If you’re looking for the perfect family holiday in Italy this year, then you’ve come to the right place, as KAYAK can guide you through the best places for you all to have the time of your life. So, keep reading and get planning.
Family holidays in Italy: best cities to visit
Rome: Italy’s historical capital
The history and grandeur of Italy’s capital, Rome, is a must visit whether you’re travelling with children or not. Even if you’re only visiting for a short period, it’s a great base to start from with an excellent train network linking all parts of the country.
The city boasts some of the most interesting historical sights on earth, and for a family holiday, you and your children will have so much to see and do, you’ll be exhausted by the end of it. For those with a keen interest in history and adventure, Rome is the city for you, from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum and The Pantheon, your kids can experience a history class first hand.
A bonus when travelling in Italy with your family is the amazing food that kids will love, with traditional pizzas and pasta on the menu, and plenty of gelaterias around the city to boost everyone’s energy levels after a day of sightseeing.
Venice: a historic city on water
The magical city of Venice holds so much appeal as a family holiday destination, purely due to its unique network of canals, its impressive history, architecture, and stunning views. Kids love travelling around Venice on the gondolas that are so synonymous to the city, as well as discovering the culinary delights that the city offers.
The sense of adventure that families experience walking and boating around
Venice is something to behold, with its maze of streets and canals, as well as pretty bridges that link each building together. Weaving in and around the city on the canals is a fantastic experience for both adults and children and visiting places such as St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.
Pisa: a symbolic Italian treasure
Though smaller than most other cities in Italy, Pisa is a great option to visit with the family, especially with the interesting history of the city and of course, the famous tower to visit first hand. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and your kids will love visiting it and admiring its unique angle. If your children are over the age of 8, they can climb the steps of the tower and discover the amazing panoramic view of Pisa.
While in Pisa, visiting the Parco Divertimenti Piccolo Mondo is a must with the family, as there are plenty of attractions, with a water park with pools and slides, as well as a pirate ship that keeps the younger ones busy.
The best regions for family holidays in Italy
Sardinia: a taste of the Mediterranean
Sardinia is one of the top holiday destinations for families in Mediterranean, let alone Italy. You know that you’re visiting one of the best places, when Italian families also spend their holidays there, so you already have a local seal of approval. A true paradise of clear azure waters and luscious sandy beaches, your children will love every part of this island. The island is well-known for it all-inclusive family holiday appeal, as well as independent style trips such as camping.
The island is a fairly large region, so it’s important to know which areas best fit the holiday you’re looking for. Typically, the areas of Villasimius in the south and Orosei in the east, are great options for families with spectacular beaches and good facilities, as well as nearby town centres and green areas. Whilst Stintino in the north and San Teodoro in the east are excellent options, so you’re truly spoilt for choice.
The Amalfi Coast: Italy’s coastal jewel
One of Italy’s many beach havens, is the glorious Amalfi Coast, located in the south of the country. It’s a perfect holiday destination for those families looking to get away from it all, relax and spend time as a family among beautiful surroundings. The region is probably more suited to families with older children, as teenagers will love the photo opportunities at every turn with such vibrant colours and coastal views dominating the area. While active kids who are comfortable going swimming and walking a lot of the time, as well as boating, will be in their element.
The Amalfi Coast has some great towns to visit, especially Minori, Maiori and Amalfi as they are the most child friendly in the region. It’s a great place to use as a base if you have a car and are looking to visiting places like Sorrento, the Isle of Capri or even the city of Naples.
Puglia: tazhe magical heel of Italy
The magical region of Puglia, the ‘heel’ of Italy, is a prime location for sightseeing family holidays in the car, exploring the coast, the rural landscape and discovering the beautiful towns and villages that make up the region. The town of Alberobello is a particular highlight of Puglia, children typically enjoy the almost fairy tale style ‘trulli’ houses that dominate the town.
Top places to visit in the region with kids include the stunning Gargano Peninsula, part of the Gargano National Park, perfect for nature loving families and keen swimmers. While a short drive away, you can find Castel Del Monte, which is a medieval castle that will impress both adults and children alike. When sightseeing is done, adventure can begin at Parco Avventura Indiana Park with ziplines and tree adventure paths, while the natural caves of Grotte di Castellana are a hit for adventurous kids, with both day and night tours available.
Natural beauties: Italy’s wonders of nature
Lake Garda: Italy’s playground lake
Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is one of the most popular places in Italy for families to visit, with an array of great things to do and see for both adults and children. Throughout the year, you’ll find that it’s the perfect location with small peaceful villages, interesting towns, mountains, forests all near the lake itself. The mix of vibrant colours that make up the water, with rich blues, emerald greens, and turquoise, you’ll almost feel part of the Mediterranean when swimming in the refreshing water.
One of the main kids’ attractions is Gardaland, one of the country’s biggest theme parks. While the Caneva Aquapark in Lazise is a fun alternative to the lake, kids of an older age can also enjoy the lake’s outdoor activities such as water sports, hiking and cycling on the lake’s impressive new bike path, providing incredible views during leisurely family cycles.
The Dolomites: the imperious mountains of Italy
For a family holiday amongst nature, filled with stunning views and unforgettable experiences, then The Dolomites will do the job. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the country’s top ski resorts, it’s perfect for both experienced skiers and even first-timers. The Val Gardena valley has many different slopes just for kids, with ski schools and special courses available. While your children will love taking part in skiing activities designed for them, like tobogganing, as well as visiting the Snow and Funparks and Funslopes.
The Dolomites is equally as impressive during the summer, with various walking trails, unspoiled natural surroundings, and fresh mountain air. The whole family can enjoy mountain biking around the green hills and valleys, as well as hiking routes, and if you’re with younger children then take advantage of some ski-lift passes as you can ride them to the top for those unbeatable views.
Lake Maggiore: the Italian Swiss connection
Lake Maggiore is situated in the north of Italy in the lake region. It is also unique as some of the lake is in fact part of Switzerland, so popping over the border into Switzerland is also an interesting option and worth checking out. When travelling with children here you’ll find the many villages and towns that line the lake and have great swimming spots, so your kids will love every opportunity to take a dip in the clear waters. The picturesque towns of Luino and Laveno are worth a visit, with lovely views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Typically, it’s best to visit the area during spring or autumn, just to avoid crowds and the high temperatures that summer brings.
If you need baby equipment to help you move around, like strollers and car seats, there are plenty of rental companies in Italy available. Don’t worry about kids’ food menus, when every restaurant has the best pizza and pasta. If you’re staying in the countryside, you’ll need a car.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
Each fortnight, hosts James and Lucy talk to local experts about the destination they have chosen to call their home, exploring their personal connection to the place, what makes it so special and the best things to see and do.
Listen to the podcast below for more inspiration and tips from Italy:
