Family holidays to Sicily
Oodles of dramatic scenery, villages steeped in history and vastly pretty beaches make this enchanting island a unique blend of all the Mediterranean’s very best. Sicily is deservedly known as the queen of the islands and with so much to offer when it comes to family holidays, it’s no wonder. Kids will love their voyage of discovery of Roman history as they playfully build castles in the sand; just like the real ones that they will soon discover all over the Sicilian countryside!
Family days out and attractions in Sicily
With more than 1,000 kms of spectacular coastline the luminous turquoise-clear seas are a huge attraction that your kids will be naturally drawn to. From the sand and shingle beach at Taormina, the greenish-blue transparent waters and white sands of Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbits Beach) or Capo Calavà; yet another gorgeous sandy beach retreat are all great big sandpits and pools for them to play and have fun in!
The magnificent shorelines offer landscapes of fascinating beauty; perfect for a scenic drive and then a picnic in the hills. Do take some paper and crayons so that any budding artists can create a brilliant landscape drawing, or perhaps a camera if photography is more their thing!
As well as Mount Etna, visit Agrigento; the best preserved Greek temple outside of Greece. Sicily is so rich in cultural and artistic artefacts such as the ruins at Siracusa, Agrigento and Segesta dating back over 3,000 years.
Want more history? Then head to the Museo Archeologico di Taormina built on the site of ancient Roman baths
Or try the Museo Siciliano d'Arte e Tradizioni Popolari where folklore, history and culture magically come alive.
Or for serenity; Teatro Greco; the 'Greek Theatre' offers a backdrop of absolute magnificence as the sea, coastline and blue sky meld.
Child friendly accommodation and places to stay in Sicily
Sicily's holiday resorts are among the most pleasant in the Mediterranean and there are plenty that have kids' clubs, play grounds and lavish pools with slides which will help keep them entertained. Do take into consideration that spending time at your hotel or apartment is a great day-out or rather day-in which is best enjoyed when the facilities are more geared toward the kids! Check out:
Kaukana Inn, Ragusa - A lovely modern resort set in landscaped gardens 100 metres from the beach.
Hotel Joli, Palermo - A great hotel conveniently located only 500 metres from markets and museums.
Cristal Palace Hotel, Palermo - Set in central Palermo, this modern, ten-storey property offers luxury and convenience for the entire family.
Mondello Palace, Palermo - Another fine modern hotel for your family’s needs.
Family restaurants in and cuisine in Sicily
Sicilian cuisine is a tempting exotic and colorful display. Fabulous pasta and seafood dishes and a vast choice of local wines are also on the menu. Tuna and swordfish are a specialty of Sicily. Involtini di pesce spada are rolled fillets of swordfish with any number of fillings or sauces. For the really brave; you simply must try spaghetti ai ricci; pasta with raw sea urchins and garlic! Definitely not for the light hearted! Luckily for the kids, pasta comes in all shapes and sizes with many tasty sauces or a slice of delicious pizza may hit the spot.
By the way Sicilians have a sweet tooth; and there is wonderfully superb ice-cream and the cakes, many with almonds are to die for! Or decadent pignolata, served up as clusters of tiny lemony doughnuts smothered with lashings of vanilla and chocolate icing. Yum! There goes the diet!
When to go on a family holiday to Sicily
you cannot beat the Sicilian weather. Perhaps avoid August because many things are closed as Sicilians go on vacation to avoid the heat. Sicily is a land of contrasts, landscapes, beaches and amazingly diverse, ancient heritage. This is one island over flowing with unsurpassed treasures. So why wait? Say ciao to Sicily!