Family vacations in Italy: These are the best travel destinations

Family vacation by the sea

If you are traveling by car and want to explore the sea, the best thing to do is to head for a family holiday on the upper Adriatic . The region is a very popular family destination. Accordingly, you will find many family-friendly hotel complexes and resorts there. But you are also welcome here with a caravan or a tent. There are numerous campsites near the beach, which also promise cheap holidays with adventure flair.

Bibione, Caorle, Lignano and Eraclea Mare are just a few of the now well-known destinations on the Adriatic. There are plenty of activities for families and children here. Whether water sports, sights or mini golf courses. Your family will certainly not get bored here.

Road trip Italy

Family vacations on the Adriatic, while beautiful, can also be crowded. If you don’t feel like sharing a lounger and umbrella with others and if you’re looking for a varied holiday, then a road trip is probably the right thing for you. You can go to Pisa by train, plane or car . Pisa is a small city that will delight your whole family – who doesn’t want a photo with the leaning tower?

From there you can explore beautiful Tuscany . You can stay in Pisa or explore the coast site by site. From Pisa we continue by (rental) car down Tuscany to the south. Recommendations here are San Vincenzo and Cecina . The places inspire with their surrounding wild beaches, which everyone can discover for themselves. The water is crystal clear and the sand dunes are perfect for building castles. Pack games and picnic and let’s go. 

Extra tip: If you have more time, Piombino is an intermediate point to visit. From here you take a ferry to the island of Elba . Great hiking trails and picturesque views await you and your family here .

Upper Italian Lakes

It doesn’t always have to be the sea. Lakes also make great family destinations and there are a few options in Italy.

• Lago di Garda – Lake Garda: Probably the largest and most famous lake is Lake Garda. This is not only ideal for family bike tours, but also for adventurous families. The “Gardaland” is an amusement park that lives up to its name. Places you should aim for here are Simione, Peschiera, Garda or Malcesine . The climate around the Italian lake is mild, and the region is a hit with adventurous children, as there are a number of offers, such as windsurfing courses.
• Lago d’Iseo : The small but beautiful lake is not that far from Lake Garda. Nearby is the town of Bergamo , which delights with a great old town. Both Venice and Milan are only an hour or two away by car . For children, big and small, Bergamo offers various entertainment centers, museums, parks and botanical gardens. 

Family vacation in an Italian city

Holidays often mean getting out of the city and into nature. But if you want to take a city trip with your family, then Rome would be an option. Parents often shy away from visiting a city with their children for fear it might get boring. That will certainly not be the case in Rome . Whether gladiator school, zoos or exciting sightseeing. Program in Rome is designed to be child-friendly, so it really appeals to all members of the family. 

For example, sightseeing and history can be exciting in the 5D cinema “Time Elevator” or on the famous hop-on/hop-off buses. And for the little ones there is “Bambini Explora”, an interactive children’s museum. Many day trips can also be planned from Rome, be it to various amusement parks or by train to the sea.

Island vacation in Italy

If you want to get to know a completely different Italy, the island of Sicily is the right place for you. Children in particular are more than welcome here. The Italians love the “bambini”. Sicily impresses with its cities, the crystal clear water and the Italian cuisine. There is enough to do for the family. You can explore wild beaches, taste endless types of ice cream and splash in the water. On boats with a glass bottom, the children get to know the world of fish from a new perspective. And a trip to Mount Etna inspires young and old.

Extra tip : It gets very hot in Sicily in summer. Therefore, this destination is a great recommendation for the off-season in spring or autumn. You and your family can still swim there, but with pleasant temperatures. In any case, the motto is always: Siesta time! The afternoon is quiet and everyone can lie down for a nap. 

Worth it

Italy is a diverse country – whether family holidays by the sea, lake, in the city, on the island, in a hotel or in a caravan. Each region has family-friendly offers that you can take advantage of. And cities are also aware of their little visitors and make sure that they don’t get bored. Either way, family vacations are for enjoying time together, no matter where you go.