When considering a family break, Italy probably wouldn’t be first in line as it is mainly associated with romantic escapes and culture filled city breaks. What you may not realise however, is that this wondrous country has to plenty to offer the family market and could well be just what you are after with the kids in tow this summer.
A different type of holiay
It’s true; there aren’t all-inclusive-bargains-galore to be found like in Spain and Cyprus. What it can offer in terms of glorious sunshine, uncrowded beaches, some of the world’s best pizza, pasta and ice cream will be sure to win you over. There’s a wide range of accommodation options available that will keep kids of all ages entertained and allow mum and dad to have some time to chill out too. Here’s a pick of some of the best on offer.
Family fun in Sardinia
Located in Sardinia, Chia Laguna Resort is ideal for families with very young children thanks to the crèche and babysitting facilities on site, allowing parents a little break. Older children are more than welcome too and they will have plenty of fun at the kids or teenagers club! Even travelling to the nearby beach is fun and easily reached via the mini train that chugs back and forth between the sand and the resort, plus there are tennis courts and horse riding available right nearby. The rest of Sardinia will be sure to delight and is definitely worth exploring.
Relaxing Lake Garda
The gorgeous Lake Garda, the largest in the country and found in the north, presents a delightful holiday escape for all ages. The Lake presents plenty of opportunity for secure, water based fun and a variety of sports will feature highly on the activities list. Bella Italia Resort is found on the shores and offers a variety of kids clubs, even for tots aged 6 months to 3 years. The country’s largest theme park, Gardaland, is just a stone’s throw away and will keep a grin plastered on the faces of kids young and old and the surrounding landscapes will capture everyone’s imagination.
Hotel Flamingo in Sardinia
Hotel Flamingo, offering modest accommodation with a relaxed atmosphere, is a firm favourite in Sardinia and is set in beautiful parkland with a choice of activities. A fresh water child’s pool and full size pool will allow you all to cool off in the Sardinian sun and the range of onsite sporting facilities will ensure you all keep active. During high season, kids of all ages will have a whale of a time at the age appropriate kids club. The coast is right on your doorstep and southern Sardinia is definitely worth exploring.
Sub-tropical paradise
Hotel Fiesta Garden Beach is set in sub-tropical gardens and boasts a private beach. It also offers an almost limitless choice of family activities. Children will delight at the children’s pool and kids club, and will also enjoy the indoor and outdoor play area, arts and crafts rooms, mini discos and other day time entertainment. Adults on the other hand are also aptly catered for with a myriad of sports to choose from, not to mention live music, shows and games in the theatre, two swimming pools and a spa to help you truly relax! The intriguing town of Cefalu is just a short 15 minute journey away so you can get out and explore further afield.
These choices are just suggestions; enough to whet your appetite and widen your knowledge on the possibilities Italy can offer, of which there are plenty more! Rather than flock to your usual family destination this year, why not consider one or two of the child-friendly options that Italy has to offer as it is certainly a worthy family holiday destination!
