20 Beautiful Family Summer Destinations in Italy

Italy is a dream destination for families, offering everything from sun-soaked beaches to charming medieval towns and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly activities, cultural experiences, or a mix of relaxation and adventure, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the crystal-clear waters of Sardinia, here are 20 incredible family-friendly summer destinations in Italy that will make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Lake Garda

Italy’s largest lake is a paradise for families, with stunning scenery and endless activities. Gardaland, one of Europe’s top amusement parks, is a must-visit, offering roller coasters, water rides, and themed attractions for all ages.

For a more relaxed day, explore the charming lakeside towns of Sirmione, Malcesine, and Riva del Garda, where you can enjoy boat rides, lakeside walks, and authentic Italian gelato. The calm, shallow waters of the lake also make it perfect for young swimmers.

2. Tuscany

Tuscany is an ideal family destination with rolling vineyards, medieval towns, and fantastic food. Florence offers kid-friendly museums like the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, while San Gimignano and Lucca are perfect for exploring historic streets without overwhelming little travelers.

For a hands-on experience, try a family-friendly cooking class or visit a farmstay (agriturismo) where kids can see animals and enjoy fresh local produce. The hot springs of Saturnia also provide a relaxing stop for parents.

3. Sicily – Taormina & Cefalù

Sicily is a treasure trove of history, beaches, and adventure, perfect for family vacations. Taormina, perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, has a mix of ancient ruins and sandy beaches. The Greek Theatre is a fascinating stop for kids, while Isola Bella Beach is great for snorkeling.

For a more relaxed vibe, head to Cefalù, a picturesque coastal town with golden sandy beaches and a charming historic center. Don’t miss a boat tour along the coast or a delicious granita break in the town square.

4. Dolomites

If your family loves nature and outdoor adventures, the Dolomites in northern Italy are an unbeatable summer destination. Lago di Braies is one of the most photogenic spots, with its emerald waters and wooden rowboats perfect for family outings.

For adventure-seekers, Alpe di Siusi, the largest alpine meadow in Europe, offers hiking, cycling, and cable car rides with spectacular views. Many mountain resorts also have kid-friendly activities like petting zoos and adventure parks.

5. Amalfi Coast – Positano & Ravello

The Amalfi Coast isn’t just for honeymooners—families will love the colorful villages, stunning coastal views, and boat excursions. Positano has scenic beaches with shallow waters, while Ravello offers a peaceful escape with gardens and breathtaking viewpoints.

For a fun family adventure, take a boat tour to the Emerald Grotto or hop on a ferry to Capri, where kids will love the famous Blue Grotto and chairlift ride up Monte Solaro.

6. Sardinia – Costa Smeralda & La Maddalena

With its Caribbean-like beaches, Sardinia is a top summer destination for families. Costa Smeralda is famous for its white sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters, perfect for young children. La Pelosa Beach near Stintino is another must-visit, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming.

For an unforgettable adventure, take a boat trip to La Maddalena Archipelago, where you can island-hop and explore hidden coves. Many family-friendly resorts also offer kids’ clubs and activities.

7. Venice & the Venetian Lagoon

Despite its romantic reputation, Venice is a fantastic place for families, especially when explored with gondola rides and interactive museums. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection offers fun art activities for kids, while St. Mark’s Basilica will captivate young travelers with its golden mosaics.

For a quieter experience, visit Murano and Burano, known for glass-blowing demonstrations and colorful houses. Lido di Venezia also has a beach, offering a perfect mix of culture and relaxation.

8. Rome

Rome is a history lesson come to life, making it an exciting destination for families. Kids will love exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Castel Sant’Angelo, imagining gladiators and emperors ruling the ancient city.

To keep little travelers engaged, join a kid-friendly guided tour of the Vatican Museums or visit the Explora Children’s Museum, a hands-on space designed for young explorers. Villa Borghese Park also offers bike rentals and a zoo.

9. Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre villages, with their colorful houses and coastal trails, are great for families who enjoy the outdoors. Monterosso al Mare is the most kid-friendly, with a sandy beach and calm waters perfect for swimming.

For an unforgettable experience, take a boat ride along the coast, stopping in Vernazza and Riomaggiore for gelato and seaside strolls. The Sentiero Azzurro trail offers easy sections that even kids can enjoy.

10. Puglia – Alberobello & Polignano a Mare

Puglia is a hidden gem for families, offering unique landscapes and beautiful beaches. Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses, feels like a fairytale village where kids can explore cone-shaped stone homes.

