Sicily is a large sunny Mediterranean island, and that immediately gives it a big plus for a family holiday. Sicily is also full of warm child friendly Italians, great pastas and ice creams, another big plus. There is a surplus of sandy beaches, well-organised resorts and some of the most beautiful historical sites and buildings in Europe. Sicily also has a quite active volcano that politely gives a lot of advance warning if it intends to erupt, but otherwise acts as a very attractive smouldering backdrop especially if you are holidaying in the Taormina area. Sicily was once one of Classical Greece’s main colonies, and temples and amphitheatres from that era remain in the most picturesque of landscapes. A visit to one of these sights is definitely recommended. Most of your holiday though will be spent at your resort so be sure there’s plenty for the children to do there. The resorts and hotels we recommend have all the facilities you need for a holiday with kids. Often close to a beach such as the sand and shingle ones near Taormina, or the white sandy beaches to the west and north of the island. Check out our great selection of Child Friendly holidays in Sicily below or read on for some tips on attractions and days out.

Top Tips for that extra special family holiday in Sicily

- If you are on the south of the island and look up you will see Mount Etna, Italy’s most active volcano. Take a chance and a tour to the top (you will need a guide to get right to the edge to look in) but you can get close enough to the steaming vents and sulphur pools to give the kids a memorable experience. There is also the bonus of the stunning views over the plains to Taomina and the blue Mediterranean beyond. Remember to wear shoes not flip-flops!

- Sicily was once an important Greek colony and the island has some of the best-preserved sites outside Greece. The most famous one is at Agrigento and it really is stunning, Problem is, it is also very touristy and busy.  Alternatives are the less crowded but equally scenic sites at Segesta and Selinunte. Probably the easiest one to visit is the Greek amphitheatre perched at the end of Taomina. The spectacular setting is hard to beat, with a view of smoking Mount Etna over the tiers. The kids may not fully appreciate the classic lines but they will enjoy the short trip in the nearby cable car down to the beach and the ice-cream sellers below.

- For a wet change from your beach or pool check out the nearest Water Park to you. They are not all on a lavish scale, but they are outside and are still fun for the children. The main ones are Etnaland just outside Catania,  Monreale Aquapark and AquaSplash at Campobello di Mazara.

- If you are having a day out in the hills then maybe you can include a visit to Piazza Armerina in the middle of the island. Here you will find one of the grandest Roman villas to have survived from the classical era. It is exceptionally well preserved and offers a real glimpse into imperial Roman living. The highlights are the floors in 40 rooms, which are tiled with the most magnificent mosaics to be found in Europe.

- Kids always like boat trips and it is worth considering a trip to the Aeolian Islands. The kids will just love wallowing in the hot thermal pools at Lipari and taking in the volcanic action. However the ferry or hovercraft fares are on the pricey side and it is a long trip. Alternatively take advantage of local boat trips or ferries if you are near a beach resort or even a train ride.  The little train that goes around Mount Etna provides a great day out.

- Sicilian cuisine is an absolute must to indulge in. Obviously fish is high on the menu with fresh Tuna and Swordfish being the most popular. The kids will love the local ice cream, which include a layered ice-cream cake called Cassata. They will also probably go for the pignolata cakes, which are almondy, lemony doughnuts with chocolate and vanilla icing. It is hopeless worrying about the waistlines here, just relax and start the diet when you get back home!