Southern Europe Summer Itinerary

Barcelona, Spain

Days: 3
Cost Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Barcelona is sunny, lively, and packed with family-friendly activities. Kids will love Gaudí’s whimsical buildings and Barceloneta Beach, while parents enjoy tapas and the relaxed Mediterranean pace.

Things to do:

Ride Tramvia Blau & Funicular, Explore Park Güell, Play at Barceloneta Beach, Wander Gothic Quarter, Ride Montjuïc cable car, Tapas tasting in El Born

 

Mallorca, Spain

Barcelona → Mallorca: Flight (~1h 15min) is fastest and easiest for families. Ferries are available (~7h) but much longer.

Days: 3
Cost Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Mallorca is ideal for beaches, scenic villages, and mountain drives. Family-friendly resorts and calm coves make it a relaxed summer stop.

Things to do:

Relax on Cala Millor or Playa de Muro, Visit Palma Cathedral & Old Town, Scenic drive to Valldemossa, Family hike in Serra de Tramuntana, Lighthouse at Cap de Formentor

 

Amalfi Coast, Italy (Positano → Amalfi → Ravello)

Mallorca → Amalfi Coast (Naples/Salerno): Fly (~2h 30min) to Naples. From Naples, take a train or private transfer to Amalfi Coast (~1–1.5h).

Days: 4
Cost Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5, luxury can be high)

Famed for cliffs, colourful houses, and turquoise waters. Positano’s iconic streets, Amalfi’s historic centre, and Ravello’s gardens make it perfect for a scenic, relaxed stop.

Things to do:

Positano: Wander streets, swim at Spiaggia Grande, Amalfi: Visit Amalfi Cathedral, explore piazzas, Ravello: Villa Rufolo & Villa Cimbrone gardens, Take a boat trip along the coast, Fresh seafood at local cafes

 

Athens, Greece

Amalfi Coast → Athens: Drive to Naples (~1–1.5h) → Flight to Athens (~2h 15min)

Days: 2
Cost Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Athens is historic and vibrant. Ancient landmarks, colourful neighbourhoods, and lively squares make it a fun stop before heading to the Greek islands.

Things to do:

Visit Acropolis & Parthenon, Wander Plaka, Explore Ancient Agora, Sunset at Lycabettus Hill, Try local cuisine at Monastiraki Square

 

Naxos, Greece

Athens → Naxos: Ferry (~4–5h) or flight (~45 min) — ferries are scenic and ideal for families with a relaxed pace.

Days: 2–3
Cost Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Naxos is perfect for families: beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and a slower pace. Less crowded than Mykonos or Santorini, making it ideal for kids.

Things to do:

Relax on Agios Prokopios Beach, Explore Naxos Town (Chora), Visit Portara (Temple of Apollo), Wander traditional villages like Apiranthos, Family-friendly water sports

 

Paros, Greece

Naxos → Paros: Ferry (~1h) — frequent and easy for families.

Days: 2
Cost Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Paros is charming, with sandy beaches and quaint villages. Great for families seeking a mix of relaxation and small-town Greek culture.

Things to do:

Visit Naoussa village, Relax at Kolymbithres Beach, Explore Parikia old town, Take a short ferry to Antiparos, Try local Greek cuisine at seaside tavernas

 

Mykonos, Greece

Paros → Mykonos: Ferry (~1–1.5h) — frequent connections, easy for kids.

Days: 2
Cost Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Mykonos is lively, with gorgeous beaches and picturesque streets. Perfect for ending your summer trip with fun, seaside dining, and a relaxed pace.

Things to do:

Walk Mykonos Town (Chora), Swim at Platis Gialos or Psarou Beach, Explore Little Venice & windmills, Boat trip to Delos Island, Enjoy seaside Greek cuisine