Italy has everything you need for a family holiday – gorgeous scenery, lots of sunshine, bustling cities, great food, abundance of culture, art, and history. Whatever you prefer, from classic beach getaways to scenic hikes in the mountains, Italy can guarantee a holiday you and your loved ones will never forget.
But with plenty of options, you might need help searching for the best place to go. So, here are some of the best destinations for family holidays.
1. The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in the southern region of Italy along the Gulf of Salerno. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, picturesque coastal villages, and breathtaking scenery, it’s one of Italy’s best destinations for family holidays. The area attracts thousands of visitors who want to experience its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The Amalfi Coast consists of several towns nestled along the coast. Regardless of where you wish to stay, getting around should be easy, using ferries and public buses. Amalfi, the main village, is an ideal base. It offers numerous things to see and explore, boasting rich history and fascinating architecture, which you’ll discover as you walk through its cobblestone streets.
Ravello is a quaint town along the Amalfi Coast, perched on a mountain between Amalfi and Minori. It offers stunning ocean views and is much quieter than Amalfi, making it a perfect town to base yourself on for a relaxing holiday with kids.
One of the best things to do on a family holiday in Amalfi Coast is to take a boat tour, allowing you to admire the region’s stunning coastline and visit some beautiful beaches for a swim. If you have older kids fond of hiking, the Amalfi Coast has scenic trails suitable for everyone. The Path of Lemons is especially ideal for kids, with well-paved paths and gorgeous scenery.
2. Monza
Monza may not always come up on the list of destinations for family holidays in Italy, but it’s an excellent place for families planning to get tickets for the Italian F1. Located outside of Milan, the small town is best renowned for being home to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza or the Monza Circuit, the historic home of the Italian Grand Prix.
But even if you’re not an F1 fan, Monza is worth a stop. You’ll pass this town on your drive to Lake Como from Milan. Park your car and stroll through the town’s historic centre, where you’ll find a beautiful Romanesque-Gothic Duomo, an old church dating to about 600 years. Check out the museum inside, which has the town’s most significant treasure, the Iron Crown, believed to be made from one of the nails used in the crucifixion.
Your kids will love hanging out in Parco di Monza, a spacious park perfect for jogging, cycling, and enjoying a picnic. If you come here on a Sunday, several local families would hang out at the park after the Sunday mass.
3. Rome
Rome is one of the best cities to visit in Italy with the family. It has something for adults and kids to enjoy. On your family holiday to Rome, you’ll go sightseeing with the kids, enjoy playtime at the parks, engage your curious little ones in history and culture, or indulge in mouth-watering pasta, pizza, and gelato.
Rome is like an open-air museum where kids can experience history and culture by wandering in its bustling streets. No trip to the city is complete without checking out its famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Consider a guided tour to learn more about these places from a knowledgeable local guide.
Spend some time discovering Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s famous piazzas and a lovely place to explore with the kids. Your active little kids will love to run around in what used to be an ancient stadium and marvel at the piazza’s lovely fountains.
Villa Borghese is another fantastic place to visit with the kids. The beautiful park has playgrounds, merry-go-rounds, and a small lake to enjoy rowing boats. It also has a zoo home to a few animals.
4. Florence
As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, planning a family trip to Italy should be easy. Families can plan luxury vacation packages in Italy, which includes a trip to Florence. Florence is a fascinating place to enjoy with the family, filled with treasures from the Renaissance time and museums to delight your curious little ones.
Check out Palazzo Vecchio, a fortified 13th-century Florentine palace that serves as a civic museum and a town hall. Overlooking Piazza Della Signoria, it’s a fun place to run around with the kids as you enjoy the views.
The Galileo Museum is another place to take your kids. It offers a delightful educational tour that can be inspiring for your little ones. The museum showcases an extraordinary exhibit of Galileo Galilei’s early inventions, with some dating back to as early as the 15th century.
Take your kids for a dreamy walk in the Boboli Gardens, a gorgeous 15th-century garden of the Pitti Palace in Florence. Your kids will love walking past its lush and manicured grounds dotted with ornate fountains and Renaissance sculptures.
5. Venice
Venice is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. A place steeped in history, it’s famous for its scenic canals, lovely bridges, gondola rides, and carnivals. Your kids will love exploring this picturesque city, learning about its history, riding the gondola, and witnessing the traditional carnival with people donning masks.
Piazza San Marco is a bustling hub with a vast open space where kids can run around and chase pigeons. It’s also a fun place to visit for a peek at the city’s history, home to iconic landmarks like the St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
Taking a gondola is a must for every visitor in Venice, especially for families. It’s a more relaxing way to admire the city’s beautiful sights while hearing your gondolier sing an Italian song. The journey takes only a few minutes, but your kids will surely love the experience.