Making Memories in Sicily: Your Complete Family Travel Blueprint
Sicily isn’t just another beach destination; it’s a family playground where kids can climb volcanoes one day and build sandcastles the next. With its stunning landscapes, rich history and mix of fun attractions, the island feels like it was made for family adventures.
Whether you’re spending the day snorkelling in hidden coves, exploring wildlife in a nature reserve or learning about the island’s history in a museum, you’re guaranteed whole family entertainment.
In this article, we’ll dive into all the key details you need to know for a hassle-free Sicilian family holiday. From the best places to visit to seasonal considerations and child-friendly accommodations, we’ve got you covered!
The Best Time To Go On A Family Getaway In Sicily
The island’s Mediterranean climate creates distinct seasons that each offer different advantages for travellers with kids. Here’s a seasonal breakdown so you can choose the best time for you and your family’s schedule and preferences.
Spring
May to early June is one of the best times to visit Sicily with children. Temperatures hover in the comfortable 21-26°C range, perfect for exploring ruins, while the sea has warmed enough for swimming at most beaches. You’ll also catch colourful local festivals like Infiorata in Noto.
Summer
Late July through August is the peak travel season, with the hottest temperatures, very busy beaches and higher prices. Not only that, but the queues for attractions will be longer, so probably not the best time to visit if you’re travelling with young children.
Autumn
September to October offers similar conditions to Spring but even warmer temperatures and fewer tourists. During this time, harvest festivals bring the towns and cities to life, where kids can try out grape stomping or olive picking, interactive (and a little bit messy!).
Winter
November and December do have cooler temperatures and occasional rain, but visitors can enjoy the crowd-free exploration of archaeological sites and discounted rates, great for families on a budget.
The Best Places To Visit In Sicily With Kids
There are some amazing places to visit in Sicily with kids, ranging from historic ruins to sparkling beaches and thrilling theme parks. Here are 3 top places to visit for your Sicilian family holiday.
Etnaland Park
A mix of water rides and dinosaur-themed attractions, this amusement park near Catania is perfect for a fun-filled day out. Less than an hour from Mount Etna, why not combine a trip here with a visit to the majestic volcano itself?
Valley of the Temples
Step back in time and explore these amazing Greek ruins in Agrigento, one of Sicily’s oldest cities. The vast open spaces make it a great spot for little explorers to roam and learn about the fascinating history of the island.
Mondello Beach
A paradise of soft white sand and shallow turquoise waters, Palermo’s Mondello Beach is ideal for splashing around, building sandcastles and soaking up the Sicilian sun. With plenty of cafes, restaurants and paddleboats nearby, you can have endless fun at Mondello.
Fun Family Activities To Plan In Sicily
For a holiday that’s packed with fun activities, here’s some inspiration for what you can plan for yourself and your little ones in Sicily.
Snorkelling
If your children are old enough and can swim independently, discover Sicily’s underwater world with a guided snorkelling tour. Spot colourful fish in Lo Zingaro Marine Reserve or swim around hidden caves in The Egadi Islands.
Museums
Sicily is steeped in centuries of history, so you’re never too far from a landmark or museum. Kid-friendly museums are dotted across the island, like Palermo’s Archaeological Museum or the Museo dei Pupi di Gino Campanella, dedicated to the 19th-century art of Sicilian puppetry, making for a fun and interactive day out.
Cooking Classes
Learn how to make authentic Sicilian pasta, pizza, or cannoli with local chefs. You can find cooking classes in traditional cooking schools or restaurants across the island, offering easy-to-follow recipes and kid-friendly tools.
Food Festivals
Sicily’s lively food festivals take place throughout the year, offering a great way to try local treats while soaking up the festive atmosphere. If your family are true foodies, check out the Cannoli Festival near Palermo, Modica’s Chocolate Festival and the Bronte Pistachio Festival near Mount Etna.
Child-Friendly Accommodation Options in Sicily
Sicily has lots of fantastic villas available for families wanting their own space and home comforts. When you rent a villa, you can enjoy the option of having your own pool, several bedrooms and a kitchen where you can cook for everyone, especially handy if you have fussy eaters! Kids love having enclosed gardens to play in while grown-ups can relax with a glass of wine, watching the sunset from the terrace.
There are lots of beautiful villas that can be found across the island, from coastal areas to inland countryside locations. If you’re looking for a great choice of some of the villas on offer, take a look at Wish Sicily. The type of villa you pick can really shape how your holiday feels.
Coastal Villas
Families who love the beach should go for coastal villas. You’ll get amazing sea views and can easily walk to sandy beaches for swimming and sandcastle competitions. The best part? Coming back to your private terrace to watch the sun go down over the Mediterranean while the children splash in the pool.
Countryside Villas
If you prefer peace and quiet, choose a countryside villa hidden among olive trees and lemon groves. These give kids tons of space to run around safely while parents enjoy the real rural Sicily. Some even have little vegetable gardens where children can pick tomatoes and herbs for dinner – they’ll love seeing where food actually comes from!
Contemporary Villas
Families seeking modern comforts might prefer Sicily’s sleek contemporary villas. These stylish properties feature large windows that flood rooms with light, open-plan living spaces perfect for family gatherings, and state-of-the-art kitchens. Many have infinity pools and outdoor entertainment systems for movie nights under the stars, a hit with teenagers!
Spacious Apartments
For families wanting the villa experience with a smaller footprint, Sicily’s spacious apartments offer a great alternative. Often part of converted villas or palazzos, these provide multiple bedrooms and living areas but with shared facilities like pools and gardens. You’ll get more bang for your buck while still enjoying plenty of room to spread out – ideal for those with older children wanting some independence.
Don’t forget to check for family essentials when booking: things like fenced pools, bedrooms on the ground floor, and childproof kitchens make life much easier. Think about location too – villas near Taormina are great for exploring Mount Etna, while staying in western Sicily puts you close to Palermo’s sights.
Top Tips For A Stress-Free Family Trip
Rent A Car
Public transport can be slow and a car makes it much easier to explore at your own pace, especially with little ones.
Pack For All Seasons
Packing for family trips can be difficult, so it’s important to have a checklist of what you need before you go. In Sicily, evenings can still be cool, and if you’re heading on outdoor adventures, bring layers and comfy shoes (also swimwear for water park days!)
Time Your Activities Wisely
Sightseeing is best in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, especially in summer.
Be Flexible and Enjoy the Slow Pace
Sicilian life is laid-back, so expect long meals and unexpected detours, embracing the slow pace makes the trip more enjoyable!
Summary
Sicily is the perfect destination for families to connect and explore. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, snorkelling in the sea, cooking cannoli with professional chefs or even scaling Mount Etna, you’re never short of fun things to try out in this gorgeous Mediterranean gem. We hope this article has helped you plan the best family holiday to Sicily, be sure to check out the destinations and attractions mentioned in this guide for the very best experiences.