Home to incredible beaches, dramatic mountainscapes, world-class cuisine, and fascinating history, there is a lot to love about Italy. From tasting that homemade spaghetti on your very first night to the day you’re back home scrolling through pics of the Colosseum, it’s a place that will steal your heart. While you might think of it as a destination for a wine tasting or learning about Roman history, you might not realize that some of the best Italian destinations for families are right at your fingertips.
Few places on the planet offer the diversity and that one-of-a-kind la dolce vita like Italy. If you are ready for a family escape that you will never forget, keep reading right here for all of the very best destinations for each and every family.
Check out the Best Time to Visit Italy.
Sicily for Active Families & Beach Lovers
Adventure lovers and beach bums alike will find heaven on earth in Sicily. From caving to rock climbing to water sports to horseback riding, there is never a dull moment on the adventurous paths through Sicily. Whether you have sporty teens looking to summit volcanoes or little ones trying to earn their sea legs, it is an ideal all-ages venue.
In the mood to get away from it all and do absolutely nothing? Grab your flip-flops and head over to some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily. When you’ve finally had your fill of the fun, you will find ancient ruins, traditional puppet theatre, and other cultural happenings that will be fun for the whole family.
Another perk of bringing the family to Sicily is that you can opt for an all-inclusive family resort on the beach or get away from it all in a popular agriturismi spot. Farm stays are quite popular around Sicily and you will find everything from rustic to five-star picks where you can soak in the peace and quick while sampling the farm to table food.
Insider Tip: While driving in mainland Italy is only for those brave hearts with good insurance, getting around Sicily in a rented car is easy for families. It will also give you the perk of being able to explore the entire island.
Like to stay in the heart of it all? Cefalù has great family-friendly options right on the sea. We especially loved the Blue Bay Aparthotel. It is self-catering, which is handy for families but it’s still got perks like a private beach, on-site restaurants, a swimming pool, gym, and yoga classes.
The Dolomites for Nature Lover’s
While the Dolomites are widely considered one of the best Italian destinations for families during the winter, they are completely underrated in the summer. Spanning across three regions of northeastern Italy, the Dolomites is a popular ski destination during the coldest time of year but pleasantly quiet during the summer months.
Those same mountains that are such a perfect place for skiing are also incredible for hiking, cycling, and camping during the warmer months. Explore the orchards and farmland in the kid-friendly trails of Val Pusteria and Val Venosta. Swim in Lake Braies. Admire the Three Peaks of Lavaredo from a rail-sled wagon ride around Baranci Valley. Take a pony ride in the equestrian center of Charlotte.
If you are traveling with young kids, it is well worth checking out the Family Hotel Biancaneve 
. They offer babycare for ages one year and operate more than 40 hours each week. Their Kids World is also open 13 hours per day so you will find options that work on any schedule
Insider Tip: Dreaming about exploring all of the best Italian destinations for families, but feeling like it’s completely out of reach? You need to check out the best airlines that fly kids for FREE! With a few tips, you can fly for a fraction of the price.
Rome for Every Family
Rome is absolutely everything you have been dreaming of and more. Best of all, it is more kid-friendly than the average city. Even historical sites like the Colosseum have family-friendly tours. You can buy your tickets online to skip the line and walk right in the door. The nice thing about this spot is that it’s a bit less dry than your average site. It’s all about wandering around, touching, looking, and exploring. On top of that, there are countless movie and tv shows about ancient Rome that will give kids a better idea of its historical significance.
Check out videos like this that are kid-friendly or watch some of the most realistic pics with older teens.
Got the kids excited about visiting Rome? Why not sign up to be a gladiator for the day?
Once have had soaked in the history get a boat or a bike to explore the Borghese Gardens then go to the Spanish Steps to cool down with an authentic Italian gelato.
The Amalfi Coast and Pompeii for Explorers
Just a two and a half-hour drive from Rome, you will get into the historic area of Pompeii & Herculaneum. Of course, this is something younger kids might not fully appreciate but it’s easy to get around and you’ll find an array of tours that are family-friendly. If you are in Rome, partially if you are headed to the Amalfi Coast, take the time to stop here.
Planning Tip: Especially for sightseeing like this and, for Italy in general, bring comfortable shoes and plan for the weather! Even if it is the middle of summer, skip the flip-flops in favor of shoes with good support. If you are traveling during a warmer time of year, do your longest walks in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
After exploring the Pompeii region, make your way down the Amalfi coast. Easily one of the most beautiful regions in the world, you will want ample time to explore. The coastal cities of Maiori, Minori, and Amalfi are certainly some of the best Italian destinations for families.
For a perfect night in, we love the Reginna Palace Hotel. This four-star hotel offers a private beach and everything that you will need for the kids. On top of the main hotel, they work with Dolce Vita Holiday Apartment Complex and the Tizi Apartments to offer a more flexible range of options.
