When planning a trip with kids, we're definitely mindful of choosing a destination that caters to their needs too. A family trip should blend fun and relaxation for everyone, so it's important to find activities that are enjoyable for the kids while also allowing us to unwind and explore to the fullest. Clearly, good planning is key to avoiding any unpleasant surprises.
In this article, I'll explain why Sicily is an ideal destination for a family trip in any season, offering adventures, discoveries, and relaxation to satisfy parents and kids with different tastes and needs.
Here are the reasons that make Sicily a unique destination for family trips:
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Beaches with shallow waters
If you're traveling in summer, you can easily mix beach relaxation with late afternoon strolls through the cities. The waters are shallow along most of the coasts, allowing kids to play freely. There are plenty of wild, uncrowded beaches without facilities as well as beaches with amenities where you can find everything you need for a relaxing day.
San Lorenzo beach in Noto
If you love the sea, don't miss a boat trip or exploring smaller islands like Favignana and Levanzo in Trapani or the Aeolian Islands in Messina. Keep in mind that it's not always easy to find beaches with long sandy shores on the islands, which can make it more challenging with very young children.
2. Nature
Often, when we think of Sicily, we limit ourselves to thinking about the sea. But our island boasts many parks and nature reserves, each unique in its own way. Many mountain trails are suitable for the little ones, and how can you miss an unforgettable adventure on Mount Etna? Europe's largest volcano will leave you breathless. For hiking enthusiasts, you can also trek through one of the Iblei canyons, head to the Madonie, dotted with charming villages, or tackle some more challenging trails in the Nebrodi. Take a look at our articles about nature walks with children in Ragusa, Siracusa and, Nebrodi Park.
Pantalica Unesco site
3. Food for Every Palate
Every place in Sicily has its own specialties worth trying, which are a fundamental part of a trip to Sicily. Children often have specific needs, but the variety of products and menus will surely satisfy everyone, not to mention the ice creams and granitas for memorable stops for both young and old.
4. Small Towns
Staying in big cities can often be stressful when traveling with children. In Sicily, you'll have the opportunity to stay in stunning cities where the historic centers are mostly pedestrianized and can be explored on foot without covering long distances. UNESCO sites like those in the Val di Noto are abundant, as well as other scattered small villages where you can alternate between sightseeing and village life, chatting with locals at the bar!
Castelbuono main square
5. History
Traveling means looking at the world with new eyes, learning about different cultures, immersing ourselves in traditions and habits different from our own, discovering places and landscapes different from those where we live. Sicily offers, in one region, incredibly diverse places for architecture and traditions, shaped by the many dominations that have succeeded over the centuries: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, and Spanish... Each of these peoples has left a mark that makes our cities must-see places to discover. You can play with your children in finding the differences with your cities, visit places that they probably studied in school like Greek temples and theaters.
Valley of the temples family tour in Agrigento
6. Temperatures
The best seasons for traveling are definitely between March and June and between September and October, where warm (but not too hot) temperatures will allow you to travel without gloves and scarves... Even winter has its charm and often sunny days. Tourist cities will be less crowded and less expensive, and you will have the chance to discover a more authentic Sicily. Most likely, some businesses will be closed, but archaeological sites and monuments will always be open.
7. Crafts and Agricultural Tradition
In some places in Sicily, it seems like time has stood still 50 years ago or even longer. Try stepping into an artisan's workshop or visit family-run farms with your children to show them the work behind many of the products we find on our tables. They will observe the attention to detail and passion behind every job.
Puppet Maker Workshop
Bakery in Castelbuono
Dairy Farm in Ragusa
If your next travel destination is Sicily, then all you have to do is browse through the other articles we've dedicated to family travel or contact us for advice on planning your adventure. Get inspiration from our family tours and activities on our website marked as "kid-friendly."