medium-rare) and a sauce, be it Béarnaise or peppercorn, and crunch those crispy frites with a side order of squeaky haricots verts. Try our classic French steak with pommes frites recipe. 2. Croissants Walk past any bakery in the wee hours of the morning and you’ll be instantly spellbound by the warm buttery smell of fresh croissants escaping from the air vents at pavement level. This is your cue to step in and get your golden prize, which you can tuck into and savour on your morning walk as the city awakens. Sadly, fewer and fewer French bakeries make their croissants from scratch – they buy them frozen instead – so it’s worth asking to make sure your boulanger still engages in that noble, delicious craft. Try our homemade croissants recipe. 3. A cocktail at the Bar Hemingway The city’s most famous bar is tucked away inside The Ritz and celebrates the life and work of its most famous barfly, Ernest Hemingway. Try a sublime cocktail mixed by legendary British barman Colin Field, who has run the bar since 1994. His two signature cocktails are the Serendipity, which mixes calvados with fresh mint, sugar, ice and champagne, and the Clean Dirty Martini, which features a frozen cube of olive juice at its centre. You’ll have to guess the other ingredients – Field says he is taking the recipe to his grave. Try one of our martini recipes. We have a selection of classics and new twists, like our clementine martini. 4. Macarons Until supreme patissier Pierre Hermé reinvented these small, smooth meringues filled with ganache, they were a fairly unassuming item in the extensive range of French patisserie, coming in just four flavours: vanilla, chocolate, coffee and raspberry. This delicate pastry has taken the world by storm but its birthplace is resolutely Paris. Hermé took these colourful treats to another level with flavours such as lemon, orange blossom and Corsican honey (this is called the Jardin de l’Atlas) and rose, lychee and raspberry (the Ispahan). For those who like one flavour only, his ‘Infiniment’ range takes one ingredient – lemon, chocolate, coffee and many others – and uses it to create different layers of flavour in one macaron. Macarons are two-bite delights, but it is worth seeking them out from reputable pastry shops that actually make their own – many just hop on the bandwagon and sell factory-made ones that aren’t worth your time or dime – and go easy on the rainbow-style food colourings. Try our chocolate macarons for a sweet treat that goes perfectly with tea. 5. Croque-monsieur Most brasseries and cafés in Paris offer non-stop service, and a staple of their menu is the croque-monsieur, an oozy and crisp grilled ham and cheese sandwich usually moistened by a touch of béchamel sauce. If you’re extra hungry, get the croque-madame, which adds a fried egg on top. Try our homemade croque-monsieur recipe. 6. Israeli food The French aren’t known for embracing the cuisine of other cultures, but Paris is currenlty undergoing a gastronomic revolution and the focus of many chefs is Israeli food. One of the hottest tables in town is at Balagan where chefs Assaf Granit and Dan Yosha and their team are serving fresh, vibrant vegetable, fish and meat dishes lifted with perfectly pitched spices, tahini and citrus. For the best seat in the house, grab a stool at the kitchen counter and enjoy the chefs’ theatrics as they serve dishes, sing and knock back shots of cucumber and mint-enhanced absinthe. Check out our Mediterranean and Jewish recipes for inspiration on cooking Israeli-inspired dishes. Falafel is Israel's national dish, so try making our easy falafel recipe. It tastes a thousand times better than the shop-bought options. 7. Choucroute This brasserie staple originally hails from Alsace, the border region in eastern France, but it came to the French capital at the end of the 19th century when the region was annexed by Germany and refugees fled to Paris. Choucroute is the French word for sauerkraut, a huge serving of white cabbage cooked in riesling, duck or pork fat, with herbs and garlic and topped with sausages and pork knuckle. It’s the perfect dish to share between two, and at Bofinger (which boasts stunning art nouveau décor and a glorious stained glass atrium) it's served on a heated stove so it stays warm as you work your way through it. Read our sauerkraut recipe to learn how to make your own batch. If you're a fan of fermented foods, check out our collection of fermented food recipes. 8. Cédric Grolet’s Patisserie Is it really an orange? As you slice into its shell, you soon realise patissier Cédric Grolet’s extraordinary desserts are something very special – this is actually mousse filled with mandarin and timut pepper compote. At just 32 years old, Grolet has established a worldwide following (mostly thanks to his Instagram account) for his fruit desserts, which look every bit like the real thing. Each one takes around a week to complete, from the outer shell made with cocoa butter, to the mousse and compote inside. Grolet and his team make around 200 a day, serving only the best to teatime guests at Le Meurice, a luxury hotel on the Rue de Rivoli. Check out our French patisserie recipes. Try everything from pastry and gateau to tarts and madeleines. 