A family holiday in Sicily is always a great idea. You can relax and enjoy the great food and wonderfully laid-back island atmosphere, and the kids can have fun under the sun! There’s a wealth of fun activities that families can enjoy in Sicily. From cultural highlights to gastronomic treats, as well as outdoor activities and local traditions, Sicily has it all! Find out how you and your family can spend your time during an unforgettable holiday in Sicily!
Chocolate Treats
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Most kids go wild for a sweet treat and so Modica is a must-visit town during any family holiday in Sicily. This town is famous for its Baroque architecture, but also for its unique chocolate culture. Ancient techniques are used to make Cioccolato di Modica that gives the chocolate a grainy texture, rather than the smooth texture that is more common today. Its recipe stems from the Aztecs, and was brought to Sicily by the Spanish. Typical flavours include cinnamon, sea salt, and chili! Bonajuto is the oldest chocolate factory in the town. Visit and find out how the chocolate is made. Then treat yourself to a chocolate feast, choosing between hot chocolate, chocolate granita, chocolate biscuits, or just a classic bar of Modica chocolate. The kids will love it!
Bucket and Spade Days
You can’t beat a day by the sea with the kids on your family holiday in Sicily! There are so many beaches to choose from that you are spoilt for choice. There’s nothing better than relaxing on a sandy beach, making sand castles, swimming in the warm water, and soaking up the sun. Porto Palo di Menfi is a wonderful sandy beach with shallow waters making it ideal for families. Another great sandy beach option is San Vito lo Capo. This seaside town is the perfect holiday destination with a large sandy beach, lots of fun activities, plenty of good bars and restaurants to choose from, and a fun, carefree atmosphere. Pack your bucket and spade, bring the suncream, and enjoy a day by the sea!
Granita for Breakfast?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and in Sicily, breakfast means granita! It’s true, in the summer months there really is no better breakfast than a granita with a brioche bun. In Sicily, Granita isn’t just a treat to help you cool off, it’s a way of life, and kids will adore such an indulgent breakfast whilst on holiday. The south-east of Sicily is particularly famous for granita, and you must visit Caffè Sicilia, right in Noto’s historic town centre. Visitors from all over the world stop off and enjoy a granita here. Make sure you visit and try some of the unique flavours like prickly pear, or the traditional almond, and enjoy a refreshing granita in stunning Baroque surroundings.
Volcanic Adventures
Mount Etna and its surroundings are a unique playground for children and adults alike. It’s a fantastic place to go on an unforgettable adventure! There are many hiking trails on the foothills of the volcano that take you through forests and along old lava flows. Or hire a guide and go up to the smoking summit! Visiting Mount Etna is an incredible experience, the kids will never forget it! The Alcanatara Gorges are also nearby and are a great place to visit. The Alcanatara river flows through basalt gorges creating a beautiful setting for a walk and a swim in the cool water. Finally, Sicily’s largest theme park, Etna Land, is near Etna. Etna Land has rollercoasters and rides that children will adore, and there’s also a water park with slides and pools. It’s a great day out for all the family!
Sicilian Puppet Culture
Puppet shows have been important in Sicily for centuries. Throughout the island you can find puppet theatres that regularly put on shows that entertain and delight in equal measure. The most traditional shows recount the tales of knights, royalty, dragons, and adventure. The puppets themselves are made with outstanding artistry and attention to detail, and master puppeteers create scenes that are truly a marvel to see. Catania and Palermo have the strongest puppet culture, and you can even visit the Puppet Museum in Palermo. It is a wonderful experience that takes you through the island’s puppet history. In both cities there are also theatres where you can catch a show. It’s a great way to see some authentic, ancient Sicilian culture.
Snorkelling and Sea Life
What could be better than jumping into the sea and snorkelling to see what’s beneath that clear blue Sicilian water? Sicily has so many areas where snorkelling is a complete joy. It’s a great way for children to see the local sea life and spend a day in the water! The sea that surrounds the Egadi Islands is a great spot for a day of snorkelling. Visit the islands to soak up the laid-back atmosphere and taste the great food, but also to see the crystal-clear water and diverse marine life. You can rent snorkelling equipment on the island, so it is as easy as could be to arrange an experience that the kids will never forget!
A Family Holiday in Sicily at a Villa
A villa is the perfect choice for a family holiday in Sicily. There’s all the space you need, and the kids (and adults) can have their own privacy. Plus, our villas have swimming pools that the kids will love, as well as gardens where they can play, and other great family-friendly features. Our villas also have amazing locations that are ideal for planning day trips and adventures all over Sicily.
Take a look at our family-friendly villas and find the one that is right for you. Whatever type of family holiday in Sicily you are dreaming of, we can help you arrange it. Get in touch with our team who are happy to assist you in picking your perfect villa, or take a look at our villas in Sicily and find your dream villa in Sicily. We look forward to seeing you and your family in Sicily soon!
