Are you trying to decide where to go for holidays with children in Italy? Valle d’Aosta vs Trentino-Alto Adige – which one suits you best? Stick around to find out!
For many people planning a European vacation, Italy is a must-see destination. While most visitors to Italy head to popular areas like Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, they miss out on the beautiful landscapes of Northern Italy such as Valle d’Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige.
Medieval castles, verdant vineyards, and a picturesque downtown give Aosta, Italy, its reputation as a cozy mountain town.
Meanwhile, nature, summer and winter sports, trekking, excursions, culture, and gastronomy have all contributed to Trentino-Alto Adige’s emerging popularity.
The regions of Valle d’Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige are two of the best places in Italy to visit for families. Both are great places for a vacation if you want to combine your love of the outdoors, culture, food, and wine with a vacation.
But if you only have time for one Northern Italian region to visit on your next family vacation, where is the best place to go?
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Valle d’Aosta vs Trentino-Alto Adige
Let’s get to know the two regions of Valle d’Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige so you can make an informed decision.
Valle d’Aosta vs Trentino-Alto Adige: Location
• Valle d’Aosta
A valley in northwest Italy, Valle d’Aosta shares its borders with France and Switzerland.
A region of the Western Alps, it is best recognized for its many snow-capped mountains, including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and Gran Paradiso.
The countryside is dotted with castles and fortresses from the Middle Ages, such as Castello Fénis and Castello di Verrès, both of which date back to the 14th century.
If you’re going during the winter, Courmayeur and Cervinia here are two of the best family resorts in Valle d’Aosta.
• Trentino-Alto Adige
The northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige borders Switzerland and Austria.
The northernmost region of Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, or Trentino-South Tyrol, is also the most mountainous.
To the south is Trentino, and to the north is Südtirol, both of which are autonomous regions that border Austria and Switzerland, respectively.
The territory of South Tyrol is largely made up of mountains and forests. For the winter holidays, some of the best family resorts in Trentino Alto Adige are Du Lac et Du Parc, TH Marilleva, and Strobelhof.
Valle d’Aosta vs Trentino-Alto Adige: Climate
• Valle d’Aosta
A continental climate dominates the Valle d’Aosta area.
The summers are hot, and the winters are chilly.
Approximately 1260 millimeters of precipitation fall each year, and the average annual temperature in Valle d’Aosta is 6 degrees Celsius.
The average humidity is 84% and the UV index is 2, and there are 87 dry days per year.
• Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
Oceanic conditions prevail throughout Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.
Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol has an annual mean temperature of 12 °C and receives around 852 mm. of rain.
With an annual average humidity of 78% and a UV index of 3, the weather is dry 128 days out of the year.
Valle d’Aosta vs Trentino-Alto Adige: Best Time To Visit
• Valle d’Aosta
It is best to visit Valle d’Aosta between January and March, and July and December. Extremely low temperatures and occasional precipitation characterize this time of year.
Valle d’Aosta experiences its warmest average temperature of 16°C in July and its coldest average temperature of 3°C in January.
• Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
The months of June through September are ideal for vacationing in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. Temperatures are mild, and there is minimal precipitation during this time.
In the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, the average temperature is 22°C in July and 2°C in January.
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Valle d’Aosta vs Trentino-Alto Adige: Where To Stay
• Valle d’Aosta
The Monte Emilius is a low-cost, kid-friendly hotel in Charvensod. Guests can take advantage of the on-site restaurant and communal lounge. From the hotel, day trips to family-friendly destinations like Zermatt and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are simple.
Meanwhile, the apartments at Maison Aubert 33 are ideal for those who prefer to cook for themselves. If you’re interested in trying your hand at Italian cooking, you can reserve a room that comes complete with a kitchen. All of the rooms look out over the city, and the nearby attractions of Skyway Monte Bianco and Aiguille du Midi are easily accessible.
• Trentino Alto Adige
Hotel Villa Madruzzo is a 4-star retreat in the hills above Trento, perfect for a relaxing vacation in Trentino. It has a state-of-the-art spa with a heated indoor pool, a plethora of shower options, a steam room, a Turkish bath, and a Jacuzzi in the great outdoors.
The Be Place is another alternative and equally pleasant hotel choice. The 4-star hotel has a garden and offers services like luggage storage and room service. A delicious breakfast buffet is available every morning, and the rooms are all large and well-appointed. Renting a car or bike to explore the area’s abundant bike paths is a breeze, thanks to the hotel’s convenient services.
Valle d’Aosta vs Trentino-Alto Adige Family Holidays: Attractions and Activities
Best Things To Do in Valle d’Aosta (Aosta Valley)
1. Visit the Fénis Castle
One of the best places to visit in Valle d’Aosta, the Fénis Castle (Castello di Fénis) can be found just 20 minutes outside of Aosta’s downtown.
The Fénis Castle is a huge medieval fortress that has been meticulously cared for and is still in excellent condition despite its age.
