Everything we personally recommend for families in Tuscany, all within easy driving distance of Pisa Airport

By our Editor-at-Large, Erica Loi

This tried and tested family-friendly Tuscany travel guide covers the places we have personally visited and genuinely recommend for families. Tuscany is enormous, and when travelling with children we quickly realised that trying to see it all just meant spending half the holiday in the car. So these are the spots we would happily return to and they’re all manageable from Pisa Airport.

Beaches We Love

Viareggio

Such an easy family beach day. The Darsena beach area is huge, sandy and perfect for children to run around freely. The water can sometimes be a little wavy or less clear depending on the weather, but our kids absolutely loved it regardless. You can either use the free beach or book one of the beach clubs for loungers, shade and lunch.

Highly recommended: Arizona Beach Club, via Marina Di Levante,  incredibly child-friendly, relaxed and very environmentally conscious too.

Cala Violina, Scarlino, Grosseto

One of the most beautiful beaches we have visited in Tuscany. Park nearby and then take a short walk through nature before arriving at crystal-clear water. It feels much more peaceful and natural than some of the busier beach resorts. Definitely worth the drive if you want a more scenic beach day.

Tip: Go early in peak season as parking fills quickly.

Places to see

Forte dei Marmi (Market)

A really lovely Tuscan morning out. The market runs every Wednesday and Sunday morning and is perfect for wandering with coffee while browsing linen clothes, leather goods, homeware, cashmere and local food. Busy, but fun and very family-friendly if you arrive early.

Pietrasanta

An artistic, walkable town full of sculptures and open piazzas. Very easy with children; lots of space to wander, stop for gelato, and enjoy a slow lunch.

Lucca

One of the best family-friendly towns in Italy and a highlight of any Tuscany family holiday. Completely enclosed by city walls, which are now a safe walking and cycling loop. Highlights include a bike ride around the walls, beautiful piazzas, an easy relaxed centre and plenty of gelato stops along the way.

Lerici

A beautiful seaside town in Liguria with castle views and a colourful harbour. Perfect for a relaxed seaside lunch, harbour walks and boat trips in summer.

Santa Margherita Ligure

A slightly more polished coastal town, still very family-friendly. Great for harbour strolls, boat trips towards Portofino and slow seaside afternoons. Try their local focaccia! A slightly more polished coastal town, still very family-friendly.

Especially for the kids but great for the big kids too

Little Cars in Forte dei Marmi

One of those unexpectedly brilliant holiday memories. Children can hire little electric cars and independently drive around the square while parents sit nearby with a drink. Ours could have stayed there for hours.

Montecatini Funicular

Such a fun slower-paced day trip. The old funicular railway takes you up to Montecatini Alto with beautiful views across Tuscany. The ride itself was half the excitement for the children. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon, for grandparents joining, or for cooler days away from the beach.

Cinque Terre Day Trip

Technically not Tuscany, but close enough from Pisa to absolutely include. The Cinque Terre day trip from Pisa is one of the easiest and most rewarding with children; explore by train, boat or a combination of both.

The colourful villages are stunning and children tend to love the boats and trains just as much as the destination itself. Monterosso is probably the easiest village with kids because of the beach access. We’d really recommend exploring either by train, boat or a combination of both.

Longer distance places we would happily return to

Montaione

One of our favourite countryside spots. Amazing food, beautiful scenery and that classic relaxed Tuscan atmosphere without needing to drive for hours. Ideal for a long lunch and slower day.

Pienza

Absolutely beautiful and especially lovely for ceramics shopping. Perfect wandering streets, gorgeous views and lots of little artisan shops that make it feel very special without being overwhelming for children.

Top Tuscany Tips

Pick one area and explore slowly. Tuscany is much bigger than people expect, and with children we found it far more enjoyable to do shorter drives, long lunches, beach afternoons and slower sightseeing rather than trying to constantly move around.

Using Pisa as a base gives you access to beaches, countryside towns and even Cinque Terre without exhausting travel days, which makes such a difference when travelling as a family.