9. A baguette French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the French baguette to be given UNESCO recognition, but many Parisian bakers have already ordained their baguettes with a superior status. An annual competition to find Paris’ best baguette (official title: Grand Prix de la Baguette Tradition Française de la Ville de Paris) has been running since 1994, and each year the baker of the best loaf wins a medal, €4,000 and the chance to supply the Elysée Palace for a year. Don’t forget to tear off the crusty, still-warm tip and nibble on it as you walk away, as any self-respecting Parisian does. Browse our French-inspired bread recipes for a weekend baking project. 10. Jacques Genin chocolates While the internationally-famous Ladurée and Pierre Hermé carve out their global operations, the chocolatier of choice for discerning Parisians is Jacques Genin. Head up to his elegant boutique and salon de thé (133 Rue de Turenne) not far from Place de la République to indulge in his exquisite and unusual flavours such as caper and basil, to sublime effect. If you’re a chocaholic, then try some of our chocolate recipes. 11. Coffee (or tea) ‘Un café’ used to mean just one thing, a bitter espresso consumed alongside a Gauloise cigarette (possibly while contemplating existentialism) but over the last few years Parisians have embraced a new generation of good coffee, where beans are carefully chosen, roasted and brewed. Taste it in the surrounds of one of Paris’ trendy coffee shops, many of which have sprung up near the hip districts of Canal Saint-Martin or The Marais. It’s not all about the flat whites and latte art, however. Tea (or thé) predates the coffee trend, with elegant salons de thé attracting a well-heeled clientele to try such brands as Mariage Frères or Dammann Frères – but before you come over all English, these are consumed without milk. One of the most elegant and popular salons de thé is Angelina on the Rue de Rivoli, where tea and coffee should come with their signature patisserie, Le Mont Blanc. Celebrate the irresistible flavour of coffee with our selection of coffee recipes, a range of espresso cocktails and iced drinks, or munch on cappuccino cakes, tiramisu, ice creams and more. 12. Rhum baba This dense cake with rum and vanilla cream dates from the 18th century and owes its place in French culinary history to King Stanislaus of Poland, who was exiled in Lorraine. The king had fond memories of raisin brioches served with Tokaji wine and so charged his chef, Nicolas Stohrer, with the task of recreating the dish, which he named rhum baba in keeping with his passion for the Arabian Nights stories. When Stanislaus’ daughter Marie married King Louis XV, Stohrer relocated to Paris and opened his own bakery, and the rhum baba’s Parisian future was sealed. Chef Alain Ducasse adores the dessert and it's a signature dish in many of his Parisian restaurants. Try Tom Kerridge’s Rum babas with poached pineapple & vanilla ice cream for a restaurant-style pudding you can make-ahead for a relaxed end to your dinner party. 13. Duck confit Originally devised to preserve fresh duck meat for future consumption, the confit method consists of cooking duck thighs in their own fat, until the meat is spectacularly moist and fork-tender. Few Parisian bistros make their own, but they pride themselves in selecting the best producer, typically from the southwest of France, and serve them seared until the skin turns golden and crisp. The classic side is pommes sarladaises, heavenly garlicky potatoes sautéed in duck fat. (And duck fat is good for you, right?) Try our homemade confit duck recipe. 14. Jambon-beurre Like all city dwellers, Parisians often need to eat on the go, and the jambon-beurre is the most Parisian of sandwiches. You can buy it from corner bakeries or order it from the counter at most cafés; in both cases it will come as a fresh half-baguette, its insides smeared with cool butter and garnished with ‘jambon de Paris’, a pink-hued cooked ham, with optional cornichons. 15. Raw-milk artisanal cheeses Paris is truly the gastronomic hub of France, and nowhere is it more apparent than in cheese shops, where you can buy the makings of a cheesy Tour de France and taste your way through each region’s stars, from the mildest to the sharpest. Always favour raw-milk cheeses (unless you have a compromised immunity) and ask the vendor what’s best right now, as the production of artisanal cheeses is a seasonal affair. 16. Paris-Brest Named after a long-established bicycle race that sees competitors cycle from Paris to the tip of Brittany, this is among the best-sellers in Parisian pastry shops. The wheel-shaped choux pastry shell garnished with praline buttercream and sprinkled with caramelized almonds is guaranteed bliss for sweet lovers. Try our homemade mini white chocolate Paris-Brest recipe. 