Tuscany is a beautiful region in central Italy, famous for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, works of art, and delicious food. Offering a mix of culture, nature and outdoor activities, it makes the perfect destination for a family adventure holiday.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, teens or extended family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Tuscany. Whether that’s hiking through vineyards, snorkelling in crystal-clear coves or relaxing in natural hot springs.
In this article, we’ll dive into the five best Tuscan destinations for family adventure holidays that include some of the region’s highlights: Elba Island, the town of Lucca, and the scenic areas of Chianti, Val d’Orcia and Maremma.
Read on and discover activities and destinations that will ensure you and your loved ones have the trip of a lifetime.
The Best Destinations in Tuscany for Family Adventure Holidays
Elba Island
Elba Island is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, famously known as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled in 1814. With stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s a top destination for marine adventures.
There are many beautiful beaches to choose from on Elba Island, each offering plenty of opportunities for watersports. Procchio Beach is located on the northern coast of the island, easily accessible by car, and is a top spot for paddleboarding and windsurfing. Thanks to its breezy conditions and nearby rental facilities, it’s the ideal spot for making memories on the waves.
The winds are at their strongest in the western part of the island, making it the place of choice for kitesurfing and windsurfing, Pomonte and Chiessi being the most famous spots.
Biodola Beach is found on the northern coast of Elba Island and is known for its soft golden sand, turquoise water and surrounding verdant hills. It’s the perfect coastal spot for parents and children to explore and play. Here, you can hire a kayak and venture out into the Mediterranean Sea or paddle in the coves close by.
Val d’Orcia
Val d’Orcia is a breathtaking area in Tuscany located between Siena and Monte Amiata. Protected by UNESCO, this scenic area is renowned for its idyllic Medieval towns, hilly landscapes and natural thermal hot springs. With a perfect mix of historical sites that kids will enjoy, and peaceful spots for parents to unwind, it’s a destination that offers something for everyone.
Bagno Vignoni is a tiny, car-free village in the Val d’Orcia, which is famous for the large, natural hot springs at its centre. Stretching 49 metres long and 29 metres wide, the pool of Piazza delle Sorgenti dates back to Roman times, when the water was sacred to nymphs and gods. The pool is off-limits today, but there are free thermal pools just below town. A magical place that even younger children can enjoy.
This region is filled with picturesque historic towns, ideal for a family outing. In Pienza you have the chance to visit Palazzo Piccolomini with its fabulous garden and browse in artisanal shops. While the Medieval hilltop town of Montalcino is renowned for its 14th-century fortress. Kids will have fun exploring this well-preserved structure with its impressive towers, and can even walk along the fortress walls. For parents, Montalcino offers exceptional wine-tasting experiences, as the town is famous for producing Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s finest red wines.
Lucca
Lucca, a charming historic city less than 30 kilometres from Pisa, is a lesser-known gem in Tuscany. Easily accessible by car, train or bus from Florence or Pisa, it’s great for a family day out. With its flat terrain and beautiful scenery, it offers some fantastic opportunities for cycling.
The city’s well-preserved Renaissance walls have been transformed into a pedestrian and bike-friendly path that circles the entire historic centre. Around 4 kilometres long, it’s a fairly easy trail for a leisurely ride and showcases stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. Kids will enjoy climbing the ancient Guinigi Tower, to reach its roof garden.
The surroundings of Lucca offer a variety of landscapes for adventure seekers, mountainous trails for more expert cyclists, or gentle hills rolling towards the coast. Explore the ‘Lucca Wine & Olive Oil Trail’ which takes you through small medieval villages and wineries, and stop in Montecarlo, a quaint village nestled in the hills for unbeatable panoramic views.
There are some amazing luxury villas in Tuscany, including properties close to Lucca. These handpicked villas are the premier choice when it comes to stays in Tuscany. Offering plush interior decor, spacious living areas, private pools and gardens, they ensure a comfortable and exclusive stay for all the family.
Chianti
Chianti is a hilly region situated between Florence and Siena. The area is known as the heart of Tuscany’s wine region, for its sprawling vineyards and wineries that produce some of the most famous wines in Italy. There are plenty of fun activities for children and parents to enjoy in Chianti, including unique culinary experiences and hikes.
Cheese-making workshops are a fun novelty activity that the whole family can get involved in. Led by expert guides, you can learn about the local varieties of ricotta and pecorino toscano, and make your own to take home as a souvenir!
A fun spot to visit with kids of all ages is the Chianti Sculpture Park, where contemporary art interacts with nature in unexpected ways.
Chianti’s landscapes are a hiker’s paradise, with rolling hills, vineyards and woods that offer amazing views of the Tuscan countryside. There are some incredible Italian holidays on offer, with expert walking guides taking you on a journey through Chianti and other Tuscan regions. With various hiking paths to choose from, the entire family can enjoy hiking tours in Tuscany, regardless of age or ability.
The Maremma
The Maremma is a captivating and lesser-known region in southern Tuscany characterised by its wild, rugged beauty, pristine coastline and charming Medieval villages. Home to kid-friendly parks, nature reserves and unique wildlife, it’s the perfect place for family adventures.
Explore the Parco della Maremma, one of the most important protected natural areas in Tuscany. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, including wild boar, deer and foxes, it’s a fantastic spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park on foot, bike or even horseback, with plenty of exciting creatures and plants to see along the way. The long unspoilt beaches and safe waters are great for sea lovers.
There are lots of other kid-friendly activities in Maremma, including historical tours of the ancient small town of Pitigliano, the enchanting Tarot Garden filled with colourful statues, or hiking the Vie Cave, excavated roads carved by the Etruscans centuries ago.
If you’re seeking a relaxing experience in the Maremma, there are some amazing natural hot springs here that are warm all year round! Soak in the Cascate del Mulino, a free hot spring, where children and parents can enjoy stunning views and a serene ambience.
Insider’s Tip – some of these destinations, especially Elba Island and Maremma can get very crowded 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
Tuscany is a diverse and beautiful region that hosts a variety of fun activities, making it the ideal destination for an adventurous family getaway. From mountain hikes to lakeside bike rides and hot spring baths, there are endless things to discover in this stunning Italian region.
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