10 reasons to plan a family holiday in Sicily

It’s been more than 18 months since we moved to Sicily, but I remain astonished by how much this island has to offer. Despite having spent a considerable amount of time daydreaming about possible vacation destinations in the years before moving here, the thought of planning a family holiday in Sicily never crossed my mind. I’m betting a lot of people looking for that perfect family vacation destination are in the same boat, but – no worries, folks – I’m here to help.

So, why plan a family holiday in Sicily? Because there is something for everyone at every age. We’re talking beaches, mountains, hiking, dining, relaxing, history, outdoor sports and much more. To top it off? It’s budget-friendly. Can’t beat that!

10 Reasons to Choose a Family Holiday in Sicily

1. It’s all about that beach.

Sicily boasts what I firmly believe are some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. They vary considerably depending on your location — rocky in some areas, sandy in others, and with black sand in places on the Aeolian Islands — but just about everywhere you go you’ll find that warm, gemstone-colored Mediterranean Sea.

On the eastern coast you’ll find rocky beaches near Taormina, while you’ll want to venture just south of Siracusa to Fontane Bianche, San Lorenzo or Avola for some sand. On the west coast, San Vito Lo Capo and Favignana Island are the places to go. To the north, try one of Sicilians’ favorite summer spots, the town of Cefalu. We spent two weekends in Cefalu last summer;  if you go, we’d suggest staying at the Royal Sea House.

2. History buffs will love a family holiday in Sicily

Sicily has a rich and tumultuous history of being claimed throughout the centuries by the dominant forces of the era. At various points it was under the control of the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs and the Normans (to name a few), and its cities reflect this fascinating mix. For instance, in  70 BC, the Roman orator Cicero referred to the Sicilian city of Siracusa as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” If you visit Siracusa today you can walk past an ancient temple to Apollo (who was believed to be born there) and into the iconic Duomo di Siracusa, a structure built on the site of a Greek temple, repurposed as a church, transitioned into a mosque and ultimately changed back into a church.

History lovers can visit ancient structures like the Temple of Concordia in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, or enormous Greek and Roman theaters in Taormina and Siracusa. Those who are interested in more recent history can tour sights relevant to the Allied Invasion of Sicily in 1943.

3. Sicily is home to one of Europe’s largest volcanoes

Mount Vesuvius might be the best-known of Italy’s three volcanoes, but it is dwarfed by Sicily’s Mount Etna, which is 2-and-a-half times larger. Mount Etna also happens to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is almost constantly smoking, with occasional visible lava. According to Greek mythology, Hephaestus’ forges were located within Mount Etna’s depths. Polyphemus, the Cyclops blinded by Odysseus in the Odyssey, also hailed from Etna and the rocks he chucked at the escaping hero can now be found in the stunning seaside town of Aci Trezza.

It’s been almost a year and a half, and I still haven’t tired of gazing at Mount Etna. If you opt for a family holiday in Sicily, I’d suggest taking the opportunity to visit Etna, either on a tour or solo. We’ve enjoyed hiking on Mount Etna several times, but if hiking isn’t necessarily your speed there are cable cars that can take you up the mountain or various tours (include by mountain bike or quad!) to get you to the top. Every member of the family is bound to get a thrill out of seeing Etna smoke, picking up chunks of lava rock and learning about eruptions of years past.

4. There are plenty of ways to spend time outdoors on a family holiday to Sicily

If laying on a beach isn’t necessarily your speed, there’s plenty of other opportunities for fun in the sun! Across this country you’ll find places to fish, rent boats, go horseback riding or simply enjoy dining al fresco and people-watching. Mount Etna is a natural choice to hike, but in Sicily you’ll find plenty of other places to walk as well, with varying level of difficulty for the kids. Parco Monte Serra in Viagrande is a nice place to take a walk, check out a butterfly house or try your land at land-tubing. The Alcantara Gorge (Gole Alcantara) is also a fabulous place to cool off in the summer, albeit better suited for older children rather than toddlers.

I’d also suggest checking out local farmer’s markets while in Sicily, especially if you are with kids. Spotting fresh-caught fish, still-living crabs and all the fruit they can eat is always amusing for my crew, and a good place to pick up a snack as well. Try the Catania fish market (every morning except Sunday) or the Siracusa market near Apollo’s Temple.

