Where to go with children to the sea in Italy: 20 resorts and hotels

Italy swims with kids from May through October, but the resort decides everything. Some places have fine sand underfoot, others have pebbles and a steep drop-off. We looked at twenty towns and islands across four of the country's seas. You'll see where the water entry is safe for toddlers, and where it's better to go with teenagers and for sightseeing. The swimming season lasts longer in the south than in the north (according to Italy's official tourism portal).

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Our picks: the best resorts in Italy for kids

💡 In short:

• The Adriatic (Rimini, Cattolica, Riccione, Milano Marittima) has sand and the gentlest water entry, so it works well for toddlers.
• Liguria and Campania (Genoa, Portofino, Sorrento, Amalfi) offer rocks, pebbles and views, but the water entry there is deeper and steeper.
• The islands and Sicily (Ischia, Capri, Palermo, Catania, Cefalù, Trapani) win on water temperature and season length.
• Season and sea water: 09/2026, checked on Italy's official tourism portal.

Below are twenty resorts in the order of our ranking, and at the end we've gathered hotels with kids' clubs across Italy. If you want to compare regions at a glance, start with the table.

1. Ischia Porto: thermal springs and sandy coves

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The main town on the island of Ischia sits on the Tyrrhenian Sea. In ancient times this place was called the Villa of Baths, and the thermal springs still work here today. The local climate allows year-round vacations with kids, which is why the island is loved beyond just July.

The beaches of San Montano and Citara have fine sand and a calm water entry. While toddlers build castles, you can get a swim in nearby. Parks line the coast, and the town has playgrounds with carousels and rides.

Older kids will enjoy the Aragonese Castle and the craters of extinct volcanoes on the slopes. The island has no airport of its own, so you arrive by ferry or boat from Naples. Find a hotel on Ischia.

2. Capri: an upscale island of cliffs and stairs

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The second-largest island in the Neapolitan archipelago lies across from Sorrento. The name is linked to goats and wild boars, whose ancient burial sites were found here. Today Capri is considered an upscale destination, and the prices confirm it.

You'll swim at Marina Grande and Lido del Faro. Lido del Faro sits between cliffs, and the path down to the water goes by stairs, with an old lighthouse nearby. From a boat you can see the Faraglioni rocks and the Giardini di Augusto gardens with tropical plants.

For families, there are plenty of hotels with a pool, a playground and a kids' menu. The catch: the water at Lido del Faro is reached by stairs, so getting down with a stroller is awkward. Capri hotel prices on Trip.com.

3. Rimini: a long sandy strip and Roman history

© Emilio Salvatori · CC BY-SAPhoto: Emilio Salvatori, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Rimini sits on the Adriatic in a city with more than two thousand years of history. The beach strip stretches for roughly 15 km, and the sea stays warm and shallow (according to the Rimini tourist office). Toddlers splash near the shore, while older kids take swimming lessons from instructors.

Between swims, you can see the Arch of Augustus, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Fellini Museum, and the old fish market. Kids enjoy the city parks and the dolphinarium, and teenagers have enough rides and attractions to fill a whole day.

Beyond that there are Mirabilandia, Fiabilandia, the Aquafan water park, and the Skypark Parco Avventura rope course. Hotels are within walking distance of the beach, and the promenade fills with vacationers in the evening. Rimini hotels on Trip.com.

4. Cattolica: quiet sand near Rimini

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Cattolica lies on the Adriatic just a few kilometers from busy Rimini, and that is its main advantage. Here you get peace and quiet, wide golden beaches, and a gentle slope into clean, warm water. Each beach has its own number and name.

Green parks, a lovely promenade, and good conditions for water activities make the resort convenient for children. The Regina Beach, Beach 96, and Bagno Voulpen beaches have activity staff and kids' clubs for all ages.

Parents can relax because adults are looking after the little ones' safety. With teenagers, you can rent a catamaran or bicycles and head out on day trips through the scenic surroundings. In the evening, it's worth visiting the dolphinarium, where young dolphins frolic. Find a hotel in Cattolica.

5. Sorrento: a year-round season

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In Sorrento, the season doesn't end even in winter, which is convenient for school-age kids. School breaks turn into a chance to discover another country, its customs, and traditions. You can swim here for a long stretch of the year, and instructors teach children to swim and dive.

The resort area covers several small towns perched on rocky cliffs along the coast. Despite the terrain, convenient access points and piers are set up for you, so getting into the water stays easy. Between beach visits, the Duomo cathedral in the city center is worth seeing.

