Family Holidays to Italy
There are few other places in the world where family values ring so true as in Italy. Whether it’s the classic style of the mainland or the sunshine of islands like Sicily and Sardinia, Italy is a country where every generation can relax, laugh and live life to the full.
Best family friendly beaches in Italy
Italy has no shortage of family friendly beaches, from long sandy stretches on the mainland to beautiful island coves.
- La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia is a family favourite, with soft white sand, shallow turquoise water and views of the historic Torre della Pelosa.
- Badesi Mare, also in Sardinia, offers a long stretch of golden sand backed by dunes, with plenty of space for families to relax, swim and play.
- Viareggio Beach in Tuscany is a lively seaside resort with a wide sandy beach, shallow waters and a promenade packed with cafés, restaurants and shops.
- Puglia’s beaches offer a mix of sandy shores and sheltered coves, with clear, shallow waters that are great for swimming and paddling with younger children.
- Marina Grande in Sorrento is a picturesque spot for a family beach day, with colourful fishing boats, restaurants and beautiful views across the Bay of Naples.
Best family activities in Italy
Italy is packed with family attractions, so you can easily combine beach days with sightseeing, outdoor adventures and fun-filled days out.
- Pompeii brings ancient Roman history to life, with remarkably preserved streets, houses and buildings that older children can explore while learning about life nearly 2,000 years ago.
- The Colosseum is one of Rome’s must-see sights, giving families the chance to step inside one of the world’s most famous ancient landmarks and discover its fascinating history.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa makes a fun family day out, with plenty of photo opportunities around the famous tower and the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli.
- Gardaland near Lake Garda is Italy’s biggest theme park, with rollercoasters, water rides and attractions designed for children and adults of different ages.
- Boat trips around Sardinia are a great way to discover hidden coves and turquoise waters, with many excursions stopping for swimming and snorkelling along the coast.
- Mount Vesuvius offers an exciting day out for families with older children, with a walking trail leading towards the crater and impressive views across the Bay of Naples.
- Italy’s waterparks are another good option for a hot day, with parks such as Caneva Aquapark near Lake Garda offering slides, pools and splash areas for different ages.
Frequently asked questions about family holidays in Italy
Italy is a brilliant choice for families, with beautiful beaches, historic cities, theme parks and plenty of delicious food to keep everyone happy.
Sardinia is ideal for families who love beach holidays, with soft sandy beaches, shallow turquoise waters and plenty of opportunities for boat trips, snorkelling and exploring.
Sicily is a great all-rounder, combining family-friendly beaches with ancient ruins, volcanoes, waterparks and lively towns to explore.
Lake Garda is a fantastic choice for active families, with swimming, boat trips, cycling and easy access to attractions such as Gardaland and Caneva Aquapark.
Tuscany suits families who want to mix beach time with culture and sightseeing, with sandy resorts such as Viareggio and historic cities like Florence and Pisa.
Puglia offers a more relaxed family escape, with beautiful sandy beaches, clear waters, charming towns and plenty of family-friendly resorts along the coast.
Sorrento is a great base for families who want to explore, with boat trips, beaches and easy access to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the nearby island of Capri.
Calabria is a good option for families looking for a quieter beach holiday, with sandy coves, clear waters and family-friendly resorts along Italy’s southern coastline.
Popular family hotels in Italy
Looking for inspiration for your family holiday in Italy? Here’s some of our most popular family hotels: