Family Travel in Italy: Lemon Groves, Gelato, and the Amalfi Coast
When people imagine Italy, they often picture romantic getaways or backpacking adventures, but for our family, Italy has been a playground of history, food, and sunshine. We’ve been to Italy eight times now, starting when our twins were just three months old, and every visit brings something new. Our latest trip, when the twins were 11 and our youngest was six, reminded me just how magical and family-friendly Italy can be.
Wandering, Learning, and Gelato-Tasting Our Way Through Italy
My kids loved wandering the narrow cobblestone streets, sampling the fresh and colourful foods on display, and soaking up stories from our local guides. Roman history came alive for them in ways that no textbook ever could, especially in Pompeii, where our guide’s storytelling completely captivated them.
Our favourite area this time was the Amalfi Coast, especially the smaller coastal towns like Minori and Maiori. The hike along the Path of Lemons (similar to the famous Path of the Gods but much less busy and demanding) was a highlight. The kids loved stopping at real-life lemonade stands, sampling fresh lemon gelato served in an actual lemon, and stumbling across little soccer pitches with breathtaking views and friendly local kids ready for a match.
Sweet Surprises and Italian Hospitality
One of the biggest surprises was how warmly Italians welcomed our kids. Everywhere we went, locals stopped to talk to them, offer treats, and share smiles. Italians truly love children, and it shows. Our kids often became part of the conversation wherever we went.
Food was, of course, a highlight. Lemon gelato, fresh pasta, and the beautifully presented pastries in every bakery window were irresistible. We visited a lemon grove and an olive farm, learned how they grow and harvest their crops, and even tried lemon salad made with thin slices of sweet Italian lemons, fresh mint, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. It’s simple, delicious, and nothing like the sour lemons at home.
We also joined a pasta-making class at a local farm near Sorrento, which was ideal for the kids. They could run around between lessons, meet the animals, and then proudly eat the pasta they’d made themselves.
The Practical Side of Travelling with Kids in Italy
We spent two weeks in total, visiting Rome and the Amalfi Coast. We stayed in agriturismos and small hotels, family-run places that gave us the chance to chat with locals and feel part of the community. Our route took us from Rome down the coast, spending a week between Sorrento and Salerno. We rented a car for flexibility, but on the Amalfi Coast, we mostly used the local ferries, which were easy to navigate and fun for the kids.
Transportation was fairly simple, but the crowds in touristy spots can be stressful with kids. We found it helpful to keep a meeting point, and when things got too hectic, we’d hop in a cab, which was surprisingly affordable in most places. Uber worked well, while private transfers were pricey. In hindsight, I’d skip driving the Amalfi Coast altogether and take a ferry straight to Minori. I’d also spend a few extra days there and do a day trip to Capri.
Italy isn’t always stroller-friendly because of uneven ruins and crowded streets, but a light umbrella stroller or a good baby carrier works wonders. When our kids were little, we’d set up picnic blankets in local gardens for naps and downtime. Now that they’re older, they love finding local soccer fields or basketball courts to burn off energy.
The Realities and Rewards of Family Travel
We’ve had our share of mishaps, like a plumbing issue in a farmhouse when the twins were babies, but every time, locals have gone above and beyond to help. That’s one of the reasons I recommend Italy so wholeheartedly for families. Even when something goes wrong, you’re surrounded by people who genuinely care.
Our biggest challenge this trip was navigating those tiny, crowded streets where cars somehow still squeeze through. We kept the kids in a single file and avoided the busiest tourist districts when possible. The Vatican, for instance, was just too crowded to enjoy. But outside the big cities, we found endless open spaces, friendly faces, and plenty of opportunities for spontaneous adventures.
Favourite Memories and Hidden Gems
There are a few moments I’ll never forget:
- Being treated like little celebrities when we walked into a local market with soccer jerseys on.
- Watching our kids act out make-believe stories of gladiators amongst the incredible ruins of Pompeii and Paestum as they imagined life in ancient times.
- Stumbling into an award-winning bakery with cases of colourful desserts in Minori. We ate the most beautiful pizza and pastries in the square by the water.
These are the kinds of experiences that make travel with kids so worthwhile, unplanned, joyful, and filled with wonder.
Louise’s Best Tips for Travelling Italy with Kids
- Best age to go: 8+ if you want them to appreciate the history and culture, and always hire a local guide who can tell great stories.
- When to go: Late April to early May offers beautiful weather without the summer crowds.
- Book ahead: Reserve major attractions like the Colosseum or Pompeii early, but smaller experiences like farm visits or pasta classes can be arranged a few days in advance.
- What to pack: Wired headphones for audio tours or audiobooks, a small cooler for snacks, and soccer jerseys, which are an instant icebreaker with locals.
- Budget tips: Once you’re there, food and local experiences are very affordable, especially if you cook breakfasts and pack picnic lunches.
If you’re planning your first family trip to Europe, I can’t recommend Italy enough. It’s easy to navigate, full of kid-friendly spaces, and every meal feels like a celebration.
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