Italy has long been a welcoming destination for families, but a new wave of resorts is elevating the family holiday experience by offering amenities that go significantly beyond the usual children's menus and interconnecting rooms. These establishments are designed to ensure every member of the family, from toddlers to teenagers and their parents, enjoys a holiday tailored to their specific needs and desires, combining quality time with genuine relaxation.
Among the standout options is Forte Village Resort in Sardinia, located an hour's drive from Cagliari airport. This extensive resort, nestled within a botanical garden and framed by the pine-clad mountains of the Sulcis region, offers a 'private village' feel. It boasts complimentary kids' clubs for ages two and above, with a dedicated nursery for two to three-year-olds, a main club for three to twelve-year-olds, and a teen club for those aged thirteen to seventeen. Children can immerse themselves in netball camps, football academies, and even flying trapeze lessons, while younger guests explore 'Wonderland' with miniature villages and a resort train. The resort also features a new Nature Park, home to various animals, providing an engaging experience for all.
For parents, Forte Village ensures uninterrupted relaxation with sophisticated dining options and opportunities to unwind. The calm, crystal-clear, and shallow waters of the beach are ideal for children to paddle safely, allowing adults to relax by the sea. The evenings are designed for families to enjoy dinners under the stars, with floodlit areas for children to continue playing football, basketball, and table tennis, fostering an old-fashioned sense of outdoor play away from screens.
Another notable destination is Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, designed to resemble a traditional Puglian village with hand-cut tufo limestone, winding alleyways, and cobbled courtyards. This resort offers 183 rooms, suites, and villas, including the expansive Casa Padronale with seven bedrooms, a private garden, and pool. Its complimentary kids' club caters to ages three and above, with dedicated clubs for three to seven-year-olds, eight to twelve-year-olds, and thirteen to sixteen-year-olds. The resort features eight restaurants, including a Michelin-starred option, all adhering to a farm-to-fork ethos, ensuring a high-quality culinary experience for all guests.
Other highly-rated family-friendly options include Verdura Resorts in Sicily, ideal for beach lovers, and Sonnwies in the Dolomites, perfect for those seeking a countryside retreat. These hotels consistently aim to strike a balance, providing engaging activities and supervision for children while offering luxurious amenities, serene spas, and sophisticated dining experiences for parents, ensuring a harmonious holiday for everyone.
Practical advice for UK travellers: When planning a family holiday to Italy, British citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises that most visits to Italy are trouble-free, but recommends checking their website for the latest travel advice before departure. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for families, to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage. Direct flights to major Italian airports like Cagliari (for Sardinia) and Bari (for Puglia) are readily available from various UK airports, with return fares typically starting from around £100-£200 depending on the season and booking time. Budget for hotel stays starting from approximately £200-£300 per night for family-friendly rooms, with luxury resorts often significantly higher.