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Arrival with first Alpine views
Slightly over the usual 3-hour limit, but the only long leg of the trip.
No vignette needed at the Brenner, but budget for toll fees on the Brenner Pass.
Long leg — plan in some breaks.
This is where your journey south begins.
Family-friendly, year-round campsite just beyond the Brenner, with a heated indoor pool and play area for little ones. Ideal for arriving and catching your breath after the long first driving leg. Nearby Brixen invites a relaxed evening stroll.
First swimming day at the lake
Plenty of time in the afternoon for swimming and settling in.
Spacious site right on the southern shore of Lake Garda with its own lake access, pools and shallow swimming spots for small children. After crossing the Alps, a gentle start to the holiday with plenty of water and space to move. Peschiera itself is a pretty fortified town worth a wander.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Driving day heading south
A short swimming afternoon on the Adriatic is possible.
Quiet pine-forest campsite near the wide sandy beach of Marina di Ravenna, with a pool and plenty of shade. A good stopover to break up the journey south and still enjoy an afternoon on the flat Adriatic beach. The mosaic city of Ravenna is worth a short detour if you're interested.
Coastal drive with sea views
Restful afternoon by the sea.
Family-run site right on the coast of Le Marche, with a pool and shallow beach. Located further south than the previous day's stop, so the coming driving days stay shorter. A quiet spot to swim and relax away from the big tourist hubs.
Leg along the Adriatic
The Costa dei Trabocchi invites a stroll along the fishermen's piers.
Terraced campsite on the wild Costa dei Trabocchi with its own pebble beach and the typical trabocchi fishing platforms. A particularly lovely stopover with clear water and views of the old wooden fishing structures. Quiet and close to nature, ideal for a long swimming afternoon.
Change of scenery inland
The last somewhat longer leg — after this, driving days become noticeably shorter.
Long leg — plan in some breaks.
Large coastal park on the Ionian Sea in Basilicata with a long sandy beach and pools. A practical stop to break up the route towards Calabria without another long driving day. The gently sloping beach is well suited to small children.
Calabria reached
From now on, you're in the heart of the holiday region and will stay longer in one place.
Picturesque little town perched on a cliff above the sea, famous for its tartufo ice cream and its piazza overlooking the water. A short wander through the lanes is well worth it, and the ice cream is a must. The compact centre is easy going with a three-year-old on foot.
Shady pine-forest campsite near Pizzo with direct access to the sandy beach of the Tyrrhenian coast. A peaceful base for your first taste of the deep south, ideal for staying several days. The water is clear and the beach slopes gently.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Rest and sea
A deliberate rest day with no long drives.
A church carved into tufa rock right by the sea, with figures cut into the stone. A short outing suited to children that leaves adults amazed too. Afterwards, wind down the morning at the nearby beach.
Pearl of the coast
Short driving day, plenty of time for Tropea and the beach.
One of the most beautiful coastal towns in Calabria, spectacularly perched on cliffs above the turquoise sea. The old town lanes, the Santa Maria dell'Isola monastery on its rocky outcrop, and the famous beach below make this a real highlight. There's shallow, clear water down below for little ones.
Small campsite within walking distance of Tropea's famous beach and old town. Its location right below the town saves you the search for parking and puts you on foot right in the middle of things. Shaded pitches and the sound of the sea included.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Cape and crystal-clear water
A pure beach day with minimal driving.
A rocky headland with some of the most beautiful coves in Calabria and far-reaching views as far as the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli. Beaches like Grotticelle offer white sand and shallow, crystal-clear water. A perfect spot for a full day of swimming with a child.
Steep coastline and fishing village
In the afternoon, time for Chianalea and the beach at Scilla.
A fishing village dramatically perched on the rock along the Costa Viola, overlooked by the Castello Ruffo. The old fishing quarter of Chianalea reaches with its houses right into the water, with a fine beach below. A place steeped in legend, said to be home to the sea monster Scylla.
