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Italy is a perfect destination for family holidays, with numerous cities and towns offering activities and experiences suitable for all ages. Here is a selection of some of the best family holiday destinations in Italy, divided by city or town.
Bibione: A Perfect Family Beach Destination
Bibione (Venice) is one of Italy’s most popular seaside destinations, known for its long, sandy beaches and its wide range of activities. Here, families can enjoy a day at the beach, go for bike rides along the coast, visit the Bibione lighthouse, or take a trip to the weekly market. Furthermore, Bibione offers numerous attractions for children, including a water park and a boardwalk amusement park.
Gallura: Paradise Found in Sardinia
Gallura (Sassari) and more precisely, San Teodoro, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Sardinia, with crystal clear waters, enchanting beaches, and breathtaking natural scenery. Here, families can enjoy the sun and sea, take scenic walks along the coast, discover the wonders of the local flora and fauna, or take a boat excursion to admire the sea caves in the area.
Elba Island: Perfect for Families
Elba Island is a popular destination for families, thanks to its beautiful beaches and wide range of activities. Here, families can go hiking or cycling, participate in cooking and craft workshops, visit the National Museum of Napoleonic Residences or take a boat ride to discover the wonders of the sea.
Turin: Art and History in Northern Italy
Turin is a city with a rich history and culture which offers many attractions for families. Here, families can visit the Egyptian Museum, the National Cinema Museum, Valentino Park, or take a ride on the historic Sassi-Superga tramway. It’s also famous for its delicious cuisine, with dishes such as bagna cauda and pumpkin risotto.
Catania: Beauty and Tradition
Catania is a city located on the east coast of Sicily, known for its Baroque architecture, natural beauty (Mount Etna Park), and delicious cuisine. Here, families can visit the Ursino Castle, the Massimo Bellini Theater, the fish market, or take a tour of the Bellini Garden. Catania offers numerous activities for children, including the Giostra playground and the Etnaland water park.
Florence: The Capital of the Italian Renaissance
Florence is a city of art and culture, with numerous historical monuments and works of art that attract visitors from all over the world. Here, families can visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Ponte Vecchio or take a tour of the Boboli Gardens. Florence is famous for its delicious cuisine, with dishes such as Florentine steak, ribollita and homemade ice cream.
Portofino on the Ligurian Sea
Portofino is a picturesque village on the Ligurian coast, known for its marina, colorful houses, and surrounding natural beauty. Here, families can take a walk along the harbor, admire the view from the church of San Giorgio, explore the Portofino Regional Natural Park, or take a boat trip along the coast. Portofino is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts such as kayaking and snorkeling.
Venice: A City Like No Other in the World
Venice is truly the only one of its kind in the entire world. Its canals, bridges, and palaces make it a unique and unforgettable destination. Families can visit the Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, or take a gondola ride. Venice offers numerous attractions for children, including the Science Museum, the Music Museum and the Venice Biennale for contemporary art.
Tips For Organizing Your Family Vacation in Italy
- Planning: before leaving, it is important to make a list of the activities you want to do and the places to visit, in order to better organize the time available.
- Adapt to the needs of children: if you are traveling with children, it is important to choose activities and places suitable for their age and interests. In addition, it is useful to bring games, books, and other activities to keep them entertained during the trip.
- Choosing the right accommodation: families need space and comfort, so it is important to choose an accommodation that suits everyone’s needs. Holiday apartments, for example, can be the perfect solution for those seeking a little independence in a comfortable setting.
- Meal planning: eating out can be fun, but it can get expensive and is not always suitable for everyone’s needs. It can be useful to plan ahead and pack a sack lunch when possible. You can stop in at a grocery store and buy essentials like water which will save you in the long run.
Finally, Italy offers a dizzying array of perfect destinations for your family holiday. From beautiful beaches to art cities, from mountains to coastal cities, the options are endless and all just as captivating. Italy’s culture, cuisine, history, and natural beauty are sure to make your family vacation one to remember.
If you want to find out even more about the wonderful destinations that Italy has to offer, continue reading our other articles covering all of Italy’s regions and islands. Italy will not disappoint!