20 Best Places To Visit In Italy With Family (2024)

Looking for the best places to visit in Italy with family?

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Italy is one of my favorite places to travel with kids. Italians are welcoming of families and dote on young children. The food is accessible and a hit with toddlers and teens alike (pizza and pasta? Yes please!). Not to mention the many historic sights, beautiful beaches, stunning lakes, and dramatic mountains.

Yes, Italy has it all. In fact, Italy has so many amazing places to visit that planning a family trip to Italy can be overwhelming.

To help combat the overwhelm, I reached out to other family travel bloggers for their favorite family-friendly destinations across Italy. Use this list to start planning the perfect family trip to Italy. Buon viaggio!

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Map Of The Best Places To Visit In Italy With Family

Use the map below to find the best places to visit in Italy with family!

20 Best Places To Visit In Italy With Family

Best Cities In Italy For Kids

Rome

Recommended by Janice of Gather and Go Travel

Rome is one of the best places in Italy to visit with family. In this wonderful city, you can find reasonably priced and family-friendly lodging, see incredible sights that look movie-set perfect in every piazza, and eat the kinds of food — at affordable prices — that kids adore.

My husband and I, who had been to Rome before having kids, spent four days in Rome with our teen and tween on a spring break trip.

What’s great about Rome is that it offers so much and has so much to do. Plus, you can visit Rome any time of the year. We particularly loved being there in the spring — before the high-season summer pricing, the crowds, and the heat set in.

Our kids, who love history and food, enjoyed taking guided tours of the Colosseum and the Forum, as well as a bike trip along the Appian Way to the Park of the Aqueducts.

Additionally, when not on guided tours, our entire family loved walking the city to visit sites our kids had learned about in school, such as the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

We also adored the food scene in Rome — pizza, pasta, gelatos, and take-away tiramisus — especially in pretty pastel-hued settings like Piazza Navona, an oblong-shaped piazza ringed by stunning 15th- and 16th-century buildings, encircling three iconic Baroque-style fountains.

Although we did these Rome activities with a 12 and 14-year-old, much of it would be ideal for children of all ages.

For families with younger children, I still wholeheartedly recommend visiting Rome. While you may need to limit activities to make time for naps or to keep walks shorter to accommodate tired little legs, Rome is a wonderful place to visit in Italy with kids. Given there are many things to see, taste, and absorb within the city, you will find plenty to do and see to delight your family for days.

Milan

Recommended by Jenny from TraveLynn Family

Milan, the fashion and industrial capital of Italy, may not be an obvious place to visit with kids, but if you have little football and science fans in the family, then visiting Milan with kids is a must!

Football fans will be in their element watching a match at the San Siro, home of Inter Milan and AC Milan, and one of the biggest football stadiums in the world with a seating capacity of over 80,000. The atmosphere is electrifying! 

Most matches are on the weekends, although sometimes matches are scheduled midweek (so check fixtures before you book your Milan trip). Be warned that some matches start as late as 8:45 pm, which may be too late for some little ones.

If there isn’t a match on during your visit, the next best thing for your football-loving family is to take the San Siro Stadium Tour. Tours run most days, depending on whether or not a game or event is happening. (English-speaking tours are available on request.)

Budding scientists will want to visit Italy’s largest science museum: Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia. The museum has lots of interactive displays, but the Leonardo di Vinci and Space sections will appeal most to kids. Be warned, this museum is HUGE – expect to spend at least three or more hours exploring the exhibits! Towards the end of the museum are trains and a true-to-scale ship replica that you don’t want to miss, so make sure to save some energy for the end of your visit.

Naples

Recommended by Paula of Truly Expat

Naples is the perfect place to visit in Italy with family, and a great city to base yourself on your trip. 

Why? Because you are a hop, skip and jump to many major Italian destinations. 

Naples is an underrated location, as there is plenty to see and do in the area. Napoletano culture is unique, and the city offers delicious foods to enjoy and interesting history everywhere you turn.

You can take advantage of Naples’ central location by taking a few day trips in the area. Some of the best day trips from Naples are the ruins in Pompei (which is only a 22-minute drive or 30-minute train ride away), spending a day on the island of Capri (approximately a 45-minute ferry ride), or visiting the crater of Mount Vesuvius (only a 35-minute drive away). 

