The cultural hub of Italy has been a much-loved holiday destination for centuries. Why not introduce the children to your favourite destination? As the digital age continues to stimulate teenagers’ imaginations and urge to see the world, Italy could become a loved place for first-time travel! With their guaranteed favourite foods ‘on tap’ and gelato on every street corner, you’re sure to have a holiday to remember together in Italy.
Drive children’s curiosity on an Italian adventure. Here are some of our favourite destinations in Italy for travelling with the children in tow.
Naples
South of the ‘boot’, Naples is home to a rich history and classic Italian charm. Like many Italian regions, the city is home to various art and cultural hotspots to get the kids inspired! The medieval architecture of Castel dell’Ovo stands on a hilltop to be a top-rated panoramic viewpoint in the city. Get educated so you can impress the children’s intrigue and let them stand in awe at the city view. Discover marine life at Naples Aquarium right before heading to the coast or consider Naples Zoo for children to see their favourite animals in their natural habitat.
Naples is well connected with a metro network and regular train links for when the walking gets too much. You can always engage in the perfect Italian pick-me-ups from local gelateries and bakeries galore. Being a quieter city than its Rome and Venice counterparts, Naples is the perfect first-travel destination in Italy for children to pick up the famous history and culture of the country – without it being too overwhelming.
Puglia
Another Italian coastal town, Puglia known for a range of landscapes and historical significance. With a picturesque coastline, enjoy the perfect blend of family relaxation and adventure here. For the beach-loving parents, showcase to the children what a holiday of serenity looks like and help them to appreciate the slow life, alongside constant sandcastle building and sea padding! For the older children, hike up the rolling hills and enjoy racing back down to the centre for an evening meal.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trulli of Alberobello is famous for its unique houses, characterised by thatched rooves and whitewashed walls. Here is the perfect space for a family picture ready to go on the mantlepiece on arrival home. Nearby too are a range of eatery options utilising local flavours and ingredients. Show the children the global capital of pizza and pasta and allow their culinary curiosity to come to light.
An escape in Puglia has all the best bits for a perfect family getaway to Italy.
Lake Garda
The largest of Italy’s lakes, Garda is synonymous with a romantic retreat, but it’s also an ideal place for travel with the children. Countless child-friendly beaches and the vast azure waters of the lakes, mean the children can swim and play in plenty of shallow waters. For the most active families with older children, Lake Garda has great sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding opportunities. Amble is among the quintessential charms of towns in the area, where children’s imagination can come to life with new historical and cultural knowledge.
Surrounding the lakes overlooking the great greenery and beyond, are plenty of family-friendly hotels and accommodations. Many of these are home to playgrounds and kids’ clubs also. Stay and remain on the flat land in proximity to the main lake networks, to ensure family walks (to the local gelato parlours) are enjoyed by all the children!
Sicily
The love of the island just off the mainland can be passed down to the children, for them to embrace both traditional Italy and the unique culture of Sicily. Boasting beautiful sandy beaches ideal for shallow swimming and ideal family-friendly resorts, the perfect getaway is sure to be unfolded. Uncover the science behind Mount Etna and take a guided tour up there all together, before indulging in classic Italian favourites to reward the hard climb! Sicily is also renowned for some of its culinary delights, including pasta dishes and arancini. Enjoy the novelty of a cooking class together or go gelato taste testing and see if you have the next Michelin-star chef in your family!
For the most sublime accommodation, family-friendly villas in Sicily are home-away-from-home establishments that can provide all the flexibility and ease necessary for travelling with children. Whether it’s a swim at dawn in the private pool or an earlier tea to allow a quieter evening, villa accommodation means going at your own pace.
Milan
Enjoy family-friendly fun in the northeast, Milan is a hub in Italy for not only its heritage and culture but for its connections to the rest of the country – supplying ease for onward travel. Why not take on a whole Italian escapade with the family, including multiple stops like here?
Milan is home to the iconic cathedral that chances are the older ones will have already seen on Insta’! But it’s also famous for other landmarks like La Scala Opera House. Enjoy the arts and music scene at Italy’s best and one of the biggest! It’s the capital of the Lombardy region, displaying a similar feel to that of bustling Rome. Thriving businesses and economic centres burst here, so display the importance of business to the children, as they grow older! Taste risotto delights on an evening and panettone galore for a true taste of Milanese tradition. One to be explored.
Summary
Italy is a thriving country for exploration, food and the arts in masses. The children are sure to come away feeling inspired and ready for their next adventure, wherever in the country is the best fit for your family. Embark on a new culture and create unforgettable memories, together.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.