How to plan the perfect vacation? Whether on the beach, in the mountains or in a city of art, holidays with your family always need good organization, a spirit of adaptation and a desire to be together.

After all, sharing experiences is the best way to interpret the parent-child relationship. And travel is the moment of sharing par excellence. For this reason, more and more families, even with toddlers, are choosing to leave the house and discover new places and new things.

Whether it is far or near, in the city or the sea, holidays with loved ones are a moment of aggregation, fun and serenity (and always remember that you can carve out a few hours to spend alone!).

Regardless of the age of your children, you will certainly fall in love with one of these ideal destinations for a family holiday.

Where

Pozzuoli, Bay of Naples

Why

In addition to a breathtaking view, it boasts a rich archaeological collection and a beautiful garden overlooking the Gulf of Naples. But this is not the only attraction in the Phlegraean Fields for those visiting with children.

From the cave of the Sibilla Cumana to the volcanic lakes, from the Crater of the Astroni (a WWF oasis that often hosts events for families) to the numerous archaeological sites of Pozzuoli and surroundings, ending with the submerged mosaics of Baia, which can be visited with a diving or snorkeling excursion.

This area, only 20 minutes from Naples, is perfect for families, who can also take advantage to relax on the equipped beaches of the coast. From the port, it is possible to embark for the islands of Ischia and the picturesque Procida.

Stay

Hotel Villa Avellino – A strategic location for strolling out as well as using the local transports to everywhere. There are family rooms with separate living areas and fully equipped kitchenettes.

Where

Val di Merse, Siena, Tuscany

Why

The Val di Merse, a jewel of Tuscany as beautiful as it is unexplored, is a land of great spaces, colours, history and culture, for those who love to travel at slow rhythms, like ancient wayfarers.

The secondary roads of the Val di Merse, with little traffic, are ideal cycle paths allowing you to visit villages, castles, parish churches, abbeys, cross rivers and streams, a paradise for cyclists. Guided bike tour can be booked at a cost of € 150 per excursion. The bikes can be rented and will be delivered to your accommodation: mountain bike € 25 per day; road bike € 30 per day (bikes are equipped with helmet and repair kit).

Stay

Fattoria di Montestigliano – A unique collection of eleven high-quality apartments and farmhouses, on an exquisite Tuscan estate in the Senese hills, efficiently run by the Donati family and with regular BBQ’s, pizza evenings and Tuscan dinners. Plus: 2x swimming pools with diving board; game room with TV area pool table, table football and table tennis.

Where

Panicale, Lake Trasimeno, Umbria

Why

Umbria is the only region in central Italy without sea, but Lake Trasimeno can be considered the sea of ​​Umbria. Along the shores of the lake there are enchanting towns such as Castiglione del Lago, Passignano sul Trasimeno, San Feliciano, Panicale and Piegaro.

Delightful paths, children who can run undisturbed (cars are non-existent), bars with outdoor tables, pizzerias, self-service and typical restaurants. And if you wish to go further, from here you can easily reach Perugia, Assisi, Cortona and Arezzo in around an hour drive

Besides the ultra-charming towns, there are also many amusement parks for an enjoyabel family day out, and we point out:

La Citta della Domenica (www.cittadelladomenica.it), with historical attractions such as the village of Pinocchio, the Far west and the missile to brand new ones, such as the maxi slide, the minicar track and the 5D cinema passing through the farm with horses, mouflons, ostriches, antelopes, and many other animals.

For a splash in the water, the Aquapark di Tavernelle offers green area of ​​about 30,000 square metres equipped with an English lawn, pine forest, picnic areas, various shaded areas with native plants, a children’s play corner with two types of water slides, one called Twister and the other buoy toboggan. There are three swimming pools available plus La Laguna created for the enjoyment of younger children, inside there is a castle, slides and a clown with multi jets of water.

Stay

Relais Villa di Monte Solare – Super comfortable Suites with separate living area plus 2 x pool, a tennis court, bikes, a spa and gourmet restaurant. Pictureques country views come as standard.

