Italy boasts numerous beautiful beaches perfect for families, and we're here to uncover some of the best beaches in Italy for families. Family-friendly beaches in Italy are awarded Green Flags based on criteria like clean sand, ample space between parasols, clear shallow water, lifeguards, playgrounds, baby changing areas, and nearby amenities like bars and restaurants. Wondering where in Italy is good for families? We've selected some of the best beaches in Italy for families to help you plan the perfect child-friendly holiday or weekend getaway.
What part of Italy is best for kids?
When considering the best parts of Italy for kids, the following regions stand out for their family-friendly beaches and amenities:
- Tuscany: Known for its sandy beaches, gentle waters, and numerous family resorts. Popular spots include Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and Marina di Grosseto.
- Sardinia: Offers pristine beaches with shallow waters perfect for children. The Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, and Alghero are especially popular for family vacations.
- Emilia-Romagna: The Adriatic coast here is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere. Rimini and Riccione have numerous activities, entertainment options, and well-equipped beaches.
- Liguria: With charming coastal towns like Alassio, Finale Ligure, and Levanto, this region provides beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for children.
- Puglia: Known for its stunning coastline, Puglia offers family-friendly beaches like those in Vieste, Ostuni, and Porto Cesareo, which have clear shallow waters and ample amenities.
5 beaches for families in Italy
These are our top picks of the areas of Italy where you will find the best family beaches in Italy for this summer 2024, so that all the family can enjoy what the country's coastline has to offer.
Forte dei Marmi
Our first stop on the hunt for the best beaches in Italy for families is Forte dei Marmi. This famous resort in Versilia is the perfect destination for a family beach holiday. Its wide beaches with fine, golden sand, modern facilities equipped with every comfort, and a wide range of services designed for children have all earned it a Green Flag.
While adults relax under parasols or enjoy the luxury of elegant gazebos, kids can join games and activities organised on the beach, though these come at a cost. For a budget-friendly option, there are also fully-equipped, free beaches that retain the wild and rugged charm of Versilia.
Treat yourself to a five-star holiday that caters to both children and adults: comfort and relaxation for you, plus fun and safety for the little ones.
Cervia
The Riviera Romagnola is renowned for its hospitality and excellent services, attracting tourists year after year. Among the most famous resorts on this Adriatic coast stretch is Cervia, particularly known for catering to family tourism, making it an ideal destination for a kid-friendly vacation in Italy.
Cervia offers expansive, safe beaches where children can play and enjoy themselves. The area also boasts a wide range of activities for a truly special holiday, such as walks in the pine forests and visits to the Case delle Farfalle Butterfly House, where you can admire hundreds of tropical butterflies in their recreated habitat.
For families seeking more active adventures, CerviAvventura, an adventure park nestled within the Natural Park of Cervia, is perfect for an afternoon of fun, or you can embark on a full-day excursion to Mirabilandia, a renowned Italian amusement park.
- Find your holiday rental in Cervia
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Senigallia
Along the Marche coast lies Senigallia, a town renowned for its sandy beaches and clear, blue sea. Senigallia's coastline stretches for approximately 13 kilometres, offering a mix of sandy beaches and rocky areas.
The main beach, "Spiaggia di Velluto" (Velvet Beach), is particularly famous for its fine, golden sand. This Blue Flag beach provides excellent facilities, including beach clubs, umbrellas, and sunbeds available for rent. The shallow waters and gradual slope make it safe for families and children to swim and play.
In addition to the beaches, visitors can explore Senigallia's historical centre, located just a short distance from the coast. Here, you'll find narrow streets, picturesque squares, and beautiful architecture that reflect the town's rich history.
- Find your holiday rental in Senigallia
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Vieste
Vieste, the pride of Gargano, is one of the best beach resorts in Italy for families this summer. Situated on a promontory dividing the Gargano coast, Vieste boasts one of Italy's most beautiful coastlines, with bays, caves, long sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. This destination is perfect for families, offering facilities for children and shallow waters ideal for kids.
Among its famous beaches, Spiaggia di Castello (Castle Beach) stands out with its iconic white rock stack, Pizzomunn. The soft sand is perfect for children, and it’s a short walk from Spiaggia dei Pipistrelli (Beach of Bats), known for its cave. Another great option is Spiaggia della Scialara, near the city centre, and San Felice Beach, which is protected from winds and currents in a sheltered bay.
Older kids and teenagers can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, with rental services available along the beach. Additionally, families can rent bicycles to explore coastal paths or join guided hiking tours in the surrounding area.
- Find your holiday rental in Vieste
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San Teodoro
San Teodoro, a sunny village in Gallura, is a natural paradise on Sardinia's northeast coast, overlooking turquoise seas.
San Teodoro boasts some of Sardinia's most beautiful beaches. The main beach, La Cinta, features a long stretch of fine white sand and shallow, calm waters, perfect for families with children. Nearby beaches like Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu offer equally stunning views and opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
Beyond the beaches, San Teodoro provides various activities for children, including organised kids' programmes at resorts. Families can also enjoy excursions to local attractions like water parks, adventure parks, and animal parks, ensuring plenty of fun-filled experiences for the kids.
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