To the north, try one of Sicilians favorite summer spots, the town of Cefalu.
She wants to share her stories in the hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams! window.onload=function(){if(window.jQuery){if(/Android|webOS|iPhone|iPad|iPod|BlackBerry|IEMobile|Opera Mini/i.test(navigator.userAgent)){}else{var url="https://js.hscta.net/cta/current.js";jQuery.getScript(url,function(){hbspt.cta.load(333466,'74f9d725-4b65-4aaf-a2fd-b68afc757228');});}}}, 2022 CharmingSicily.com is a trade name of Portale Sardegna S.p.A.Via San Tommaso D'Aquino, 18 - First Floor, Blue Tower I-09134Cagliari - Sardinia - Italy - Ph. We hired a car to explore Sicily with toddlers. While there are certainly jerks everywhere and Sicily is no exception, weve found the vast majority of Sicilians to be exceptionally kind. What better way to experience the volcano than on a guided hike! Guests can use the facilities at different properties, but some guests complain that the huge size of the complex and the number of guests circulating around it can make their experience impersonal and a little overwhelming. Home 10 Days in Sicily With Kids | Ultimate Sicily Itinerary. They provide spectacular scenery and swimming opportunities. Were talking beaches, mountains, hiking, dining, relaxing, history, outdoor sports and much more. 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. 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. 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. Mount Vesuvius might be the best-known of Italys three volcanoes, but it is dwarfed by Sicilys Mount Etna, which is 2-and-a-half times larger. This temple is one of the best preserved of the ancient world. With an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, and dramatic mountain scenery, this accommodation is all about relaxation. Still, the Caesar Palace runs a shuttle to the beach and there are nearby buses to the rest of Giardini Naxos and Taormina, so there's no reason to feel too isolated. An apartment host arranged for her sister to come and cook a traditional meal for us and it was beyond delicious. 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. As long as you drive with a limit youll easily be able to explore all the wonder of this Italian island. From the shared terrace, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Ragusa Ibla, and in a few minutes, you can reach it on foot.
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. Ive heard great things about Selinunte from friends! Erice is perched on top of Mount Erice, overlooking the west side of Sicily. Quite apart from the food, you can expect a warm welcome at any restaurant in Sicily where the bambini are likely to steal the show. Its a piece of paradise that makes for the perfect Italian vacation. Sicilians also have a remarkably indulgent attitude toward children. Tags:Europe, Europe road trip, family travel, Italy, road trip, sicily, toddler, Pingback: Raising Global Girls Interview: Esther - World for a Girl, Pingback: Amazing International Family Travel Hacks - World for a Girl, Your email address will not be published. There are some awesome dinosaurs (a toddler favourite as always! Even when they are acting like kids. Club Lipari is one of the four mid-range hotels in a complex situated a few miles from the medieval port town of Sciacca. Small, romantic alleyways lead to historic buildings and ancient landmarks. With a long, crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is full of seaside beauty.
For sweeping ocean views, visit the 17th-century Ligny Tower. Click here to book your private tour of Erice with a local. italy mapa army crna gora ravenna landkarte The Tempio Concordia in Agrigento, Sicily. This lovely little apartment is right on the waters edge. History lovers can visit ancient structures like the Temple of Concordia in Agrigentos Valley of the Temples, or enormous Greek and Roman theaters in Taormina and Siracusa. Granita. Ortygia is the ancient square of Syracuse. Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo are the three main islands. Click here to book your cruise from Trapani to the scenic islands of Favignana and Levanzo. If you want to make a day of it, choose a lido where you can rent your own sun beds and umbrella and shower off the salt and sand at the end of the day. What more can you ask for? According to Greek mythology, Hephaestus forges were located within Mount Etnas depths. The towns ancient Greco-Roman theater is the main highlight. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a59d68c3853f41db90ed88d6dcb277e6" );document.getElementById("f69cca354f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are a family of wanderlusters on a mission to explore the World! The hilltop city of Agrigento is famous for containing the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas. Click here to book your historical walking tour of Trapani and discover the citys top landmarks. An outside kitchen is another bonus when you have young children make every meal a make-believe picnic and even the fussiest of eaters turn into angels! Sicily is dotted with small towns and a GPS will definitely come in handy when traveling among them. sicilian The reconstructed 18th-century Noto Cathedral is another Sicily must-see. 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. Tucked in the Tyrrhenian Sea, The Aeolian Islands are a little piece of paradise just off the tip of northern Sicily. Required fields are marked *, World for a Girl Family Travel Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Sicily is more than just a footnote at the end of Italys long leg. Top it withpanna(cream) and eat it with a brioche. Check the Biopark website as it is only open certain days off-season. The 220-room Caesar Palace is not exactly regal but offers guests a resort-like option outside of the center of Giardini Naxos. The expansive property has pretty North African design and plenty ofspots to relax. In June'15 we made a decision that changed our world as we knew it! Cant beat that! The century-old buildings tell a tale of the citys past. We spent two weekends in Cefalu last summer; if you go, wed suggest staying at the Royal Sea House. Raising Global Girls Interview: Esther - World for a Girl, Amazing International Family Travel Hacks - World for a Girl, Womens museums in the UK: Celebrating British women who inspired the world, Family-friendly Kota Kinabalu Itinerary | Kota Kinabalu with kids, Toddler-Friendly Holidays in the UK (that parents will love too! This Sicily itinerary is set at the perfect pace for a day 10 road trip. It might have been easier just to take our own travel cot! Luckily, driving around the island isnt too difficult, even for first-time visitors. Our toddlers love the Cbeebie show Go-Jetters. Sicily boasts what I firmly believe are some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. Buddy up with another family and a holiday with a baby or toddler can feel quite different. While youre on your family holiday in Sicily, youll want to be sure to try some of the islands specialties, such asarancini 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. And how you are going to to this? 