In Italy, family – la famigila – means everything. Italians tend to operate as close family units spanning several generations and it’s commonplace for families to sit and enjoy dinner together regularly.
Older family members are respected and in turn, the older generation have a love and admiration for the young ones coming through. All of this means that for anyone visiting Italy with young family, you’ll find that you’ll be welcomed with open arms, but never more so than following the coronavirus pandemic. Italy relies on tourism and the impact of COVID-19 has not just been devastating for the nation’s health but also for its economy.
That said, the team at Italian villa rental company, Bookings For You, recognise that travelling with children isn’t always easy! But opting for self-catering villas and apartments rather than hotels can make your holiday more relaxing. You’ll have the space to relax rather than being cooped up in a hotel room, you’ll be able to eat on your own timings rather than being restricted to opening hours of restaurants and, financially it can also make a lot of sense. If your own finances are stretched following the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic at home, self-catering can offer much better value for money, particularly if opting to travel with other family members or friends when the price per head for accommodation tends to work out far cheaper than an equivalent hotel. You can also save money when on holiday too, opting to shop at the local markets for amazing fresh produce that you can cook up at home rather than eating out all the time.
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Here are some of our favourite villas in Italy available to rent from Bookings For You.
Villa Bianca, Puglia
What young footfall fan could resist the opportunity to stay in a villa in Puglia that boasts not only its own private swimming pool but also its own very own football pitch! What’s more, with 5 bedrooms and sleeping up to 10 guests, it’s an opportunity to invite friends or family on holiday with you too. Fill up all the rooms and you’ll have enough players for a five-a-side match! When you’re not kicking a ball around, it’s worth exploring some of the other child friendly activities in the region. Some of the most popular include dolphin and whale watching trips, a day at one of the many waterparks or on the beautiful beaches, an afternoon safari at the Pombia wildlife park or a trip to the dinosaur park and underground caves.
Villa Simona, Sicily
Sicily is a great option for families with primary school age children. Children typically learn about the ancient Romans between the ages of seven and eleven, so to stay in a region surrounded by a phenomenal amount of ancient history can really bring to life what they are studying in school. The world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics is at Piazza Armerina in Sicily whilst Siracusa is home to one of the biggest Greek theatres in the world and to the astonishing remains of a Roman amphitheatre where, centuries ago, gladiators would have fought wild beasts. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is also home to some of the best-preserved ancient Greek and Roman remains in the world. If all this is tempting you to visit, it’s worth taking a look at this 2 bedroom villa in Sicily – Villa Simona. It is a great option for a family of four, offering exceptional value for money and with the added bonus of not just having its own private pool but also being within an easy walk of the beach.
Villa Tozzoli House, Amalfi Coast
Of course, if your little ones are studying the Romans, there is arguably no better place to bring the period to life than a trip to Pompeii on the Amalfi Coast. Suitable for a family with children aged 7 and above, Villa Tozzoli is a fantastic Amalfi Coast apartment right in the heart of the bustling town of Sorrento which can serve as the perfect base to explore Pompeii. It also has the added bonus of being within walking distance of the beach and port as well as a multitude of shops, bars and restaurants. So, if your little one hates getting into the car, it’s worth considering an option like this where everything is accessible on foot.
Apartment Tranquillo, Italian Lakes
Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes is a fantastic option for primary school children with so much for them to see and do around the lake. Bases don’t get much better here than Apartment Tranquillo, a 4 bedroom apartment in the popular Golfo Gabella lakeside resort. It’s a great option for families with a large communal pool and jacuzzi on site but it’s also just a few metres from the lakeside beaches and only a short walk to tennis and basketball courts and to water sports hire. Children as young as seven can enjoy windsurfing, sailing or water-skiing for the first time or for those who perhaps prefer a slightly slower pace on the water, there are also pedaloes, canoes and paddleboards on offer.
Villa Pinoni, Tuscany
This is an absolutely wonderful villa in Tuscany. Even your little ones can’t fail to appreciate the absolute beauty and charm that this villa offers. Both the interior and exterior are simply idyllic. Boasting 6 bedrooms and sleeping up to 14 people, it’s also a great example of how you can enjoy absolute luxury at a great price when opting for self-catering. Fill the property to capacity and prices start from less than £40 per person per night. Even in peak season, it works out at around £75 per head per night.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on where to stay in Italy with your family, 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.
Great list of Villas. There are some great places to visit in Italy. Sounds like a lot of fun things will be there with kids! Superb photos.