Travelling to Italy as a family

If there’s one national stereotype that holds true, it’s the Italian love of bambini. Children are showered with affection and warmly welcomed pretty much everywhere. They’ll love all the attention and better still, you’ll be able to relax as everyone from grannies to waiters happily step in as impromptu kids’ entertainers. It’s a win-win.

There are plenty more reasons to travel to Italy with the family. Whether you love ancient history, chilling out on the beach or wearing out the kids with a packed programme of activities, Italy is one of Europe’s best-loved playgrounds. And with flights from the UK averaging around 3 hours, it doesn’t take long to be right amongst the action.

Let’s take a closer look at Italy’s irresistible offerings…

Child menus aren’t common in Italy – and that’s because they’re not needed. All the crowd-pleasers can already be found on the adult menu. We’re talking pasta, pizza, risotto and panini– as well as lots and lots of ice cream. Order kids a mezzo piatto (half portion) of a standard dish, and you’ll find plenty of exciting new flavours and ingredients to satisfy adventurous appetites. Most places are also more than happy to indulge any fussy eaters, with many Italian children enjoying simple plates of plain pasta with olive oil and cheese.

If you’re eating out on one of your non-inclusive nights, head for the local pizzerias. They tend to open earlier than restaurants – unless you want to embrace the Mediterranean culture of dining out late!

Italy boasts the kind of scenery that was made to make tiny jaws drop. Whether it’s the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites or the sun-drenched coastline of Sardinia, Italy is beautiful from tip to toe.

Children will also love the historic sights of Italy - they’re a fantastic way of bringing the past alive, and you’ll get a few brownie points from their teachers too! Explore your holiday surroundings and you’ll find everything from hilltop medieval villages to ancient archaeological sites bound to inspire kids of all ages.

Guests at our Airone Beachclub in Calabria can visit the nearby town of Sibari to explore its archaeological park and museum. The remains of no less than three ancient cities, dating all the way back to 800BC, make a fascinating day trip for young history buffs.

If you’re staying at the Neilson Baia dei Mori Beachclub in Sardinia, don’t miss a trip to historic Posada with its imposing Castello della Fava – it’s the kind of ‘proper castle’ that will immediately conjure up games of knights and dragons. Top tip: don’t attempt to take on the steep cobbled streets with a buggy, pop younger kids in a carrier instead - you’ll thank us later!

Mini thrill seekers are in for an Italian treat. Do your little ones love the water? If so, they’ll have a blast trying out the variety of water sports on offer on the Italian coastline, including everything from paddle boarding to dinghy sailing. Although let’s face it, for kids, nothing beats some good old-fashioned splashing around!

For the mini-me explorers, bikesfor the whole family areincluded inand are a great way to spend a memorable day as a family. Pedal along gentle trails taking in picturesque vineyards and gorgeous sea views, or get the adrenaline pumping with some off-road mountain biking.

As well as enjoying activities as a family, why not let the kids spread their wings by joining in the fun at a Neilson kids’ club? Our trained staff will have them trying everything from tennis to kayaking - who knew a holiday could offer so much variety? What’s more, they’ll love telling you about their new-found passion once you pick them up, feeling refreshed from your well-earned ‘me time’. Bliss.

The doting Italian attitude to the bambinos means one thing: family evenings with minimal stress. Head out on your non-inclusive nights and sample the local restaurants, and on your inclusive nights, simply stroll from your room and enjoy big smiles over delicious, freshly-prepared food.

Fancy a break from family dinners? Take advantage of the Neilson inclusive evening childcare and enjoy a parents-only night. Whether you use your time for letting your hair down or a long-overdue nap is completely up to you. Although a long-overdue nap is most likely!

Ah, the weather…. Italy enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with long, sunny summers. Think warm seas, little in the way of rain and blue skies as far as the eye can see. Sounds good, right? Well, it is. The peak summer months can be hot, so a coastal destination where you can cool off in the sea is ideal. Like a Neilson Beachclub, perhaps?

Italy also hits the mark when it comes to winter weather. Head north to the mountainous Alps or Dolomites and you’ll find snow conditions fit for an unforgettable family ski holiday.