The best family friendly hotels in Italy

We’ve spent hours reading the hundreds of reviews you’ve shared with us, to produce a visited & verified shortlist of the best family friendly hotels in Italy. We hope you find this really useful, and if you do, that you consider booking via our complimentary Tiny Travel Agency service or the affiliate links in the article (meaning we make a small commission, and can keep providing you with this kind of content!)

A bite sized guide to: The best family friendly hotels in Italy

Best new opening – Falkensteiner Resort Lake Garda, Lake Garda

Best secret seaside stay – Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi, Sardinia 

Best boutique beach break for foodies – Baia del Sole, Calabria 

Best hassle-free resort escape  – Forte Village, Sardinia

Best for gorgeous glamping – Procida Camp Ciraccio, Procida

Best mountain escape (with endless activities in all seasons!) – Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido, South Tyrol

Best authentic All Inclusive – Villa Pia, Umbria

Best child friendly city break – Riva Lofts, Florence

Best for modern lakeside living – Villa Lario, Lake Como 

Best for oodles of opulence – Hotel de la Ville, Rome

Best for affordable aesthetics – 25hours Hotel, Florence 

Best for a beachy homestay – Casa Pineta, Tuscany

Best for mama and mini spa breaks – Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, South Tyrol 

Best for inspiring creativity – Villa Lena, Tuscany 

Best for world class service – Verdura Resort, Sicily 

Best for coastal, cultural and culinary adventures – L’Andana, Tuscany

Best for location, location, location – Du Lac et Du Parc, Lake Garda 

Best cheap & chic Roman base – Mama Shelter Roma, Rome

Best for sublime sands & sporty sprogs – Conrad Chia Laguna, Sardinia 

Best easy to reach epic adventure – Oasyhotel, Tuscany 

Best spend-savvy farmstay – Duca di Castelmonte, Sicily 

Best shiny new family spa hotel – AKI Family Resort, South Tyrol 

Best affordable apartments walking distance to a rich restaurant scene – Tenute Plaia Agriturismo, Sicily 

Best under the radar rural retreat – IUTA Farm, Sicily 

Best villas for groups – Tuscany Forever, Tuscany 

Best for thrill-seeking smalls – Castelfalfi, Tuscany 

Best affordable all inclusive – Is Serenas Badesi, Sardinia 

Best go-slow getaway for foodies – Relais La Rocche, Piedmont 

Best budget-friendly B&B – Relais Del Maro, Liguria 

Best for an icon of the Italian Riviera – Grand Hotel Miramare, Liguria 

Best fashion fabulous farmstay – Braccialieri Luxury Resort, Sicily 

Best for private plunge pools – Cascioni Eco Retreat, Sardinia 

Best spend smart self catering stay in Tuscany – Romitorio di Serelle, Tuscany 

Best fully-fledged Tuscan coastal campsite – Camping Le Capanne, Tuscany

Best new opening in Lake Garda – Stroblhof Lake Garda Active Family SPA Resort, Lake Garda

Best for family facilities plus foodie finesse – Hotel Gardea Soulfamily Resort, Lake Garda

Best affordable alpine abode – Hotel Fameli, Dolomites 

Best seaside Sicilian stay with all-inclusive ease – Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa 

Falkensteiner Resort Lake Garda, Lake Garda

The holy grail of family holidays? A hotel where children are genuinely excited to be there, but parents don’t have to sacrifice style, scenery or a decent meal to make it happen. Enter Falkensteiner Resort Lake Garda. Brand-new for 2026, this stylish lakeside resort brings together the best of both worlds: the effortless elegance, incredible food and scenery you come to Italy for, with the kind of family facilities usually associated with Europe’s top kinder resorts. Set above the beautiful town of Salò, it’s a dream base for exploring Lake Garda’s villages, boat trips, vineyards and adventures – before returning to a resort where children are just as excited to be as the adults.  With easy access from Verona, Bergamo and Milan (and some surprisingly good-value summer flights), the holiday maths is very much in its favour

