Five great destinations for the best holidays for teenagers

It is not your typical getaway, but it is one of the best travel destinations for teenagers. Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island, is the perfect place to travel with adolescents. It perfectly blends picturesque nature with an adrenaline-boosting flair of adventure with all the comforts of a city combined. Imagine breathtaking volcanic landscapes, lush forests and a subtropical climate that makes exploring possible all year round. Check into one of the city’s top hotels to be within easy reach of all the best things to do in Funchal. Even the most stubborn teenagers will love the cable car that journeys from Funchal to Monte providing spectacular views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean that laps against its shores. From there, you can take the famous "basket car" descent, a fun and original experience. If you have a brood of daredevils, head out to Madeira’s famous levadas – hiking trails that follow ancient water channels through mountainous landscapes, fringed with Laurisilva forests. Take note of the family-friendly hikes of Levada dos Balcões and Levada do Caldeirão Verde. And if you have a football fanatic in your group of teenagers, a must-see in Funchal is the CR7 Museum, dedicated to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Teenagers will fall in love with the German city of Hamburg which perfectly combines culture, and history with a youthful atmosphere. To ensure you stay in the best spot for sightseeing, check into the Barceló Hamburg and from here enjoy everything the city has to offer. Hamburg is iconic for its port, the second largest in Europe and also for its lively music and art scene. The Reeperbahn, known as the ‘red light district’ has evolved over the years and is now a must-visit place for bars, clubs and concert halls offering live music for all audiences. 

Hamburg is also home to Miniatur Wunderland, the largest exhibition of miniature trains in the world. This unusual museum recreates miniature-scale cities and iconic landmarks from across the world and is an impressive place to visit for adults and children alike. Of course, no visit to the city is complete without a boat trip around the harbour or spending time in Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed warehouse district that allows you to enjoy the city’s mercantile past from a new perspective.

Whether you are looking for a festive destination to visit during the lead-up to Christmas or are keen to explore somewhere new with your kids, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is one of the best holidays for teenagers. Its relaxed atmosphere, colourful architecture and an endless supply of fun things to do makes it a top choice for families. Check into the Occidental Ljubljana Hotel, in the city centre close to Tivoli Park to be a stone’s throw from all the city’s top attractions. Here you can also dine on traditional cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant or if you are looking for an ideal activity to do with teenagers, the hotel’s bike rental service is a must. Enjoy a bike tour through the city’s parks and across its bridges, looking out for dragons as you go - a symbol of Ljubljana. Venture, through the forest by bike or by funicular, to Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill, for picture-perfect views and a deep dive into the city’s medieval history. Other must-see landmarks include nearby Lake Bled, famous for its island and castle and the Triglav National Park where teenagers can burn off steam enjoying adventure sports like rafting and kayaking. While this destination may seem like a wild card, if you are looking for the best holiday with teens, Ljubljana should be on your list.

Andalusia has long been one of the best holiday destinations for teenage families and Granada is a must-visit thanks to its blend of history, culture and nature. The majestic Alhambra has put the city on the map with its intricate Moorish architecture and relaxing gardens. Teenagers interested in art and photography will be enchanted by the Instagrammable spots to be found around this iconic landmark. Granada is also a university city and its youthful, lively atmosphere will make teenagers feel at home when visiting Granada. 

The Albaicín district, with its narrow cobbled streets and panoramic views of the city, is perfect for exploring and immersing yourself in the local culture. Meanwhile, active souls will relish the idea of exploring the nearby Sierra Nevada which provides one of the best spots for skiing in Spain as well as many accessible hiking routes making it one of the best holidays for teenagers who love sports. 

Pamplona may be famous for its San Fermin Festival, also known as the running of the bulls, but this city provides great holidays for teenagers. Travelling to Pamplona with teenagers allows you to explore a city rich in history, culture and nature. Whether you choose to attend the festival or not, one of the city’s main attractions is the bull run route which can be explored as a walking tour to get an insight into this tradition. History-loving teenagers will enjoy exploring the Citadel of Pamplona, a military fortification with idyllic green areas for enjoying a leisurely stroll or a picnic of Spanish tapas. The city’s museums and historic buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa María la Real are also a must-see for fans of culture keen to learn more about the history of the Navarre region. Thanks to its proximity to the Spanish Pyrenees the nearby valleys and mountains offer endless opportunities for adventure. If you are planning holidays for older teenagers, you may even be able to complete part of the Camino de Santiago route on your travels. 

When it comes to the best holidays for teenagers, the list really is endless. From 13 to 19 years of age, kids are at their most curious, eager to explore and venture off the beaten track. This opens up a whole range of family holiday ideas with teenagers. While the above holiday destinations with teenagers provide a new perspective on family travel, there are still so many more places to explore. The Canary Islands are home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts for families with tweens in Spain, not to mention the variety of outdoor activities to keep kids of all ages occupied. Further afield, Dubai is another ideal spot for older children to enjoy. The choices are so tempting that you won’t be short of holiday ideas for you and your family.