The Casentino valley in eastern Tuscany is one of the most appealing regions in all of Italy for families with children. The area combines space, nature, and authenticity without the crowds of popular tourist destinations such as the Chianti or the coast. Further on in this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about a family holiday in Tuscany.
Which region in Tuscany is quieter and more family-friendly than the coast?
The Tuscan interior, and especially the Casentino valley near Arezzo, is quieter and more family-friendly than the busy coastal strip along the Tyrrhenian Sea. While the coast fills with tourists in summer and temperatures climb to stifling heights, the green hills of the Casentino offer coolness, space, and an authentic atmosphere that gives children the freedom to truly explore.
The Tuscan coast attracts enormous numbers of visitors every year, leading to packed beaches, traffic jams, and high prices. The Casentino remains relatively unknown to the masses, meaning families experience far more breathing room. Think forests bordering a national park, rivers where children can safely play, and villages where life still moves at its own unhurried pace.
For families looking for a family-friendly agriturismo in Italy without feeling like they are on a holiday park, the Casentino is an excellent choice. It is nature at its finest, without compromising on comfort.
What makes the Casentino valley so well suited to a family holiday?
The Casentino valley is well suited to a family holiday because it offers a unique combination of wild nature, a safe environment, and authentic Tuscan experiences all within walking distance of one another. Children can roam freely, spot wildlife, and have adventures while parents relax in a setting that has not been set up for mass tourism.
A few features that make the Casentino special for families:
- A national park as your backyard: the Casentino National Park borders the area directly and offers protected nature with walking trails for all levels
- Rivers and swimming spots: the Arno has its source in this valley, and the small tributaries are perfect for children to splash and play in
- No mass tourism: Italian families and local communities dominate the area, creating an authentic atmosphere
- Cooler climate: thanks to the higher elevation, summer temperatures are more pleasant than on the coast or in the cities
- Space and freedom: vast fields and forests give children room to run, climb, and explore
What activities are there in Tuscany for children of all ages?
In Tuscany there are plenty of activities for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. The offering ranges from active outdoor activities in nature to culinary workshops and cultural experiences that are accessible to younger visitors too.
For families in the Casentino, these are the most popular activities:
- Truffle hunting: a real treasure hunt through the forest with a local guide and a truffle-sniffing dog, fascinating for children of all ages
- Pasta making: hands in the dough, flour on your nose, and a meal you made yourself — an experience children will not forget in a hurry
- E-mountain biking: even for less experienced cyclists or parents who could use a little assistance, electric mountain bikes are ideal for exploring the hills
- River adventures: discovering the streams and rivers of the Casentino, skimming stones, and spotting frogs
- Hiking in the national park: routes from easy to challenging, with the chance to spot birds of prey, deer, and wild boar
- Wine tastings for adults: while the children play, parents can discover local Tuscan wines
Teenagers who would normally be hard to enthuse about a “nature holiday” often find themselves swept up here by the combination of freedom, adventure, and genuine experiences that do not feel staged.
When is the best time to visit Tuscany with children?
The best time to visit Tuscany with children is from mid-June to the end of August, when the weather is reliably warm and school holidays coincide. For families who want to avoid the heat and seek more tranquility, May, early June, and September are excellent alternatives.
During the summer holidays the Casentino is pleasantly warm without the extreme heat of the coast or the cities. Daytime temperatures hover around 28 to 32 degrees Celsius, with cooler evenings thanks to the higher elevation. Swimming pools are at their best, activities are in full swing, and the atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming.
Those who travel in May or September will find a quieter Tuscany with fewer visitors, lower prices, and a lush green landscape. Swimming in the river is a little fresher then, but for adventurous children that is actually a bonus.
How long does it take to drive from the Netherlands to Tuscany with children?
Driving from the Netherlands to the Casentino in Tuscany takes an average of 14 to 16 hours, depending on your starting point and the route chosen. Most families split the journey over two days with a stopover in Switzerland or northern Italy.
A popular route runs through Germany, through the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland, and then via Milan and Bologna towards Arezzo. From Arezzo the Casentino is less than 40 minutes away by car. Those who want to do the journey in one day should set off early and budget for a long but manageable day.