17. Street-stand crêpes Walking around Paris, you’ll see street stands selling crêpes everywhere. One of the few truly native street foods, the crêpe is indeed a lovely treat to indulge in when it’s time for an afternoon snack. Be sure to pick a stand that cooks crêpes to order (rather than reheating them from a pile cooked earlier), makes them thin (nothing worse than a gummy, undercooked crêpe) and is kept spotlessly clean. Though you may be tempted to try all kinds of stuffings, serious aficionados stick to the beurre-sucre (butter and sugar) for the true, unadulterated crêpe experience. Try making crêpes and fill with your favourite toppings. 18. French onion soup If you want comfort in a bowl, then Parisian French onion soup is the way to go. It’s rumoured that Louis XV invented the recipe nearly three centuries ago. Our French onion soup recipe is deliciously rich and easy to make at home. This savoury soup is perfect for using a garden glut and great for dinner parties. 19. Éclairs An éclair is a choux pastry filled with cream and topped with flavoured icing. The dough, identical to that used for profiteroles, is typically piped into an oblong shape with a pastry bag and baked until crisp and hollow inside. Start your éclair journey with our homemade éclair recipe, then explore exciting flavour combinations like our banana custard éclairs. 20. Escargot Though traditionally cooked in various ways in Paris, the Burgundy recipe for escargot remains the most popular. A dozen snails are typically presented in their shells and stuffed with a mouthwatering combination of garlic, parsley, herbs, and butter. However, many Parisian restaurants have put their own creative spin on this classic dish. Now, you’ll find snails served with all kinds of filling. On the fancier side, you will find Roquefort, truffle and foie gras, and for a more adventurous take, there are even curry-based dishes. Check out our travel hub for more essential travel info and must-read guides. 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Discover where to eat and drink in Paris. Our guide covers the best restaurants and bars, to suit all budgets, in the French capital.
All recommendations have been reviewed and approved as of the publish date and will be checked periodically. If you think there is any incorrect or out-of-date information, please email us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk With some estimates placing the number of restaurants in Paris at well over 40,000, you're unlikely to be stuck for options – and if you need help narrowing them down, we’ve got you covered. From the best steak frites and croissants to the cheapest bistros or coolest restaurants, our curated list covers the entire city, with recommendations to suit every budget. And with the city expecting a big tourism boom for the 2024 Paris Olympics, now’s the time to make those reservations. Treat your tastebuds by following this expert guide, then check out the other helpful guides in our travel hub. What is the best area for eating and drinking in Paris? Paris is split up into 20 arrondissements (districts), and the standard is generally high throughout. Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement, is up in the hilly cobbled streets around the Sacre-Coeur and is fantastic for a taste of traditional Paris; there are also a host of excellent, well-known restaurants around Le Marais (around the 3rd and 4th). But for consistently great food in independent kitchens and popular, intimate restaurants, we’d suggest heading east, specifically the 11th, 10th and 3rd arrondissements. Best places to eat in Paris La Buvette This tiny cave à manger – a wine bar that serves small plates while you drink – has become such a firm favourite since it opened in 2012 that there's even now a cookbook of the same name, so customers can recreate some of Camille Fourmont’s signature offerings at home. ‘Delicious picky bits’ is probably the best way to describe the food here – anchovies, terrine, homemade pickles and butter beans in olive oil with lemon zest (their signature dish at €6.50); paired with a glass of minerally Pet Nat, it makes a perfect starting point for an evening out. 67 Rue Saint-Maur, 11th arrondissement Labuvette.paris Cafe Du Coin This unassuming restaurant – meaning ‘cafe on the corner’ – shot to fame when the New York Times included it in 2019 as part of its affordable dining renaissance in Paris feature. We’re pleased to report that it still fits that bill, offering a €20 set-lunch, or easy-on-the-pocket à la carte choices for later in the day. We stumbled upon this place when we were looking for lunch on a Sunday (lots of restaurants are shut in Paris on Sundays and Mondays) and were struck by its charm as we tucked into a succession of small plates like tuna tartare, taramasalata with radishes and sumac, and tasty cacio e pepe pizzettes. 