We asked local travel planning experts ItaliaSolaris for their top tips on visiting Sicily with kids. From the beaches to the mountains to the stately ancient architecture, a visit to Sicily offers many options for family adventure.
BEST BEACHES TO VISIT IN SICILY WITH KIDS
First things first: with so many beautiful beaches to choose from, ItaliaSolaris proposes the following beach destinations for their safety, beauty of the water, and convenient local services for families.
The best beaches for families in Sicily:
In the area of Messina, Canneto and Marina di Lipari (Aeolian Islands) .
In the area of Siracusa, Vendicari.
In the area of Ragusa: Punta secca; Marina di Ragusa, Pietre nere (Pozzallo); Scoglitti, Ispica – Santa Maria del Focallo
In the area of Agrigento: Porto Palo di Menfi
In the area of Trapani: Tre Fontane, Torretta Granitola, San Vito Lo Capo, Lido Signorino (Marsala)
In the area of Palermo: Cefalù
Much more than just a beach destination, Sicily offers many unique cultural or natural experiences for families and kids of all ages–babies, toddlers, and teens.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS IN SICILY WITH KIDS
Sicily’s ancient temple complexes are among the best preserved examples of Ancient Greek and Roman culture and society, dating to as early as the 8th century. Visits to the ancient city of Agrigento, with its stately Doric columns, and Syracuse, where families can explore the earliest origins of both ancient Greek and Roman society in the city’s architecture and ruins, will be memorable for all.
The preservation of centuries-old artisanal crafts and culinary traditions offers families the chance to truly understand local cultural traditions. Options for learning from the locals include:
- Learn the arts and crafts, visit the old factories in the museum village of Buscemi;
- Learn pottery from a master craftsman in Caltagirone;
- Pick your own fruit! Engage in the harvesting of oranges and lemons (from November to March);
- Learn about “manna”: what it is and how it is collected on the Madonie mountains right behind Cefalù;
- Visit a chocolate factory in Modica and sample chocolate still made according to ancient Aztec recipes;
- Visit the salt pans of Trapani and learn how sea salt is produced;
- Visit a typical cheese factory and learn how to make cheese;
- Visit an ancient oil mill, learn how olive oil is produced from harvest to bottle.
For a unique experience that provides something for everyone, of all ages, the Arte al Sole kids arts and cultural programs in Italy offers a fun summer day camp for kids in Sicily located in Modica, at a typical Masseria. Families can stay in independent self-catering apartments with a pool and gardens at this local property while the kids are engaged during the day with learning about Baroque Art, ceramics, and chocolate making. The opportunity to meet other international families, making friends among parents and kids alike, is an opportunity for priceless memories together in such a cultural rich destination.
NATURE AND TREKKING FOR FAMILIES IN SICILY
Families can also enjoy more of the outdoors than just local beaches. ItaliaSolaris suggests staying on a local working farm at an agriturismo, many of which can help to organize trekking or horse and donkey excursions for exploring the natural landscape. Their top tips include:
- Discover a real Volcano:Mt. Etna, its flora and fauna with a nature and hiking guide, on a horse or donkey ride;
- Taste local products such as Mt Etna’s honey and learn how to make a true Sicilian “arancino” (rice ball);
- Birdwatching in the nature reserve of Vendicari (from May to October);
- Experience farming in a typical Sicilian agriturismo.
FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTELS SICILY
Going local with your lodging and staying in smaller, family-run b&b’s or agriturismos will enrich your family’s experience. A few favorites near family-friendly sites in Sicily include the following, and ItaliaSolaris has a perfect range of b&b, apartment, and villa rental options for every budget, all personally vetted by their staff to recommend to families.
Agriturismo Baglio Donna Franca is a working wine estate on a beautiful historical property near Marsala, a great base for relaxing and for exploring. The property offers a range of rooms and amenities for families, including bikes for exploring the estate.
Chiusa di Carlo is an agriturismo near Avola and a short distance from the beaches surrounding Noto. The property has a swimming pool, jungle gym, bikes available for guests, and paths winding through the 40 hectares of lemon groves, plenty of room for hide and seek! Triple and quad rooms are options for families with kids.
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