Campsite on the Costa Viola near Scilla, with access to a pebble-and-sand beach and views over to Sicily. From here, the village is quickly reached, and the view across the strait already sets the mood for the upcoming ferry crossing. Quiet, family-friendly location.
Culture and ancient bronzes
Visit the museum in the morning, when it's cooler and quieter.
Here stand the world-famous Bronzi di Riace, two Greek bronze statues over 2000 years old, recovered from the sea in 1972. The modern museum presents them impressively and also offers exciting finds for children. A cultural highlight best visited with the buggy.
Reggio's palm-lined waterfront promenade, with direct views across the strait to Etna. A relaxed walk with a sea breeze and the chance for ice cream and a break. Plenty of room for little ones to run around.
Mountain villages in the Aspromonte foothills
A bit more driving time than usual, but hardly any motorway and plenty of scenery. In great heat, skip one of the two villages and spend longer swimming instead.
An almost deserted mountain village clinging to a jagged rock like a hand, hence the name Five Fingers. An atmospheric, short walk through the partly restored lanes with far-reaching views. The climb is a bit uneven for small children, so carry them or take it slowly.
One of the most beautiful medieval mountain villages in Calabria, home to one of the largest Norman cathedrals in southern Italy. Quiet lanes, viewpoints and cafés make for a relaxed afternoon. The village sits high above the Ionian coast with sweeping views.
Campsite on the Ionian coast, convenient for overnighting after the excursion to the mountain villages. Direct access to the sandy beach for a swim to round off the day. Quiet, relaxed location away from the main hubs.
Across the Strait of Messina
The ferry crossing is the eagerly awaited highlight, with views of both coastlines from the upper deck.
After the crossing, a short stretch of motorway remains to reach the campsite.
From here, ferries cross the narrow strait to Messina, a short crossing that's exciting for children too. The Caronte & Tourist and Bluferries lines run frequently, so booking ahead isn't strictly necessary. The crossing itself takes only around 20 to 30 minutes.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Campsite in the valley below Taormina, quiet and a good base for exploring the east coast. Buses run up to the famous old town from here, so you can leave the motorhome parked below. A good base for several nights in Sicily.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Sicilian highlights
Visit the theatre in the morning, before it gets too hot and crowded.
Retreat for a swim in the afternoon.
An ancient theatre in a spectacular setting with views of Etna and the coast. This is one of Sicily's most famous sights and impresses with its backdrop alone. There's plenty of room for little ones between the rows of stone seating — a hat and water are essential in the heat.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
Taormina's elegant promenade lined with boutiques, cafés and the Piazza IX Aprile with its viewing terrace. A stroll with a granita and a view over the bay rounds off the visit nicely. The town is manageable on foot despite the crowds.
Beach day on the east coast
A pure beach day, no culture, plenty of rest.
A small nature reserve island in a picturesque bay below Taormina, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of pebbles. The clear, sheltered water is great for splashing about with a child. The bay is considered one of the most beautiful in Sicily.
A long, gently sloping sandy beach with a relaxed promenade and plenty of ice cream shops. Noticeably quieter than Taormina and ideal for a full beach day with a three-year-old. In the evening, the seafront promenade invites a leisurely stroll.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
Volcano and nature
A bit more driving time due to the mountain road, but a special encounter with nature.
Pleasantly cool on the volcano when it's hot elsewhere.
Starting point on the southern slope of Etna at around 1900 metres, with cooled lava fields and extinct craters to explore. Even the short circular walk across the black landscape is an experience for children. Bring a fleece, as it's noticeably cooler up here than by the sea.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
Last day by the sea
A quiet final day with plenty of time on the beach.
Plan several legs for the return journey to Nuremberg, similar to the outward trip.
A tiny mountain village high above Taormina with one of the most beautiful panoramas in Sicily, over the coast and Etna. A short, peaceful stroll with an almond wine tasting and a view make for a gentle end to the trip. Manageable and easy on foot for little ones.
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