The romantic image of two parents walking hand in hand with their child across a long and narrow bridge, as the waves of the sea will break on the rocks below is something you might have in mind when booking your summer vacation. Yet, hoping to recreate this image with your own children might prove to be difficult. In fact, most popular destinations are not necessarily family-friendly or kid-friendly and some of them can make it downright dangerous or just plain impossible to enjoy the full vacation experience with your children. The good news is that there are plenty of family-friendly destinations in Italy and, if you are planning to visit, you should take a look at our list before you set down your itinerary!

What to consider before planning your family vacation

But before you pack your bags and get started on your family holiday, there are some things to consider first. Are you visiting during school holidays? Does your child have any special needs or requirements? Will you be travelling with young children who will need a lot of attention? And what about food?

Here are some tips to help you pick the most family-friendly destinations in Italy:

1) What time of year are you travelling?

Italy is one of Europe's most popular destinations all year round - but certain times of year are better than others. Summer tends to be busy on most Italian beaches and cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice can get very crowded at this time of year. Autumn and spring are usually quieter, with milder weather (although beware rainy days in autumn!). Winter is a great time for skiing in places like Cortina d'Ampezzo or Livigno!

2) Are you travelling with babies or toddlers?

If so, then look for accommodation where there's lots for toddlers to do – parks, beaches, and playgrounds close by are all good options – or with baby-friendly facilities. And if you're staying in an apartment or hotel room with no garden access then make sure there's enough space outside so your little ones can play safely without getting bored too quickly!

3) Is food going to be an issue?

If your child has specific dietary restriction (or is just a picky eater: we are not judging!), call ahead and check whether or not the accommodation you have chosen can provide what you need. Food is rarely an issue in Italy, since the local cuisine is so varied and delicious that most children will find something to meet their taste and needs. Calling ahead, however, is useful also because it will help you gage the hotel or B&B's attitude towards children. If the place is family-friendly they will have experience in dealing with specific requests and be willing to help.

The best way to find out if your chosen destination is suitable for children is by asking other parents who have been there with their children. Since Italy has such a wide range of attractions, you'll be able to find something that will suit everyone in your family.

Family-friendly destinations in Italy: how to pick the right one for you

If you're looking for a vacation destination that will be fun for the entire family, Italy should make the top of your list. From the colorful cities to the spectacular countryside and the relaxing beaches, it offers something for everyone.

What characteristics must a vacation destination have to be considered family-friendly and child-friendly? The most important thing is that it should safe, and there should be plenty of activities that both children and adults can enjoy.

Here are 4 of our favorite family-friendly destinations in Italy:

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and is renowned for its beautiful scenery and gardens. The area boasts plenty of beaches, swimming pools and many water sports activities including diving, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing. There are also several museums in the area so if you have time after your daily activities, there are plenty of things to do here with children to make your experience both entertaining and educational.

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre region is located in the northwest part of Italy along the Mediterranean Sea coast and consists of five small villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – connected by footpaths called ‘Via dell’Amore’ (The Path of Love). Each village has its own character, but all offer great beaches where you can swim or sunbathe while enjoying views over the sea or mountainsides dotted with olive groves. There are also many hiking trails that are not particularly challenging and yet offer breath-taking views of the surroundings: consider this option if your children love to be outdoors, but bear in mind that it may be harder to enjoy hiking if you are travelling with toddlers or babies.

Lake Garda

One of the most popular family-friendly destinations in Italy is Lake Garda. The lake has a mild climate all year round and is surrounded by beautiful scenery and mountainous terrain.

The lake offers both beautiful nature hiking trails for adults and children and Gardaland, the most famous theme park in Italy, containing rides that appeal to both children and adults alike, such as roller coasters, water rides, adventures etc. This combination makes it ideal for thrill seekers as well as those who just want to relax on a lazy day out!

Salento

The Salento region of Italy is the ultimate family-friendly destination. This area of the country is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and ancient cities. Salento is located in the southern part of Puglia, touching on both the Adriatic and the Ionian coast. It is an area that seems to have been forgotten by time. The small towns and villages are still charming and unspoilt. The people are friendly, welcoming, and relaxed. The food is delicious, and it may just provide the perfect opportunity for your child to experiment with something new that they haven't been willing to try at home.

Children at the Aia

Children are welcome at our B&B. We are happy to cater to all families and there's plenty for children to do and see here. The Aia is a magical fairy land for kids and adults, and we want to make their experience unique in every respect. Our playground Magical Land is ready for kids to explore the creativity of what it means to be a child - while adults dine and enjoy pizza from the wood burning oven and wine from local producers. If you are planning a stay and want to make sure your child's needs are met, just reach out in advance, and tell us what would make your vacation just perfect!

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