For a beach day, head to Polignano a Mare, where dramatic cliffs meet the turquoise Adriatic Sea. Take a boat tour of the sea caves or enjoy the stunning views from Lama Monachile Beach. Many masserie (farm stays) in the region also offer family-friendly experiences like olive oil tastings and cooking classes.

11. Bologna

Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated family-friendly cities, offering a perfect blend of history, food, and hands-on learning experiences. Kids will love climbing Asinelli Tower for panoramic views or visiting the Museum of the History of Bologna, which has interactive exhibits.

For a fun and educational experience, don’t miss the Gelato Museum, where families can learn about Italy’s favorite dessert and even make their own ice cream! Plus, Bologna’s food markets and pasta-making classes are a hit with kids and parents alike.

12. Verona

Famous for Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a charming, walkable city perfect for families. The Piazza delle Erbe offers street performances and gelato shops, while the Arena di Verona is a must-see—especially if you catch an open-air opera or concert.

For a magical experience, visit Parco Natura Viva, a wildlife park just outside the city where kids can see lions, zebras, and giraffes on a safari-style tour. Verona also makes a great base for exploring nearby Lake Garda.

13. Naples & Pompeii

Naples is a vibrant, chaotic, and incredibly kid-friendly city, especially for those fascinated by history. Take a family-friendly underground tour of the city’s ancient tunnels or visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to Pompeii’s famous artifacts.

A short train ride away, Pompeii and Herculaneum bring history to life like no other place. Walking through the preserved streets, kids can see real Roman houses, theaters, and even ancient bakeries—making it a fascinating open-air museum.

14. Elba Island

For an off-the-beaten-path island escape, Elba is a fantastic choice for families who love nature and outdoor adventures. The crystal-clear beaches are perfect for snorkeling, while the island’s small villages, like Portoferraio, offer a relaxed Mediterranean charm.

Take the Monte Capanne cable car for breathtaking views, or explore Napoleon’s residence for a bit of history. The island’s calm atmosphere and warm waters make it a great alternative to busier coastal destinations.

15. Perugia & Assisi (Umbria)

For a quiet, cultural getaway, the region of Umbria is a fantastic alternative to Tuscany. Perugia, the capital, offers charming medieval streets and the famous Perugina Chocolate Factory, where kids can learn about and taste Italy’s finest chocolates.

Nearby Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for the stunning Basilica of Saint Francis and beautiful countryside. Families can take scenic walks, enjoy local Umbrian cuisine, and explore small, picturesque towns without the usual tourist crowds.

16. Genoa & Portofino

Genoa is a hidden gem for families, especially those who love maritime history. The Genoa Aquarium, one of Europe’s largest, is a must-visit, featuring dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. The Galata Maritime Museum also offers interactive exhibits about explorers and ancient ships.

A short trip away, Portofino is a colorful seaside village where families can take boat tours, explore hidden beaches, and even hike to Castello Brown for panoramic views. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

17. Sorrento & Capri

Sorrento is a perfect family base for exploring southern Italy, offering stunning sea views, family-friendly hotels, and easy ferry access to Capri and the Amalfi Coast. The town’s Limoncello-making tours are fun for adults while kids can enjoy fresh lemon gelato.

In Capri, take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto, ride the Monte Solaro chairlift, or visit Villa San Michele, a historic estate with breathtaking island views. The island’s relaxed pace makes it perfect for families with young children.

18. Matera

Matera is one of Italy’s most unique destinations, famous for its ancient cave dwellings (Sassi di Matera). Walking through this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping back in time, and kids will be fascinated by the cave houses, rock churches, and hidden passageways.

For a family-friendly stay, book a cave hotel, where you can experience sleeping in a beautifully restored stone home. The nearby Murgia National Park offers scenic hiking trails and incredible views of the historic city.

19. Rimini & San Marino

For a classic Italian beach vacation, Rimini is a top choice with its long sandy beaches, family-friendly resorts, and amusement parks like Fiabilandia and Italia in Miniatura. The town’s shallow, warm waters are perfect for young swimmers.

A short drive inland, San Marino is an exciting day trip, offering medieval castles, funicular rides, and incredible views from the Guaita Fortress. Kids will love exploring the narrow streets and pretending they’re in a real-life fairytale.

20. Trentino – Valle di Fiemme & Val di Fassa

Trentino is perfect for an active family summer, offering breathtaking mountain scenery, lakes, and adventure parks. Valle di Fiemme has easy hiking trails, wildlife parks, and scenic alpine lakes, ideal for family picnics and boat rides.

For a more thrilling experience, Val di Fassa offers family-friendly mountain biking trails, cable car rides, and adventure parks with rope courses and zip lines. The fresh mountain air and mild summer temperatures make it a refreshing escape from the heat.