You can stay in a modern hotel or in more affordable apartments; the choice is wide. The beautiful scenery and distinctive beaches of Sorrento have always drawn plenty of visitors. Find a hotel in Sorrento.

6. Amalfi: coves, grottoes, and teenagers

Amalfi spreads across a cliff among the hills, and the windows of its houses look out over the Gulf of Naples. The coastline is carved with mysterious caves, including the Emerald Grotto, cozy coves, and unusual rock formations. The whole coast glows with the lights of small villages that settled these places in the distant past.

The easiest way to explore the caves is with a guided tour, and such excursions are available everywhere here. The catch for you is obvious: climbing stairs with a stroller and a small child is hard. Teenagers, on the other hand, have a field day, because every descent to the water takes some agility.

Hotels with pools and water attractions give children a safe place to swim. Amalfi hotel prices on Trip.com.

7. Positano: nest beaches and the Path of the Gods

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Positano is sheltered by mountains from the north wind, and this has turned the little village into one of Italy's best resorts. According to legend, Poseidon named the town after the nymph Pasithea, and its beaches resemble cozy nests where sea and cliffs meet. Here you'll feel the calm you expect from a vacation with children.

The climate is subtropical maritime, lemons bloom year-round, and in season kids get plenty of fruit. Many age-appropriate excursions are organized for children. It's interesting to walk along the Path of the Gods, which opens up a landscape that artists painted for centuries.

Workshops and galleries still line the town's main street. For accommodation, choose a modern hotel equipped for family vacations. Find a hotel in Positano.

8. Cervia: a park city on the Adriatic

© Giorgio Galeotti · CC BYPhoto: Giorgio Galeotti, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Cervia is called a park city, and local families with children love it precisely for that. Mediterranean pines surround the coast, so in the shady alleys you can escape the heat and breathe air scented with the sea. The entry into the warm sea here is very gentle, and the shore is sandy.

The beaches have trampolines and swings, football and volleyball courts, umbrellas and loungers. There are many beaches, and each has a children's play area, with plenty of cafes near the sea. Hotels are also within walking distance of the shore.

A separate reason to come is the Thermal Center with seawater and mud treatments from local salt deposits. A children's menu is no problem, because everyone loves pizza here. Hotels in Cervia on Trip.com.

9. Riccione: sand without rocks or reefs

Riccione is considered one of the best places for a family beach vacation on the Adriatic. It has a clean sea, a comfortable climate, and a long sandy stretch with a gentle entry. Near the shore there are no rocks, reefs, or sudden deep drop-offs, so little ones can relax.

Almost all beaches are equipped with playgrounds featuring swings, trampolines, and sports equipment. For mothers with infants, there are rooms for changing, diapering, and feeding. The Beach Village beach club operates with pools, slides, and attractions.

With children, you can visit the dolphinarium, water park, or cinema, and there's a children's playground on the promenade. At the Riccione Terme thermal center, adults can enjoy treatments from a healing spring. On a free day, it's worth taking a trip to San Marino, one of Europe's smallest republics. The coastal strip has many paid beaches, and you can easily move from one to another. The city is immersed in gardens and parks, where it's pleasant to wait out the summer heat. Find a hotel in Riccione.

10. Pesaro: fine sand and parks

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Pesaro sits on the Adriatic in the province of Pesaro e Urbino. The city resembles an open-air museum: palaces, the "sparkling fountain," and the Cathedral stand right next to the beach. Nearby lie Urbino, the birthplace of Raphael, as well as Loreto and Grottammare.

For children, this is an almost ideal vacation area. There are few cars in the center, almost no noisy nightclubs, but plenty of parks with attractions. Young people head to the famous Prince disco, and in summer the city where Rossini was born hosts music festivals.

The beach strip is covered with soft fine sand, and the sea entry is gentle. The Beach Village water park is located right in the beach zone, with another one nearby. Hotels here come in various categories, and cafes offer a special children's menu. Pesaro hotel prices on Trip.com.

11. Milano Marittima: pines, flowers, and refined relaxation

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Only a small stream separates Milano Marittima from Cervia. It is one of Italy's expensive and elegant resorts, immersed in an ancient pine forest. Cedars, pines, and flower beds come right up to the sandy beaches of the Adriatic.

People come here for cozy family vacations, diving, and simply for a healthy atmosphere. The beach strip here is one of the longest on the coast, with children's and sports areas set up along it. Water parks and the Mirabilandia amusement park are also available.