Thanks to its intimidating appearance, which consists of multiple defense towers, no one has ever attempted to attack or invade this towering castle throughout the centuries.
Tours of the grounds, which are offered every 30 minutes, are the only way for outsiders to see what the grounds have to offer.
You and your family should also check out Aymavilles Castle, which combines medieval and baroque elements in its exterior design, and Castello Reale di Sarre, a stunning castle perched atop a hillside not far from the main highway.
2. Take a walking food tour
Italian cuisine is famous all over the world. So in Northern Italy, one of the best things to do in Acosta Valley is to join a food tour.
Don’t miss out on this Aosta Food Tour, which will take you to the best places in town so that you can spend the day feasting like a local.
Along the way, you’ll stop at various restaurants, cafes, and wine bars in Aosta’s Old Town, all while being led by a knowledgeable tour guide. You’ll get a taste of Aosta’s history and culture while enjoying some of the region’s finest cheeses, meats, pasta, and wine.
3. Take snowshoeing lessons in Gran Paradiso
Gran Paradiso is a popular tourist spot in Valle d’Aosta due to its beautiful scenery, abundance of wildlife, and a network of trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Go to Ceresole Reale in December for a beginner snowshoeing course that the whole family can enjoy. Basic useful concepts for “interpreting” the snow are tested across downhill, uphill, and crosswalk exercises in this mini-course. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge.
4. Browse the holiday markets
The Christmas markets in the Aosta Valley are among the best in all of Italy, so this has to be among the most fun things to do in Valle d’Aosta.
The Marché Vert Nol, one of the most well-known, turns the Roman Theatre in Aosta into a fantastic mountain town. Various local culinary specialties, traditional Nordic handicrafts, and seasonal decorations are available to help you get into the spirit of the season.
It’s also possible to visit one of the many other Christmas markets that pop up all over town during the holiday season. Every one of them has its special something that makes the holidays more magical.
See more Valle d’Aosta Group Tours here.
1. Discover Trento
Trento, despite its diminutive size, is a cultural and historical treasure trove.
Easily one of the best places to visit in Trentino-Alto Adige, you can see a variety of architectural styles here, from medieval walls and frescoed buildings to Renaissance structures. These are all in alternating bright colors, all within a small area of the city’s historic center.
See the magnificent Cathedral of San Vigilio and the beautiful Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Duomo. The underground museum S.A.S.S. (Spazio Archeologico Sotterraneo) preserves the ruins of the Roman city of Trento, and the Buonconsiglio Castle served as the residence of the Prince Bishops.
Visit Trento and Rovereto, which are home to two museums: the M.U.S.E. (Museum of Natural Sciences) and the M.A.R.T. (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art).
2. Explore Castel Thun
Castel Thun is a stunning medieval fortress that overlooks the Val di Non Valley and is located not far from Trento.
The fact that the public can access the entirety of the castle visits here is one of the best things to do in Trentino-Alto Adige. You will have a better understanding of the private life of a noble family whose members were originally from the nearby village of Ton.
Here you can tour the family members’ bedrooms, the opulent dining halls, the private chapel, and even the two kitchens that are located on the mansion’s three levels.
Towers, lodges, and gardens belonging to the castle can be found in every direction.
3. Take a trip to Molveno Lake for the day
Lake Molveno is a natural wonder that stands out even among the Dolomites due to its stunning location.
One of the best places to visit in Trentino-alto Adige, Molveno Lake is situated in a mountain range that is part of the Brenta Group and can be reached from Trento in about half an hour by car.
The location is ideal for families, as it features a variety of amenities such as beaches, gardens, and play areas specifically designed for children, in addition to an aquatic park.
There are many different family-friendly activities here, such as going for a ride in a canoe, playing a game of tennis or five-a-side football, or swimming in a pool.
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4. Visit Vipiteno, one of the most lovely towns in all of Italy
The town of Vipiteno, which dates back to the Middle Ages and is considered one of the “most beautiful towns in Italy,” can be found close to the border with Austria. It is a relatively small city with only about 6,000 people, but it has some truly breathtaking sights.
Pay a visit to the Twelve Towers, the Gothic-style town hall, and the Madonna della Palude church, which was constructed on top of the ruins of a Romanesque church.
Many ski facilities can be found within a short distance of Vipiteno. These include Italy’s longest toboggan run, which is 10 kilometers in length.
View all Trentino-Alto Adige Group Tour deals here.
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Valle d’Aosta vs Trentino-Alto Adige: Final Thoughts
It’s quite tough to pick between these two northern Italy regions since each has its distinct apparel and an intriguing set of attractions.
Both Valle d’Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige are among the best places in Italy to visit with kids. The best thing to do is to pick which area has more activities and attractions that are more attuned to your family’s interests.
In the Aosta Valley, nature lovers and those interested in the region’s heritage will find their dream destination.
Similarly, Italy’s Trentino region will wow you with its varied landscape, which is home to many cultural and culinary highlights in addition to its stunning natural ones.
Whichever you choose, buone vacanze!