Italy is not just a great destination for couples and honeymooners on the look out for romance: it’s also a brilliant place for a family holiday, offering the perfect balance of beach relaxation, cultural stimulation and delicious food. Family holidays in Italy offer a great amount of variety to keep parents and kids alike entertained, from the sandy beaches of Puglia to the spectacular scenery of Sicily. Embark on a delicious cookery tour in Florence and Bari, or treat yourself to the ultimate family relaxation holiday in Sardinia, at the stunning Forte Village.
Italy’s world famous cuisine can be enjoyed by all the family. The original and the best pizza and pasta are a safe bet for all ages, and the country’s famous wines - nowhere better enjoyed than the beautiful region of Tuscany - are a particular treat for grown-ups. Puglia, meanwhile, is the birthplace of much of Italy’s internationally consumed olive oil, while its beaches are also among the finest in the country. Baroque churches and charming villages add a dash of culture to this hidden gem in the ‘heel’ of Italy.
Italy’s ancient and iconic cities, meanwhile, are cultural and artistic treasure troves, and no family holiday to Italy is complete without a visit to Rome, Florence, or Venice. Take in all three with our Classic Italy Holiday, or if you’re after a balance of culture and beach relaxation for your family holiday, try our Italy highlights itinerary, taking in Rome, Sicily, the Aeolian islands and the serene Lake Garda.
A family holiday in Italy needs a family-orientated hotel, and Puglia’s Borgo Egnazia is just that: the sprawling olive and lemon trees and unspoilt villages which surround this traditional hotel offer plenty of space for kids, and the family villas have vast private pools. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Puglian mountains, there’s also beautiful scenery to take in and plenty of outdoor pursuits to enjoy.
Sardinia’s Forte Village, meanwhile, is a dream playground for parents and kids alike, with unrivalled facilities. Sports academies featuring training by international athletes will keep the kids busy during the day, while the parents can relax in the world class spa, offering innovative seawater thalassotherapy. Dining, too, is a particular delight, with no less than 21 – yes, 21 – restaurants to choose from at the resort, running the gamut of international cuisine from Brazilian to Thai, via, of course, traditional Italian.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in relaxation on your family holiday in Sicily, then Verdura Golf & Spa Resort is the perfect combination of modern comfort and convenience set in the rich history and natural beauty of Sicily. Golfers will love the two beautiful courses (and one nine-hole course), flanked by olive and orange groves and overlooking the glittering sea. There are also tennis courts, yoga facilities and water sport opportunities so you and your family can stay active regardless of what you’re into. When you’ve worked up an appetite, dine at Verdura’s fantastic restaurants, which pride themselves on their traditional food using locally sourced ingredients.
