Family travel to Sicily: explore Italy's largest island

Family travel to Sicily: explore Italy's largest island

11,927 properties for Family Holidays. Compare and book at the best price!

Discover the Island of the Sun on a family holiday to Sicily

Want to go to a holiday destination where your bambini are guaranteed a warm welcome? Sicily is the answer! Italy's largest island is a true gem of the Mediterranean, known for its stunning natural beauty, year-round sunshine, and wide range of activities. You could enjoy a lazy "fly and flop" beach holiday here, or go for something more adventurous, with ancient ruins to explore, mighty volcanoes to climb, and a famously child-friendly food culture to enjoy.

Start your search

Planning a family holiday to Sicily

What are the best things to do for families in Sicily?

Sicily is a thrilling destination with so many great activities to try out. Among the best things for families to see and do in Sicily are the Alcantara Gorges, a series of stunning canyons near Taormina. Take a boat trip to see them at their best. Another good choice for a day trip is the Valley of the Temples, the island's best-preserved Ancient Greek site. Admiring the ancient ruins is a fabulous activity for imaginative kids with an interest in the classical world. If you've got active older kids, then a hiking trip in Sicily should top your wishlist, with Mount Etna an absolute must during your family holiday in Sicily. Hiking to the top of Europe's most active volcano is not for the faint of heart, but there are trails that are suitable for families. In particular, keen youngsters should be able to tackle the Monti Rossi paths beside Mount Etna, which offer dramatic volcanic views and a real sense of accomplishment.

Where should I stay for a family trip to Sicily?

That depends on what you're looking for. Sicily is a large island, and you might want to consider a multi-stop family holiday to Sicily, giving you a chance to visit several destinations in one trip. Look for holiday lettings in Sicily in Taormina if you want a charming, historic beach town with great views of Mount Etna. Just keep in mind that the beaches there have pebbles - great for avoiding sand in the car after a day out, but not ideal for relaxing. Syracuse or Palermo are good choices for city vibes, while Agrigento gives you easy access to the island's spectacular Greek ruins. In the west of the island, Trapani is a popular option for families. Its port gives you easy access to boat trips to the Egadi Islands, and there are lots of lovely beaches nearby.

Find Family Holidays in Sicily

FAQs: Family Holidays in Sicily

What's the best time of year to visit Sicily?

Sicily is at its most popular during the summer holidays, but beware if you have heat-sensitive children. July and August are real scorchers, with temperatures of over 30°C on a regular basis - sometimes pushing 38°C inland. It's better to visit in the spring or autumn if you can. The sea is swimmable from June until late September - and even October if you're lucky (or brave!). May and September offer the sweet spot of warm sea, sunny days around 25°C, and far fewer crowds. Winters in Sicily are cool but sunny, with temperatures dipping to around 10°C at night in December and January, and snow on Mount Etna making it a magical time for a non-beach family break.

Where are the best family beaches in Sicily?

Look for Blue Flag beaches around Sicily if you want clean shores with beautiful water. You'll find family-friendly options all around the island. In the southeast, Marina di Ragusa and Pozzallo are both known for their child-friendly waters, while the Lido Fontane Bianche in Syracuse has calm waters and sandy shores. On the north side of the island, Cefalù has one of the best family beaches, with shallow water and plenty of cafés and gelaterie nearby. The west coast has the spectacular San Vito Lo Capo, known for its Caribbean-like turquoise water, while the Riserva dello Zingaro offers wilder coves for adventurous older kids who can handle a short coastal walk.

What are the most popular family attractions in Sicily?

There are a number of theme parks and waterparks to liven up your family holiday. Etnaland, which is located close to the famous volcano, is one of the best; this double whammy has rollercoasters and other thrill rides, as well as a waterpark with slides and splash pools. Acquaverde and Aretusa Park are two other waterparks that are popular with visitors to Sicily. For something different, head to Aci Trezza on the eastern coast, where boat trips out to the dramatic Cyclops rocks are a hit with kids. The Nebrodi and Madonie nature parks also offer farm visits, donkey treks, and forest walks that combine fresh air with hands-on encounters with sheep, goats, and other animals.

How easy is it to find family-friendly restaurants in Sicily?

You won't have a problem finding family-friendly restaurants in Sicily. After all, southern Italy is the home of pizza! It can be difficult to find familiar brands of fast food, as the Italians often prefer their homegrown cuisine, but child-friendly dishes are on offer all over the island. Keep in mind that Italian restaurants rarely have a separate children's menu. You can always ask for a smaller portion of pasta al pomodoro, or order arancini - delicious deep-fried rice balls that are a Sicilian speciality. Gelato is, of course, a daily ritual; let the kids try traditional flavours like pistachio from Bronte or cannolo cream. Most restaurants are warmly welcoming to families, and high chairs are widely available.

What can I do with my kids in Sicily if the weather's bad?

One of the most enjoyable things to do on a rainy day in Sicily is watch a traditional puppet show. Sicilian puppetry has been named by UNESCO as being of important cultural value, with colourful shows that tell captivating stories from the medieval era. The island's larger cities also have some great museums; both Syracuse and Palermo have fascinating historical museums that are worth visiting to learn about the island's past and see stunning ancient artefacts. Another option on a rainy day is to attend a craft workshop or cooking class, where you can learn to toss your own pizza dough or make pasta from scratch - messy fun with the kids that doubles as a souvenir.

Holiday destinations nearby for Family Holidays