Sicily with your family: a practical guide

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10/12/2024

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a must-see destination not only for its unique beauty, but also for its rich history. After the Greeks arrived on the island, it became one of the most important places of its time and one of the symbols of Mediterranean civilization.

During your visit, discover the many myths that seem to have sprung up all over the island, some of which you may already know! For example, have you ever heard of Mount Etna and its spectacular eruptions? In its fiery lava-covered depths resides Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire, where he builds new weapons for the gods. At the foot of this majestic volcano is also the place where Ulysses confronted and escaped the Cyclops Polyphemus. In Syracuse, find the place where Artemis, goddess of the hunt, transformed the nymph Arethusa into a spring. When you visit Sicily, you’ll discover these places with your own eyes, and learn more about the legends that appeal to young and old alike.

Some basic information

Capital: Palermo
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Climate: Mediterranean
Transportation: Plane, boat
Main airports: Palermo, Comiso, Trapani and Catania
Flight times: Paris (2:30 hours), Brussels (2:40 hours), Geneva (2 hours), London (3:10 hours)

Where to stay in Sicily?

Looking for the ideal getaway for a family holiday in Europe? Italy is the place to be! With its picturesque landscapes, rich culture and delicious cuisine, Italy offers a host of exciting activities for children. Find out how to create unforgettable memories on a family holiday in Italy, where every day is a new adventure for young and old alike.

Mangia’s Brucoli, Sicily, Autograph Collection ***** - thumbnail - hiver

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Mangia’s Brucoli, Sicily, Autograph Collection

Italy, Sicily

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Mangia’s Pollina Resort

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When is the best time to visit?

The best times to visit Sicily are between March and May, as well as between September and November. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to enjoy the mild temperatures, perfect for hiking or visiting various sites. July, August and September are ideal for a refreshing dip in the sea.

What to see in Sicily?

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily offers numerous possibilities for sightseeing, each more sublime than the last. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most important cities and sites not to be missed on your visit to the island.

Taormine

Taormina is a charming town on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Known for its spectacular scenery, cobbled streets and rich historical heritage, it has attracted many visitors and artists over the centuries. Among its major attractions are the Ancient Greek Theatre, offering breathtaking views of Mount Etna, as well as magnificent beaches and lush gardens. Taormina embodies a perfect blend of culture, history and natural beauty.

With its well-preserved stone structures, intact tiers and ancient temple ruins, Taormina’s Greek theater is well worth a visit. Beyond its stone walls, the ancient theater overlooks the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea, with Mount Etna in the background. It’s not just a place to visit, but also an open-air concert hall. A magical experience not to be missed!

There’s nothing like a funicular ride to discover Taormina. From the sky, enjoy magnificent views of the town on this ride that takes you from its historic center to the nearby coastal town of Mazzarò. From here, you can easily reach Isola Bella beach, one of the most beautiful in the area.

From the terminus of your funicular ride, a short 10-minute walk will take you directly to the islet of Isola Bella. This beach has an incomparable charm. To enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters at low tide, the beach offers a sun lounger and paddle board rental service.

Catania

Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city, situated on the island’s east coast at the foot of majestic Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Founded in the 8th century BC, it has a rich historical and cultural heritage, visible in its Baroque monuments and buildings, including the famous Palazzo Biscari and the Piazza del Duomo with its Elephant Fountain. Catania is also renowned for its lively nightlife and typical markets, such as the Pescheria market. The city combines modernity and tradition, with a unique charm that attracts travellers from all over the world.

Discover the legendary volcano Etna! There are several ways to climb the volcano. If you’re traveling with young children, there are accessible trails leading to the Silvestri craters. Your children will love the Etna cable car and the 4×4 ride that takes you almost to the top of the volcano. For an unforgettable family trip, take the Circumetnea, a historic railroad that takes you around the mountain and through picturesque landscapes.

Sailing along the coast is one of the best excursions in the Catania region. Accompanied by a captain who will tell you the stories and legends of the region, it’s impossible to get bored, and you’ll have plenty to see and hear! And what would a boat trip be without a stop for a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea?

A fun-filled learning experience awaits your family at Catania’s Science Museum. Your children will be placed at the heart of the activities organized and will play an active role in the various experiments carried out. Explore the universe with your family at the planetarium and discover all the museum’s themes for a day of fun for all!

