Italy has secured one of the strongest positions in Europe for family travel this year. In a 2026 study, a city on the Amalfi Coast ranked second overall, narrowly missing the top spot.
How Italy performed in TUI’s 2026 family-friendly ranking
Naples secured second place in Europe, achieving an overall score of 9.12/10 in TUI’s 2026 child-friendly holiday guide. The study assessed more than 150 European coastal cities, comparing them on measurable family-focused criteria.
Lisbon took first place with 9.16/10, so the margin between first and second was small. That puts Naples firmly in the top tier of European coastal destinations for families.
Naples’ entertainment score and family attractions
Naples recorded an Entertainment Score of 6.14/10. This score measures the concentration of child-friendly attractions per 10 km², including:
- Arcades, aquariums and zoos
- Ice cream parlours
- Swimming pools
- Theme and water parks
For a historic Italian city better known for ancient ruins and serious pizza culture, that’s a solid result.
Families also have access to 154 TUI Musement excursions and experiences in Naples, plus plenty of hidden gems that few tourists know exist. In practical terms, this translates into:
- Boat trips across the Bay of Naples
- Guided visits to Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Island day trips to Procida, Ischia and Capri
- Interactive cultural tours suited to children
Weather in Naples: a key factor in its high ranking
Naples recorded an average summer temperature of 25.2°C in the study. That’s warm enough for proper beach days and long evenings outdoors, but it’s not at the extreme end of Mediterranean heat.
Green space and breathing room for families
Naples has 6 parks (per 10 km²). In a densely built historic city, accessible green space makes a difference.
Areas like the seafront near Castel dell’Ovo and larger public parks such as Villa Comunale give children room to move around without constant traffic stress.
Is Naples a good choice for a family holiday in Italy?
Italy’s second-place ranking provides reassurance backed by data rather than nostalgia. Naples isn’t traditionally marketed as a family package destination, and there are certainly things to watch out for, yet it competes at the very top of the table.
For families comfortable with a bit of urban energy, it works beautifully. Children tend to adapt quickly to piazza life, evening strolls and spontaneous street food stops. The culture around food helps too — pizza margherita and gelato artigianale rarely cause family disputes.
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