We will be in Italy for almost 2 weeks from early to mid June. We are traveling with our two young boys who are active and adventurous. We have planned for 8 days in Tuscany. Part of that time will be inland visiting hill towns, and I'd like for the other part to be on the coast relaxing, hiking, & exploring. My husband and I have been to Tuscany and loved it all, but we haven't been to the Tuscan coast.

My question is how to best divide up our time between the two (5/3, 4/4, 3/5?), and what coastal area would be best for our family. We've considered Elba as well as the area around Maremma, but I'm sure there are many more great options. Lodging accusations would also be welcome. We do plan to rent a car during this time.

I'm feeling the pressure to get something booked ASAP, but am just not sure how best to use our time there. Thanks so much for your help.

I don't know your kids but my experience of children that age is that very often going to an island appeals to their imagination. If you are not interested in a lot of historic sightseeing for that part of your trip, but just a touch, Elba might really fit the bill so long as your family is comfortable with mainly seafood menus. Nature hikes and beautiful beaches, and a cable car to a butterfly sanctuary.

https://www.visittuscany.com/en/time...g-and-history/

Off the coast of the Maremma you can either cross the lagoon to Porto Santo Stefano or take a ferry there to the smaller island of Giglio. For some kids and families, the smaller island would actually be more fun despite having less "to do", because you can really conquer the whole thing and make it your own.

http://www.italyfoodandwinetours.com...iglio-tuscany/

But if your family is more excited by horseback riding, meat eating -- maybe some hot springs? (they stink from sulphur) -- and continuing with some historic sightseeing, then areas around Magliano in Toscana, or even further south around Tarquinia (in Lazio), would give you a combo of experiences yet with easy access to beaches (so long as you don't try to battle your way there on sunny weekends). Maybe some place like this:

http://www.fattoriadelcollecchio.it/eng/photo/

http://www.fattoriadelcollecchio.it/eng/activities/

One other tip that might help you narrow down your choices:

By June the sun is quite strong along the coast and on the islands, and while you can always rent beach umbrellas, hiking trails and other outdoor activities are often in places with very little shade. You will need to plan your days accordingly, so your family is not marching around in the midday sun, especially if you don't want a vacation where you feel compelled to be early risers. If your kids are too active to be made to rest or nap after lunch, then you might want to be in a town or village, or at a farm with a pool where you can keep the kids amused during the hottest part of the day but still pull them into shady spots.

The good news is that after 5pm all the towns and beach promenades will really come to life, and it is possible to enjoy staying outdoors in June well after dinner. Children really enjoy staying up late in Italy.

If you are going hiking or hanging out near water in Tuscany you will need anti-tick and anti-mosquito spray, easily bought at any pharmacy, but emphasize you want anti-tick spray that is safe for children.

Thank you for your recommendations! I agree with you on the magic of an island, not just for the kids but for us too. The extra travel time will likely be worth it. Can you tell me how the landscape and weather compare between the two islands? It seems that Elba isn't extremely hot in June (60's 70's) and questionable for ocean swimming. Is Giglio a touch warmer? Also, I'm thinking that 3 mights might be enough on Giglio, but we might want 4 if we go to Elba. Thoughts on this?

Thanks again!