11 of the Best Places To Visit In Italy With Family
Italy is a country that is known for being particularly welcoming to children, making it an ideal part of the world to visit with your family. From rural countryside towns to ancient cities and beautiful islands, there’s a huge range of things to do that will keep all kinds of children entertained for an entire trip.
There is a huge range of different options when it comes to travelling to Italy with kids, so we’ve rounded up 11 of the best places to visit with family to make planning your next holiday that little bit easier.
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1. LAKE GARDA
Lake Garda is one of the most popular family holiday destinations in Italy, with a wide range of attractions to suit all interests of both kids and parents alike! The largest lake in Italy, Garda is a beautiful location all year round with mountains, forests, quaint towns and villages and plenty of outdoor swimming opportunities.
If you’re travelling with younger children, the main attraction in Lake Garda is Gardaland, one of the biggest theme parks in Italy that is the perfect place for families. There is also the Caneva Acquapark in Lazise if you’re visiting in the summer and want a break from swimming in the lake, although the water everywhere is very clean and there are plenty of shallow areas that you can take children.
For those with older children, Lake Garda is full of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and watersports. There are also several attractions that will be well suited for families who like to incorporate history into their vacations, with the added excitement of travelling to each of these by boat or ferry.
2. ROME
If you’re looking for things to do in Italy with kids, Rome is your best option for a city that has enough to fill numerous itineraries. The capital of the country is ideal for children of all ages, and will particularly delight those who have an interest in history or adventure.
Many people think of sightseeing as a holiday activity that is reserved for adults, but in Rome, many monuments and sites will appeal to every member of the family. There are also a wealth of museums and galleries across Rome that have enough to keep most older children entertained for an afternoon and provide a great opportunity to incorporate a bit of learning and discovery into a holiday.
The real highlight for family trips to Italy is often the food, and Rome is an ideal place to find restaurants and cafes that will be suitable for a wide range of taste buds. You rarely find a kid who isn’t thrilled with the prospect of getting to eat pizza, pasta and ice cream almost every day, and a quick stop at a gelateria is a great way to perk up any members of your group who might be flagging after a day of walking around the city.
3. CINQUE TERRE
The colourful coastal towns of Cinque Terre are perfect for an Italy family vacation with older children or teenagers, although if you’re planning on just staying in one place this is a great destination for younger kids as well. Located on the northwest coast of the country, Cinque Terre offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery that is ideal for travelling families looking for a more laid back trip.
Hiking between the villages of Cinque Terre is a very popular activity for those coming to the area, and if you’re a family who enjoys outdoor adventure then you’ll love exploring the winding cliffside paths. There are also trains connecting the towns if you’d rather focus on sightseeing or want an easier journey home at the end of the day.
The beautiful coastline of Cinque Terre has numerous lovely beaches, and spending the day beside the sea is a great thing to do during a summer vacation to Italy. Whether you’re staying in one of the five towns or nearby in Levanto or La Spezia, it’s a beautiful part of the country to bring your family and enjoy a slice of the good life away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world.
4. THE AMALFI COAST
Another beautiful beach destination that is well suited to Italy holidays with kids is the Amalfi Coast, found on the south coast of the country. With plenty of beaches, small hotels and cliffside paths, this is another great spot for a vacation focusing on relaxing and spending time together as a family.
If you’re coming to Italy with a teenager then the Amalfi Coast is a winning destination, as there are plenty of photo-worthy locations across the whole area that will make for excellent photos to send to their friends. Whilst there are several tourist attractions amongst the towns and villages, the main appeal here is sitting back and making the most of your surroundings, which is why this location is better suited to children who can keep themselves entertained at times.
The Amalfi Coast is also a great place to base yourself for day trips to nearby areas such as Sorrento or the Isle of Capri. You can hire a car if you prefer to travel under your own steam, but there are several public transport options available that will give you the chance to see more of Italy as you travel.
5. SICILY
The island of Sicily, found off the ‘toe’ of Italy, has long been considered one of the country’s top family holiday destinations. No matter the age of your kids, there is something for everyone on Italy’s largest island, from archeological sites to family resorts and busy towns and cities.
For those who are travelling with toddlers or very young children, there are plenty of quiet seaside villages and family holiday resorts that provide a safe place for your kids to explore and enjoy the island. More outdoorsy families will love the chance to hike through the landscape or snorkel in the clear blue ocean, and there are plenty of other activities such as stand-up paddleboarding or cycling to enjoy across Sicily as well.