Of course, the city itself has a lot to offer, and there is much to do in Naples with kids. 

Some of our favorite things we did on our family trip to Naples were visiting the Castel dell’Ovo (private tours have an egg hunt to keep the kids amused), taking the Funicolare Centrale (which is one of the longest in the world), and introducing our children to the original Neapolitan ice cream, arranged in three colors just like the Italian flag.

Naples is the ideal destination for children of any age. However, school-aged children who can learn about Italian history as they visit many iconic landmarks will get the most enjoyment out of the visit.

Naples is great to visit any time of the year, however, to get the most out of this great city, I recommend coming in the summer months. Between June and September, you can eat alfresco and swim in the Mediterranean sea, making summer an ideal time to head to Naples with the kids.

Florence

Recommended by Karen of Travel Mad Mum

The city of Florence is a wonderful family destination in Italy. It has something for everyone, regardless of age.

As a city rich in history and culture, there are plenty of monuments and museums to visit. In addition, plenty of outdoor activities are available in the city, including parks and playgrounds, which are perfect for kids to enjoy. To fully enjoy all the outdoor activities Florence has to offer, I recommend visiting between May and September when the weather is at its finest. 

I was in Florence with my two-year-old, and still managed to learn a bit of local history, which I found quite fascinating.

Whether you plan to make a trip here with little ones or tweens, running out of things to do is the least of your worries.

Vasari Corridor is one of the things I was most impressed with during my visit. This elevated passageway, measuring one mile in length, could fit a horse and cart through its center!

Walk around the city and explore Florence’s piazzas. A picturesque view of Florence can be seen from Piazzale Michelangelo, which also has views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Alternately, visit Piazza del Duomo, a bustling square lined with buskers that will make the little ones break out into a spontaneous dance.

Now, exploring the Piazzas can be tiring, especially when traveling with energetic kids; grab a picnic or simply take a break by relaxing in one of the many parks peppered across Florence.

Our favorite was the Giardino di Borgo Allegri, a small park just a few steps from Santa Croce Square and within walking distance of the city’s famous Gelato shop, Gelateria La Carraia. The park has a dedicated play area for the kids and plenty of toys to distract the little ones.

Apart from architecture, Florence boasts some of the best restaurants known for their warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect Italian vacation destination for families with children.

Bologna

Recommended by Jenoa of The Travel Folk

Bologna is one of the best under-the-radar cities in Italy. Its incredible architecture, walkability, food scene, and history make it one of the best destinations in Italy for families. 

While there are many amazing things to do in Bologna, one of my absolute favorite things to do is wander around the Quadrilatero. This is the area with the oldest daily outdoor market in the city, and you can walk around and see the fish market, fruit and vegetable market, and even try some sweet treats like Italian biscuits and chocolate. Make sure to also try gelato in Bologna, the city has some of the best in all of Italy! 

Possibly the most exciting activity to do as a family is to take the San Luca Express train up to the Sanctuary of San Luca. The train takes you through the city and past the longest portico in the world before you reach the top. You can explore the basilica, enjoy the views of the countryside, and wander around the area before making your way back down into the city. 

For a bit of history, I suggest visiting the old University of Bologna. This is actually the oldest university in Europe and is a gem to wander around. The walls are covered in paintings and there is even a huge library that looks like it belongs in Harry Potter.

Bologna is a great place for kids of all ages to visit. Being a less-touristy destination means Bologna doesn’t have the crowds that you experience in Rome and Florence, which makes it a much less-stressful place to visit with kids.

I’d recommend visiting in the spring or fall because the weather is milder during this time of the year and you can avoid the summer rush. 

Venice

Recommended by Jo if World Wild Schooling

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, famous for its charming canals, stunning architecture, and rich history. We love this city, as it’s a true masterpiece of art, culture, and engineering. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to experience the beauty of nature and architecture at their finest. 

If you’re planning a family vacation, Venice is also a great place to visit with kids. The city offers many fun activities for children of all ages. Our son loved painting a traditional Venetian mask and taking a gondola ride! However, it’s important to note that the city is not very stroller-friendly and can be challenging for families with toddlers that tend to wander off because the polluted water in the canals poses a risk to safety and health.

