Italy is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, complete with azure waters, white-sand beaches and fantastic mountainous backdrops. For families, there’s no better place to visit for a seaside getaway.
The coastal spots in Italy offer a plethora of exciting experiences for families to enjoy. From watersport activities to cultural tours and cycling routes, there are endless opportunities for parents and kids to explore, unwind and have fun.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 amazing coastal destinations for family getaways in Italy. Covering a range of beautiful spots and well-known gems, there’s somewhere for everyone in this beautiful Mediterranean country. Dive in and discover where you should take your loved ones on your next Italian family getaway!
The Best Coastal Destinations in Italy for Family Getaways
Positano
Positano is a picturesque town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, renowned for its colourful historic buildings perched on the hillside and pretty beaches. Positano is a great spot for families seeking a blend of relaxation, culture and stunning views.
Spiaggia Grande is Positano’s main beach featuring calm, shallow waters that are ideal for families with young children. The lively atmosphere of the beach is complemented by the cafes and restaurants lining the promenade, offering authentic Italian cuisine. Spend the day swimming, lounging and eating tasty food at the beach for a laid-back afternoon.
Positano is complete with atmospheric cobbled streets, winding flights of steps and stunning historic architecture. The iconic Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a few steps uphill from the beach, has a striking dome covered in colourful majolica tiles, that has become one of the town’s symbols. Inside, look for the revered Byzantine-style icon, to learn about Positano’s religious heritage. The little square is an ideal place to sit and soak in the charming atmosphere and enjoy the panorama.
Kids of all ages might like the idea of a boat tour along the Amalfi coast, with a special stop to visit the beautiful Emerald Grotto (Grotta Smeraldo).
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre – literally ‘The Five Lands’– is a region along the Ligurian Coast of Italy perfect for outdoor activities like walks or bike rides. The rugged coastline, with steep terraces lined with vineyards and olive groves, shelters five brightly coloured small towns. Active families will love exploring this region, admiring the iconic multicoloured houses perched on the hillside.
Walking through Cinque Terre National Park is an incredible experience, offering both adventure and relaxation. Its trails range from easy to moderate difficulty, making them accessible for families with children. Make your way from Riomaggiore to Manarola to Monterosso al Mare, each with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and flatter sections for a leisurely journey. Cycling includes some demanding routes but also easy rides, like the one from Levanto to Framura.
Monterosso has the only sand beach in Cinque Terre (it’s mainly rocky around here), perfect for families who want to explore the coastline. Fegina beach, in nearby Levanto, has shallow waters that are safe for children to splash and play, and plenty of local restaurants for a casual meal by the sea.
Sorrento
Sorrento is located on the Sorrentine Peninsula, overlooking the Bay of Naples. This charming town is known for its scenic beauty and proximity to major attractions, like Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, making it a great base for families looking to explore further afield.
Piazza Tasso is the main square in Sorrento, surrounded by cafes, shops and beautiful historic buildings. From here visit Corso Italia which is a hot spot for shopping. Families can enjoy peaceful strolls through the streets, exploring souvenir shops, and stopping by a traditional gelateria for a scoop (or five) of delicious Italian gelato!
Sorrento is the perfect starting point for a boat trip to Capri, an island just off the mainland. You can take a boat tour of the island, stopping at the iconic Blue Grotto. This stunning sea cave has a magical feel, with glowing azure waters that reflect off every surface.
There are some amazing Sorrento villa holidays on offer, with luxury homes handpicked for their exquisite locations. Enjoy the privacy of a hilltop villa, overlooking the Bay of Naples, featuring plush interior decor, private outdoor pools and spacious living areas for a comfortable yet exclusive stay.
Sardinia
Sardinia is Italy’s second largest island. Located west of the Italian peninsula, it’s known for its ethereal beauty, featuring pristine white sand beaches, turquoise water and peaceful seaside villages.
There is lots for families to do and see in Sardinia, including relaxing on its luxurious beaches. And with a 1800 kilometre-long coastline, this island isn’t short of them. Among the most popular are Spiaggia del Principe, a Caribbean-esque cove with blue-green waters and white sand nestled at the base of a green mountainscape. The beaches of San Teodoro, La Pelosa facing the little Asinara island in the north, and the fabulous beaches near Cagliari in the south.
Families can spend their days lounging by the sea, enjoying fun watersports like paddleboarding or kayaking, and soaking in the glistening sun.
For a trip that blends coastal elegance with historical discovery, visit the Nuraghe of Barumini ‘Su Nuraxi’ in the south of Sardinia. This Unesco protected site, that dates back to the Bronze Age, is one of the island’s most significant archaeological landmarks and provides a fascinating spot for families to learn about the island’s early civilisations.
There are some incredible Sardinia tours available for families who want to see the most beautiful spots along the island’s coastline. These tailor-made trips take you on a journey to several beach locations, stopping in premier accommodations with child-friendly amenities. This multicentre approach enables a true Sardinian experience, staying in more than one destination during your holiday.
Elba Island
The small Elba Island, located off the coast of Tuscany, offers a mix of nature, history and family-friendly activities. With its stunning beaches and rugged mountains, there are plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and exploration. Definitely one of the best coastal destination in Italy for family gateways.
Spend a day at Marina di Campo, one of the most family-friendly beaches on Elba Island. Hosting plenty of beach sports like volleyball, pedal boats and canoeing, there’s endless fun to be had here. For families who want to relax with younger children, the long stretches of sand and shallow waters are ideal, not to mention the close-by ice cream stands and cafes which make a beach day all the more fun!
For families with older children who love getting outdoors, the Monte Capanne mountain is the highest peak on the island. Taking around 4 hours to complete, the hike is quite challenging, but once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the island and surrounding sea. Starting in Marciana, the trail winds its way up to rocky outcrops. Or, if you prefer the less arduous option, a cable car can take you to the top in no time.
Insider’s Tip – Just keep in mind that these destinations can get very crowded during Summer, especially in August, because they’re very popular beach holiday spots for locals and tourists. Choose Spring, September of early Autumn to better enjoy the experience.
In Brief
Italy is a diverse and beautiful country home to many stunning coastal locations. From Tuscany to Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast, there’s no shortage of seafront gems to choose from. Whether you’re travelling with young children or teens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Italy’s coastal regions. Have fun, explore and enjoy your family’s Italian adventure!
READ ALSO:
* Best Destinations in Tuscany for Family Adventure Holidays
* Where to go in Italy for Family Walking Holidays
* How to Travel Better to Tuscany This Year, Tips and Inspiration