Adults can enjoy salt, mud, and hydrotherapy, while hotels have created a true paradise for the youngest travelers. The catch is that staying here is not budget-friendly. Find a hotel in Milano Marittima.

12. Gabicce Mare: fine sand and lifeguards

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Gabicce Mare sits on the Adriatic between Rimini and Pesaro. A small fishing village has turned into a resort with developed infrastructure. Bridges and a ferry crossing separate the town from the busy Cattolica.

The town is very clean, with plenty of parks and greenery. Beaches have shower cabins and rooms for changing and feeding children. Sports and playgrounds are equipped with swings and a trampoline, and children's rooms feature doll castles, Lego fortresses, and large ships.

The sand is very fine, the entry into the water is gentle, although some sections are deeper and have a rocky bottom. Lifeguards are constantly on duty at the beaches, and instructors teach children how to stay afloat. After windsurfing, you can relax at a restaurant that always has dishes for children and put together a budget-friendly vacation. Hotels in Gabicce Mare on Trip.com.

13. Bellaria: a resort where children are welcome

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The most welcome guests in Bellaria are children, and the locals have taken care of them in advance. They have created children's parks, pools, and special beaches, and the quality of services is known throughout the country. Professional entertainers work with little ones, offering shows and sports competitions.

Events take place on the coast, in Parco del Gelso, in Dinosaur Valley, at the Maritime Museum, and by the Saracen Tower. A "green train" runs through the streets, and the mascot Lillo invites children to join the fun. According to local tradition, he is considered a family symbol that protects the home.

Cafes and restaurants at hotels have everything prepared for children, and the atmosphere is almost like home. The mild climate lets you give your child not just a vacation but a whole season in a fairy tale. Find a hotel in Bellaria.

14. Savona: pebbles, a fortress, and teenagers

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Savona is an optimal choice for families with teenagers. The resort sits on the Mediterranean, and its beach area is smaller than that of neighboring Genoa. Several public and private beaches operate along the shore, and all of them have everything needed for children of any age.

Savona's beaches are pebbly, so the sea water is always clean. The entry into the water is gentle, which matters when you are bathing a toddler. While walking around the city and its surroundings, you can explore the Priamar Fortress with its labyrinths, a real prison room, and a powder magazine, and some halls house museums.

The city was born back in the Bronze Age and grew into a major Italian seaport. Cruise routes across the Mediterranean depart from its shores, and from the deck you can see the Italian coastline in all its glory. Numerous sea excursions await you in the city and its surroundings, and interesting museums are open in old buildings. The one catch: there is no wide sandy beach in Savona itself, so you will have to travel farther for sand. Savona hotel prices on Trip.com.

15. Genoa: the port, bays, and Nervi parks

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Genoa lies in Liguria, the most expensive region of Italy. Every building in the city breathes with antiquity, and legends here tell of sunken ships and cities that went underwater. A stay in a modern hotel with a pool, playrooms, and a children's menu is guaranteed here.

The ancient seaport occupies almost the entire coastal zone, so you choose a beach for a relaxed vacation with small children based on the surrounding area. These include Sestri Levante, Camogli, Alassio, and other nearby towns. The most popular beach is considered to be Bagni Nuovo Lido, which is excellent for little ones.

On the sandy beaches of Sestri Levante in the bays of Baia delle Favole and Baia del Silenzio, you can build an almost real sand palace. The city is known for its beautiful parks, one of them being the Nervi parks, where playgrounds and play complexes are located. There you can take a break from the sun and play with your children. Find a hotel in Genoa.

16. Portofino: quiet without city beaches

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Portofino sits in Liguria, not far from Genoa. According to an old legend, the name means "Portus Delphini", a place dolphins loved. The picturesque bay of the Ligurian Sea is part of a national park with architectural landmarks, rare plants, and protected animals.

The town is definitely worth seeing with kids. The catch is that there are no large city beaches here, even though the sea is close. The cozy rest areas by the high cliffs mostly belong to hotels, so for swimming you head to Santa Margherita Ligure.

For small children, hotel pools and water parks remain the option. The catch for lively groups: no new buildings are constructed in Portofino and there is no heavy traffic, so evenings here are quiet. The boldest guests dive down to the "Christ of the Abyss" statue at the bottom of a neighboring bay, while with kids you can walk the pedestrian Cinque Terre trails. Portofino hotels on Trip.com.

17. Palermo: an open-air museum and Mondello beach

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The capital of Sicily, Palermo, greets you as a modern metropolis with hotels, parks, and entertainment for all ages. A city with ancient history skillfully combines the pace of modern life with a relaxed vacation. Like an open-air museum, it tells the story of past traditions on this land.

