The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is an Italian-owned gem known for its blend of traditional Italian quintessence and unique Sicilian charm. Separated off from the Italian mainland by the Strait of Messina, the island is a haven for vacation ventures, for everyone from beach worshippers, to culture vultures and nature enthusiasts alike. Help the kids embrace a first-time overseas trip with an island adventure, or just introduce them to the sublime land of Italian charm. Whilst having the children alongside can take more preparation, it will all be worth it for a Sicilian family memory-maker.
Here is everything you need to know for travelling to Sicily with kids, pre-departure.
The Best Time to Visit Sicily with Kids
Like any travel, picking a specific time for a Sicilian trip can enhance the memories you’re wanting to make. With a traditional Mediterranean-influenced climate, of mild summers and pleasant temperatures particularly from spring to summer time, the destination is ideal for a vacation at any time of year.
The shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn can be the best time to ensure temperatures don’t become too hot for younger travellers. The sea is still warm for swimming and conditions are more bearable for parents too. Compared to peak summer months, fewer crowds are present at this time of year too, allowing little legs to roam free on long stretches of secluded beaches and the narrow streets of local villages and towns.
The Best Places to Visit in Sicily with Kids
The island hosts a wealth of regions and attractions that can suit children of all ages. For a breakdown of some key areas, the kids will love a visit to, read on:
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Ragusa is a hilltop town standing over one thousand feet above sea level. The town is separated into 2 distinctive areas and it is the Lower level that’s home to the historical and cultural heart. Showcase traditional European old-town culture to the youngsters in your family who won’t have experienced this charm before!
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Etnaland is one of the largest theme parks across Italy, featuring both an amusement and a water park. Kids of all ages can enjoy rollercoaster rides, waterslides and even nighttime entertainment shows beneath the stars here.
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Palermo is the capital city of Sicily, boasting a coastline bordering vibrant areas for both residents and tourists alike. A day trip here would guarantee some traditional Sicilian cuisine for the children to delve into. From cannelloni, to rice-stuffed arancini.
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Embrace the best beach days, in Cefalu! With the old town surrounding the golden sands of Spiaggia di Cefalù, the beach here offers a postcard-perfect old town backdrop, as well as the rugged hill of La Rocca behind. The beach is well-equipped with a vast selection of sunbeds, umbrellas, watersports and day-to-night eateries on offer.
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For a day in nature, Alcantara Gorge is a great way for budding enthusiasts to learn about the formation of a natural canyon like this, and families can take on river walks, natural swimming and a range of easy to more challenging hikes.
Where to Stay in Sicily with Kids
Sicily is no novice to a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels to luxury properties. For a stay in ambient privacy that can let the kids roam free from ‘morning to midnight’, consider exclusive villas in Sicily as these are sure to suit. Whether a private pool is an essential way to ensure the best vacation possible, or a holiday cottage situated high up on a hillside overlooking panoramas to delight the older ones, the home-from-home setting of a villa is a real winner. So, if the children need a dip early in the morning, or a BBQ at night time under the constellations would be a real family treat, embrace the flexibility and freedom of a villa vaca’!
The Best Things to Do in Sicily with Kids
From budget-friendly, to luxury days out for the whole family, Sicily offers a wealth of ways to keep the kids happy. Explore the ancient Greek ruins of the Valley of the Temples, to allow the children to immerse themselves in how the history of the island still shapes it in modern times. Embark on an excursion up to the largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. Many tours up the ascend, offers hikes even suitable for little legs. Visit the Greek Theatre in Taormina and enjoy beautiful views across the city; this seaside town is also home to a range of Italian restaurants and trattorias for traditional family dining.
Enrol the troop on a cooking class, where kids can learn the art of Italian favourites and you can find the next Michelin star chef in your family. Markets such as Ballarò in Palermo, offer a variety of street food and a bustling local culture for everyone to immerse themselves into. The capital is also home to an infamous park. Villa Guilia is home to playgrounds, fountains displaying crystal waterworks and ample greenery for running around all together.
What to Pack for a Trip to Sicily with Kids
Like neighbouring European counterparts, packing for a trip to Sicily should be a ‘breeze’ thanks to the sun reducing the amount of layers needed for each traveller. However, it’s still vital to reocognise the climate could become cooler on an evening so a few layer options can ensure happy children at all times! SPF products are essential for days beneath high UV rays and comfortable footwear is a must-have for enjoyable sightseeing on foot all day long. Make sure to save some room in the case too, for the countless cookbooks and locally crafted souvenirs the kids are guaranteed to want to bring home!
Summary
The Med’ gem of the island just off ‘the boot’ of Italy is a spectacle with exploring. For a first-time traveller or family who has enjoyed the island for decades, it’s a true treasure to introduce the kids to. Sicily awaits.
