EUROPE
Passport to adventure: The best European destinations for teens

Passport to adventure: The best European destinations for teens ( grekov | 123rf.com)

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Teen writer Kaelyn Ronnau shares her list of the best destinations for families traveling with teenagers. Here are her top 10 choices of places to take your teen while planning a vacation from Europe; stay nearby or head a little afield to places easily accessible from the continent.

Malta

A small Mediterranean island nation known for its sunny weather, crystal-blue water and captivating ancient history, in Malta, teens can swim in the famous Blue Lagoon, relax on sandy beaches, enjoy water sports and even explore Game of Thrones filming locations.

Alternate locations: Croatia, Greece, and Cyprus 

Malta makes for a great teen swimming destination.

Malta makes for a great teen swimming destination. (osr72 | 123rf.com)

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Iceland

The land of fire and ice provides so many opportunities, from Icelandic horseback riding, snorkeling between tectonic plates and visiting the black sand beach. But don’t forget to enjoy nature by going to see glaciers, waterfalls and even by relaxing in the natural geothermal hot springs.

Alternate locations: Scotland, Norway

Snorkeling between tectonic plates is a highlight of adventuring in Iceland.

Snorkeling between tectonic plates is a highlight of adventuring in Iceland. (mkopka | 123rf.com)

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Egypt

Famous for its ancient civilizations and massive pyramids, Egypt provides many unexpected activities for teens. This desert landscape hides experiences such as riding camels near the pyramids, snorkeling in the Red Sea, exploring Cairo’s market and even thrilling 4x4 desert rides.

Alternate locations: Morocco

Teens will love riding camels by the pyramids in Egypt.

Teens will love riding camels by the pyramids in Egypt. (123superstar | 123rf.com)

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Portugal

Portugal is a coastal country known for beautiful beaches, colorful cities and a relaxed vibe. Teens can surf the Atlantic, explore Lisbon’s hills and trams, relax in the Algarve, and try traditional pastries and cooking classes.

Alternate locations: Spain, Italy, Greece

Lisbon is a fun, vibrant city, great for family trips with teens.

Lisbon is a fun, vibrant city, great for family trips with teens. (dudlajzov | 123rf.com)

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Italian Coastline

Italy’s coast is famous for its stunning seaside towns, food, and history. Swimming in clear waters, boating along the Amalfi Coast, exploring ancient ruins of Pompeii and marveling at the vibrant street art are some of the few opportunities teens have at their fingertips.

Alternate locations: Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal

Teens will enjoy exploring the ruins of Pompeii.

Teens will enjoy exploring the ruins of Pompeii. (skerr72 | 123rf.com)

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Morocco

Blending African, Arab and European cultures, with deserts, mountains and colorful cities, Morocco is one of a kind. Teens can ride camels in the Sahara, explore busy souks, surf the Atlantic coast and visit historic palaces and markets.

Alternate locations: Egypt

Visiting the bustling historic souks (markets) in Morocco can be a fun shopping experience for any teen.

Visiting the bustling historic souks (markets) in Morocco can be a fun shopping experience for any teen. (rybarmarekk | 123rf.com)

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Greece

Known for its ancient ruins, island life and beautiful beaches, Greece has an abundance of activities that teens can remember for a lifetime. Teens can swim in turquoise water, go island hopping, explore historic temples, take cooking classes and enjoy boat tours and coastal adventures.

Alternate locations: Italy, Croatia, Malta

See the Acropolis in Athens is an incredible experience for teenagers.

See the Acropolis in Athens is an incredible experience for teenagers. (nito500 | 123rf.com)

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Austria

Austria is a mountainous country famous for alpine scenery, classical music and outdoor sports. Teens can take on skiing in the Alps, hike scenic trails, explore castles, ice skate and swim in crystal-clear alpine lakes.

Alternate locations: Switzerland, Germany, Norway

Snowboarding teens can find plenty of slopes in Austria.

Snowboarding teens can find plenty of slopes in Austria. (guruxox | 123rf.com)

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Croatia

Croatia is a coastal country known for its islands, medieval towns, and clear Adriatic Sea. Teens can kayak along the coast, swim in waterfalls, explore historic cities, visit islands, and see famous filming locations.

Alternate locations: Greece, Italy

A day on the water is a must-do thing that teens will love while in Croatia.

A day on the water is a must-do thing that teens will love while in Croatia. (nachrc2001 | 123rf.com)

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Finland

Finland is known for forests, lakes and winter magic. Teens can have once in a lifetime experiences like, going dog sledding, seeing the Northern Lights, trying ice fishing, staying in snow hotels and just relaxing in traditional saunas. In summer they can enjoy hiking, kayaking and lake swimming.

Alternate locations: Sweden, Norway

In winter, chasing the aurora in Finland is a magical highlight for any family with teens.

In winter, chasing the aurora in Finland is a magical highlight for any family with teens. (parilovv | 123rf.com)

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