The best trips for families with children: safe, relaxed and varied

A sailing vacation with the family is a unique way to spend time together, experience adventures, and create unforgettable memories. Children can playfully discover nature, gain their first sailing experience, and explore exciting coasts and islands. However, for a family vacation on the water to remain a pleasure for everyone, thoughtful planning is essential. From child-friendly destinations to practical tips—learn how your sailing trip with the whole family can become a safe and relaxed adventure.

Ideal Routes for Families

1. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
   The Dalmatian coast is a paradise for families who want to sail in a relaxed manner. Here, you can expect short distances between the islands, gentle winds, and many protected bays for calm anchorages.
   
   Highlights for children:

• Visit the impressive fortresses of Dubrovnik, which look like a backdrop from an adventure movie.

• Experience the breathtaking waterfalls in Krka National Park, where children can splash around and experience nature up close.

• Discover picturesque islands like Hvar or Brač, which offer family-friendly beaches and charming fishing villages.
  
  Advantage: Croatia is particularly safe and offers good infrastructure with many harbors that also have child-friendly facilities.

2. Ionian Islands, Greece
   The Ionian Islands are known for their calm waters and gentle breezes—ideal for sailing beginners and families with small children.
   
   Highlights for children:

• Lefkada offers fantastic sandy beaches and shallow water, ideal for swimming and playing.

• The Blue Caves of Paxos are a magical experience that will amaze children. A trip in the dinghy into the sparkling caves is an adventure that will be remembered for a long time.

• On Corfu, there are family-friendly bays, historic fortresses, and exciting hiking trails.
  
  Advantage: The short distances between the islands and the calm sea ensure stress-free sailing.

3. Balearic Islands, Spain
   The Balearic Islands offer a wonderful mix of recreation, culture, and child-friendly activities. Mallorca and Menorca, in particular, are perfect for families.
   
   Highlights for children:

• Explore family-friendly beaches like Playa de Alcúdia in Mallorca, where shallow water and playgrounds provide lots of fun.

• Visit the Palma Aquarium in Palma de Mallorca, where children can admire sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish.

• Menorca offers calm bays and historic sites that are both exciting and educational.
  
  Advantage: The Balearic Islands are known for their good infrastructure and a wide selection of harbors and marinas that are geared towards the needs of families.

Tips for the Family Sailing Trip

To ensure the sailing vacation is equally relaxing for children and parents, some practical tips should be considered:

• Keep children busy on board: Pack enough entertainment material, such as toys, coloring books, or card games. Snorkeling equipment and inflatable floating animals provide fun in the water.

• Plan short sailing distances: Children often have little patience for long crossings. Choose routes with short legs so there is always enough time for playing and exploring.

• Safety first: Children should always wear life jackets on board. Secure areas with nets or other devices to minimize the risk of accidents.

• Head for family-friendly harbors: Many harbors in Croatia, Greece, and Spain offer playgrounds or child-friendly beaches in the immediate vicinity. Plan stops in places that are specifically designed for families.

• Flexible routes: Children love to discover new things. Leave room for spontaneous discoveries, be it a beautiful beach or a city that is on the route.

• Delight with local specialties: Try regional dishes together—many children love the simple and tasty Mediterranean cuisine, such as pasta, fish, or fresh bread.

A sailing vacation with children is a great opportunity to spend time as a family and experience new adventures together. The right route, child-friendly equipment, and relaxed planning are the key to a successful family vacation on the water. With destinations like the Dalmatian coast, the Ionian Islands, or the Balearic Islands, there are countless ways to create safe, varied, and unforgettable experiences.

BRAIN Yachting supports you in choosing the perfect yacht and route so that your family vacation at sea is smooth and unforgettable. Set sail and experience the freedom that only a yachting holiday can offer—an adventure for young and old!