The best time to visit Venice is between April and October when the weather is mild and the city is buzzing with tourists. It’s best to avoid visiting during winter due to the acqua alta, which is a phenomenon where the city can flood due to high tides. 

While in Venice, there are a few must-see attractions that you should not miss. One of them is St. Mark’s Basilica, which is a stunning example of Venetian Byzantine architecture. The church is adorned with beautiful mosaics and is a true masterpiece of art. We enjoyed visiting the Doge’s Palace, which was once the residence of the Doge of Venice. The palace is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and houses many important works of art. 

In conclusion, Venice is a wonderful destination to visit with kids and for anyone who loves art, culture, and history. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, the city offers many exciting experiences and attractions that are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Best Places To Visit In Northern Italy With Kids

Lake Como

Recommended by Jolene from Wanderlust Storytellers

Lake Como with kids is a great way to spend a family holiday. The lake is comprised of many gorgeous little towns. Some of the best towns on Lake Como are Varenna, Como, Bellagio, and Menaggio.

The whole area is perfect for hiking, picnicking, water sports, and other outdoor activities, the region offers an abundance of natural beauty and adventure.

One great activity to do with kids in Lake Como is a boat tour. There are many companies that provide tours, or you could hop on the public ferry to visit its picturesque towns. This gives your children an opportunity to see the beauty of Italy’s third-largest lake from a different perspective. This was our favorite activity during our visit to Lake Como.

The Ulisse Guzzi Park, located on Lake Como’s western shore, is the perfect place to take the kids for a day at the beach. This picturesque park is surrounded by lush green mountains and crystal clear waters, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The park features a children’s play area with swings and slides.

In the summer, one of the most popular things to do is swim in the lake. For older kids, you could also try wakeboarding or booking a speedboat experience.

The best time to visit Lake Como is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the lake boasts crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Whilst it is possible to see Lake Como with kids of all ages, we recommend this destination for kids who are walking (as some towns are not stroller-friendly) and kids who are old enough to swim and enjoy the lake.

The Dolomites

Recommended by Diana of Travels in Poland

The Dolomites, located in northeastern Italy, are a must-visit Italian holiday destination for families. These mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a wide variety of family-friendly activities.  

The range is made up of 18 peaks that rise over 10,000 feet.  They offer breathtaking views and, depending on the season, a myriad of outdoor adventures including hiking, paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. Driving in this area is an adventure as the roads twist and turn. Definitely do this drive in the daytime!

During our trip to the Dolomites with kids aged 8 and 4, we had some amazing cultural, hiking, and outdoor experiences unlike anywhere else.  We camped in a valley in Sen Jan di Fassa, and recommend the camping experience for families looking for an outdoorsy family holiday.

Much of our outdoor experience included hiking as the Dolomites have some of the best hiking trails in Italy.  Some of the nearby trails can only be reached by ski lift during the summer months! The trails serve all levels of hikers, and we were even able to choose trails suitable for hiking with young kids.

The best time to visit the Dolomites with kids really depends on what activities interest you.  Since the Dolomites are a high mountain range, summer is the best time for hiking. In the winter, skiing and other snow activities attract thousands of visitors.

There are a few can’t-miss sites in the Dolomites, including the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike for families who are up for a bit of a challenge.  For families with smaller children, I recommend the Latemar Montagnanimata, or “dragon forest.”  You take a ski lift to the top of a mountain where kids can do a scavenger hunt, using a book to find clues to a dragon’s nest. There is also a small alpine coaster on the top as well as playgrounds and a tube slide for younger children.  

Le Marche

Recommended by Annabel of Smudged Postcard

Le Marche offers many of the best features of neighboring Tuscany and Umbria, but with fewer tourists. There are some wonderful art cities to explore such as Urbino – the birthplace of the artist Raphael – and Ascoli Piceno – home to the most beautiful piazza in Italy. The landscape of Le Marche is stunning – the interior is mountainous and has tiny hilltop villages to explore.

For children, Le Marche has brilliant sandy beaches. Italian families flock to the resort towns of Le Marche during August. In the north, near Ancona, is the rocky coastline of the Conero where some of the best beaches can only be reached by boat – ideal for young explorers. Further south, the beaches at Grottammare and San Benedetto del Tronto are ideal for toddlers, with shallow waters and calm sea.