9 Rue Camille Desmoulins, 11th arrondissement instagram.com/cafe_du_coin Bouillon Pigalle There are a couple of Bouillon restaurants around Paris, one in the more central Republique, but for anyone doing a bit of sightseeing around the Sacre-Coeur or the Moulin Rouge, Bouillon Pigalle is the place to book. The basic idea has been around since the 1800s – a cheap, tasty place for workers to eat at – and that essentially remains the premise today. With starters from just €2.50 (the egg mayonnaise) and a solid steak frites with pepper sauce at €12.60, you’ll have more to spend on their great table wines, which start at €3.60 a glass. We also found this was a great place for families, with kids always happy to tuck into chicken and chips (€9.80) when there’s a promise of chocolate mousse afterwards (€3.90). 22 Bd de Clichy, 18th bouillonlesite.com Chez Paul A contender for one of the oldest restaurants on this list, having been open pretty much every day since 1900, it feels like not a lot has changed over the years at Chez Paul – and that’s a good thing. We’d recommend stopping here for lunch, as their three-course lunch menu is just €23, and boasts hearty and often meaty French fare. Starters might include rabbit rillettes or leek vinaigrette, with mains of steak with bearnaise sauce, duck confit or, for the more adventurous, veal’s head and brains in a gribiche sauce. This is traditional, homemade French food at its most satisfying. 13 Rue de Charonne, 11th chezpaul.com Le Bistrot Paul Bert Not to be confused with Chez Paul, Le Bistrot Paul Bert nonetheless knocks it out of the park. The menu at this classic bistro is scribbled on a blackboard to peruse as others sit down for dinner in the traditional yet buzzy dining room. It’s an old-school vibe here, and very popular among those looking for that archetypal steak frites and red wine night in the city (a three-course meal costs €41); given the cosy candlelit ambience, we’d be inclined to join them. 18 Rue Paul Bert, 11th bistrotpaulbert.fr Terminus Nord It’s a common question: you’ve got an hour or two to kill before your Eurostar home, so where’s the best place to eat near Gare Du Nord? Our pick is always the ever-reliable Terminus Nord, especially if you want to spend the last of your euros on a seafood platter. Their fruits de mer platters – ranging from €24 to €145 – are fantastic, and the wine is much better than anything you’ll pick up across the road in duty free. Yes, this brasserie is normally packed and the service can be brusque, but the payoff is always worth it. 23 Rue de Dunkerque, 10th arrondissement terminusnord.com Du Pain et Des Idées So, where can the best croissant in Paris be found? In our opinion – and in the opinion of the late Anthony Bourdain too, for this bakery featured on his The Layover series – Du Pain et Des Idées takes the top spot. It opened in 1875, and there’s often a long queue from early morning, but it’s worth the wait. Go traditional with a croissant, or branch out and try the chocolate and pistachio swirl ('escargot', in French), which you can pick up for less than €4 each. 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 10th dupainetdesidees.com Brasserie Martin Kitsch is the name of the game here, and if you’re a fan of London restaurants like Circolo Popolare or Gloria, you’ll also enjoy this fun brasserie. Spot it from the street with its red-and-white striped canopies – extra points if you can find the roast chicken stained glass window above; inside it’s a joyous cacophony of colourful decor and crockery. Brasserie Martin is renowned for its rotisserie, as the ornate window implies, and a whole roast chicken for two is €17 per person, or a side of pork is €24, and both can be served with potatoes dauphinoise or French fries. 24 Rue Saint-Ambroise, 11th lanouvellegarde.com/brasserie-martin Ai Hsu Tucked away on a side street, just minutes from popular shopping destinations like Merci, this small, yellow-fronted cafe is a must-visit for lunch. It makes a welcome break from the busy nearby streets, with the food a pleasing fusion of Taiwanese and Japanese dishes, like the filling chirashi, a mixed bowl of sushi-like joy for €18, or the fragrant cold sesame noodles, served with pickles, salad and wakame. Don’t scrimp on the sides either – and wash it all down with an iced oolong tea. 16 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 11th facebook.com/aihsu75011 Benoit As of 2024, there are 121 restaurants in Paris with a Michelin star, and Benoit is a classy choice to start working your way through them. It's been serving up Lyon-style bistro food since 1912 and, now under the watchful eye of Alain Ducasse, is as popular as ever. Full of vintage charm – who doesn’t love a restaurant with their name branded on the crockery? – Benoit's three-course lunch menu comes in at a very reasonable €42. Make sure you leave room for dessert: the signature profiteroles with their ultra-rich chocolate sauce are the last word in indulgence. 