Tips for the road trip with children:
- Split the journey over two days with an overnight stop in northern Italy or Switzerland
- Drive early in the morning to avoid queues at the border and in the tunnels
- Plan regular stops at Autogrill restaurants in Italy — an experience in itself for children
- Consider the overnight train as an alternative to the long drive
What is the difference between an agriturismo and a regular hotel in Tuscany?
An agriturismo in Tuscany is a stay on or directly beside a working farm, while a regular hotel is a commercial accommodation business with no agricultural background. The difference lies in the experience: at an agriturismo in Tuscany with children you become part of a living environment with its own produce, local traditions, and a direct connection to the land.
At an agriturismo you eat produce grown on site, learn how olive oil or wine is made, and get to know the people who work there every day. Children can help out, feed animals, and see where their food comes from. That is a very different experience from a hotel room with a breakfast buffet.
Renting a holiday home in Tuscany through an agriturismo also offers more space and independence than a standard hotel room. A private kitchen, a terrace, and direct access to nature make it ideal for families who want to keep their own rhythm. For larger groups, such as multiple families travelling together, a holiday home in Tuscany is therefore far more practical than individual hotel rooms.
How Novanta makes the difference for families in Tuscany
Novanta is an experience hotel tucked away in the Gello valley in the Casentino, right at the heart of everything covered in this article. It is not a holiday park and not a luxury hotel, but an authentic borgo where families are given the freedom to experience Tuscany in their own way.
What Novanta concretely offers families:
- Holiday homes with their own kitchen sleeping 2 or 3 bedrooms, ideal for families or multiple families together
- Car-free village: the car stays at the entrance, luggage travels in the 4×4, children roam freely
- Two swimming pools, a river within walking distance, and 300 hectares of nature as a playground
- Experiences with locals: truffle hunting, pasta making, e-mountain biking, and river adventures
- Bordering the Casentino National Park, with walking trails leading directly from the borgo
Novanta is made for families who want a real holiday, not a polished version of one. Browse the available holiday homes in the Casentino or the hotel rooms and cottages and plan your stay in the Tuscan hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casentino also suitable for very young children, such as toddlers and preschoolers?
Yes, the Casentino is particularly well suited to the very youngest visitors. The car-free environment of a borgo such as Novanta means toddlers can roam safely without traffic. The shallow streams and peaceful nature are ideal for little explorers, and the relaxed atmosphere of an agriturismo gives parents room to breathe without having to watch their children every second.
What if my child does not enjoy hiking or outdoor activities?
No worries — the Casentino offers plenty of variety for children who prefer something different. Activities such as pasta making, truffle hunting with a dog, or hanging out by the pool are just as rewarding and have nothing to do with hiking. The freedom of a holiday home with its own terrace also means children can simply play, draw, or read without having to follow any programme.
How do I arrange activities such as truffle hunting or pasta making in advance?
Most experiences in the Casentino are best booked ahead of time, especially during peak season. If you are staying at an experience hotel such as Novanta, they organise these activities directly for you and you do not need to arrange anything yourself. It is a good idea to let them know at the time of booking which experiences you would like, so that everything is ready when you arrive.
Is a car essential when staying in the Casentino?
A car is strongly recommended for the journey there and for day trips to surrounding places such as Arezzo, Poppi, or the monastery of La Verna. Once at your destination — especially at a car-free borgo such as Novanta — you will hardly need the car for day-to-day activities. Everything a family needs, such as nature, a swimming pool, food, and activities, is already within walking distance.
What are the average costs of a week in Tuscany for a family of four?
Costs vary considerably depending on the type of accommodation, the travel season, and how you get there. A holiday home at an agriturismo is generally better value per person than multiple hotel rooms, especially for families of four or more. For a week in peak season, including accommodation, activities, and food, budget roughly €2,000 to €3,500 for a family of four, with self-driving and self-catering significantly reducing costs.
Is it possible to go on holiday in Tuscany together with another family?
Absolutely — the Casentino lends itself perfectly to this. Holiday homes with two or three bedrooms are ideal for two families travelling together, where everyone has their own space but shares the outdoor areas and activities. This is not only more enjoyable for the children, but also financially attractive as the cost of a larger home is shared.
What should I pack for a family holiday in the Casentino?
In addition to standard holiday luggage, a few specific items are very handy: sturdy walking shoes for the forest trails, clothes that can get dirty for outdoor activities, and a spare set of clothing for the children after playing in the river. Do not forget insect repellent for evenings outside, and bring a small backpack for day hikes in the national park.