£££

Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi, Sardinia 

Calling all foodie families: allow us to introduce you to Falkensteiner Capo Boi, a secret, seaside Sardinian stay, big on family friendly gastronomy. As you’d expect in a country where the love language is food, the dining here is something special. The pizza and gelato get the seal of approval from discerning Italian’s, while the Japanese delicacies at the Raw Bar bring an international flair to the culinary choice. Set within the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area the natural surroundings are truly celebrated here – as they should be! It’s impossible to do the colour of the sea justice in words alone – we’re not sure the colour palette here exists anywhere else in the world. The picture-perfect paradise beneath the waves is complemented by modern Moorish designed rooms above ground. For children, there’s a Kids Club (3+), tennis & football academies, zero-entry swimming pool and engaging evening entertainment

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Baia del Sole, Calabria 

Calabria, the toe in Italy’s boot, is one of the most spectacular seaside stretches in the Mediterranean, yet it’s largely undiscovered by the mummy masses. Hidden gem Tropea could be straight out of a Slims Aarons photograph, with its cotton-coloured sands and paint-the-rainbow parasols. The storied setting rivals that of Puglia, but at a fraction of the cost. Just 15 minutes away, on its own private beach, backed by glorious gardens, Baia del Sole combines a prime location and family facilities with affordability. Onsite, parents can dine on minimal-mileage menus at the 2 restaurants, float in the serene swimming pool, work up a sweat on the tennis court, or snooze on a sunlounger – all the while smalls are happily entertained in the fun-first Kids Club (3+)

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Forte Village Resort, Sardinia

There’s a lot to be said for sprawling resort stays if ease is top of your holiday wishlist, and iconic Italian spot Forte Village have been honing their art for over 50 years.  With eight different hotels to choose from you can cater a break to your tastes & budget, and a huge benefit (wherever you pick) is the whole host of buffet restaurants across the resort – while depending on your hotel, additional ala carte options (including by Michelin starred chefs) may be available at a supplement. When it comes to the concierge service, we’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews, with comparisons drawn to Ikos, and there’s no doubt the family facilities leave little (or in fact nothing) to be desired too. Besides two children’s pools and a free Kids Club from two, there is a mini land filled with imaginative play areas, nightly disco, little train ride around the resort plus go karting and watersports for slightly bigger kids. And that’s before we get to the renowned sports camps which are run by professionals – Football for example is led by no less than Real Madrid coaches. All of which serve to bring a little parental pampering to life. The outstanding spa includes 6 thermal saltwater pools, and the private sandy beach makes the perfect cocktail-by-the-waves spot

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Procida Camp Ciraccio, Procida

Pitch up on pint-sized Procida for a rare taste of Italy from days gone by. Nestled among a canopy of lemon groves, the low-key lodges of Procida Camp Ciraccio are within easy reach of Naples (a 45 min ferry ride to be exact) – though you’d never guess the heavily tourist trodden city was such a short journey away. Showcasing a slower side of Italian island life, Procida boasts more candy-coloured buildings and balmy beaches than people. Come for the Amalfi aesthetics, minus the crowds. Procida Camp Ciraccio is a campsite for parents who want the outdoor experience, without sagging airbeds, communal toilets and precarious tents. A fully-equipped glamping getaway, the 1-2 bedroom lodges feature proper beds, private bathrooms and housekeeping services. Close enough to the sea to jump straight in, parent pleasing ticks further include an onsite restaurant (serving coffee & cocktails), plus breakfast and port transfers are included in the (cheap as chips – or should we say frittes) price 

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Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido

When it comes to family holidays with serious wow factor, the Alps operate in a league of its own, and among the finest family friendly hotels on offer sits Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido. A firm favourite in winter, it’s just as impressive once the snow melts, earning its reputation as one of the best family hotels in Italy year round. Why, you ask? The scale of facilities is exceptional, from a year round ski slope to a gigantic rooftop trampoline zone, zip lines, playgrounds, sports courts and gaming areas.  Slip into your cozzie and the longest indoor waterslide in South Tyrol awaits, as well as 3 pools, a spa all ages can enjoy, and a sandy lake ‘beach’. What truly sets it apart, however, is how seamlessly it caters to every age. With supervised childcare from six months through to teens, parents can enjoy rare, guilt-free downtime in the adults-only saunas and steam baths. Plus there’s a 24 hour baby kitchen, making round-the-clock prep for even the littlest of guests effortless. It’s this balance of big adventure for children and proper relaxation for grown-ups that makes Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido such a knockout act