Palermo

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a vibrant city that combines a rich history, dynamic culture and fascinating architecture. Situated on the north-west coast of the island, Palermo has been influenced by many civilisations, from the Phoenicians to the Normans, and this is reflected in its iconic monuments. Highlights include Palermo Cathedral, the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palatine Chapel, as well as traditional markets such as Ballarò. The city is also famous for its tasty cuisine, lively streets and nearby beaches. Palermo embodies the crossroads of Mediterranean cultures, with a unique atmosphere and unrivalled beauty.

This family beach with its white sand and sparkling waters is the perfect place to enjoy the fine Mediterranean weather. From the beach, you can access a variety of restaurants, bars and summer games. Mondello is just 15 minutes from the town center, and there’s no shortage of transport options to get you there!

The Piazza Quattro Canti is one of the places not to be missed on your visit to Palermo. This lively square, one of the few octagonal squares in the world, is the meeting point of two of the city’s main thoroughfares, Via Maqueda and Casaro (Palermo’s oldest street!). For family fun, take a moment to enjoy the street entertainments that are often staged in the square, such as circus shows and puppet theaters.

Located right in the heart of the city, Palermo’s botanical garden is a place of rare beauty. Immerse yourself in a fresh, exotic world, lulled by the gentle song of birds, for an unforgettable family stroll. Take time to admire the wealth of flora and the incredible height of the trees in this uniquely charming garden.

Agrigento

Agrigento is a historic town on the south coast of Sicily, famous for its impressive archaeological site, the Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the ancient ruins of majestic Greek temples dating back to the 5th century BC, such as the Temple of Concord, one of the best preserved in ancient Greece. Agrigento itself is a picturesque town, with narrow streets and ancient buildings that reflect its rich past. The surrounding area is also renowned for its spectacular scenery, with rolling green hills and Mediterranean beaches. Agrigento is a true journey through time, combining history, culture and natural beauty.

Between centuries-old olive trees and rocky paths, ancient Greek temples rise before your eyes, transporting you back to another era. The Valley of the Temples stretches for several kilometers, and offers a beautiful view of the sea in the distance as you stroll along. A little tip: if you want to avoid the heat during the day, the site opens its doors to visitors on summer evenings, giving you the chance to admire the illuminated monuments.

Just a 20-minute drive from Agrigento, the Scala dei Turchi is a place like no other. Discover dazzling white limestone cliffs contrasting with a turquoise sea and a sandy beach. After admiring the magical scenery of the cliffs, head to the beach for a swim in the sea at ideal temperature. The way down is by stairs, but the beach is also accessible by wheelchair or baby carriage.

Less crowded than Scala dei Turchi, Capo Rosso offers breathtaking scenery. Lying on a sandy beach and listening to the gentle melody of the waves, Capo Rosso is the ideal place for a moment of relaxation. For an unforgettable souvenir, the rock formations near the beach invite you to take a photo. If you visit Capo Rosso at the end of the day, don’t miss the magnificent sunset. Our tip: bring a bottle of water and a cap! We also recommend a visit if you’re traveling with teenagers.

Siracusa

Syracuse, on the south-east coast of Sicily, is a fascinating and historic city founded by the Greeks in the eighth century BC. An ancient Mediterranean power, it was the birthplace of famous philosophers and scientists such as Archimedes. Syracuse’s historic centre, particularly the island of Ortigia, is packed with impressive monuments, including the Duomo, a cathedral built on an ancient Greek temple, and the magnificent Greek Theatre. The city is also home to a renowned archaeological museum and a large archaeological park. Surrounded by splendid natural landscapes, Syracuse offers a perfect blend of culture, history and Mediterranean beauty.

Fancy an island within an island? Then head for Ortygie! The town’s historic center is built on this islet. To get there, you’ll need to park your car before crossing the bridge to Syracuse. Ortygia is a magnificent pedestrian town, making it the perfect place for a relaxing family stroll.

On your way to the island of Ortygia, stop to see Sicily’s oldest Doric temple. The temple of Apollo stands at the entrance to the island and is rich in history. Look out for the inscription engraved on the highest step on the east side of the temple, where you can see the name of the architect, a rare occurrence in the Greek world.

A six-minute walk from the Temple of Apollo, as you continue your tour of the island of Ortygia, you’ll find the town’s historic market. It’s open from Monday to Saturday until 1pm. Take your time strolling between the various stalls and smell the fragrance of fresh produce. Perfect for a family picnic!