Travelling with the family is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time and make new memories. For families who love to travel through their taste buds, Italy would be a great destination to consider. It’s known for having some of the world’s most delectable gastronomic delights and is home to several world-class restaurants. Best of all, you can bond over family-friendly activities centred on food, such as cooking classes and food tours.
Here are the best destinations in Italy for foodie families.
- Lake Garda
Located in the northern area of Italy, Lake Garda is a stunning lake region with rich culinary traditions. Its local cuisine is influenced by the surrounding regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino. Lake Garda is also known for producing the freshest local produce, such as olive oil, citrus fruits, and fish from the lake. If you’re a family who loves to eat, Lake Garda is a must-visit.
Start your culinary adventure by exploring the numerous trattorias and osterias along the lake that serve traditional Italian dishes. Enjoy the homemade pasta, risotto, and fresh seafood. Stop by a local agriturismo for a hands-on experience in cheese-making or olive oil production.
Wine lovers should visit family-friendly wineries in the Bardolino and Lugana regions. While the adults indulge in wine tastings, the kids can partake in vineyard tours and grape picking. Many of these wineries offer picnic areas and scenic spots for relaxing family bonding.
Satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth with a trip to the Gelato Museum in nearby Bologna. Here, you and your kids can learn about the history of gelato and even participate in a gelato-making workshop, perfect for families with a sweet tooth.
- Tuscany
Tuscany is a picturesque Italian region renowned for its farm-to-table philosophy. Your foodie trip here will be about savouring fresh and flavourful meals that appeal to adults and kids. Visit Tuscany’s charming towns and villages to sample traditional Tuscan cuisine. Dishes such as ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup), pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), and classic wood-fired pizzas are sure to delight your palate. The region’s emphasis on seasonal ingredients means there’s always something fresh and delicious.
Tuscany is also a great place to enjoy food and wine and taking tours with companies such as Premier Tours and Travel can help make the most of your travels. These tours offer families an immersive journey into the region’s local gastronomy. Some tours will take you to vineyards and olive groves, where you can learn about wine and olive oil production and taste Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and other renowned wines. These tours often include stops at local farms, where your kids can encounter animals and participate in cooking classes.
While the food is the highlight of your visit to Tuscany, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the region’s iconic sights. Take the kids on a tour of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the historic city of Florence. Both places are educational and exciting for your little ones. For active families, consider a cycling tour through the rolling hills and sunflower fields for a unique way to explore the stunning Tuscan countryside.
- Rome
Italy’s capital is a haven for foodies, with a vibrant food scene featuring a delightful mix of classic Italian dishes and unique Roman specialities that cater to all ages. A trip to Rome is a delight for families who love food, history, and everything in between. Here, you’ll spend your days indulging in traditional Roman cuisine, including pasta favourites like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana.
While in Rome, don’t miss the city’s numerous pizzerias that serve delicious, thin-crust Roman-style pizzas that you and your kids will love. And when it comes to desserts, there are tonnes of gelato shops scattered throughout the city. Indulge in a wide variety of flavours guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Embark on hands-on foodie experiences for a more enjoyable way to discover the vibrant culinary scene of Rome. Participate in cooking classes to learn about making pasta, pizza, and other local Italian specialities. These interactive sessions are an enjoyable way for kids and adults to immerse themselves in Italy’s local culture and cuisine.
Wander around Rome’s bustling markets, such as Campo de Fiori and Testaccio Market. Sample fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, and other local delicacies while soaking up the bustling atmosphere here.
- Sicily
As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has tonnes of food offerings guaranteed to delight adults and kids, including picky eaters. Thanks to its rich culinary heritage, the food in Sicily is influenced by Greek, Arab, and Spanish cultures. You and your kids can feast on fresh seafood, vibrant citrus fruits, and local specialities like pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant).
One of the great things about coming here for your foodie adventure is that there are many amazing family villas in Sicily, which are great for those staying here for a few nights. These villas offer comfortable accommodations with ample space for kids to play, including amenities like pools and beautiful gardens. Since these villas have kitchens, you can shop at local markets and cook Sicilian meals that you can partake in at home.
Immerse your kids in the local culture by taking them to the bustling markets in Palermo or Catania. These are also the best places to shop for local produce and treats, including cheeses, olives, and pastries.
- Milan
Milan is known for its fantastic array of dining options, from elegant restaurants to casual trattorias and bustling food markets, making it a fun place to visit for foodie families. Be sure to savour Milanese classics on your visit, such as risotto alla milanese, cotoletta alla milanese (breaded veal cutlet), and panettone, a traditional sweet bread.
When going around the city, be sure to drop by the vibrant food markets, such as Mercato Centrale and sample local produce, cheeses, and cured meats. Participate in cooking classes to learn how to make traditional Italian dishes, including pizza and pasta.
Beyond the food, there’s plenty for families to enjoy in Milan. Visit the city’s cultural landmarks, such as the Duomo and Sforza Castles. Take the kids to nearby parks, like Parco Sempione, for family picnics. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Navigli canals, followed by a sumptuous meal at one of the many canal-side restaurants.