Le Marche is at its best in the summer months when the beach clubs are lively and the inland villages hold annual food festivals. While it is hot on the coast, the terrain climbs steeply inland so it’s possible to stay in the hills, where the nights are a little cooler, and spend your days at the beach. There are some excellent agriturismos in Le Marche which work well for families and there are some good value villas with pools too.

Summertime sees families walking along the beachfront promenades each evening. There are fairground rides, petit trains, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants to enjoy.

Families with older children might prefer to explore Le Marche in springtime when there are wildflowers carpeting the hillsides and the mountains still have snow on their peaks – there are some wonderful hiking trails. 

South Tyrol

Recommended by Marina of PaulMarina.com

South Tyrol is Italy’s northernmost province on the border with Austria. This area, known for its mountains and forests, is a perfect destination for families. 

I have visited South Tyrol many times with my family, and as a child myself. Some of our best family holidays have been in South Tyrol. 

The province is special because it has a large focus on family travel in the summer months. Various interactive trails, child-friendly lakes, and high rope courses give the children a chance to explore nature in a safe environment and at a child’s pace. The tesido legend path and the rodengo bee trail are not only fun but have interpretive signs so kids can learn while exploring nature. 

Another of the numerous child-friendly activities in South Tyrol that I wholeheartedly recommend is a Lama trek with the Pirchhof in Plau, near Bolzano. When in the Dolomites, get on the Fun Bob alpine coaster at the Drei Zinnen. The whole family can take part in this, and it can always be combined with a little hike and a rewarding view of the Dolomites. 

South Tyrol also has a fascinating story to tell with its fairy tale castles, bell towers in the lake, and magical herbal castle gardens. It’s as if you’ve stepped back in time, making medieval cities such as Merano and Bolzano all the more charming. Children of all ages will enjoy the natural beauty, charm, and whimsy of South Tyrol.

I recommend visiting in July or August. Although it’s the peak season, the summer offers the best weather and opportunities to see the region at its finest. Another great time to visit is during winter, especially if your kids are ready to start skiing. 

Lake Barcis

Recommended by Celeste from familyexperiencesblog.com

Charming Lake Barcis is located in the province of Pordenone in the Dolomites of the Friuli Venezia Giulia area. When I was growing up, my father used to take me to this special place. Nowadays, I enjoy visiting with my own kids.

Lake Barcis is an artificial lake and part of the Forra del Cellina nature reserve inside the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti Friulane. We love the impressive scenery at Lake Barcis that is created by the Cellina stream, carving through the calcareous rocks for centuries. In fact, it is one of Italy’s most spectacular canyons, with cliff walls plunging into the crystal clear emerald green waters.

I believe that Lake Barcis is one of the best places to visit in Italy with family. There are lots of outdoor activities in a pretty and safe setting. With young kids, I recommend a picnic at the many picnic tables. Young kids can play on the grass or enjoy the small playground overlooking the beautiful lake. My kids, ages 10 and 13, still love the swings there.

You can also visit the Cellina Gorge Nature Reserve visitor center with a thematic exhibition about the area, its flora, and fauna. Starting at the visitor center, there is a small train taking you around the area. Families can also explore the forest and even access a Tibetan bridge.

Around the lake, there are several hiking and biking routes of different lengths. In the summer, families can go kayaking, surfing, or even diving! If you are not into water sports, there is also the picturesque village of Barcis with its beautiful old church and square. In the mountains around Lake Barcis, there is even the possibility to do free climbing, speleology, or paragliding.

Although we also enjoy the winters at Lake Barcis, spring and summer are the best seasons to visit. Springtime is beautiful because of the abundance of flowers. But in the summer, you can swim in the lake! Take note, the temperature of the lake remains frigid year round, only reaching a maximum of 7°C (45°F) in summer!

Best Beaches In Italy For Families

Trabocchi Coast

Recommended by Annalisa of Travel Connect Experience

Abruzzo is a region in southern Italy rather undiscovered by international travelers. Locals love it for its wilderness; in fact, there are three national parks on its territory:

• Abruzzo National Park
• Maiella National Park
• Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park

An absolutely underrated part of the region is its coastline, which faces the Adriatic Sea. The best beaches in Abruzzo are found along the Trabocchi Coast, which stretches for about 60 km between the towns of Ortona and Vasto. 

