10 Favorite Family-Friendly Accommodations in Tuscany
Traveling to Italy with kids isn’t just about finding fun stuff to interest them in the places you’ll visit – it’s also key to find an accommodation option that fits the unique needs of a traveling family. My friend Amie O’Shaughnessy, the editor of Ciao Bambino – an excellent source for family-friendly accommodation all over the world – happens to have a particular affinity for Italy, so she’s here to offer her tips on the best places in Tuscany for families to stay. For each property listed, you’ll find a link to a more detailed review on the Ciao Bambino website.
One of the reasons Tuscany is so popular with families is that there are many accommodations ideally configured for children of all ages. It’s easy to find apartment-type guest units with kitchens and plenty of private indoor and outdoor living space.
What makes these accommodations unique in Italy is that there are so many truly wonderful properties where function meets beauty and authenticity. It’s common for these rural estates to be an agriturismo – a working farm producing wine, olive oil, and other agricultural goods. These “farm” experiences are lovely, although they are typically missing farm animals of any consequence – for kids, it’s more about experiencing life in the Italian countryside complete with amazing food and plenty of open space to run around.
Sometimes an old borgo – a village – has been converted into guest accommodations. Either way, my favorite options are surrounded by spectacular scenery and families have a special opportunity to live in a historic place for a week or more. See Jessica’s Accommodation in Italy article for a complete description of accommodation categories.
The majority of these rural estate properties have a swimming pool (typically unheated). Accommodation options are differentiated by quality and the number of onsite amenities. Some options are resort-like with a restaurant, tennis, gym, spa, and structured programs, while others are more like staying in an independent apartment (with neighbors) and have no additional amenities or services other than the swimming pool.
There are a handful of traditional hotels in the countryside I like for families as well, but only for short stays. It’s hard to choose given the number of great options, but here’s a list of 10 favorite family-friendly accommodations in Tuscany.
Northern Tuscany (between Florence and Siena)
Al Gelso Bianco
Well-appointed 1-2 bedroom apartments (some connect) on a family-run olive oil and wine estate. Ideal home-base for families with young children and an excellent location for regional exploration.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, Toddler Fun
>> Price: 720€ per week and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
Casa Cornacchi Country House
Upscale, meticulously renovated 1-4 bedroom apartments in a gorgeous, intimate setting.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, Toddler Fun
>> Price: 720€ per week and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
Fattoria Varramista
Historic wine and olive oil estate with spacious 2-4 bedroom apartments and villas located midway between Pisa and Florence.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, Toddler Fun, School Age Action
>> Price: 1,000€ per week and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
Monsignor Della Casa Country Resort
Family-oriented resort with an exceptional number of onsite activities and services in a spectacular setting. 1-6 bedroom apartments and villas.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, Toddler Fun, School Age Action, Cool For Teens
>> Price: 462€ per week and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
Montestigliano
Comfortable 1-6 bedroom apartments and villas in an excellent location for regional sightseeing outside of Siena. Creative classes and activities for children offered in high season.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, Toddler Fun, School Age Action, Cool For Teens
>> Price: 545€ per week and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
Le Case del Borgo
Luxury resort property with well-designed 1-3 bedroom apartments and an array of onsite amenities and breathtaking views.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, Toddler Fun
>> Price: 300€ per day and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
Borgo Santo Pietro
Incredible hotel experience with exquisite décor, phenomenal food, and highly personalized service. Extensive outdoor resources for children of all ages.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, Toddler Fun, School Age Action, Cool For Teens
>> Price: 310€ per night and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
Southern Tuscany (between Siena and Umbria)
Hotel Adler-Thermae
Tuscan spa hotel with a phenomenal pool area for kids. Extensive structured activities for adults and kids alike.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, Toddler Fun, School Age Action, Cool For Teens
>> Price: 394€ per night and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
La Foce
Historic family-owned estate in an idyllic rural setting. Authentic 1-7 bedroom apartments and villas with extensive grounds and gardens.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, School Age Action, Cool For Teens
>> Price: 500€ per week and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
Borgo Finocchietto
Extensive onsite amenities and highly personalized service makes this 800-year-old borgo unique. 1-5 bedroom luxury suites, apartments, and villas.
>> Ciao Bambino Age Rating: Baby Ready, Toddler Fun, School Age Action, Cool For Teens
>> Price: 660€ per night and up
>> Link to complete family-friendly review
To review our complete list of recommended accommodations in Tuscany, use our Extended Search feature to quickly narrow down a list of the best options. See the Ciao Bambino Blog for my recent post on creating the best family-friendly itinerary in Italy.
Amie O’Shaughnessy is the Editor of Ciao Bambino, a family travel blog and worldwide guide to the best family-friendly hotels and resorts.
photo at top by Sleeping Sun (on holiday til 18), the rest were provided by Amie of Ciao Bambino and may not be used without permission