Where

Nerano, Amalfi Coast

Why

Nerano, in the center of the bay that bears the same name, is a famous seaside resort on the Sorrento Peninsula. In an atmosphere steeped in peace and magic, the landscape offers picture-postcard scenarios, thanks also to wonderful views of Capri, the Amalfi Coast and the Li Galli Islets.

Marina del Cantone is the most important beach of Nerano, here, the air and the sun offer sensations of pure inspiration.

It is easy to venture out for walks or kayak tours in the nearby bays, such as that of Ieranto or in exciting boat trips to the most famous places, such as Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, Positano or Amalfi.

Stay

Casale Villarena – A collection of 5 well appointed self catering apartments mostly with outdoor space and sea view. There is a restaurant serving typical food, a decent size pool, a playground for the youngest, gardens and a solarium.

Where

Casalvelino, Cilento National Park

Why

Cilento is one of the least known and most underrated areas of Italy. A coast of extraordinary beauty with crystal clear sea and sandy shores which are the backdrop for the mountains behind. The itinerary of the Cilento beaches starts from Marina di Casal Velino going down the coast towards Palinuro and Marina di Camerota, where we meet wonderful coves and beaches, sometimes with sand and sometimes with pebbles, a sea with intense shades of blue and blue and some very picturesque fishing villages.

Stay

Agriturismo I Moresani – Sun, sea and uncontaminated nature, with wonderful landscape views; traditional, delicious and genuine gastronomy, the exclusive use of ingredients from the farm and domestic animals raised on the spot; a welcoming and familiar rural environment, with the utmost attention given to guests; stay in comfortable rooms and self-catering apartments; peaceful and relaxing atmosphere to live by the fresh swimming pool, on the lawn or under the shady and ancient trees; horse riding and recreational activities; and moderate prices.

Where

Siracusa, Sicily

Why

Imagine a coastal town full of archaeological and architectural treasures of incredible beauty. Visiting Siracusa means taking a journey through history, discovering a thousand-year-old city that has its origins in a remote past.

Among the things that can be interesting to see on a family holiday in Siracusa are the Aquarium, which is located just below the Arethusa Fountain, the Puppet Museum with the Theatre and the Leonardo Museum. The latter is considered the spiritual heir of the Syracusan Archimedes and in the museum of the same name are exhibited some machinery that children can interact with.

Stay

B&B La Giuggiulena – In an elegant villa on the sea, not far from Ortigia, an informal space open to hospitality. The environment, modern and well arranged, has various common areas with sea view, panoramic terraces and a slope with access to the private cliff. Families can take comfort in the 2-bedroom apartment with a private sea view terrace.

Where

Trecastagni, Mt Etna

Why

An enchanted mountain, sometimes good, sometimes bad, whose profile dominates Catania and its surroundings, reaching the top in Taormina.

The opportunities to visit Etna with your family are many, from comfortable to adventurous and suitable for all seasons.

Older children will certainly want to take the cable car up to an altitude of 2,500. The same cableway organizes off-road excursions to visit the summit craters, with ascent up to the quotas allowed by the authorities. Many local guides organise excursions and visits, mainly in the “jeep tour” formula, but also body rafting, trekking, quad excursions, kayaking and more.

The area around Etna is highly touristic and offers other beautiful leisure activities. Not far from Catania, in Belpasso, there is Etnaland, a vast theme park and water park that offers fun and (in summer) refreshment, including swimming pools, slides, settings, rides and even reckless attractions.

In the area there are several adventure parks to try out suspended paths, pulleys and climbing in very suggestive natural contexts. A few examples? Etna Green Park in Zafferana Etnea, the Monti Rossi Adventure in the Monti Rossi area and the Etna Adventure Park in Milo.

Stay

Villa Polifemo – A high quality villa with a garden and private pool, well situated for exploring Mount Etna and its hillside villages and for visits to Taormina and Catania