#GUIDES
20 December, 2023
Things to do in Italy with kids: Fun activities, top tips & more
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Previously based in London, Jessica became a regular traveller to Italy. Armed with her passport, a phrasebook and daydreams of ‘la dolce vita’, Jess has visited the country over 10 times. She's spent time all over the beautiful, diverse landscape including Rome, Florence, Venice, Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Lake Como & the Dolomites. Most recently she travelled Italy for 3 weeks with her family taking in Puglia, Tuscany, Cinque Terre and Lake Garda.
“When people ask about my favourite travel destination, it's impossible not to choose Italy. From the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites to the crystal clear seas of Puglia, the diversity of each region continues to draw me back year after year. To me, no other country offers so many iconic destinations clustered together, vying for your attention and utterly dripping with charm. ”
Driving through the Tuscan hills, watching the landscape shift from vineyards to cypress-lined lanes, is one kind of Italian pleasure. Standing at a café bar with an espresso, listening to nattering nonnas dissect the morning’s news, is another. These are the details that stay with you. Italy may be rooted in its past, but it has a way of making you feel entirely present. Then there are the homes, showstopping villas set among the vines, impeccably designed apartments tucked behind historic facades, places that let you experience the country with a little more privacy and a lot more ease. Yes, it can be touristy in spots, but with this much natural beauty, history, and hospitality, it’s hardly surprising. Even in the busiest corners like Venice, one turn off the main path is often all it takes to find a quieter piazza or a church that stops you mid-sentence.
From the seafood in the south to the hearty mountain dining in the north, Italy will fill your belly as much as your soul. With every region, comes a speciality. Trust me that eating a peppery cacio e pepe in Rome or a wafer-thin slice of parma ham in Parma has never tasted better. Good wine flows alongside every meal and with each region there's somehow a wine to perfectly match the cuisine.
Shopping small, eating fresh and taking the locals’ advice is a tried and tested travel theory, and one that works especially well in Italy, but to get you started let me pass along some gems I’ve found along my travels.
What not to miss
Fattoria Montecchio winery, Chianti
Visit this stunning local winery with the family that owns it. Take a walk among the vineyards, then through the barrels in the cellar, and finish this tour with the most generous “light lunch” you’ll ever experience, (with a wine tasting, naturally.)
Galleria dell’Accademia, Florence
Come and gaze at one of the world’s most famous pieces of art and witness firsthand the marvel that is Michelangelo’s David. The gallery also features other stunning sculptures, paintings, and a large collection of musical instruments.
Seaside town of Cefalù, Sicily
Only an hour away from Palermo, the town of Cefalù radiates Italian seaside charm. Mediaeval streets flanked with stunning restaurants wind along to the inviting sandy bay where you can’t help but sit back, relax and indulge in an Aperol Spritz. The beautifully decorated cathedral is also worth a visit.
Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, Rome
Located in the heart of Rome, this privately owned palazzo is a true masterpiece. The gallery houses works by the likes of Caravaggio and Velázquez, and you'll also get to see some of the private rooms of the Pamphilj family with their original decor and furniture.
Where to eat in Italy
Da Paolino, Capri
This little restaurant sits under the branches of lemon trees, could it get more charming than this? Drink the wine from a nearby vineyard and try the fish caught by local fishermen. Everything here is fresh and delicious.
Roscioli, Rome
Roscioli is one of my favourite places in Rome as it encompasses the best of Italian cuisine. Try the fantastic maritozzo at the Pasticceria, the traditional Roman pizza at L'Antico Forno, or enjoy a wine tasting at Rimessa, whatever you please.
Where to stay in Italy
Merope
Positano, Amalfi Coast
Sleeps up to 12 guests
Perched on a steep hillside, Merope boasts breathtaking views across the colourful buildings of Positano and out over the glittering sea. Wake up to delicious breakfasts provided daily by the dedicated staff, then slide into the shimmering pool.
Villa Dei Sogni
Lombardy, Lake Como
Sleeps up to 8 guests
Located on the hilltops of Lake Como, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic view every day at this beautiful villa. The large terrace and swimming pool is the perfect place to relax and spend some quality time with your family or friends. The villa features four spacious bedrooms and six bathrooms.
Borgo S. Lorenzo
Florence, Tuscany
Sleeps up to 6 guests
With slick contemporary furnishings and a terrace overlooking the Duomo, Borgo S. Lorenzo is the perfect base for a getaway to Florence. Outside, the streets are lined with shops, bars and restaurants, and you’ll find a fair few museums and monuments close by.
