Sicily with children

The best tips for an unforgettable trip to Sicily

In this blog, I share my tips for planning a trip to Sicily with children, including fun activities, sights to see, and the tastiest dishes.

If you’re looking for a destination suitable for a family vacation, Sicily is definitely an option to consider. This beautiful Italian island offers everything you need for an unforgettable trip with children. Whether you’re seeking beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, delicious food, or fantastic activities, Sicily has it all.

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located southwest of Italy. With an area of approximately 25,000 km² and a population of around 5 million people, it is one of the most densely populated regions in Italy. The island has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it perfect for exploring the many historical and cultural landmarks, tasting the delicious Sicilian cuisine, and enjoying the beautiful beaches.

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Sicily with children - the most beautiful sights

Sicily has a rich history and culture, and there are many sights worth visiting. The following places should definitely be on your bucket list when traveling to Sicily with kids.

Etna-volcano

Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and one of Sicily’s main attractions. You can climb the volcano or take a ride on the cable car for a fantastic view of the surroundings. Here are some practical tips for visiting Mount Etna with children:

1. The best time to visit Mount Etna is in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are not too hot or too cold. In winter, it can be very cold on Etna, and some areas may be closed due to snowfall.
2. Choose a suitable route: There are various routes on Mount Etna, each with its own level of difficulty. Select a route that is appropriate for the age and endurance of your children.
3. Wear appropriate clothing: Make sure you and your children wear warm clothing, even in the summer, as it can get very cold on Mount Etna. Sturdy hiking shoes are also essential for walking on the volcano.

Below is an overview of the tours to and on Mount Etna. You can easily book these online in advance! Note: these are strenuous hikes and therefore not suitable for small children or children who may not be in good shape or interested in walking (like ours 🙁 ).

Valle dei Templi

The Valley of the Temples, or Valle dei Templi, is one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has a rich history and features some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, including the Temple of Concordia (our favorite!), the Temple of Hera, and the Temple of Zeus.

If you visit the Valle dei Templi with children, here are a few practical tips that can help you make the most of your visit:

1. Especially during the summer months, it can get very hot here. Therefore, it’s best to go early in the morning or, even better, at the end of the day. The sunset here is beautiful!
2. You can park at Parcheggio Porta V Valle dei Templi. From here, a shuttle bus takes you up. Then, you walk back to the parking lot, which is a 2-kilometer downhill walk. Be aware that you should walk from top to bottom; otherwise, the hike will be much tougher 😉 The walk is stroller-friendly.
3. Make a short stop at Doric Bar for an ice cream or a cannoli.

Scala dei Turchi

Scala dei Turchi, located on the southern coast of Sicily, is a unique and beautiful place to visit with children. This spectacular limestone cliff not only offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea but is also a great playground for kids. They can climb and scramble and then cool off in the sea.

Scicli

Sicily has so many beautiful, charming, typical Italian villages. One of our favorites is Scicli, which is not large and not very touristy. But that’s what makes it so charming! There are few sights or real to-dos, but just enjoy wandering around! Visit the village in the late afternoon and stroll through the lovely streets during sunset. Afterward, enjoy a delicious pizza in one of the many restaurants. Note: just like in many other parts of Italy, people eat late here. You won’t find an open restaurant before 7 PM.

Salt mines of Trapani

The salt mines of Trapani are a unique attraction to visit with children. The salt mines produce the famous sea salt of Trapani, which is appreciated worldwide for its flavor and texture. Try some of the salt and learn more about its production.

Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari

If you’re looking for a great place to explore with children and enjoy nature, then the Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari is definitely worth a visit. This beautiful nature reserve, located on the coast of Sicily, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for the whole family.

One of the highlights of a visit to Vendicari with children is exploring the various paths that run through the reserve. These paths offer the opportunity to enjoy nature and observe the wildlife in the area. There are plenty of birds to spot, including flamingos, herons, and waders, and you may also encounter turtles, hedgehogs, and lizards.

Another fun activity to do in Vendicari is visiting the beaches. The clear water and beautiful coastline provide a great spot for swimming and relaxing. Children will enjoy building sandcastles and playing in the surf.

Wrap up your visit with a delicious lunch at Agriturismo Il Baglietto. Here, you can enjoy wonderful Sicilian dishes among the olive trees.

You can find even more fun tips in the blog ‘Short Road Trip in East Sicily.’

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Sicily with kids - the best activities

There are plenty of activities suitable for children in Sicily. Here are some suggestions:

The beach

Sicily has beautiful beaches that are perfect for families. Here are some of the best beaches:

♥ San Vito lo Capo: This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, with crystal-clear water and fine sand. The beach is also child-friendly, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby.
♥ Taormina: This beach offers a stunning view of Mount Etna and also provides plenty of water sports activities.
♥ Cefalù: This beach is very popular with families due to its shallow water and calm waves. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby.

A theme park

Sicily has several theme parks suitable for children of all ages. Here are some suggestions:

♥ Etnaland: This theme park features various attractions, including water slides and roller coasters.
♥ Parco Avventura Madonie: This park offers a variety of climbing and rope bridge courses and is suitable for children aged 4 and up.
♥ Giardino di Costanza Resort: This resort features a large outdoor swimming pool, a playground, and a mini-golf course.

The Zoo

Sicily has several zoos and aquariums that are suitable for children. Here are some suggestions:

♥ Parco Zoo Punta Verde: This park is home to various animals, including elephants, tigers, and flamingos.
♥ Acquario di Genova: This aquarium features a wide variety of sea creatures and is suitable for children of all ages.
♥ Parco Zoo Falconara: This park is home to various animals, including lions, giraffes, and crocodiles.

Sicily with kids - the tastiest dishes

Italy has one of the best cuisines in the world, if you ask me 😉 And many of these delicious dishes originally come from Sicily. So, when you’re in Sicily with children, you definitely have to taste a lot of these treats. The good news is that most kids love ice cream, pizza, and pasta, so they will surely be happy with this tip!

The most famous/delicious typical Sicilian dishes:

♥ Pasta alla Norma is a Sicilian classic made with tomato sauce, eggplant, and ricotta salata. It is a healthy and delicious dish that children will love.
♥ Gelato: Delicious Italian ice cream is a must-try during your trip to Sicily. There are plenty of flavors to choose from, and it’s delightful on a warm day.
♥ Cannoli are traditional Sicilian pastries filled with sweet ricotta. They are delicious and perfect as a dessert after a nice dinner.
♥ Arancini: Arancini are fried rice balls filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They are delicious and perfect for a quick snack on the go.

Sicily is a great destination for families looking for an unforgettable vacation experience. With its beautiful beaches, historical sights, delicious local dishes, and diverse natural landscapes, Sicily offers something for everyone. Whether you choose an active day on Mount Etna, a relaxing day in the Vendicari nature reserve, or a historical tour through the beautiful Valle dei Templi, there is plenty to discover for the whole family. A holiday in Sicily will surely leave a lasting impression on both young and old.

Booking your own trip

When planning your trip to Italy, there are various ways to book your accommodation and activities. If you prefer to arrange everything yourself, you can easily find accommodations that suit your needs on Booking.com. For unique excursions and tours, GetYourGuide is an excellent choice. If you’d rather have everything organized at once, TUI offers complete packages for a worry-free vacation. Looking for more flexibility to customize your trip? Check out Riksja, where you can build your ideal journey with modular options.

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