Italy has long been a popular holiday destination among families, and we’re sure that once travel is possible again post COVID-19, Italy will once again prove to be one of the most popular family holiday destinations in the world. After all, Italians love children. But Italy also offers the most incredible food and wine for visitors to enjoy and the most spectacular scenery, art and architecture to admire. Its long and rich history also offers an added educational element to any trip with children and the country is both safe and fun to visit. But which parts of the country offer most to entertain the children? Bookings For You have shared with us the inside track on the best family friendly destinations in Italy for your next holiday. Scooping silver in the British Travel Awards last year as the ‘Best Holiday Company to the Italian peninsula’ the team at Bookings For You definitely have the credentials to provide the best advice. 

Lake Maggiore, Italian Lakes

If you’re a family that likes the outdoors, then look no further than Lake Maggiore. One of the lesser known of the Italian Lakes, the lake offers a wealth of things to see and do for children of all ages. There are plenty of water sports on offer for older children and teens, from sailing to windsurfing and from canoeing to water-skiing. However, for those with little ones, you’ll find the crystal clear, calm, gently sloping waters of the lake (and the lack of humidity) the perfect ingredients for your first family beach holiday. Most importantly, you’ll find the majority of the beaches are pebbled rather than sandy so you will also be able to avoid the endless tears as your little one gets sand in their eyes again and again! The pace is laid back and chilled all year round and you’ll find this vibe quickly rubs off on the parents!

If you’re looking for a family friendly villa in the Italian Lakes, then Villa Caruso is a great option. Sleeping up to 8, baby equipment such as a cot, stroller and highchair are all provided free of charge. There are also plenty of toys and games for children of all ages to enjoy as well as a wii games console for bigger kids.

Puglia

Right down in the boot of Italy, Puglia is one of the up and coming holiday spots in Italy. If your family love to combine lazy days on the beach with some opportunities to see the sights, then Puglia is the perfect family destination for you. Crystal clear turquoise seas and white sandy beaches typify the region (the Southern tip of Puglia has not earned the nickname ‘Maldives of Italy’ for nothing!), whilst inland, the unique trulli that are scattered across the landscape, make for a very special place to explore. For those with preschool age children who want to avoid travelling in peak holiday time, it’s also a great destination in the Spring and Autumn months with temperatures still wonderfully warm enabling you to top up the tan away from the crowds.

Apartment Gelso is a lovely option for young families looking to holiday in Puglia. Situated just outside the popular town of Polignano a Mare, it has a large pool for little ones to enjoy as well as a play area to keep them entertained. Children will also love the opportunity to pick their own fruit and vegetables that are grown in the gardens and to collect the eggs that are laid daily by the chickens.

Sicily

With long hot Summers, Sicily is also a great option to consider outside of peak holiday time. There is an awful lot to see and do here, not least because of the sheer size of the island, from Palermo in the North to Taormina and Siracusa to the East and Agrigento to the South West. Head to the island at Easter or in the October half term, and families will have the chance to get some early and late season sunshine either on the beaches or in the many waterparks. Sicily does have a wealth of activities to enjoy whatever time of year you visit though and, with its rich Greek and Roman history and incredible architectural remains, it’s a superb option for those with primary school aged children who are looking to include some educational elements in their holiday planning. It’s also supposedly the birthplace of gelato so there is an even better excuse than ever to combine plenty of sightseeing with some cooling snack breaks!

Villa Lux offers families the opportunity to have the best of both worlds during their stay in Sicily. With a private pool on site, it’s also just 50 metres from the nearest beaches for those whose children prefer to make sandcastles and bury their parents in the sand!

Tuscany

 Tuscany needs no introduction. Everyone is familiar with the region’s principal cities – Florence, Siena and Pisa. Whilst there are options to entertain little ones – this is the birthplace of Pinocchio after all! – there is arguably less for younger ones to enjoy in the region. However, Tuscany is a great option for those with teenage children, particularly if you do have children with a love of art and architecture. And even for those with little ones, there are ways to make the sights more family friendly. Plenty of family friendly guided tours exist now which will keep children of all ages entertained, whether it’s a tour of the Uffizi Gallery or an escorted gelato making tour around Siena. And whatever your age, a leaning tower can’t fail to amaze!

Villa Ronco offers families the opportunity to enjoy a truly authentic stay in Tuscany. However, with a fully alarmed pool, it also gives families with little ones the added peace of mind they need so that they can relax on holiday.

Marche

For families travelling on a budget, Marche is one of Italy’s hidden gems and can be a great option for those who want to explore Italy without breaking the bank. Whilst Marche may not boast the sights of its more famous neighbours to the West, it does have a long and beautiful coastline. Stretching 180 km from Pesaro in the North to San Benedetto del Tronto in the South, there are plenty of wonderful beaches for families to enjoy. However, there are also a wealth of gems to explore inland too. These include Urbino, one of the most important cultural centres of the Renaissance, Senigallia, which is host to a fantastic festival that transports you back to the 1950s, as well as the dramatic Furlo Gorg . Children will also love discovering what’s hidden underground too. Here, the Frassassi caves are among the most dramatic in Italy.

This 7 bedroom villa in Marche is ideal for families looking to holiday in Marche for the first time. The setting is idyllic and children will love the simple pleasures of playing in the garden, splashing in the stream and swimming in the pool. A vintage wooden swing hanging from an old oak tree will keep them occupied for hours as will the table tennis table and numerous ball games on offer.

If you’re looking for more inspiration on where to stay in Italy, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Bookings For You. With 300 villas and apartments to choose from, they have something for every budget, group size, style and taste.