A Family Guide to Italy and Islands

Whether it’s the delicious pizzas and pastas that’s calling you, the beautiful beaches or the fun adventures, a family holiday in Italy is a must!

Let’s explore why Italy is perfect for families; the best places to go, the top activities and some family friendly resorts…

Why Italy is perfect for a family holiday

• Charming and welcoming Italian culture ideal for families
• Delicious, kid‑friendly food for even the fussiest eaters
• Golden beaches with shallow, safe waters for children
• Ancient ruins and historic sites that make learning fun

Best places to go for a family holiday in Italy

Sardinia

The holy grail of Italian beach holidays, Sardinia is a dream for families seeking calm, shallow seas, powder-white beaches, and plenty of space to play. Its laid-back pace, friendly resorts like Alghero and Olbia, and crystal-clear waters make it a hit with parents and kids alike.

Best family beaches in Sardinia

• La Cinta Beach, San Teodoro – this long and shallow beach is perfect for toddlers and kids to paddle and splsah around, with plenty of room for building sandcastles too,
• Maria Pia Beach, Alghero – a pine-fringed sandy expanse with shallow, gentle waves and a selection of nearby cafes for a easy family day out,
• Spiaggia Pittulongu, Olbia – this wide sandy beach offers shallow, crystal-clear water ideal for children, with cafés, sunbed hire, and calm waves that make it perfect for a relaxed family day.

Top activities to do with kids in Sardinia

• With all the Sardinian coastline to explore, a popular activity is heading off on a boat trip. Head to Maddalena Archipelago to spot dolphins and swim in the mesmerising turquoise coves.
• A day at BluFan Waterpark is fun for all the family with slides and splashzones suitable for all ages. There’s picnic areas, restaurants and snack kisosks to keep everyone’s energy levels up.
• Exploring Alghero Old Town offers a different pace to a beach day – wander the cobbled streets, pop in the gelato shops and take in the authentic Italian feel.

Our recommended family hotels in Sardinia

• TUI BLUE Baia Di Conte – pool, beach & family fun.
• Mangia’s Sardinia Resort – an Italian delight for keen foodies of all ages.

Sicily

The largest of the Italian islands, Sicily blends family-friendly beaches with fascinating history and volcano adventures. Sightsee in ancient towns like Taormina or Pompeii, gaze up at – or go up – Mount Etna and bask in the sunshine.

Best family beaches in Sicily

• Mondello Beach, Palermo – a calm, shallow bay ideal for tranquil beach days with younger children, shaded naps and splashing around.
• Giardini Naxos, near Taormina – this andy stretch is close to a selection restaurants and ice-cream stops with plenty of choice to keep everyone happy.
• Lungomare Beach, Cefalù – a long, golden stretch lined with a beautiful backdrop of Cefalù’s old town, and thanks to its shallow water, nearby cafés and selection of facilites, it’s the ultimate spot for a family beach day.

Top activities to do with kids in Sicily

• Ride the cable car up Mount Etna for a bit of adventure and adrenaline, then watch steam rise from Europe’s highest active volcano – a sure sight to amaze the kids!
• A trip to Etnaland Theme & Waterpark is guaranteed fun for the whole family with rollercoasters and water slides for all ages – and mixes it up from the beach days.
• Perfect for those with older kids or teens, exploring Taormina’s Ancient Theatre combines fascinating history and incredible, panoramic sea views.

Our recommended family hotels in Sicily

• Costa Verde Hotel – activity and luxury combined for the whole family.
• Magnia’s Pollina Resort – a hotel of choice, with 5 dining options and a jam-packed daytime itinerary.

The Venetian Riviera

Stretching along the Adriatic coast, the Venetian Riviera is perfect for a stress-free family holiday, offering wide sandy beaches, gentle seas, and just a short hop from the enchanting city of Venice.

Best family beaches in the Venetian Riviera

• Lido di Jesolo Beach – a long, golden stretch with calm, shallow waters that are ideal for paddling and swimming, plus plenty of nearby restaurants and family facilities.
• Bibione Beach – a clean, well-kept beach with soft sand, gentle waves, and designated play areas, making it perfect for young children to run and splash around safely.
• Caorle Beach – this charming charming spot has shallow waters and colourful surroundings, plus pedal-boat rentals, ideal for some relaxed family fun.

Top activities to do with kids in the Venetian Riviera

• Caribe Bay waterpark is the ultimate day out with white sands, cocktails (for the parents!), and a tone of slides and lazy rivers.
• A day trip to Venice by boat can be an exciting canal adventure for all ages – something different they’re sure to brag about!
• Luna Park Jesolo is a traditional funfair with rides, games, and treats for kids all ages – the perfect way to get in some shaded time without compromising on the fun.

Our recommended family hotels in Sicily

• Hotel D’Annunzio – prime location just a stone’s throw from the beach, bars and main square.
• Le Soleil Hotel – a dreamy family pick with a pool, private beach and spa.

 

The Neapolitan Riviera

The Neapolitan Riviera is a top pick for an Itliaan family holiday, offering dramatic coastal views that please the parents, while delicious pizza and plenty of day trips keep the kids more than satisfied.

Best family beaches in the Neapolitan Riviera

• Marina Grande, Sorrento – is a sheltered cove with calm water and family-run trattorias serving delicious treats.
• Meta Beach – boasts the two most important things – sandy and spacious – making it a favourite with local families.
• Gaiola Beach, Naples – this small, clear bay has a marine-protected area for safe snorkelling – ideal for the inquisitve young ones.

Top activities to do with kids in the Neapolitan Riviera

• Take a boat trip to Capri to see the Blue Grotto and revel in its magnificance – best early in the morning for the cooler temperatures for kids.
• Head on a family-friendly tour around Pompeii to wander the ancient streets and listen to stories that bring the city’s history to life.
• Fun for dventure seekers or train-loving little ones, ride the Circumvesuviana Train to enjoy a scenic day trip between Naples, Sorrento, and Vesuvius.

Our recommended family hotels in the Neapolitan Riviera

• La Solara Hotel – a charming family run hotel for the ultiamte family holiday.
• Conca Park Hotel – ultimate Italian elegence with fun and ammenities for kids.

 

 A snapshot of Italy for families:

Where?	Best for
Sardinia	Young families – soft sands, turquoise waters & laid-back beach days.
Sicily	Curious kids – a blend of culture, adventure & coastal fun.
Venetian Riviera	Families with older kids – family-friendly resorts, waterparks & easy access to Venice.
Neapolitan Riviera	Families who love to explore – scenic adventures, delicious food & historic sights.

 

Now you’ve got all the inspo you need for your family holiday to Italy, browse our vast selection of Italian holiday deals and see where takes your fancy!

Or, have a quick browse of these below first!