If you’ve ever wondered how Europe’s royals unwind when they’re not attending state events, cutting ribbons, or delivering Christmas speeches, you’re not alone. Royal vacations have always sparked curiosity—partly because they blend unmatched luxury with centuries-old tradition, and partly because they offer glimpses into the more human side of monarchy. Far from the formality of palaces and state carriages, their travel habits reveal what they value most: nature, family, privacy, heritage, and sometimes, a bit of glamour.
Today, let’s take a deep dive into the world of European royal travel—the hidden estates, the favorite islands, the mountain retreats, and the long-standing vacation traditions that have helped shape modern royal culture. Buckle up, because royalty travels very differently from the rest of us, and it’s fascinating to see exactly how.
The Royal Approach to Travel: Tradition Meets Ultra-Comfort
Traveling as a royal isn’t just about comfort—it’s about logistics, security, protocols, and centuries of cultural expectations. While it may look glamorous from the outside, royal travel is almost always carefully curated, extremely private, and often quite structured. What stands out, however, is how different royal families across Europe develop signature vacation routines that reflect their personalities, histories, and national landscapes.
For example, Scandinavian royals prefer rustic escapes and nature-focused trips, while Mediterranean monarchies often retreat to coastal estates. The British Royal Family, on the other hand, maintains a long-standing tradition of spending summers in Scotland and winters in Norfolk.
Let’s explore these destinations one by one.
The British Royal Family: Scotland, Norfolk, and Mustique Magic
No royal vacation story is complete without the British Royal Family—arguably the most watched monarchy in the world. Their travel style is a blend of tradition and understated luxury.
Balmoral Castle: The Queen’s Beloved Sanctuary
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Balmoral has been the royal family’s summer haven since Queen Victoria purchased the estate in 1852. Known for rolling hills, mist-draped mountains, and a peaceful escape from royal pressures, Balmoral was famously described by Queen Elizabeth II as “where I can truly relax.”
From long countryside walks to barbecues hosted by the royals themselves, visits to Balmoral are less about royal duties and more about family bonding.
Sandringham Estate: A Cozy Winter Retreat
While Balmoral is grand and wild, Sandringham in Norfolk offers a more intimate setting, especially during Christmas. This is where the royals gather every year, attend church together, and spend the holiday in a surprisingly down-to-earth atmosphere.
Mustique: Royal Caribbean Paradise
Though the British royals often keep their travel domestic, Princess Margaret famously made the private Caribbean island of Mustique her escape. Since then, it has also become a favorite for Prince William and Princess Kate, offering total privacy far from the eyes of the media.
The Spanish Royal Family: Mallorca’s Sparkling Shores
If there is one destination that defines Spanish royal vacations, it’s Mallorca—specifically, the Marivent Palace. Nestled on the island’s breathtaking coast, this palace serves as the family’s summer residence.
Marivent Palace: Mediterranean Relaxation at Its Finest
King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their daughters Leonor and Sofía often spend August in Mallorca. Their stay is a blend of official engagements and relaxed seaside living.
You’d often find them dining in local restaurants, attending the annual sailing regatta (King Felipe is a skilled sailor), or strolling through historic streets. Compared to other royals, the Spanish royal vacations tend to feel more publicly accessible, which helps maintain their modern, relatable image.
The Norwegian Royal Family: Mountains, Cabins, and Nature Retreats
If the British royals are known for tradition and the Spanish for coastal charm, the Norwegian Royal Family is famously rooted in nature-focused travel. Their idea of the perfect getaway isn’t a private island—it’s a quiet cabin in the mountains.
Skiing and Cabin Culture
Norway’s royals embody the country’s outdoorsy spirit. Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and their children spend many winter weekends skiing, hiking, and enjoying traditional wooden cabins—often without any luxury frills, which fits their down-to-earth reputation.
Uvdal and Sikkilsdalen: Royal Winterscapes
The family is known to frequent beautiful cabin regions with dramatic mountain scenery. It’s not unusual to see them dressed in simple outdoor gear rather than designer outfits, blending effortlessly into Norway’s nature-loving culture.
The Swedish Royal Family: Öland Island Summers
When summer arrives, the Swedish Royal Family heads straight to Solliden Palace on the Baltic island of Öland. The palace, surrounded by lush gardens and close to pristine beaches, has been a favorite royal escape since 1906.
Öland: A Royal Family Tradition
Just like Balmoral for the British royals, Öland is where Swedish royals unwind the most. They host birthday celebrations, attend music festivals, and enjoy bike rides and swimming. Crown Princess Victoria and her siblings grew up spending summers here, and now her children continue that tradition.
The Danish Royal Family: Southern France and Breezy Scandinavia
The Danish monarchy has a slightly more international flavor when it comes to vacations.
Cayx Vineyard in France
The Royal Family owns the Château de Cayx in southwestern France—a beautiful estate surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. It’s a serene location where the Danish royals spend many summer weeks, combining relaxation with family gatherings and sometimes private events.
Gråsten Palace
Back home in Denmark, Gråsten Palace serves as their summer residence. Known for its stunning gardens and lake views, it’s where the royals host garden parties and enjoy quieter moments as a family.
The Monaco Royal Family: The Most Glamorous Travelers
If there’s one royal family in Europe associated with luxury vacations, it’s Monaco’s Grimaldis. Their entire lifestyle is built around the Mediterranean coastline, yachts, and jet-setting elegance.
Yachts, Coastal Retreats, and Events
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene often attend global sporting events, environmental conferences, and high-profile gatherings. But when it’s time to unwind, they enjoy cruising along the French Riviera, spending time in Marseilles, Corsica, or Sardinia, and occasionally visiting exclusive international destinations.
For the Grimaldis, travel isn’t just about rest—it’s part of their glamorous public image.
The Royal Vacation Trend: Privacy Above All
Although their destinations differ, one priority is universal across all European monarchies: privacy.
Whether it’s secluded estates, private beaches, remote cabins, or sprawling vineyards, these families choose spaces where they can be themselves—away from cameras, crowds, and ceremonial expectations. Their vacations allow them to recharge, strengthen family bonds, and stay connected to their cultural roots.
Even luxurious royal travel is built on the same foundations as ours: the desire to rest, escape, and reconnect.
Royal Travel in Modern Times: Sustainability, Security, and Simplicity
Interestingly, many royal families have shifted toward more sustainable and toned-down travel habits. With environmental consciousness growing across Europe, some monarchies now opt for:
- Local vacations to reduce environmental impact
- Smaller travel entourages
- Eco-friendly transportation where possible
- Supporting domestic tourism
This shift helps them align with their nations’ values while maintaining transparency about how public funds are used.
FAQs
1. Do royal families pay for their vacations?
It depends on the country and the type of trip. Private vacations are often funded personally or through royal family wealth. However, any travel that involves official duties, security, or diplomatic engagements is usually funded by the state.
2. Why do royals often return to the same vacation spots every year?
Tradition, security, and privacy play major roles. Established royal residences or familiar destinations make planning easier and reduce security risks. These places also hold emotional value—many royals have spent their entire lives vacationing in the same palaces, islands, or mountain retreats.