This part of the coast is perfect for people who are traveling with toddlers and prefer to avoid crowded places.

The Trabocchi Coast features crystal-clear sea (many beaches have received a blue flag) and large beaches, both sandy and pebbly.

Beaches are conveniently accessible either by car, public transportation, or by bike. The “Via Verde” is a cycle path that runs along the entire Trabocchi Coast on the route of a disused railway. If your children are very energetic they will surely have fun on this bike path!

Even in the high season, the beaches in this region are never crowded, and they have all the top facilities. The most beautiful beaches are those of Fossacesia Marina and Vasto – Punta Penna.

Another feature of the Trabocchi Coast and Abruzzo, in general, is that eating in restaurants is convenient, the quality of the food is excellent, and vacation home rentals are very affordable.

From the Trabocchi Coast, you can easily drive to the Maiella National Park, where you can cool off in summer surrounded by pristine nature. One of the most family-friendly trails is the short loop hike in the Orfento Valley near Caramanico Terme, perfect for children ages 6 and up.

Cinque Terre

Recommended by Saskia from Sas Crossing Countries

Made up of five dramatic coastline villages, there’s lots to do for families visiting Cinque Terre with kids. 

One great thing to do in Cinque Terre is to admire the colorful buildings, preferably with ice cream in hand. There are also numerous stairways and narrow paths to climb and explore.

You and your children will discover new things around every corner!

The elevation, steep stairs, and alleys may seem a bit much for toddlers, but our two-year-old really loved walking the paths himself. He was easily entertained walking around with a few extra breaks for drinks, snacks, and play. 

We also visited Cinque Terre with a teenager, who enjoyed hiking through the towns and nearby vineyards. 

To get between the five villages of Cinque Terre you can take the train, hike, or transit by boat. We particularly loved the latter because we got to see the colorful towns from the water, the best way to appreciate their beauty and hillside provenance.

After a day of hiking and exploring, we loved ending our days at Fegino beach in Monterosso Al Mare. This is the largest sandy beach in Cinque Terre and has the best swimming in the area. I recommend staying in Monterosso because it’s a great base to explore all the towns, and provides easy access to this delightful beach. 

July and August are hot and crowded, so I recommend planning your family trip to Cinque Terre in May, June, or September.

Cinque Terre is one of the best places to visit in Italy with kids, and great for children of all ages! Our teenager and toddler both loved it, and I’m sure your kids will too! 

Capri

Recommended by Fiona from Travelling Thirties

Visiting the beautiful island of Capri is an unforgettable experience.

Located off the coast of Italy in the Tyrrhenian Sea, this picturesque island is a paradise for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.

From its stunning blue grotto to its rugged coastline and lush green hillsides, Capri is a great place to go in Italy for families.

Children of all ages are welcome in Capri, but if you plan to stay on the island, Anacapri is the best place to stay with children because it is quieter and less crowded than other spots on the island. One reason to visit Capri with kids is that children under three are free for most activities, and children under 12 are offered discounted prices, especially on the ferries to the island.

The beaches on Capri are pebble beaches, and the best beach for children is at the Marina Grande, which is free to visit. Another great kid-friendly beach in Capri is Bagni di Tiberio, which has a kid’s club and beach toys you can rent.

While on Capri, a visit to the Blue Grotto is a must. One of the best ways to see the Blue Grotto is as part of a boat tour circumnavigating the island. Many of these tours include a stop at Capri’s famed grotto and are a nice way to enjoy the island’s rugged cliffs and natural beauty from all angles.

If you head to Anacapri, be sure to take the chair lift to the top of Monte Solaro. This is the highest point on the island and has the best views across the Bay of Naples to the Italian mainland. Children 8 and under ride free if they sit on your lap, but I recommend using a carrier for toddlers and infants to keep them safely attached to you.

The best time to visit Capri with children is from April until mid-June or late August until October. During these months the weather is not super hot and the island is less crowded, which means it’s easier to find affordable accommodations for families.

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Recommended by Catrina of 24 Hour Layover

Sorrento is definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for a great family-friendly destination in Italy. I lived in Sorrento as a nanny, so I was always taking the children out on fun and exciting day trips – the area has so many outdoor activities suitable for families!