20 Rue Saint-Martin, 4th benoit-paris.com Les Enfants Du Marché A stall in Paris’s oldest market is probably not the first place you’d think of visiting for a stellar lunch but, nestled in the corner of the Marché des Enfants Rouge, Les Enfants Du Marche is a casual, no-reservations spot incredibly popular with in-the-know foodies, as well as a favourite for off-duty chefs. If you’re lucky enough to find a spot by the small counter, expect seasonal small plates and daily delights from chef Shunta Suzuki, scrawled on the blackboards hanging from the bar top. It’s kind of meat-heavy – a recent visit offered pigs feet (€24), grilled blood sausage and squid (€28) and côte de boeuf to share at the day’s market price – but everything is delivered in a modern, innovative and often delicate manner. Marché des, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 3rd lesenfantsdumarche.fr BMK Paris-Bamako If there was a food Olympics in Paris, this sunny spot could well take the African cuisine gold. The warmth of signature dishes such as chicken mafé (made according to the chef’s mum’s recipe, €15), a lemony Senegalese yassa, and a Malian thieboudienne (€18), is matched by the warmth of the restaurant staff, who make sure that every dining experience here is a joy. 14 rue de la Fidélité, 10th bmkparis.com/decouvrez-bmk-parisbamako Robert et Louise Should you get lost in the streets of the Marais trying to find this restaurant, simply follow your nose: the inviting smell of smoke from the wood fire will guide you there. Robert et Louise has been firing up the grill in its old-fashioned restaurant since 1968. Come hungry, and preferably in a group, as hearty offerings of côte de boeuf (€64) are made for sharing, with a veritable butcher’s counter of sausages (from €9) as a pork chaser. Don’t skip the cheese course, with six classic cheeses on offer – and it’d be rude not to pair it all with a bottle of the solid house red. 64 Rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd robertetlouise.com Tekés Also making good use of an open wood grill – this time purely with vegetables – is Tekés, where the focus is on elevating plant-based dishes through traditional cooking methods. Put simply, it’s delicious plates of flavour-packed veggies that will sate even the most carnivorous of guests. The restaurant has recently launched a Middle Eastern brunch for those looking for a spicier start to the weekend: the €60 brunch buffet boasts everything from hummus and tabbouleh to paprika-roasted cauliflower and shakshuka – and save room for a sweet slice of chocolate babka to finish. 4 bis Rue Saint-Sauveur, 2nd tekesrestaurant.com Septime There's plenty of buzz around this intimate restaurant, and for good reason. Chef Bertrand Grébaut’s venture has been on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for quite some time now, and since 2017 it’s also been picking up awards for its sustainability credentials. You know the drill – it’s almost impossible to get a seat, even though reservations open three weeks in advance. But should the food gods be shining down on you, a dream dining situation lies ahead. The menu is brief: the lunchtime 5-course tasting menu is €85, the evening 7-course tasting menu is €135, so get ready to enjoy the show. Tip: if getting through the door is impossible, try their seafood-focused sister restaurant, Clamato, next door instead. 80 Rue de Charonne, 11th septime-charonne.fr Le Tagine Le Tagine has been celebrating the best of Moroccan cuisine for more than 40 years, and the colourful, cosy restaurant is just the tonic when grey skies and rain hit the capital. The signature dish is of course tagine, with chicken, lamb and salmon tagines from €25 each, to be mopped up with big spoonfuls of herbed couscous. If there’s room, check out their pastillas, or even better, grab a few to take away and enjoy on the go later. 13 Rue de Crussol, 11th letagine-restaurant.com Sur Mer A restaurant so cosy it’s almost as if you're sat at chef Olive Davoux's home dining table. What the turquoise-fronted Sur Mer excels at is, as you might have guessed, seafood. Davoux has been shucking shells at this busy spot since 2017, so pull up a chair and order some of the catch of the day. There’s always a selection of oysters on offer, usually starting from about €9 for 3; then there are some exciting and fresh takes on other crustaceans, such as steamed clams with hibiscus vinegar, or monkfish liver terrine with pickled rhubarb and mustard leaves. 