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Villa Pia, Umbria 

The ultimate rural retreat to off-set the stresses of modern parenting, Villa Pia has been carefully designed to give mum’s mental load a well deserved break. Starting with the ease of eating. This hotel may be a villa by name, but it’s an All Inclusive offering by nature – albeit one unlike you’ll ever have encountered before. Eschewing beige buffets and could-be-served-anywhere ‘international’ dishes, all you can eat here comes in the form of home cooked, local fare, with free-flowing snacks and spirits to ward off any hanger. Marrying authentic dishes with fresh air fun for families, there’s no formal Kids Club, instead tiny travellers roam from soft play to swimming pool, easily befriending other guests – as communal camaraderie is actively encouraged

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Riva Lofts, Florence 

Whilst we definitely have a soft spot for long weekenders, city breaks spent crammed in a tiny yet super spenny hotel room isn’t as appealing with kids, as it was without them. Cosmopolitan hotels are famously small in size and light on facilities. As twenty somethings only needing a bed to collapse into this was fine, but when you have tots in tow your list of requirements inevitably becomes a little longer. Enter Riva Lofts, a collection of seriously fashionable riverside suites in Florence, where spacious sleeping spaces are combined with an oasis-esque outdoor pool – a real rarity for city hotels – and home cooked buffet breakfasts delightful enough to make a nonna weep. If you want to get your culture vulture fix, whilst also having somewhere relaxing to return to post sightseeing, Riva Lofts is the name to know

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Villa Lario, Lake Como

If parent pleasing to you means design-led decor, exceptional food and laidback luxury, you’ll want to check into Villa Lario. Located on the quieter eastern side of the lake, this is a cool and contemporary take on Como, far removed from its stuffy, more serious, grand dame neighbours. Youthful touches permeate the property – from the 28 year old chef at the helm of the inventive restaurant menu to the friendly five-star service. It’s the type of place you could totally picture George Clooney grabbing a cocktail. An all-suite hotel, bedrooms are spacious and most come equipped with little living spaces (ideal for a separate sleep set up without the need for booking two rooms) and mini kitchenettes. Families will love perfectly positioned Corner Suite 1 – right next to the restaurant and steps away from the pool, the baby monitor stretches to both. This isn’t a kids club kind of place, but the facilities and staff are really family friendly. Villa Lario is all about relaxing. You go here to lounge by the panoramic pool, hang out on the dock, swim in the lake, luxuriate over lazy meals and enjoy the views

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Hotel de la Ville, Rome

Whether you’re into Horrible Histories, ancient architecture, plates piled high with pasta or Masters filled museums, we’re confident Rome will steal a ‘pizza’ of your heart. You’ll be hard pushed to find a better location than Rocco Forte’s Hotel de la Ville – mere steps from the Spanish steps. Old world opulence coincides with a colourful riot of velvet sofas, textured wallpaper and emperor busts. Opt for a sumptuous suite for private balconies or terraces overlooking the city’s must-see monuments. The iconic rooftop restaurant serves a local Mediterranean menu alongside the best sunset views in town. A treatment at the sumptuous spa shouldn’t be missed. Borrow one of the hotel’s prams and head out to explore the city classics – Trevi Fountain, Colosseum and Vatican. Tiny Travellers will love Villa Borghese park, which has playgrounds, kid’s rides and a retro mini train, and Explora, an incredible interactive children’s museum

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25hours Hotel, Florence

25hours Hotels are the name to know for chic city stays, and their outpost in Florence is no different. A former monastery has been converted into a tongue in cheek homage to Dante’s Divine Comedy – rooms are playfully categorised into heaven or hell and the quirky design offers a breath of fresh air compared to the city’s more traditional hotels. Guests are welcome to choose between sleeping in Paradiso or Inferno, which range from medium to gigantic in size. Medium rooms come with private balconies, Large Plus rooms with private gardens, whilst gigantic rooms have living rooms perfect for separate sleeping spaces. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a divinely relaxing stay. A stone’s throw from the train station and main Florentine attractions, the location is super central and the facilities are fabulous. After a day exploring the Duomo, Santa Maria Novella or eating your way around San Lorenzo market, treat yourself to a Turkish bath and sauna at the on site spa

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Casa Pineta, Tuscany

It can be hard to find beachfront holiday homes (hotels normally dominate sandy scenes), but if you’re in the market for space, privacy and seaside living, we’ve got just the parent pleasing pad for you. Submerged under your own umbrella of pinewood trees steps from the shores of Elba Island’s Marina di Campo is the impeccably designed Casa Pineta – a 4 bed house complete with a kids playroom and enviable outdoor area. You can tell the owners are parents too, outdoing themselves with thoughtful tiny touches designed with families in mind. Children are treated to books, toys, cars and trains in the stylish space allocated just for them. Whilst the modern kitchen comes equipped with a food processor making whipping up food for weaning babies super easy. The large enclosed garden is a safe space for children to run around, allowing adults to relax on the outdoor sofas and sun beds or whip up a feast in the gorgeous al fresco kitchen. Elba may not be the most well known beach break destination, but as the third largest Italian island (after Sicily and Sardinia), it’s one we highly recommend. There’s a beach for all tastes; from tiny coves and  long stretches to sugar white sands or striking black pebbles

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Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, South Tyrol

A parent pleasing spa hotel with 70 hours of complimentary childcare a week. Sound like the dream? Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, home to Europe’s first family spa, delivers a dose of bucolic bliss for all ages in the majestic mountains of South Tyrol. Complimentary childcare starts from newborn, and all you need to pack for your little ones is their clothes – everything else from nappies to nightlights are provided. Along with their own personal spa (complete with waterslides and saunas), tiny travellers are treated to a climbing wall and wood workshop, high ropes and hiking, plus pony rides and petting zoos. Parents won’t be disappointed by the delicious dining or wine tasting sessions

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Villa Lena, Tuscany

For a one of a kind experience Tuscany’s Villa Lena welcomes the whole family to head for the hills  and embrace their inner artist. From water colour masterclasses and clay workshops to pasta making and collect & cook lessons, a holiday here is guaranteed to keep children off their I pads. A hotel meets art foundation, in any given month a roster of painters, film makers, musicians, poets, interior designers and writers are in residence at the 19th century renaissance villa. The dreamy eclectic décor is reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film set; every scene is a feast for the eyes thanks to pastel pink hues, terracotta tiles, mural walls and an almost birds-eye view landscape. Not just visually delicious, the gourmet garden to table dining is definitely worth writing home about. When not cultivating their creativity, tiny travellers will love splashing about in the pool, full of toys and floats, whilst adults will love lazing on the lounge chairs, cocktail in hand

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Verdura Resort, Sicily

With its award winning spa, championship golf courses (plural!), private beach and four restaurants, Rocco Forte’s Verdura resort is THE five star retreat to head to on Sicily’s south west coast. It’s not just adults who are treated like royalty, Tiny Travellers can expect the same extravagant experience. Verduland (newborn +) is the hotel’s supersized (FREE to attend for those 4+) kids club. Hotel mascot, Verdu the hedgehog, leads the educational, experiential activities – which include astrology, mythology, pottery, yoga, cookery lessons, sports and (much, much) more. It’s hard to crown a star of this Sicilian show – the lounger-lined & lifeguard-watched outdoor pool, sanctuary-like spa and slick service are all exceptional

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L’Andana, Tuscany

Tuscan tales usually revolve around mediaeval architecture, rolling hills and dreamy Cypress-lined drives, but what if you want the archetypal aesthetics *and* a bonafide beach break. Culture and coast you ask? Well L’Andana resort delivers. Boasting a privileged postcode, within a beautifully landscaped estate (vineyard included), and yet only a short drive to the sea (which handily the hotel lays on a free shuttle to and from). With a trio of pools (including one specifically for children), Kids Club (3+), slides, swings, tennis courts and complimentary bikes to borrow, L’Andana is an idyllic spot to indulge in a taste of authentic Italy. Food here is a really big deal, with one of two onsite restaurants the brainchild of the country’s most highly revered chef – the Michelin-starred Enrico Bartolini. Outdoorsy activities run the gamut from horseback riding, hiking, sailing and golfing, with local experiences including gelato-making, cooking courses and sightseeing those traditional Tuscan towns you’ve travelled here for

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Du Lac et Du Parc, Lake Garda

Nestled on the idyllic banks of Lake Garda, Du Lac et Du Parc is THE hotel to book if you’re looking for a family holiday in this neck of the woods. With a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop of dramatic mountains and crystal clear waters, this boutique bolthole certainly rises to meet the occasion, offering a facility-rich base from which to explore the many local sights and swim spots. You’ve got a Mini Kids Club (3+), 3 swimming pools, 3 gourmet restaurants, and a privileged postcode, just a 10 minute stroll from the restaurant-rich streets of Riva del Garda itself

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Mama Shelter Roma, Rome

Just west of Rome’s center, near Vatican city, Mama Shelter Roma provides a playful base brimming with good food, quirky decor and boredom banishing touches. Starting with the highlights for kids; the onsite pizzeria dishes up heaven on a plate; there’s 90’s style arcade games in the restaurant; and, the icing on the cake? An attention-grabbing swimming pool in the basement, which gives major Miami beach club vibes, and acts as a bit of a unicorn among city break hotels – especially ones with this pleasing a price point. Add to this, interconnecting rooms, presents handed out for tiny travellers upon check in, and wonderfully friendly staff 

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Conrad Chia Laguna, Sardinia

Famed for azure waters and powder-soft white sands, to many Sardinia is home to the best beaches in Italy. Perched over the bay of Chia, on the south-west coast, nestled between a flamingo-frequented lagoon and the magical Med, Conrad Chia Laguna celebrates what Mother Nature gave her. Charming buildings are crafted from traditional materials and decorated with local crafts and authentic aesthetics, while the onsite restaurant performs culinary wizardry with regional produce. A balmy microclimate makes it prime for outdoor activities, from diving and surfing to mountain biking and seasonal football and tennis academies. Not stopping there, this activity-rich retreat also offers swimming, dance and martial art classes, cooking lessons and wine tastings

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Oasyhotel, Tuscany

An immersive nature retreat tucked away in Tuscany’s Dynamo Oasi Nature Reserve, Oasyhotel brings a slice of luxury to eco living. Hugging a sparkling lake, 2,500 acres of wilderness invites families to check in and check out of their hectic day to day. Embark on the most epic game of I spy on wildlife tours, where wolves, wild boars, deer and foxes roam; devour provenance on a plate at the two haute-cuisine restaurants; kayak; paddleboard; or, horse ride through the forest. Stylish family lodges prioritise rest & relaxation, while the pared back design allows the outdoor scenery to really do the talking. While you may feel a million miles away from the rest of the world, in reality Florence is only an hour’s drive away. An easy to reach adventure big on creature comforts, now that’s what we’re talking about

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Duca di Castelmonte, Sicily

A savvy choice for parents watching the purse-strings, this fabulous farmstay ranks as one of our favourite budget-friendly boltholes. An easy 20 minute airport transfer sets the scene for an effortless get away. This may not be your typical all-singing all-dancing resort, but it’s not scrimping on facilities – including a sparkling swimming pool, playground, tennis court and even mini museum. Perfect for those who enjoy authentic experiences, guests of all ages can join in pizza making classes, visit the vegetable gardens, or offsite, board an island boat trip and sightsee one of the many nearby postcard-perfect towns. On the culinary front, mouthwatering food is served up at the traditional Sicilian restaurant, while Thursday evenings see al fresco feast nights

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AKI Family Resort, South Tyrol

It’s clear the minute you arrive at AKI Family Resort that you’ve chosen a haven for tiny travellers – the slide and huge cargo net to the side of reception are great indicators if nothing else! A relatively new opening, the facilities may be fresher-than-fresh, but staff are still seasoned pros. Running from 9am to 9pm, the Kids Club here is rather special. While children are happily supervised in the Montessori-style set up, parents are free to indulge in the adults-only spa, or take a rare hands-free walk around the impressive grounds. The spectacular in-to-outdoor infinity pool deserves a special mention, but so do the waterslides, playbarn, mini farm and gourmet full-board dining…

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Tenute Plaia Agriturismo, Sicily

In the north west of Sicily you’ll find Scopello, a captivating coastal village close to San Vito Lo Capo – highly esteemed to be one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Sitting on a hill overlooking the coast, and acting as a brilliant base for sightseeing, is the tantalising Tenute Plaia Agriturismo – a no-frills family-friendly bolthole with self-catering apartments, a sun-drenched swimming pool and a farm-to-fork restaurant. The best bit though? The position right off the main square of Scopello town itself – where you’ll find tasty eateries on every corner 

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IUTA Farm, Sicily

An authentic Sicilian experience, big on peace, privacy and seriously pretty scenery, IUTA Farm is an under the radar rural hideaway we feel it’s our duty to bring to your attention. Here you’ll find a sprinkling of suites and eco lodges scattered across a beautiful organic farm surrounded by orange & apricot trees. Expect super chic interiors, beautiful art, luxurious double showers,  private verandas and personal plunge pools. The ever-helpful hosts dish up vegetarian breakfasts, lunch and small plates for dinner, with everything being locally-led and seasonal. The baroque town of Noto is only 5-10 mins drive away, while Syracuse and Ortigia can be reached in 30

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Tuscany Forever, Tuscany

Tuscany Forever? You don’t have to ask us twice. Not just a personal fantasy of ours, Tuscany Forever is also the name of a serviced collection of spacious 1-5 bed villas and apartments nestled in the heart of the countryside. Overlooking the medieval walls and towers of Volterra (the capital of Etruscan historical and cultural heritage), it’s an excellent option for large groups of extended families or friends looking to holiday together. Communal perks include three swimming pools, a sweet lazy river, playground, tennis court and large BBQ. The onsite restaurant can take care of wining and dining, though it really is a pleasure to cook in the mid century modern home from homes here. Within spitting distance of hilltop villages and an easy drive to sandy beaches, the address is pretty appealing too

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Castelfalfi, Tuscany

The previous owners of Castelfalfi reads as a veritable who’s who of Italian history, with the land having been overseen by Etruscans, Romans, Milanese merchants and Florentine nobility. A centuries-old estate, this medieval village has had its own renaissance and now stands as one of the dreamiest 5-star retreats in the Tuscan countryside. Conveniently located between Pisa and Florence, amidst acres of vineyards, olive groves, lakes and rolling hills, Castelfalfi combines the charm of a traditional borgo with the facilities of a mega resort. There are two main hotel buildings, a smattering of standalone villas, the largest golf course in Tuscany, fully-fledged adventure park (think bridges, woodland courses, Tarzan ropes and zip lines), tennis & padel courts, plus a soul-stirring spa with a ginormous in-to-outdoor infinity pool. For families, there’s a Kids Club (3+), pizza-making lessons, farm experience sessions, falconry, fishing and much, much more

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Is Serenas Badesi, Sardinia 

An Italian all inclusive? Sign us up. Overlooking the spectacular gulf of Asinara, in the northwest of Sardinia, Is Serenas Badesi brings a 4* price tag to this corner of coastal paradise. A family-first destination, the demands of tiny travellers are clearly prioritised here; from the comprehensive Kids Clubs (3-17 years); generous playground with climbing frame and inflatable slides; to the ‘baby kitchen’, fully stocked with meals to please pintsized palates. For grown ups, the three ‘free’ restaurants focus on local food, a cocktail-toting bar is never far from reach, there’s a swish spa and tons of sports – from tennis and Tai Chi through to yoga and Pilates  

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Relais La Rocche, Piedmont 

A 8-room boutique bolthole steps outside the medieval village of La Morra, Relais La Rocche makes for a tranquil base for a go-slow Italian getaway. The biggest perk here is undeniably the location – perched just outside of a stunning hilltop village, replete with patchwork vineyard views and an uber tasty cuisine scene. There’s plenty of restaurants within walking distance, but should you fancy the ultimate ease, breakfast, light lunches and dinner are served next to the glistening outdoor (year-round heated!) pool. Picnics can also be packed for families to devour while exploring the huge 25,000 sq m private park. Highlights for parents include the beautifully appointed family rooms (with up to 4 bed and solo gardens), alongside the faultlessly friendly babysitters, who make a strong case for sneaking off for an adults only dinner

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Relais Del Maro, Liguria 

Liguaria’s peaceful mountainscape feels far removed from the glitz & glam of the Italian Riviera, yet it’s handily only a 20 minute drive from the coast. Relais Del Maro boasts a plum position in the area’s main village, with a 17th-century church, picture-perfect square and rustic trattorias as neighbours. If you like to fully immerse yourself in local life on holiday, this one’s for you; 14 antique-chic guest rooms are spread across 3 beautifully restored buildings and breakfast is a real treat, with all food locally sourced, and complimentary afternoon cake is laid out every day. When you’re not walking the breathtaking Mount Toraggio alpine nature trail, wine tasting, whale watching or heading to one of the nearby beaches, the serene swimming pool and jacuzzi beckon back at base

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Grand Hotel Miramare, Liguria

An elegant coastal abode overlooking the Ligurian sea, we can’t think of anywhere more sleep-inducing for nap-needing babes than the lush gardens surrounding the Grand Hotel Miramare. Minutes from the centre of the charming Riviera town Santa Margherita, the social scenes of Portofino and Cinque Terre are easy drive, or ferry rides, away. A grand dame destination for the region, expect pretty frescoes, wrought-iron Juliet balconies and classical decor with a splash of contemporary style. The curving swimming pool overlooks a small private beach lined with loungers and umbrellas that wouldn’t look out of place in a Slim Aarons photograph. Interconnecting rooms and a Kids Club add to the allure for families

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Braccialeri Luxury Resort, Sicily

A fashion fabulous farmstay for families with an eye for aesthetics, Braccialeri (near the Baroque town of Noto, which you may remember from White Lotus), combines a cinematic backdrop that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson film set, with estate-to-plate dining and a postcode primed for easy exploring. The red checkerboard pool is undeniably the Sicilian starlet here, designed in a tongue & cheek homage to vintage Italian kitchens. There’s plenty of room for little ones to roam and we couldn’t think of a prettier place for a daytime snooze than under one of the geranium-print parasols. Home to only 3 suites and six eco-glamping villas (plump for Pool Suite Amare if you want a private swim spot), arriving here feels like checking into a fun & flamboyant home from home. Within easy reach are the island’s heavy hitting sightseeing destinations, including Siracuse and Ortigia. If you fancy swapping rolling hills for rolling waves, guests have access to the Coco Beach Club, 20 mins away

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Cascioni Eco Retreat, Sardinia 

A sleepy stazzo near Sardinia’s sensational coast, Cascioni Eco Retreat’s low-key-luxe farmhouse is home to 15 suites, all boasting their own private plunge pools. Solo swim spots aside, there’s also a beautiful communal, welcoming waterhole at the centre of the grounds, offering the perfect place for Tiny Travellers to make new friends. While not overtly family-friendly (children 6+ only are welcome), feedback from previous parents has told us staff go above and beyond to engage with the smallest of guests here – from making special breakfasts for little tummies to hosting special cooking classes for budding chefs

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Romitorio di Serelle, Tuscany 