Sorrento is a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning views and delicious food – which the kids will love!

Sorrento is great for families because of its accessibility. It is easy to get to from major cities like Naples and Rome, and in Sorrento most attractions are within walking distance – which I found so handy! Additionally, there are many gorgeous places nearby that you can visit on day trips, such as the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, or Mount Vesuvius – kids of all ages will have a great time there! 

I found Sorrento town very safe and family-friendly, with plenty of activities suitable for all ages of kids, from toddlers to teenagers. Whether it was playing on the beach or exploring ancient ruins, the town had something to offer kids of all ages. For younger children, there are several playgrounds and parks in town, as well as a great toy store. Older children can enjoy water sports, like kayaking, or a boat trip to nearby Capri.

I found the best time to visit Sorrento is during spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and crowds are fewer. However, if you want to experience the lively atmosphere of the town, summer is the best time to visit!

One of the can’t-miss sights in Sorrento is Piazza Tasso, the main square of the town, surrounded by restaurants and cafes. Marina Grande – a picturesque fishing village with colorful boats – is another must-visit that the kids will adore!

Viareggio

Recommended by Martina of Places of Juma

Viareggio is the perfect vacation spot in Italy for the whole family. This city has a variety of activities for young and old.

The centerpiece, of course, is Viareggio’s long sandy beach. It is one of the longest in Italy, and the crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming, sandcastle building, and playing. There is also a wide range of water sports on offer, which older kids can take part in. Not far from Viareggio are many amusement parks, such as Sunlight Park, Park Bim Bum Bam, and Parco Pitagora, especially great for families visiting Italy with teenagers.

Another Viareggio highlight is the beautiful promenade. This inviting promenade enchants visitors with its colorful Neo-Renaissance buildings, beckoning you to stroll along and soak up the salty sea air. While walking, visit the many shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors you find along the way.

With its lush parks and gardens, Viareggio is also an ideal place for nature lovers. The city also abuts the Parco Regionale Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli nature reserve, a picturesque park with forested walking trails and historic estates. 

A trip to Viareggio is suitable for children of all ages. Families traveling with babies will love the long promenade, which is ideal for strolling with a baby carriage. Families with toddlers will appreciate the sandy beach, which is safe for swimming and playing. And older children and teens will love the many water sports and action-packed attractions.

The best time to visit Viareggio is from May to October, as this is when the weather is best for beach-going. 

Best Places To Go In Southern Italy With Kids

Sicily

Sicily is one of my favorite places in Italy, and a wonderful choice for your Italian family holiday. This gem in the heart of the Mediterranean is home to ancient ruins, gilded Byzantine mosaics, delicious food, and even Europe’s most active volcano!

The best way to see Sicily with kids is to road trip around the island. Driving in Sicily is not for the faint of heart, but it’s your best choice to make the most of your Sicily vacation.

Sicily is a region full of highlights, but one of our favorite places we visited was the charming town of Taormina. This beach town, built into the hill overlooking the sea, is a fun place to explore. We enjoyed wandering Taormina’s serpentine streets and popping into quaint bakeries for our daily dose of cannoli.

Another of the best places to visit in Sicily is Palermo. Sicily’s capital city has a bustling atmosphere and is full of interesting sights. Our kids especially loved exploring Palermo’s markets, usually with their tastebuds. We ate so many delicious foods in Palermo that, months later, my four-year-old still talks about it!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Sicily’s many family-friendly beaches. Mondello Beach, just outside Palermo, is one of the best beaches in Italy for families. This wide stretch of sandy beach is especially nice for families with babies and toddlers as the shoreline is shallow and perfect for wading.

The best time to visit Sicily is in the spring or fall. Summers can be uncomfortably hot, which is great for beach-going but can make extensive sightseeing difficult. Winter is also a great time to visit Sicily, as temperatures are moderate, however, it will be too cold to enjoy the island’s many beaches.

Calabria

Recommended by Erin of Wanderlust With Kids

If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds of Italy’s popular cities, then head to explore beautiful Calabria. 