The city's calling card is its many old churches, side by side with modern man-made attractions. At the Parco d'Orleans nature reserve you can chat with a bright parrot, see an ostrich and rare animals, and also admire tropical plants. Kids also love Palermo's whimsical fountains.

At Toy Park Beach, children ride swings, swim in a kids' pool, and take part in workshops. School-age kids will find the INAF Palermo Astronomical Observatory fascinating: through its powerful telescope, the starry world and distant planets open up.

There are almost no beaches within the city limits, so for sunbathing you head to Mondello beach, while kids have plenty of water parks and pools. Find a hotel in Palermo.

18. Catania: black sand at the foot of Mount Etna

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Catania is easy to reach by plane because it has an international airport. The city grew up at the foot of Mount Etna, and right after landing you feel its unusual power. Its history is closely tied to the volcano, which repeatedly destroyed everything with lava, and the city was rebuilt even more beautiful each time.

City sights are convenient to see from a tourist bus, and a special tourist train runs for kids. Strolling along the coast, you will see the ancient Ursino Castle, whose walls are partly buried under volcanic lava.

Catania's beaches are covered with black volcanic sand, fine pebbles, and remnants of pumice. The best spots for relaxing are La Playa, with fine sand and an easy entry, and Li Cuti, with a rocky shore and a difficult entry. Li Cuti has almost no infrastructure, so for little ones it is safer to swim in water parks and take walks in Etnaland park at the foot of Mount Etna. Catania hotel prices on Trip.com.

19. Cefalù: sand within the city limits

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Sicilians are attentive to children, so a trip here is pleasant and rewarding. The sun shines almost all the time, the sea is clean, and there is plenty of fruit and vegetables. Among tropical parks and gardens you will come across rare plants, and in the country's well-maintained zoos you will meet amusing animals.

The resort of Cefalù is convenient to visit with young children because the beach lies within the city limits. There are noticeably fewer vacationers here than at Italy's heavily promoted resorts. If you want seclusion, you head toward Messina, Portorosa, and Capo d'Orlando, where the beaches of Balestrate and San Vito await.

You can stay in a modern hotel or in a cozy house at the "Palm Garden" residence. The city has the Acqua Verde water park with a separate kids' zone, entertainers, and activity programs for little ones. The question of kids' food is easily solved in the many restaurants and cafes. Find a hotel in Cefalù.

20. Trapani: shallow water and the underwater world

© Myke Bryan · CC BYPhoto: Myke Bryan, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The province of Trapani in Sicily is dotted with many sandy and pebble beaches that are convenient for little ones. The city itself sits in the northwestern part of the island, and there are no good beaches right in the provincial capital. But nearby lies the shallow and clean beach of San Vito Lo Capo.

Snorkeling lovers choose Scopello beach. Here you will see an underwater kingdom of natural sea treasures, and beautiful fish and other creatures swim near the coast. For kids, this is a fun activity. In the city's surroundings, as in ancient times, a lot of tuna is caught.

School-age kids will enjoy hearing a guide talk about the Siculi and Elymi tribes that once lived here. As a family, you can try sheep's cheese made according to old recipes, local pizza, bread, and the drink limoncello. Doing so is easy in the many restaurants and cafes.

If you have young children who don't need to be in school, come in September, when the velvet season begins. Mild weather, an abundance of vegetables and fruit, a warm sea, and vacation discounts will all make you happy. Hotels in Trapani on Trip.com.

Which hotel to choose

When you travel with a child, choosing a hotel deserves special attention. Everything matters: proximity to the sea, clean rooms, kids' playrooms, pools, and menus. We've put together ten hotels by the sea and on Lake Garda where children are thought about in advance. Except for Mare Hotel in Savona, all of them are outside the twenty resorts on the list.

Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Jesolo 5*

The snow-white building stands on the Adriatic coast in Lido di Jesolo. It was designed by architect Richard Meier, and the interiors were created by Matteo Thun. Venice Airport is not far away, so the trip with children goes smoothly.

The hotel has terraces with sea views, pools, and a large spa center. Entertainment programs are organized daily for young guests, and the famous Aqualandia water park is nearby. The hotel has its own beach with loungers and umbrellas, and you can leave your car in the underground garage.