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 youll find that warm, gemstone-colored Mediterranean Sea. The energy of Catania is concentrated around the main square: Piazza del Duomo. Its the perfect city to get lost in. Especially notable is the Greek Theater. Thanks. WE hope that you found this post about travelling around Sicily with a toddler (or two) useful. The large piazza in front offers many places to sit and enjoy a meal or drink with friends. Sicilian food is both delicious and, in many ways, different than youll find anywhere else in Italy. If your child has started to interact with others, theyll love having a friend for pool-time splashing. The rich aroma of roasted cocoa beans and exotic spices fills the air. Need I say much more than the headline, here? Such as a phone app that lets you order food and drinks to be delivered to you beach chair. Id also suggest checking out local farmers markets while in Sicily, especially if you are with kids. With freebies such as breakfast and Wi-Fi and consistently low rates, it offers a good value. Tre Fontane, Campobello di Mazara, Sicily, The 10 Best Carry-Ons To Take on Ryanair and Other Budget Airlines. Located off a quiet, residential street, the resort is just a 12-minute drive from the nearby town of Cefalu. On the eastern coast youll find rocky beaches near Taormina, while youll want to venture just south of Siracusa to Fontane Bianche, San Lorenzo or Avola for some sand. It boasts many baroque churches and palaces, including the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio. Consider a family holiday in Sicily. As a family, the kids were 1 and 2 at the time, we spent 10 amazing days on this captivating island with our toddlers. Grab your camera and maybe a gelato, and get lost wandering among the beautiful historic buildings. Subscribe now to our newsletter . Its positioned at the base of a mountain, giving it an enchanting and dramatic appeal. 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. Even though each island is unique, they all offer stunning scenery and ample relaxation opportunities. The stunning church facade has a long staircase leading up to large columns, ornate statues, and decorated portals. This coastal watchtower also houses an archaeological museum. A mere 3 hours flight from the UK, Sicily is a fantastic family holiday destination. Really? The Catania Cathedral and the unique Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell' Elefante) are especially photogenic. Both families and couples are attached to this resort for its small beach and peaceful atmosphere. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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. Italian law requires drivers without a European Union driving license to acquire an International Driving Permit to operate a vehicle in Italy. 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. Whole different ball game. A few minutes drive from the town center, the hotel is nestled in the suburban hillside, with little entertainment beyond the property. It was one of the, Theres so much to see and do in Sicily that unfortunately our 10-day itinerary missed some amazing towns likeTaormina and Cefalu. Walking around Sicily with kids is basically like being a celebrity. In this blog, I hope to share our adventures and misadventures as we adjust to living overseas, learning Italian and traveling the world with two of the most fun kiddos on the planet. The resort is family-friendly with many entertainment options, and guests report that they enjoy the seaside location, and the possibility to explore the surrounding area's beaches. And if you have not already joined us on my Facebook page at. THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. For anyone keen to retain some independence, choose a villa like Villa Dionisio which has a private pool and, with 2 independent houses, has an ideal layout for two families. A Checklist of What to Pack in your Baby Beach Bag, Traveling while Pregnant | First Trimester Tips. Sicilians are an incredibly warm and welcoming people (albeit fiery when you get them worked up, ha!). If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. So if you have the patience, its perfectly do-able. The huge variety of preserved Ancient Roman AND Ancient Greek ruins dotted around Sicily made fantastic days out for all the family. The Sporting Club is closed from late September to early April. It has an old-world, almost exotic feel to it hello, sheep in the road! sicily mondello pellegrino mt palerme For families and vacationers who want easy access to dining and activities, Baia Samuele is a solid choice. After visiting the regions most popular hotels, we evaluated each to see how they stacked up all with children in mind. Rooms are a bit basic, with tile floors andunexceptional bedding, but they're big and clean; most havebalconies. Ancient Ruins with Toddlers: An Awesome Day Out! A mainstay of Sicilian tradition, Sicilian puppet shows are fun, colourful and very entertaining. When I was lost in a sea of incomprehensible Italian at the post office? To ensure you dont get lost, we recommend hiring a car with the added convenience of a GPS. Whether playing in the sand on the gorgeous beaches, exploring medieval towns filled with historic buildings or sampling local cuisine, Sicily, Italy has plenty of activities for travelers of all ages. If a road trip around this stunning Mediterranean island captures your imagination and wanderlust, check out our posts below for more family travel inspiration: Thanks for readingThe Perfect Sicily holiday with Toddlers.