Calabria is a stunning region in the southernmost part of Italy. It offers turquoise waters, rugged mountains, and sandy beaches. It’s a perfect destination in Italy for families as it’s less touristy while still having many activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

Whether you enjoy spending time on the beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea or exploring the small towns of the region, there are plenty of things to do for the whole family. 

Visit the small towns in the area for a chance to slow down and experience simple Italian life. Explore the ancient ruins and historic landmarks, or take a break and sample the delicious food at a local cafe. 

Calabria is the perfect place to spend time soaking up the sun, swimming in the waves, and letting the kids play on the sand all day long. 

We enjoyed visiting Calabria’s small towns, especially Tropea, where we spent mornings on the beach and then explored the town in the afternoon. 

Calabria is a great spot for families with kids of all ages. Your family will enjoy the variety of attractions in Calabria, from visiting the beaches to exploring the local towns, ancient ruins, and interesting historical landmarks. 

The best time to visit Calabria is between May and September when the weather is warm and the sea is perfect for swimming. July and August are hot, and many locals flock to the beaches to cool off from the heat of the summer.

Calabria’s stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and charming towns and villages offer an authentic Italian experience that’s perfect for families with children of all ages. 

Alberobello

Contributed by Milijana of World Travel Connector 

Alberobello in Italy is one of the cutest places in Europe. 

This southern Italian town is like something straight out of a fairytale. Alberobello is famous for its tiny dry stone houses called trulli. These cute miniature homes remind me of the hobbit houses from Lord of the Rings. The picture book-like Alberobello has 1600 trulli huts!

So it is not surprising that Alberobello is one of the most popular destinations in Italy for kids.

Today, many ancient trulli huts in Alberobello have been converted into charming hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants. Staying in a trulli hut is a fun experience. When I traveled to Alberobello with kids, they absolutely fell in love with these tiny dwellings! I loved them too! We felt like we were transported into a real-life fairytale.

The main sites of Alberobello are Trullo Siamese, Trullo Sovrano, and the Santo Antonio trullo church. Visiting them is among the best things to do in Alberobello, Italy. We enjoyed sightseeing Alberobello, strolling the town’s cute streets, sipping smoothies in trullo bars, and dining al fresco in this adorable town. Our time in Alberobello was truly magical!

Alberobello is located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. The best time to travel there is spring, early summer, and autumn for pleasant temperatures and reasonable prices.

While you can visit Alberobello as a day trip from Bari, you will miss out on the experience of sleeping in a trulli hut. Plan to stay in Alberobello for at least one night, and let your kids get their own fairytale story to tell!

Puglia

Recommended by Robyn of Two Empty Passports

Tucked away in the south of Italy, Puglia is a lovely region that remains relatively undiscovered. Families with kids will love exploring the region’s charming fishing villages, playing on the beautiful beaches, and experiencing the local cuisine.

Parents will appreciate the region’s affordability, relaxed atmosphere, and authentic Italian charm. With many family-centered activities, a two-week trip through Puglia is a wonderful choice for a family trip to Italy.

Puglia is one destination that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Parents with infants will appreciate the relaxed pace and family-friendly facilities. For young children, the region’s beaches and countryside offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor play and exploration. While cultural experiences and outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and water sports will appeal to teenagers.

The best time to visit Puglia with kids is the summer months. Although the weather is hot, kids will enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and playing on the beach. Plus, the region hosts many family-friendly events and festivals, providing opportunities for cultural experiences and entertainment.

For families looking to escape the heat and crowds, the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are excellent times in this sun-kissed region.

One can’t-miss activity is a visit to the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare with its stunning coastal views of the Adriatic. Not only are its beaches some of the best in the region, but families will also love exploring the town’s narrow streets and piazzas.

Another highlight is visiting the Itria Valley, a beautiful region known for its rolling hills, charming towns, and picturesque landscapes. A bike ride through the valley is an excellent way for families to explore the region’s natural beauty and enjoy some outdoor exercise together. 

FAQ: Visiting Italy With Family

Final Thoughts: Best Places To Visit In Italy With Family

Italy is a wonderful destination to explore with your family. From the stunning architecture of Rome to the charming canals of Venice, there are many incredible places to see and experiences to have. Whether you’re looking for delicious food, rich history, or breathtaking sights, Italy has something for everyone. So start planning your next family adventure today and discover all that this beautiful country has to offer!