5. The food is incredible.

Seafood. Pasta. Arancini. Granita. And did I say pasta yet?

Sicilian food is both delicious and, in many ways, different than you’ll find anywhere else in Italy. While you’re on your family holiday in Sicily, you’ll want to be sure to try some of the island’s specialties, such as arancini — fried rice balls flavored with fillings like ragu, spinach, pistacchio — and pasta al Norma, noodles with a tomato-based sauce with eggplant and salted ricotta. Anything with pistachio is always a good bet, whether it is on a cannoli or a pizza. I personally never pass up a ravioli con pistacchio. As you might expect on an island, fresh seafood is a big deal here as well — you can get fabulous options in restaurants or even just on the side of the road.

Kids and adults will love granita, a Sicilian frozen specialty best described as being somewhere between Italian ice and a slushie in consistency, served almost exclusively in the warmer months. Common flavors are fruit when in season, pistachio, coffee, almond and chocolate. I recommend raspberry or lemon. Top it with panna (cream) and eat it with a brioche. Here’s a secret: the best granita is in eastern Sicily, and the best granita in eastern Sicily is at Taormina’s Bam Bar. Don’t miss it!

6. The wine is cheap, delicious and plentiful

Need I say much more than the headline, here? Volcanoes make for fertile soil, and that soil grows some delicious grapes. We aren’t wine experts by any means, but we’ve found the house wines here to by typically very tasty and very cheap. If you are spending a family holiday in Sicily (or any holiday), I’d suggest checking out an winery/agriturismo for a combined wine tasting and expansive, farm-to-table meal that lasts hours. Murgo Winery or Gambino Winery are both great choices for this. We love Sunday lunch at Murgo, where there is plenty of room for the kids to run around while the adults sample wine.

7. Family holidays in Sicily are cheap(ish).

Finding a European holiday that isn’t going to bust your budget is always tricky, but if you are looking to spend time in western Europe, Sicily is going to be a cost-effective choice — particularly if you travel any time other than July and August. We’ve had several friends come visit here after being elsewhere in Europe, and they always remark upon how much cheaper everything is on this island. Prices can be somewhat higher at tourist-heavy locations, but in general you can expect to pay less than 1 euro for an espresso in a cafe, or about 5 euro for a “individual” cheese pizza that is more than enough for two kids.

8. Sicily is family friendly.

Walking around Sicily with kids is basically like being a celebrity. People are plenty nice to me when I’m alone, but Sicily with kids? Whole different ball game. Cashiers and waiters regularly hand my kids special treats when we are out and about, and everyone from the teenagers to the little old nonni (grandfathers) ends up smiling at them, patting their head or trying to talk to them. Usually this is accompanied by them commenting on them being bionde (blondes). Women I’ve met with newborns tell me wait staff will frequently offer to hold the baby while they eat.

Sicilians also have a remarkably indulgent attitude toward children. Unlike some places we’ve been (I’m looking at you, Paris), they seem to expect kids to, well, behave like kids. Everything is always va bene. 

9. Sicily is (somewhat) off the beaten track

Don’t love waiting in lines at every attraction? Consider a family holiday in Sicily. While I certainly would never claim there are no tourists – Sicily is a hotspot for European beach-seekers in July and August – most of the year you won’t be fighting the crowds to get into local attractions. As a result, the place has a more authentic feel and prices to match.

10. The people are the best

Sicilians are an incredibly warm and welcoming people (albeit fiery when you get them worked up, ha!). I’ve never yet had a problem that people weren’t immediately coming to my aid. When my car wouldn’t start and I was stranded at the park? About 12 different people rallied to try jumping it and helped me get a new battery. When I was lost in a sea of incomprehensible Italian at the post office? Someone patiently came over to help me translate. And I’ve already talked about how they like to indulge my children!

While there are certainly jerks everywhere and Sicily is no exception, we’ve found the vast majority of Sicilians to be exceptionally kind. And that’s something you can’t put a price on.

Planning a family holiday in Sicily: the bottom line

Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an active, outdoorsy vacation or a journey through historic sites, chances are Sicily has something for you. It has an old-world, almost exotic feel to it — hello, sheep in the road! — but at the same time it has the modern comforts you crave. Such as a phone app that lets you order food and drinks to be delivered to you beach chair. What more can you ask for?

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