Family holiday in Sicily | Italy Itinerary

Route

You start in Catania and drive southeast to Syracuse, Ortigia, Noto and Vendicari. Then you head towards Taormina and Mount Etna, with stops at Isola Bella and the Alcantara Gorge.

Pace

A leisurely tour of Sicily with a hire car and two overnight stays. Limited driving time, plenty of time for swimming and space for spontaneous stops along the way.

Highlights

A cooking workshop with local hosts in the interior, wandering through Ortigia in Syracuse and admiring the Baroque architecture in Noto. Climb Mount Etna in a 4x4, snorkel at Isola Bella and hike or go canyoning in the Alcantara Gorge. Taormina concludes with the Teatro Greco and views of the sea and volcano.

Accommodation

Small-scale boutique hotels and characterful masseria with swimming pool.

Profile

For families looking for a varied, comfortable and characterful tour of Sicily with children. Ideal for parents who appreciate culture and children who want to burn off energy in nature.

Day 1: Arrival in Sicily

You land in Catania and drive to your charming, family-friendly boutique hotel where you will stay for three nights. Take some time to acclimatise, enjoy your first ice cream of the trip or explore a nearby village where the smell of freshly baked pizza greets you.

Day 2: Cooking workshop with local hosts & Noto

After breakfast, you will head inland, where Carlo and Jessie will welcome you with open arms for a heart-warming cooking workshop. Together, you will make fresh ravioli from local wheat flour, while the aroma of fresh herbs fills the kitchen. Afterwards, you will sit down to a feast of local cheeses, olive oil and wines from award-winning producers in the region. During spring and summer, dinner is served outside by the river, under the shade of centuries-old trees, with the option of taking a refreshing dip in the river in between courses. In the late afternoon, Noto is on the agenda, a city known for its elegant Baroque architecture.

Visit the imposing cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, stroll through charming streets lined with sand-coloured facades and enjoy a delicious lunch on a sunny terrace.

Day 3: Syracuse & Vendicari Nature Reserve

Today you will visit one of the most beautiful historic cities in Sicily: Syracuse. Founded in the 8th century BC, the city exudes history with its mix of Roman and Greek influences. