Southern Italy With Kids: My Guide to Family-Friendly Spots
If you’re thinking about taking the kids to Southern Italy, I’m all for it. I spent three weeks zigzagging through the region last summer with my sister and her kiddo, and I can totally see why you’d want to take your kids there. Southern Italy isn’t always on those typical European itineraries (unlike the popular Madrid to Barcelona train route), but honestly, that’s part of its charm.
Naples: More Than Just Amazing Pizza
Naples is chaotic, loud, and can be fantastic with kids. Yes, it’s the birthplace of pizza, which alone makes it worthwhile in any kid’s brain, no? We stopped at Pizzeria da Michele (the one made famous by Eat, Pray, Love), and it was surprisingly delicious despite the hype.
A day trip to Pompeii should definitely be on your radar if your kids are into anything remotely historical. My niece, who normally yawns through museums, spent hours pointing at the preserved buildings and asking questions about the people who lived there. It’s history that doesn’t feel like a lesson — just bring water, hats, and prepare for lots of walking on uneven surfaces. Oh, and skip the more adult-oriented exhibits if you’ve got younger kids.
If you’re planning to continue your Italian journey northwards, consider hopping on the Venice to Florence train for a change of scenery, but there’s still much more to explore in the south before you go!
Amalfi Coast: Yes, It’s Kid-Friendly
I was a bit worried the Amalfi Coast would be too pretty or romantic to enjoy with a child, but I was totally wrong. Positano’s main beach has shallow water that’s great for kids who are not exactly expert swimmers. The colorful buildings stacked on cliffs kept my phone camera busy while my niece collected tiny shells at the shoreline.
We splurged on a small boat tour to Capri (book in advance during summer), and it was worth every penny. The Blue Grotto made everyone look up from their phone with a genuine “wow.” Pro tip: get gelato at Amalfi town’s main square, then let the kids eat it while dipping their toes in the fountain. Messy but memorable.
Matera: The Cave City They’ll Remember
Matera was the unexpected highlight of our trip. This ancient city with its cave dwellings (called Sassi) feels like walking onto a movie set—which it often is. My niee kept saying it looked like “Star Wars” or “cave people times.”
We stayed in a converted cave hotel, which we all thought was the coolest thing ever. The city is surprisingly walkable despite all the stairs. We made a game of counting steps between the main square and our hotel (it was 237, for the record). Just watch out for the slippery limestone streets after rain, and bring good walking shoes.
Calabria’s Quiet Beaches
If you’re looking to escape the touristy areas around the Amalfi Coast, 100% go to Calabria. We spent three days in Tropea, and the beaches were equally, if not more, beautiful than the Amalfi Coast. The beaches here stay shallow for quite a distance, so it’s great for kids to splash around safely and you not worrying.
We rented an apartment about 10 minutes walk from the beach, which saved us cash (and hassle) on transportation. The local grocery stores are amazing by the way — we had picnic dinners on our terrace most evenings, watching the sunset over the sea. Cheap and great!
Sicily: A Little Bit of Everything
Sicily deserves its own two-week trip, but we managed to see the highlights in five days. Palermo’s markets were sensory overload in the best possible way — colorful, noisy, and filled with street food that even our picky eater couldn’t resist.
Mount Etna was a hit with everyone. We took the cable car part way up and then a guided tour to see some smaller craters. Fair warning: it gets windy and cold up there, even in summer, so bring layers.
Taormina balanced out our trip with its perfect mix of beach time and culture. The ancient Greek theater offers views so spectacular that even kids will stop complaining about “another old building” to take it all in.
What I Wish I Knew Before Going
- The summer heat is no joke. Plan indoor activities during midday, and carry water everywhere.
- Driving in Southern Italy is not for the fainthearted. Those Amalfi Coast roads are as terrifying as people say. For those nervous about driving on those winding coastal roads (I feel you), you can consider booking a private car between destinations. Drivers are locals and speak English. Plus, you get the option to add sightseeing stops along the way: perfect for traveling with kids and making the trip part of the adventure.
- It’s important to arrange reliable, round-the-clock connectivity in advance by purchasing an eSIM for Italy. The virtual SIM card provides internet access and allows you to stay in touch with your loved ones throught your trip.
- Italians genuinely love children. Your kids will get their cheeks pinched, free treats, and special attention almost everywhere.
- Most restaurants don’t open for dinner until 7:30 or 8:00 PM. We adjusted by having a late lunch and then a substantial afternoon snack.
- Train travel is reliable between major cities, but gets spotty in rural areas. Research connections before committing.
Southern Italy won’t give you the perfectly organized experience you might get in Northern Europe, but that’s exactly why we loved it. Things go wrong, plans change, and somehow, it all ends up being part of the adventure. Everyone still talks about getting lost in Matera’s maze-like streets and finding “the best playground ever” by accident.
If you’re wondering where to take the family on holiday next, Southern Italy should be high on your bucket list. It has the perfect mix of activities that will please both kids and adults without feeling like you’re at a cut-and-paste family resort. Plus, there’s pizza. Really, really good pizza
Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.