Family holidays work well with a comfortable base, a few outings to look forward to and plenty of time to enjoy being together. These seven ideas combine places to explore with space for a swim, a relaxed lunch or an afternoon close to your accommodation.
Tell us your children’s ages and what they enjoy, and we can suggest a holiday with suitable rooms, manageable journeys and activities for the whole family.
Pozzuoli, Bay of Naples
Roman remains, volcanic landscapes and days beside the water give this corner of Campania plenty of variety. Explore the archaeological sites of Pozzuoli or see the submerged remains of Baia on an organised excursion suited to your children’s ages and swimming ability.
Naples is reachable by local rail, while ferries from Pozzuoli offer island outings. Site access and boat plans should be checked when arranging the day.
Villa Avellino offers apartments with kitchenettes and separate living space, in a useful location for exploring Pozzuoli on foot.
Val di Merse, Siena, Tuscany
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).
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.
Panicale, Lake Trasimeno, Umbria
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.
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.
Nerano, Sorrento Peninsula
Marina del Cantone brings pebble-beach days and waterfront lunches to the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula. Boat trips, guided kayaking and walks towards Ieranto add variety for families with older children; choose routes to suit their ages, fitness and the weather.
Casale Villarena has five self-catering apartments, a pool and a restaurant in the village above the coast. A car is useful for exploring; the walk to the beach involves a hill.
Cilento National Park
Long beaches, coastal villages and the Greek temples at Paestum make the Cilento a rewarding family region. Combine time by the sea with village lunches and countryside outings, choosing a base that keeps driving days comfortable.
Explore our current Cilento collection for suitable hotels and villas. We can suggest accommodation around your children’s ages, preferred beach access and the space you need.
Siracusa, Sicily
Greek history, puppet theatre and waterfront walks make a varied family holiday in Siracusa. Explore Ortigia in short, leisurely outings, visit the archaeological park and leave time for a boat trip or a beach day outside the city.
B&B La Giuggiulena is a villa on the sea outside Ortigia, with a two-bedroom apartment and sea-view terrace for families. Steps lead to rocky bathing access, so consider children’s ages and swimming confidence; sandy beaches require a separate outing.
Trecastagni, Mount Etna
Lava fields, old craters and villages built from dark volcanic stone give children plenty to discover around Etna. Choose a guided outing suited to their ages and the conditions: lower slopes can be rewarding without attempting the higher volcano. Access changes with weather and volcanic activity.
For a different day out, Etnaland’s theme and water parks operate on seasonal calendars. Check opening dates and height restrictions before including them.
Villa Polifemo offers a garden and private pool, with a good position for Etna’s villages and outings to Catania and Taormina.
Tailor-made Italy holidays, thoughtfully planned by ExpertoItaly.
Characterful places to stay, thoughtful routes and well-planned travel between them — across one region or several.
We arrange your accommodation, transport and experiences in Italy. Flights are booked separately.
About ExpertoItalyTell us where you would like to go, when you can travel and what matters to you.
Start planning your Italy holidayMonday–Thursday: 9am–6pm
Friday: 9am–5.30pm · UK time
At weekends, please send an enquiry.
Travel Trust Association
Member Q8055
Read how your holiday payments are protected through our TTA membership.
How your holiday is protectedSubscribe for destination ideas, places to stay and practical advice from ExpertoItaly.
We will never sell your details. Read our privacy policy.
Follow our travel updates. For help planning your own holiday, contact ExpertoItaly.
ExpertoItaly Ltd · Company registration no. 12035194 · TTA membership Q8055
Package holidays are sold by ExpertoItaly Ltd. Registered office: 33 Miles Close, London, SE28 0NJ.
Facebook
WhatsApp channel