Our guide to planning an unforgettable family vacation in Italy

Italian culture embraces bambinos, and kids are welcome almost everywhere. Children here are very visible; in a way they sometimes aren’t in other countries. You’ll see youngsters dining out at smart restaurants, there will often be a crew playing in the village square well into the evening, and you might even find people stopping you in the street to compliment you on your little ones. This warm embrace for children makes family vacations to Italy a joy. Older kids, teens and adults alike will all fall head over heels for this crowd-pleasing and full-hearted nation. Here, we take a look at how and where to plan your family vacation in Italy, for kids of all ages.

Top family-friendly destinations in Italy

There are so many destinations to choose from in this diverse country, from idyllic countryside dotted with postcard-pretty villages to history-packed cities brimming with art and culture. The food (and wine) also holds plenty of appeal for Italy family travel – who doesn’t like pizza, pasta and gelato, after all? Even the pickiest of eaters are sure to relish the best pizza margherita and creamiest gelato they’ve probably ever tasted.

And, thanks to a fast and efficient train network, cross-country exploration is both easy and relatively green. From the cool mountains and lakes of the North to the sun-soaked coast of the South, here come the best places for families in Italy.

Explore Rome: history and adventure for all ages

The romance and splendor of Rome never fail to capture the imaginations of all who visit. Ancient streets and squares are steeped in history, elaborate fountains plume water into the bluest of skies, and the mighty Colosseum looms large. History is palpable in the amphitheater of the Colosseum, and guided tours through underground tunnels, gladiatorial workshops, and high-tech interactives help bring the story to life for children and teens.

Visiting Vatican City is another Rome highlight, and although it doesn’t cater particularly for children, it can be plenty of fun to explore. Older children and teens will likely appreciate it more, especially the wow factor of the Sistine Chapel or the views from the top of St Peter’s Dome.

Elsewhere, little kids will love being let loose in Explora, a dedicated child-friendly museum with plenty of hands-on fun, while sports-mad teens might appreciate seeing a match at the Stadio Olimpico. One of the biggest pleasures of Rome is simply being out and about in the Eternal City as the day unfolds. Wander atmospheric cobbled streets and see local life in full color, find a park or a square for a picnic, pause for a slice of pizza, then stop for gelato and watch the world go by.

Delight in Tuscany: a cultural and culinary haven

Tuscany is probably the ultimate destination to inspire the budding chef in your brood. Most parents will be more than happy to nurture their talent in this gentle land famous for its food, free-flowing wine, and tranquil countryside. Hole up in a vineyard for cooking classes and wine tasting (respectively), then get out into the gently undulating hills for hiking and refueling on repeat.

Tuscany’s cultural capital is artistically-inclined Florence. Here, you can gaze at Michelangelo and Botticelli masterpieces in grand old museums big enough to get lost in. The city also offers some great cooking schools geared to families, and the surrounding countryside is well-known for truffle hunting trips accompanied by friendly fungi-finding hounds.

Read more: 4 unforgettable things to do in Tuscany, the heart of Italy

The magic of Venice: canals and gondolas for all ages to enjoy

The watery city of Venice makes a big impression on any visitor, and children are bound to get especially caught up in its fairy-tale magic. Snaking waterways crisscrossed with arching bridges, winding staircases and secret alleys all feel like something from a storybook or Disney movie. Take a boat ride down the Grand Canal, cruising past ornate palaces and under sweeping bridges to the historical powerhouse of St Mark’s Square. For more water-based activities, you’ll find kayaking for older kids and teens as well as the chance to hone their gondolier piloting skills.

Nature’s playground in northern Italy: from Lake Garda to the Dolomites

For those who love the great outdoors, the lakes and mountains of the North are a dream for a family vacation in Italy. Lake Garda‘s fresh air and sparkling waters are the ideal playground for all ages. Take your pick from hiking trails and gentler walks, diverse cycling routes, and plenty of fun water sports activities. The lake has several sandy beaches, so beach days are also on the agenda. All of the above come with stunning Alpine backdrops.

When the mountains call, the Dolomites are about as dramatic as they come, with their distinctive toothlike granite peaks. The walking here is sublime, and one of the best places to stay in Italy for families made up of older children and teens with energy to burn.

Read more: The 10 best places to visit in Italy

Amalfi Coast adventures: sun, sea, and sand in spades

The glorious Amalfi Coast is awash with beauty. Picturesque pastel-hued villages are strung along the coast, gorgeous Mediterranean views abound from wildflower-covered clifftops, and islands glint in the bay. This dreamy region is a big favorite for romance, but it’s also great for a family vacation in Italy. Sandy beaches often have kids’ clubs, making full days at the beach a breeze, and fun ferry hops between seaside towns offer a chance to cool down with gelato or granita in shady plazas.

Head inland for the ultimate day trip to the destroyed city of Pompei at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Exploring this world-famous site with its enthralling volcanic past will likely especially appeal to older children and teens. A good guide will bring history to life for young minds, but if in doubt, then a 4D headset experience of the eruption should do it.

Island charms of Sicily and Sardinia: combining history and culture

Further south, the outlying island of Sicily is another top pick for a family vacation in Italy. Diverse landscapes offer up a coastline strung with perfect beaches in both golden and striking black hues. Then, there are glittering salt pans and the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna to scale. For tots, Cefalù and Taormina are some of the most family-friendly resorts in Italy, while the crumbling and atmospheric capital city Palermo exudes old-world charm.

The rugged island of Sardinia is another great Italy vacation option if your family likes to spend plenty of time outdoors. Beach days and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters could fill your days. Inland, you can travel through remote countryside and hamlets on a vintage train, looking out for wild horses and other wildlife as you go.

Read more: A beginner’s guide to Sardinia

Practical tips for traveling with kids in Italy

Planning your Italian itinerary: family and multigenerational travel advice

Italy is extremely welcoming to children in spirit, but there often aren’t the facilities in place that you might expect in the US or other parts of Europe. For example, very few restaurants and public areas will have baby-changing facilities. Instead, you’ll need to carry a changing mat and go for it.

Be aware that cities like Rome, Palermo, and in particular, Venice, are tricky to navigate with a stroller. Cobbled streets and a profusion of uneven stairs mean that it’s just not practical. Keep this in mind when planning your family vacation in Italy, and come prepared with a baby carrier.

Your fussy eaters will fare well in Italy, but note that children’s menus are not usual. Instead, order a mezza porzione (half portion), share a pizza, or pick a pasta dish from the starter menu.

Travel tips and packing essentials for families visiting Italy

Below are our top three tips for planning your family trip to Italy:

• Refillable water bottles are a must, and you can top up at plentiful water fountains, entertainingly known as nasoni (big noses).
• Learn a few words and phrases in Italian, it’s a fun language to speak and relatively easy to give it a go as a family.
• Sundays really are the day of rest in Italy, and especially so in the south, where you’ll find that shops and supermarkets are closed all day. Keep this in mind when thinking about your stocks of snacks and essentials.

Make it happen

Ready to plan an epic family vacation in Italy? Get in touch with our local experts today: they’ll help you organize the trip of a lifetime for you and your crew, no matter your interests, needs and requirements.