La Famiglia — Family as the Center

The family is the foundation of Italian society — and this is not a cliché. Italians live with their parents longer than in almost any other European country (average: 30 years!), Sunday lunches with the whole family are sacred, and decisions — from career choices to partner selection — are often discussed in the family council. Grandparents (Nonni) play a central role in child-rearing while both parents work.

For travelers, this means: Children are welcome everywhere. In restaurants, even late at night. In hotels. On the beach. Italians will cuddle your children, play with them, and give you unsolicited parenting advice. It is meant kindly.