An insider travel guide: travelling with children

Be it a child-friendly city or a well equipped seaside destination, Italy spoils families with its rich mix of historical sights, wide portfolio of outdoor activities and amazing natural landscapes. An insider suggestion: to get the most out of exploring as a family, do plan ahead!

Best regions for kids:

Rome: ancient Roman ruins and world-class museums make Rome an interesting destination for older children. 

Amalfi coast: a winning choice for every age. Subterranean ruins in Naples, gladiator battlefields in Pompeii and Herculaneum, and natural jewels like volcanoes, thermal pools and coastal caves. 

Puglia: beautiful seaside towns and an unembellished cuisine most kids love. 

Sicily: volcano climbing for sporty teens and beachside fun for sand-loving tots, alongside ancient ruins, hilltop castles and traditional 18th-century puppet theatre to inspire and entertain all ages. 

Sardinia: alfresco paradise overflowing with dazzling beaches, water-sports action, horse riding and scenic hikes suitable for all ages and abilities. 

Italy for Kids:

Family travellers can be divided into urban and rural. Cities in Italy are second to none in extraordinary sights and experiences, and with the aid of smart-phone apps and some inventive guided tours, parents can find kid-appeal in almost every museum and monument. 

Away from urban areas, families can enjoy sandcastles, sea swimming and easy beachside ambles in the coastal destinations (beach-rich Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia and Sicily sizzle with family fun on and off the sand), while interesting farm tours and outdoor activities will make the countryside an appealing family location (Tuscany and Umbria do offer many options for travellers willing to entertain children).

Villa Ada, a child friendly luxury villa in Umbria can be booked through Home in Italy.

Accommodation
Staying in a private countryside villa is perfect for families: think self-catering facilities, mountains of green space to play around in and stacks of outdoor activities (swimming, tennis, horse-riding and mountain biking). In southern Italy, kids enjoy accommodation in circular, whitewashed trulli and quiet and luxurious masserias.

When to Go
Travelling in Italy with children involves little extra pre-departure planning. Your most important decisions will be about which region to pick and when to visit (perhaps timing your Italian holiday with one of the country’s vibrant kid-appealing festivals such as Siena’s famous Palio, Carnival in Venice or Florence’s Easter-time Scoppio del Carro. Beware July and August when the country broils and gets super crowded!

Discover Home in Italy’s collection of child-friendly villas in Italy and enjoy quality time with your family!