• Who it's for: families with children who value service and a private beach.
• Location: Lido di Jesolo, Adriatic coast. Available rooms at Falkensteiner Jesolo on Trip.com

Colonna Grand Hotel Capo Testa 5*

The hotel stands in Santa Teresa Gallura practically on the beach, and its architecture is in Mediterranean style. Guests praise the pools and say they almost blend into the sea. Stone waterfalls and a hot tub complete the picture.

Room windows open onto a panorama of the sea and the private beach, and some overlook the garden. In the restaurants with panoramic windows you'll be served national dishes and pizza, and there's a spa center and free parking. The entry into the sea is very gentle, so even families with toddlers feel confident, and a kids' club will look after the children.

• Who it's for: families with small children and lovers of sea views.
• Location: Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia, almost on the beach. Prices at Colonna Capo Testa on Trip.com

Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort 5*

The new hotel stands in Padenghe sul Garda on the shore of Lake Garda. The lush vegetation around feels more like the tropics than the Mediterranean, and a private beach area with loungers and umbrellas awaits you by the water. A bar is nearby, and in the heat it's nice to order a cool drink.

From here it's easy to reach Verona, Brescia, and Mantua, which feel like open-air museums. You can leave your car in the free parking lot, and pets are welcome too. Guests have access to a heated pool, a fitness center, a spacious sauna, and a cosmetologist's office. A breakfast buffet is served in the mornings, and kids enjoy the homemade pastries.

• Who it's for: families with children and those who want to combine the lake with sightseeing.
• Location: Padenghe sul Garda, shore of Lake Garda. Available rooms at Splendido Bay on Trip.com

Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi 5*

The resort stands in Villasimius on Sardinia, amid a picturesque landscape. Around are white sandy beaches, granite cliffs, and a shallow sea with a gentle entry, which is convenient for children. On the beach you can play mini soccer or basketball, book a yacht trip, or go scuba diving.

Warm evenings are pleasant to spend outdoors with music, and waiters will offer cocktails. The hotel has an excellent spa center, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub where you can relax after the beach. With a child, take a family room, spacious and comfortable, and on the grounds children will find playgrounds, a pool, food, and entertainment.

• Who it's for: families with children and tennis lovers.
• Location: Villasimius, Sardinia, near the beach. Prices at Falkensteiner Capo Boi on Trip.com

Canado Club Family Village 4*

The club stands right next to its own sandy beach in the picturesque town of Donoratico. You'll be offered a room or an apartment: rooms have safes, and apartments have kitchenettes with all appliances. In September and October significant discounts apply here.

There are many young people and families with children who quickly get to know each other. Entertainment events run constantly, and there's a laundry on the grounds, which is convenient when little ones get dirty. Restaurants and bars will feed and serve you, and kids love the ice cream at the beach bar. For sports there's tennis, volleyball, and canoeing, and Pisa and Florence are nearby.

• Who it's for: families with children and those looking for socializing and entertainment.
• Location: Donoratico, Tuscany, by a private sandy beach. Available rooms at Canado Club on Trip.com

Arbatax Park Resort - Telis 4*

The hotel is in the outskirts of Arbatax, in Bellavista National Park. The grounds are very green, tame animals wander right next to you, and picturesque harbors are scattered all around. Rooms open onto sea views, and many have their own terraces.

All the conditions for sports are in place: soccer, tennis, and swimming. Guests get a dedicated area on the popular Lido di Orrì beach, and if you prefer pools, there are several. The spa offers various types of body wraps, and the garden is a pleasant place to cool off in the heat. The main restaurant serves dishes Sardinia is proud of, there is a kids' club and a nightclub for adults, and parents can cook for themselves in a separate kitchen.

• Who it's for: families with children and active guests.
• Location: Arbatax, Sardinia, Bellavista National Park. Prices at Arbatax Park on Trip.com

Hotel Villaggio Stromboli 4*

The hotel sits on the Calabrian coast near the town of Santa Domenica. A cozy private beach and a pool await you, and most guests stay in villas on the grounds. Each room is individual, with a balcony and a sea view.

A continental breakfast is laid out in the morning, Italian dishes and wines can be ordered during the day, and there is a special menu for children. Drinks, snacks, and ice cream are available at the pool bar. Water sports are available on the beach, and the grounds include a soccer field, a tennis court, and a volleyball court.

• Who it's for: families with children who want a quiet private beach.
• Location: Santa Domenica, Calabria, on the coast. Available rooms at Villaggio Stromboli on Trip.com

Parad Tuscany EcoResort 4*

"This is a hotel specifically for vacationing with children," guests write in reviews. It is located in the town of Marina di Castagneto Carducci, and guests stay in comfortable chalets. The sea here is shallow and clean, and the sand is so soft that it is called silky.