Sicily can and should be. Unlike some places weve been (Im looking at you, Paris), they seem to expect kids to, well, behave like kids. to get you to the top. From baroque buildings to beaches and culture to cuisine, this Mediterranean island showcases the very best of Italy. Read More 2022 - Wanderlust Storytellers. One day youll be strolling a quiet seaside village, and the next youll be touring ancient ruins and exciting piazzas. As a result, the place has a more authentic feel and prices to match. We cant wait to go back and explore the Northeast areas. The small town of Cefalu is a true gem of Sicilian living. Its quite a spectacle! Head for the beaches around Ragusa, such as Punta Secca and Marina di Ragusa, or Porto Palo di Menfi in the south of the island and Cefal in the north. Click here to book your guided excursion of Mount Etna, suitable for all skill levels. The hotel has a big pool with two infinity edges as well as a separate (and large) children's pool. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. The rooms are simple, yet comfortable and offer stunning views from their private balconies. ), Tuscany with kids: A wine tasting misadventure, What weve been up to lately: honey in Zafferana, beer in Acireale, On a Budget: Tips on Organising a Group Trip to Sicily, Family Bucket List Ideas How to Create Your Own DQ Family Travel. Every day at noon, animated figures from the tower come to life and display scenes from Messinas history. Seafood. Temple of Concordia in Agrigentos Valley of the Temples, Enjoy this post? We highly recommend visiting the fresh food market in Palmero. Take a look at our collection of family villas in Sicily. Beautiful beaches hug the coastline and of course, Mount Etna looms majestically over the skyline. Part of a complex of four hotels, this sprawling property near the beach is a favorite with French families. Plan your next holiday in Sicily with us. We stayed in apartments rather than hotels and with a just turned two years old needed a cot still. How does a villa with a view sound? This large, mid-range '60s-era hotel is part of a complex of four different hotels clustered together near the sea and a 10-minute drive from Sciacca. So, why plan a family holiday in Sicily? Not to worry here. Thanks for stopping by! This charming apartment will put you in full vacation mode. Kirsty24 January, 2019Destinations2 Comments. Modica is another town in Sicily known for stunning examples of baroque style architecture and chocolate. Then when it was time to eat, she packed up, gave us a bottle of good wine and left us to it. Ultimate List of Things to do in Tuscany with Kids! Medical facilities and a pediatrician are also available, should the need arise. Someone patiently came over to help me translate.
Each island offers a slower pace of life and is a marvel of simplicity. I personally never pass up aravioli con pistacchio. Apart from numerous ancient churches, the castle ruins of Castello di Venere and the cliffside stone residence of Torretta Pepoli are worth a visit. It has a unique layout, with a seamlessly neverending row of buildings and houses. However, the property has a dated feel, particularly in the rooms which feature bland, tired decor. The sprawling resort (complete with lovely gardens) does feel isolated, however, as there is nothing within walking distance. Instead of the focus being entirely on the children, you can enjoy adult conversation and the fun of cooking with friends and lingering over long leisurely dinners. With two toddlers in tow, we aimed for a mix of bustling city life in Catania and Palmero, fun beaches and of course, lots of ancient ruins for Rhino. Sicily has a rich and tumultuous history of being claimed throughout the centuries by the dominant forces of the era. This mid-range resort in Tre Fontane, Sicily, is geared toward (mostly Italian) families and couples looking to enjoythe pooland beach. Mount Etna is a natural choice to hike, but in Sicily youll find plenty of other places to walk as well, with varying level of difficulty for the kids. 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 wont be fighting the crowds to get into local attractions. Pasta. An important part of your vacation in Sicily is deciding where to stay. Part of a luxury chain with properties across Europe, the Verdura Resort is a large, self-contained resort on the southwest coast of Sicily. Anything with pistachio is always a good bet, whether it is on acannolior a pizza. The 9th century Palazzo Dei Normanni is a huge palace that showcases the Arab, Norman, and Byzantine history and culture in Sicily. As long as youre careful, clambering over the rocks and climbing is great exercise for little legs and grown-ups get a walk too. This small sanctuary has a public beach, a botanical garden, and a museum. Click here to book your guided tour of Syracuse's ancient monuments. An included breakfast buffet and a restaurantoffer good but not particularly memorable European fare. So if youre heading to Sicily and want to bring the kids along, youve come to the right place. The island of Ortigia is infused with classic Italian charm. Fresh fish and produce markets overflow with bright colors and heavenly aromas. Usually this is accompanied by them