Unique Autism Friendly Destinations in Europe

Planning an autism friendly vacation in Europe may seem like a daunting experience. However, there are so many autism friendly destinations in Europe now. So, it is easier to do than you think! You can easily spend time experiencing the volcanoes, waterfalls, and hot springs in Iceland. Seeing the Eiffel Tower and having fun at Disneyland Paris is another option. And you won’t want to skip island hopping in Greece. But what about some of the more unique destinations in Europe? Can those be considered autism friendly? Can you add destinations like the Canary Islands and Slovenia to your list? My answer to those questions is always going to be “YES”! You can easily find autism friendly options when you choose to vacation in unique destinations in Europe, especially when you choose to work with a Certified Autism Travel Professional like myself. 

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Unique Autism Friendly Destinations in Europe

Canary Islands

Eight main islands make up the Canary Islands in Spain. When you choose to plan an autism friendly vacation in this part of Europe, you can either choose to stay on one island or do a little island hopping. 

The best islands for families include:

• Tenerife

• Gran Canaria

• Lanzarote

• Fuerteventura

• La Palma

Tenerife is the most popular island for families. The main reason for this is that Tenerife is where Siam Park is located. This amusement park is packed with slides, roller coasters, and other rides to keep your family’s heart racing and wanting more. 

Of course, you won’t want to skip seeing the volcanic environment within Teide National Park. Panoramic views can be seen during a cable car ride up Mount Teide. And when you want to sink your toes in the sand and go for a swim, there is nowhere better than Playa de las Teresitas and Playa de los Cristianos. 

Over on Gran Canaria, it is all about water adventures at Aqualand Maspalomas. This water park offers exhilarating water slides, wave pools, and dolphin shows. If your family loves cowboys and the Wild West, a visit to Sioux City Park is a must. This replica of the Wild West offers live shows and cowboy experiences that will create memories you will cherish forever. 

A vacation on Lanzarote is perfect for autistic families who want to spend most of their time on the beach. The water is calm at Playa Blanca, Las Cucharas, and Playa Chica. Volcanic structures and other geothermal displays can be seen within Timanfaya National Park. 

The fun will never seem to end when you vacation in Fuerteventura. Water fun for the whole family can be found at Acua Water Park. A zoo and botanical garden can be seen at Oasis Park Fuerteventura. Sandboarding is the sport of choice at the Dunes of Corralejo. 

Learning to surf is another exciting option when visiting Fuerteventura. Beginners will love the waves at El Cotillo, Rocky Point, and Flag Beach. 

La Palma is the perfect place to visit to see the twinkling stars from the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. Caldera de Taburiente National Park will be waiting for you to explore.  

Malta

When it comes to unique autism friendly destinations in Europe, Malta should be near the top of your list. This island is perfect for adults and kids. Especially since there are plenty of soft sandy beaches to choose from. 

Although, don’t think you will be stuck only seeing the beaches during a vacation in Malta. There are quite a few adventures you can go on that your kids will love! 

One of the best adventures in Malta is taking a private tour of the Blue Grotto Caves, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon. These private tours are amazing, because you can move at your own pace. Plus, you don’t need to worry about having too many people crowding around you on the boat. This is perfect for autistic children who are easily overwhelmed by lots of people. 

As for time in the sun and water, head to the beaches on the north shore of Malta. Ghadira, Golden Bay, and Ghajn Tuffieha are three beaches I recommend for autistic families. 

Other fun autism friendly activities include visiting the Malta National Aquarium, Hagar Qim temple, and the Esplora Science Center. You may also want to wander through the streets of Valletta. There you will find St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace. Just be aware that a cannon is fired from the Saluting Battery at noon each day. It is quite loud and can scare a child who is not expecting it. 

Slovenia

Slovenia is a country in southern central Europe. Croatia, Austria, Hungary, and Italy surround this autism friendly country. As does the Adriatic Sea. 

While Slovenia isn’t on many people’s radar, there are numerous reasons why it should be on yours. Let me start with the charming towns and gorgeous mountain views. Add in the castles, caves, and delicious food and you will discover everything you are searching for when it comes to the perfect vacation! 

Start your visit in this autism friendly destination in Europe with a ride on the funicular railway to Ljubljana Castle. Once you have reached the castle, you can walk around the castle walls and towers. The kids may even want to try on the medieval armor during your visit. 

Another fun activity in Slovenia is taking a boat ride around Lake Bled. Traditional wooden boats are used to take you to the island that has a church on it. You can get off the boat to explore the church and ring the church bell. 

If your kids are interested in geology, head over to the Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves for a tour. A train will take you through part of Postojna Cave, while you will need to walk over a suspended bridge at the Škocjan Caves. 

Other incredible autism friendly things to do in Slovenia include visiting the Museum of Illusions Ljubljana, Tivoli City Park, and Piran Beach. 

London

Okay, so London isn’t a unique autism friendly destination in Europe. However, it is a European destination you will want to add to your list since a new Universal Studios is opening outside the city. 

A large piece of land has been purchased approximately fifty-five miles to the north of London. It will take a few years for this new Universal Studios “Great Britain” to be constructed. But that is perfect since it will give you time to plan an amazing autism friendly vacation. 

While I am sure there will be on-site hotels at this new Universal Studios, you will also have the option to stay directly in London and take the fast passenger rail service to the park. This will allow you to spend time in the city and escape to a theme park for a little fun. 

You may be wondering what else you can do in London, as you wait for Universal Studios to open. LEGOLAND Windsor is an excellent option if you want to visit a theme park while on vacation in London. Your family can stay on-site at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. This ensures you can head back to your room at any time during the day when any member of your family needs a break. 

Of course, while you are in the park, you will all be busy exploring the eleven different lands filled with rides, shows, and LEGOs. Make sure you plan a ride on the all-new Minifigure Speedway. It is a LEGO-themed dueling family friendly roller coaster that goes forward and in reverse. And if you have time, head over to the new LEGOLAND Adventure Golf to try your best at getting a hole-in-one. 

Harry Potter fans will prefer to visit the Warner Bros The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in London. During your visit, your family will walk onto authentic sets, see how the special effects were created, and learn a few other secrets from behind the scenes. 

Everyone in your family will love wandering through Hogwarts Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest before taking a ride on Hogwarts Express from Platform 9-¾. After your train ride, you can wander down Diagon Alley.  

Another amazing thing to do in London is riding on the London Eye to see the city from a different perspective. The SEA LIFE London Aquarium is the perfect place to visit on those rainy London days. And the hop on hop off bus will allow you to see numerous sights with lots of time for breaks in between. 

Afternoon tea may sound a little too grown up if you have younger kids. But some places offer a kid-friendly afternoon tea your whole family will love. Although, you may want to skip tea to spend an afternoon at Hamleys. This is the largest and oldest toy store in the world. It has six floors filled with toys and your kids will want to see them all. 

If there is a day when your child needs to get the wiggles out, head over to the Diana Memorial Playground. This playground offers sensory trails, play sculptures, and hidden slides. 

You don’t always need to choose the same boring destinations in Europe for your family vacations. There are quite a few unique destinations in Europe that can be autism friendly. Let me help you find the one that will meet your family’s needs, so I can then create a personalized itinerary for you. Plus, I will be available every step of the way to answer questions, share resources, and make sure your entire vacation is as incredible as it should be. Let’s chat today so you can venture out on the European vacation of your dreams soon!