53 Rue de Lancry, 10th surmer.restaurant Le Train Bleu Want to push the boat out for a celebration? The 120-year-old Le Train Bleu is the place for you. It's set in the city’s Gare Du Lyon station, and sitting down at the table is jaw-dropping, with ceiling frescos, chandeliers and cherubs galore. The à la carte menu is pricey – around €40 for a main course, such as cod loin or roast leg of lamb – but there is a two-course set meal for €55, which, given the opulent surroundings, feels like decent value for such decadence. Gare de Lyon, Pl. Louis Armand hall 1, 12th le-train-bleu.com Bouillon Julien If it’s opulence on more of a budget you’re after, check out Bouillon Julien. Decorated in an Art Nouveau-style – think stained glass, mirrored ceilings, celadon green-washed murals and a mahogany bar – this brasserie oozes grandeur, and yet the cheapest dish on the menu (pea soup) is a euro-busting €3.90. Follow that with chicken supreme for just €12.80 or pan-fried sea bream at €13.60 and, in one of the most expensive cities in the world, you’ll feel like you gamed the system – and in style. 16 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 10th bouillon-julien.com Angelina Speciality coffee shops and bubble tea spots may have popped up all over Paris in the past few years, but Angelina’s is without doubt one of the best places for a hot chocolate in Paris, especially if you're visiting museums like the Louvre nearby. This luxurious, indulgent tearoom has been open more than 120 years, and its hot chocolate, poured out from a little jug and topped with lashings of whipped cream, comes at the equally indulgent price of €8.90. Breakfast and brunch here is also lovely for a special occasion, but if you don’t want to queue to eat in – or you want to save a few euros – you can always take away, and enjoy the chocolaty treat, or one of their equally great eclairs or macarons, on a bench in the Jardin des Tuileries opposite. 226 Rue de Rivoli, 1st angelina-paris.fr Best bars in Paris Bambino For a bar cooler than Serge Gainsbourg on a winter’s day, head to Bambino, nestled in the heart of the 11th. It’s all mid-century and expensive candle vibes here, and while you might want to stop for a dinner of pizzettes and small plates, we’d recommend heading here in the later hours instead. The music picks up, there’s dancing and things start to get a little jazzy after one of their chic €12 cocktails on tap. 25 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 11th bambinoparis.com Le Très Particulier Entering via the side of a stately manner in a fairly residential Montmartre neighbourhood feels like you’ve been let in on a special secret – and that’s before you’ve even caught a glimpse of the spectacular bar at the back of L'Hôtel Particulier. By day, the lavishly decorated space looks out into the impressive garden; by night, the cosy velvet- and gold-furnished cocktail bar could double as a fancy members' club. Just don’t tell too many people… 23 Avenue Junot, Pavillon D, 18th hotelparticulier.com Le Perchoir Ménilmontant Up on the 7th floor, summery Mediterranean-style hangout Le Perchoir is one of Paris’s best rooftop bars. It has incredible 360-degree views, and if the weather’s on your side, a sundowner here – a glass of rosé starts at €7 – while the sun sets over the famous skyline will likely be one of the most magical moments of your trip. 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 11th leperchoir.fr Rosa Bonheur The charming Buttes Chaumont park in the north-east of the city is worth a visit in itself, but even more so for the cute bar at its centre. It’s a super-relaxed spot that comes alive on lazy summer days – and evenings – and with nature surrounding you, it really feels like la vie en rose. Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 1 rue de Botzaris, 19th rosabonheur.fr Café de l’Homme There’s one huge, grey metal reason why the sophisticated Café de l’Homme gets a place on our must-visit list, and that’s the unparalleled view of the Eiffel Tower from its terrace. It's one of the best places in Paris to see and snap the famous monument from; drinks are naturally a little pricey here, and make sure you arrive on the hour in the evening to get your money’s worth and experience the Iron Lady in all her glory. 17 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 16th cafedelhomme.com The Cambridge What’s this, an English-looking pub in Paris? Stay with us: this is like if some cool Parisians took over your local and injected it with a bit of French flair. The relaxed and comfortable bar spills out onto the street in summer, but the real draw here is the imaginative seasonal cocktails. A recent trip saw us thirsty for another round of Akira Kiras (€14); an elegant fusion of grapefruit, sencha tea, vodka and Lillet Blanc. Plus, they’re one of the few places in Paris to serve up Scotch eggs. 8 Rue de Poitou, 3rd thecambridge.paris Discover more foodie city guides The best restaurants in Berlin The best restaurants in London The best restaurants in Leeds The best restaurants in Cambridge Is there anywhere we've missed? Let us know in the comments below... Travellers are advised to read the travel advice for their destination country at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before travelling.