commenting on them beingbionde(blondes). Youll find a brilliant mix of cultures and traditions and several lively street markets. Required fields are marked *. It makes traveling a little less stressful. When my car wouldnt start and I was stranded at the park? It presents a wonderful blend of history and modern charm. Its carved entirely out of the rock and has a timeline dating back to the 5th century BC. The long, sandy red- and white-sand beach is under a 10-minute walk away, and there are two pools (one for the kiddies) on the premises. People are plenty nice to me when Im alone, but Sicily with kids? Youll feel as if youve stepped back in time as you wander the elegant rooms adorned with period furnishings. On the west coast, San Vito Lo Capo and Favignana Island are the places to go. Castellammare del Golfo is an idyllic Sicilian town nestled between the mountains and the sea. tour sights relevant to the Allied Invasion of Sicily in 1943, tours (include by mountain bike or quad! And Ive already talked about how they like to indulge my children! 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. With fabulous frescoes on the ceiling and dramatic stained glass windows, its one of the most magical places in the city. The grand 12th-century Palermo Cathedral has an accessible roof where you can enjoy lovely 360-degree views across the city. It really is a fantastic family travel destination that were. Lawns, plenty of safe places to explore, maybe even a small play area, will make for a far more relaxing time if you have an energetic toddler. Panarea is the smallest island, but arguably the most beautiful. sigonella garber becca hike With this Sicily itinerary, 10 days will fly by. Click here to book your tour of Messina with a local guide. Click here to book your combo tour of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa Ibla. Finding a European holiday that isnt 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. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER. Holidays with teenagers 5 easy ways to tempt them away with you, Cool down in Sicily | Best swimming spots, Gen up on gelati before your Sicily holiday, WishSicily in the Times | Explore Europes top spots for nature, Top 8 villas in Sicily with beautiful gardens, Grab a budget break in Sicily | Case Fil in Prima magazine, Wish Sicily in the Sunday Times No-drive European villa holidays, Stay up to date on what's new in Wish Sicily. Ragusa Ibla is the oldest section in the city of Ragusa. Catania is the second-largest Sicilian city. That said, a good friend of mine travelled around Sicily by public transport with ababy. It may be crowded but the sights, sounds and of course, tastes are a feast for the soul! If youre looking for souvenirs to take home from your Sicily trip, you cant go wrong with a box of melt-in-your-mouth chocolates! The citys signature recipe comes from none other than from the Aztecs. Dont miss it! Ditching Backpacks for Hire Cars: On the Road with Toddlers, Top 5 Europe Road Trips with Babies and Toddlers. While some of the beaches on Sicily are pebbly, theres plenty of choice when it comes to big sweeping stretches of sand with gently shelving water. Click here to book your boat tour around Ortigia Island and explore these unique rock formations up-close. Theres a photo in the gallery above. Click here to book your tour for Valley of the Temples and explore the site on an electric scooter! Find out why we love hiring cars now we have toddlers. Its tricky to find accommodation with cots. Check out the current prices for Atmosfere di Roccia here! Nicolaci Palace is a former noble palace from the Golden age of Noto. These are six of the best reasons we can think of why a holiday in Sicily works so well for young families. LATE SUMMER SUN IN SICILY Grab a last-minute villa holiday in September or October and save up to 20%! The Ear of Dionysius is a limestone cave shaped similar to a human ear. Enjoy this post? Really? However, there are some hotels in Sicily more geared toward the traveling family large rooms; sports facilities; kiddie pools, etc. doric sicily If you are spending a family holiday in Sicily (or any holiday), Id suggest checking out an winery/agriturismo for a combined wine tasting and expansive, farm-to-table meal that lasts hours. It enjoys a picturesque location next to the sea and sits at the foot of Mount Etna. Those who are interested in more recent history can tour sights relevant to the Allied Invasion of Sicily in 1943. Women Ive met with newborns tell me wait staff will frequently offer to hold the baby while they eat. If youre trying to figure out where to go in Sicily for a small-town appeal, this is your place. Its fascinating moonscape features ancient craters, lava flow caves, and spectacular views. Montenegro Highlights: Family Travel Blog. What makes the church especially popular is the adjoining bell tower and astronomical tower. It contains one of the Islands finest cathedrals, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. Check out the current prices for Le Finestra Sul Mare here! We were travelling in October when most of the child-friendly tourist attractions are already closed for the season but we did find the fun Biopark of Sicily near Palermo.