One of the highlights of Sicily is its brilliant collection of ancient ruins that will delight and intrigue kids of all ages coming to the island on their holiday. The Valley of the Temples provides enough sightseeing for an entire afternoon, whilst the chance to visit an ancient amphitheatre well certainly be a memorable experience for the entire family.
6. PISA
This is a great city to come to for the day if you’re travelling around Italy with kids, primarily so you can visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa with them. Trying to take a photo with this iconic landmark is a fun activity for everyone, and even young children are likely to recognise the tower and enjoy seeing it in real life.
Pisa is best visited from Florence or Lucca by train and is a lovely place to wander around with children and enjoy the food from a local restaurant. There are several other good tourist attractions near to the tower that may interest older kids, whereas little ones may just enjoy having the green space to run around whilst you admire the architecture.
7. VENICE
One of the most popular destinations for Italy holidays with kids is the floating city of Venice. This is a particularly good spot for older children who are happy to spend a lot of their holiday walking around and are kept entertained by trips to museums and famous monuments.
Venice is a brilliant place for families because of the sense of adventure you get walking through its maze-like streets. You can test your kids’ map-reading abilities by giving them the chance to navigate the streets and keep them entertained with I-spy games as you walk around the city.
If the winding streets of Venice weren’t exciting enough, children will be fascinated by the canals that act as roads around the city and the boats that take the place of cars. You can enjoy seeing the city from the water by catching a vaporetto or water taxi, and even visit a nearby island during the day if you’ve ticked off all the famous sights inside the city.
8. PUGLIA
The region of Puglia is found at the ‘heel’ of the boot of Italy, and is a great location for an Italian family vacation with a bit of a difference. If you want to explore the country’s rural landscape and enjoy the hospitality of quality little towns and villages, this is a beautiful location that is renowned for its peace and quiet.
A highlight of Puglia that kids will enjoy is the town of Alberobello, best known for its iconic white ‘trulli’ huts that look like they have come out of a fairytale. The region is more suited for families who are willing to drive themselves around on holiday and want a trip focused on sightseeing, as there are plenty of places to stop and visit churches, walled towns and other notable sites.
9. MILAN
If you’re travelling to Italy with kids and are looking for a location with more modern attractions, Milan should be top of your list. This metropolitan city is known for being the European capital of fashion and design and is a brilliant place for both children and adults who have an interest in modern development and the latest trends.
If you’re looking for cultural attractions to enjoy with your children such as museums and galleries, Milan is one of the best cities in the country to enjoy this. The art and history on offer here don’t rival Rome or Florence, but if your kids aren’t as bothered by ancient artefacts then there is plenty to see and do.
Milan is also a great place to base your family for a holiday that involves a lot of day trips. Via public transport, you can reach more of Italy’s popular destinations such as Lake Garda, Verona, Florence and even Venice, which is ideal if you’re trying to fit a lot into a shorter holiday.
10. SARDINIA
A classic location for those travelling to Italy with kids is the island of Sardinia, which offers a blend of both Mediterranean and Italian culture to its visitors. If you’re after a beach vacation then this is a beautiful place to bring your family and enjoy a range of stunning island scenery and friendly local hospitality.
Sardinia is also an excellent option for those who are looking for the best destinations for kids who enjoy outdoor activities on their holidays, as the island is jam-packed with opportunities to get out and about. From cycling to horse riding and swimming, it’s hard to run out of things to do even during a long vacation in Sardinia.
11. THE DOLOMITES
Our list of the best places for an Italy family vacation wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the best place in the country for snowsports. The Dolomites mountain range is home to numerous ski resorts that are family-friendly and ideal for those who want to hit the slopes on their vacation, whether you’re a family of beginners or experienced skiers.
Even if you decide to visit Italy in the summer, the Dolomites are still a wonderful place to let your children enjoy unspoiled natural surroundings and feel the benefits of the fresh mountain air. Whether you’re a walker, a skier, a snowboarder, a cyclist or just a fan of luxury resorts, this part of the country has got it all.
If this article has inspired you to book your next family vacation in Italy, get in touch with our team and find out more about our bespoke family-friendly Italy tours that guarantee an unforgettable holiday experience.