A family friendly farmhouse in the rolling hills of wine-blessed Chianti, Romitorio di Serelle dishes up eclectic apartments (ranging in size from sleeping 2-9!), a scenic restaurant with a laser focus on minimal mileage menus and a panoramic swimming pool, all the while appealing to spend-savvy parents. It’s hard to imagine a prettier backdrop for time spent bonding, and child-focused facilities extend to a small playground and babysitters to book. Gastro-loving groups are in for a treat, with pasta classes, wine tastings and extra virgin olive oil sampling sessions. Nestled between culture and nature, the best of Tuscany’s sights are also on your doorstep

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Camping Le Capanne, Tuscany 

Pitch up, spend smart. A budget friendly option on the Tuscan coast, Camping Le Capanne beckons broods looking for a getaway rich in nature & family facilities. Resort-esque perks include a trio of Kids Clubs from 4-17 years old, evening entertainment, a well-equipped baby room, playground, adventure golf and even a fully fledged onsite water park! The lagoon-like pool gets a big tick from us for a gradient entry, but if you fancy a trip to the beach you can jump on board a short shuttle to the seaside

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Stroblhof Lake Garda Active Family SPA Resort

A brand new opening, with modern scandi chic aesthetics and kid-centric amenities, Stroblhof Lake Garda Active Family SPA Resort is well worth adding to your Italian bucket list. Overlooking (arguably) the country’s most beautiful lake from its perch on the hill, breathtaking views definitely aren’t in short supply here. Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle (which runs every hour) and spend afternoons sightseeing in the charming town of Gargnano. Back at base. Tiny Travellers 4+ can check into the 3-storey kids club, while bambinos of all ages will adore the show-stealing natural pool, indoor water slides and outdoor playground

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Hotel Gardea Soulfamily Resort, Lake Garda

Nestled on the northeastern shore of Lake Garda, with a backdrop of majestic mountain views, Hotel Gardea Soulfamily Resort dishes up family facilities and foodie finesse. With 3 pools, a waterslide, mini farm, treetop adventure park, gardening excursions and even butter & cheese making, it’s impossible to get bored here. As for you? Well, swimming in the heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking the lake will understandably take up a lot of your time, but serious R&R spent in the superlative spa should be prioritised too. Rare moments of uninterrupted peace come courtesy of the complimentary creche (6 months plus) and Kids Club (3-12). An ever present ‘helping hand’ extends to the 24-hour baby kitchen, stocked with food; evening magician shows; and, the genius positioning of a trampoline and wendy house right next to the outdoor restaurant. Those after some easy exploring, the village of Torbole is only a 10 minute walk away

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Hotel Fameli, Dolomites

Boasting a prime postcode in the utterly dreamy Dolomites, Hotel Fameli is the ultimate base for parents seeking an affordable alpine abode. Families can enjoy an abundance of activities rooted in nature, including hiking, biking and skiing, with nursery runs mere steps from the hotel’s front door and local lessons starting at 3+. A temple to locality, the minimal-mileage menus dished up at the onsite restaurant are a love letter to South Tyrol, while the scene-stealing infinity pool is perfectly positioned to showcase some of Mother Nature’s finest work. The hotel’s mountain-facing playground houses a mini parcour, tipi tent, soccer field, trampoline and sand pit, while the giant forest adventure zone ‘Kids World’ is mere steps away. Entertainment runs into the evening here, with a very considerate closing time of 10pm at the Kids Club (2+) 

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Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa 

Calling all sun-chasing families: let us whisk you away to Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa – an all-inclusive seaside haven on Sicily’s northern coast, tailor-made for multi-gen memory-making. With three pools (including a splash-tastic pirate ship pool for little ones), a jam-packed kids’ club (1+), and a family-friendly stretch of sandy beach just steps away, it’s a winner for every age. Mealtimes are a dream thanks to the buffet’s pizza-and-pasta paradise, plus themed restaurants for adventurous palates – even picky eaters will be satisfied. Grown-ups can sneak off to the spa or enjoy sunset spritzes with Mount Etna as your backdrop. La dolce vita? Found it

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Themes: The Family Friendly European Edit, Hotel Hotlists, The Family Friendly Ski Edit 

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