On the beach you can rent everything for water sports and diving. Guests have access to a hot tub that both children and adults will appreciate, and a playground. The restaurant gets praise: grab a pizza and wine and settle in on the open terrace with a sunset view. For active guests there is tennis, horseback riding, windsurfing, cycling, and canoeing.

• Who it's for: families with children and lovers of active recreation.
• Location: Marina di Castagneto Carducci, Tuscany, by a private beach. Prices at Parad Tuscany on Trip.com

Mare Hotel 4*

The hotel stands on the shore not far from the center of Savona. You wake up to the sound of the sea, and below your balcony lies a private beach with umbrellas and loungers. You can enjoy the sea panorama from the spacious terrace or from the pool, which almost blends into the water.

Smoking is not allowed in the rooms, and for families with children that is only a plus. Every room has a balcony where little ones can sleep in the fresh air. Breakfast is served in the inner courtyard with a sea view, and the restaurant treats you to delicacies made from fresh seafood. On Wednesdays a buffet is laid out by the pool and music plays.

• Who it's for: families with children who want a beach right at the hotel.
• Location: Savona, Liguria, near the city center. Available rooms at Mare Hotel on Trip.com

Hotel Regina 3*

The hotel is not in a suburban area but right in Lido di Jesolo near the main square. The lively street becomes pedestrian-only at night, so you can relax by the sea and live in a picturesque Italian town at the same time. Shops, cafes, tour agencies, and nightclubs are all around, so there is plenty of places to stroll.

The beach is a couple of minutes' walk from the door, and loungers and umbrellas are provided free of charge. Bicycles can also be borrowed for free. Rooms have desks, and the blue interiors feel cool even in the heat. A buffet is laid out in the mornings, and Italian dishes, including children's and diet options, are served during the day and in the evening. A water park is nearby.

• Who it's for: families with children who want to stay in the center of the resort.
• Location: Lido di Jesolo, by the main square, not far from the beach. Prices at Regina Jesolo on Trip.com

Italy resorts for family vacations with kids on the map

All twenty resorts from this article are collected on the map below. This makes it easier to plan your route and see which towns are close to each other. Open the map in advance to decide where you will go from the airport.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where in Italy is the shallowest sea for a small child?

On the Adriatic coast: Rimini, Cattolica, Riccione and Gabicce Mare. There is sand and a gentle slope, and no rocks or deep drop-offs near the shore. The south and the islands offer warmer water, but the entry into the sea there is more often pebbly or rocky, and that is worth keeping in mind with a little one.

When is the best time to go with kids to the sea in Italy?

High season runs from mid-May to the first half of October (according to Italia.it). Late spring and the first half of autumn work best. In June and July it is comfortable almost everywhere, but August is peak season with crowded beaches and high prices. In Sicily in July and August it is very hot with a small child, so it is better to go for walks closer to the evening. If your child is not yet in school, choose September: the sea is warm, the weather is mild, and discounts make the trip cheaper.

Where to go with teenagers?

To Sorrento, Amalfi or Sicily. In Amalfi and Positano every descent to the water requires some agility, but the views and excursions make up for everything. In Sicily teenagers will enjoy Etna, Catania and Palermo with its observatory, and in Savona they will like the Priamar Fortress and boat trips.

Where to stay with a child?

Choose a hotel right by the beach and with a kids' club. In Lido di Jesolo these are Falkensteiner and Regina, in Sardinia Falkensteiner Capo Boi and Arbatax Park, and in Tuscany Canado Club and Parad Tuscany. Make sure the hotel has not only a pool but also a children's menu.

Do you need a car at an Italian resort?

On the Adriatic coast it is convenient without one: hotels are right by the beaches, and towns are close together. In Liguria and in the south a car helps you reach beaches and neighboring towns. If you book a car, check whether the hotel has parking, otherwise you will spend a long time looking for a spot.

In short: what to book

• If you have toddlers: choose the Adriatic coast, meaning Rimini, Cattolica or Riccione with sand and a gentle entry.
• If you want views and excursions: look at Sorrento, Positano and Palermo.
• If you are traveling with teenagers: choose Amalfi, Catania or Savona.
• If you want peace and quiet: Porto Fino, Milano Marittima and Capri are good options.

Hotels with kids' clubs are available at many resorts in Italy, and you can pick the right option in advance. Find a hotel on the Italian coast.