Italy has always been a popular holiday destination, particularly among families, who, time and time again, fall in love with its laid-back vibe, the delicious food and wine, the spectacular scenery, the incredible art and architecture and the country’s rich and varied history.

We’re absolutely certain that once travel is possible again following the coronavirus pandemic, Italy will once again prove to be the most popular family holiday destination in the world. And there is no doubt that Italians will be ready and waiting with open arms to welcome everyone back! Italians love children and revel in the company of bambini of all ages. You’ll find your little one will be the centre of attention wherever they go, whilst the laid back, relaxed pace of life typical throughout Italy, will quickly rub off on the parents!

Villa rental company, Bookings For You, have shared with us the inside track on the best family friendly villas in Italy for your next holiday. Scooping silver in the prestigious British Travel Awards in 2019 as the ‘Best Holiday Company to the Italian peninsula’ the team at Bookings For You definitely have the credentials to provide the best advice.

Here, they have shared their top 5 Italian villas for families with babies, all ready and waiting for the time when you’re able to travel to this beautiful country again.

Villa Caruso, Lake Maggiore, Italian Lakes

The Italian Lakes is a great destination for families with young children not just because of what the region offers to see and do but because the area also escapes the humidity that you can find further South in Italy. Even your youngest family member will be able to sleep well at night and enjoy the temperatures by day. You’ll also find the beautifully clean, gently sloping, clear and calm lake waters provide the perfect back drop for your first family beach holiday. Most importantly, you’ll find the majority of the beaches are pebbled rather than sandy. For those yet to attempt a beach holiday with a baby in tow, this may seem of no relevance but, trust us, you’ll soon appreciate the lack of endless tears as your little one doesn’t get sand in their eyes or mouth for the tenth time of the day!

If you’re looking for a baby friendly villa in the Italian Lakes, then Villa Caruso is a great option. Essential baby equipment such as a cot, stroller and highchair are all provided free of charge whilst for those weening little ones, baby friendly crockery and cutlery is provided along with a blender for pureeing food. There are also plenty of toys and games for even the youngest family members to enjoy, whilst the adults will appreciate the touches of luxury with White Company bedding and towels, a well-equipped kitchen, stylish decor and incredible lake views.

La Residenza, Ostuni, Puglia

Situated right down in the heel of Italy, Puglia has seen a dramatic increase in visitor numbers over the past decade, not surprising given the idyllic turquoise seas that stretch along its coastline and the just as glorious scenery that it also boasts inland, dotted with the unique cone-shaped trulli that have made this part of Italy so famous. For those with preschool age children who are able to save money by avoiding peak school holiday dates, it’s also a great choice to consider, particularly in the Spring and Autumn months when visitors can still enjoy temperatures in the high teens and low twenties.

La Residenza is a luxurious villa in Puglia for families looking to holiday here. It boasts not just one but two swimming pools, one of which is heated so that those with little ones can be reassured that they are warm enough in the water, whilst there is also a delightful play area equipped with swings and slides, perfect to keep your babies and toddlers entertained.

Apartment Origano, San Gimignano, Tuscany

Tuscany needs no introduction. Everyone is familiar with the region’s principal cities – Florence, Siena and Pisa – and if you’re a lover of art and architecture, you can’t but enjoy a holiday here. Admittedly, there is arguably little to entertain little ones even if this is the birthplace of Pinocchio, but for those travelling with infants, it’s a chance to still enjoy a grown-up holiday before you need to put your needs firmly behind those of the children.

Apartment Origano is a lovely apartment in Tuscany for families with babies and infants. Parents have told the Bookings For You team that they appreciate the option to enjoy meals on site (including breakfast and dinner), the access to essential baby equipment such as cots and highchairs, the family play areas with play house, swings and slides and the fact that there is plenty of space to relax so that they don’t have to worry about their baby crying disturbing the enjoyment of others.

La Casetta, Spello, Umbria

Less well known than its more famous neighbour Tuscany, Umbria nevertheless has just as much to offer visitors. It may not boast cities to rival Florence or Siena, but it does have a wealth of incredibly beautiful hilltop towns and villages offering the perfect opportunity for families with little ones to escape the crowds and enjoy a quieter pace of life. Don’t miss the chance to explore some of our favourites, among them Assisi, Spello, Orvieto and Montefalco.

Having a new born baby can be tiring so if you’re travelling with a really little one, it’s worth looking for options where you can walk to restaurants, giving you a night off from the cooking. La Casetta offers exactly this. Nestled on the old city walls in Spello, this 2 bedroom villa  in Umbria offers wonderful views across the rolling hills to one side but head out through your private walled garden (where you can sunbathe whilst your little one enjoys their daytime nap) and you’re straight in the heart of the town, within a couple of minutes walk of numerous restaurants, all serving authentic Umbrian food of the highest level.

Villa delle More, Castel Santa Maria, Marche

Having a new addition to any family can put a strain on finances so it’s worth looking at less well-known regions of the country in order to make your money go further. Marche is one of Italy’s hidden gems and can be a fantastic option for those who want to explore Italy without breaking the bank. Stretching 180 km from Pesaro in the North to San Benedetto del Tronto in the South, there are plenty of wonderful beaches for families to enjoy along Le Marche’s extensive coastline. However, there is plenty for the grown-ups to explore inland too, including Urbino, one of the most important cultural centres of the Renaissance and Senigallia, which hosts an annual music festival that transports you back to the 1950s.

A great option for parents travelling with infants is to consider inviting the grandparents on holiday too. Not only does it provide you with on-tap babysitters but it’s also a great way for the grandparents to bond with their grandchild. The relationship between grandparent and grandchild can be such a special one and we think spending time together on holiday can make such a difference in how this relationship develops. Villa delle More is a stunning villa in Marche, ideal for multi generation holidays in Italy. With plenty of comfortable bedrooms to ensure everyone enjoys a good nights sleep, it also has built in stairgates to ensure that any newly crawling little ones are safe.

If you’re looking for more inspiration on where to stay in Italy with an infant, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Bookings For You. With 300 villas and apartments to choose from, they have something for every budget, group size, style and taste. With a little one to look after, you’re bound to be short on time so make the most of their complimentary personal concierge service. They will be delighted to advise you on the best options for you and your family and send you a list of suitable properties that tick all the necessary boxes.

They are also offering an exclusive discount on your next stay with them. Just enter discount code MINITRAVELLER at check out.