Kotka

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The GuardianJun 7, 2026

‘I don’t think we’ve ever felt closer’: five writers on their most memorable family holidays

Rallying the kids can be chaotic and frustrating, but from Interrailing all the way to Turkey to Vespa rides in Naples, these trips brought families together Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for nine years running, but arriving in Helsinki, dishevelled from one of my first flights with my nine-month-old baby, I was less interested in national rankings and more in having a nic…

18 things in this story
  • SantalahtiSightcottages steps from the sea in Kotka
  • Elsewhere
  • Quartieri SpagnoliNeighborhoodNaples, ItalySpanish quarter
  • KallioNeighborhoodHelsinki, Finlandcool neighbourhood with terraces
  • Hobo HotelHotelHelsinki, Finlandkitted out with travel cots and highchairs
  • HolidayRestaurantHelsinki, Finlandbar with paloma cocktails
  • Lake KukuljärviSightSalo, Finlandlake reached by hiking through pine forest
  • MajamajaHotelHelsinki, Finlandoff-grid cabins perched on rocks
  • Lonna islandSightHelsinki, Finlandmilitary outpost turned summer escape with sauna
  • NeaTourPlaceNaples, ItalyVespa tour company
  • Bar NiloRestaurantNaples, Italyhomage to Maradona, lock of his hair
  • VesuviusSightNaples, Italymountain climb in midday heat
  • Blue GrottoSightCapri, Italysea cave with azure blue water
  • Sandringham estateSightKing's Lynn, United Kingdomroyal family’s Norfolk retreat
  • Experience FreedomPlaceKing's Lynn, United Kingdomglamping arm of the Caravan and Motorhome Club
  • St Margaret’s BaySightDover, United Kingdomholiday camp near Dover
  • Old HunstantonNeighborhoodKing's Lynn, United Kingdomvillage on the north Norfolk coast
  • Sandringham HouseSightKing's Lynn, United Kingdomroyal family home
  • Danube deltaSightTulcea, Romania
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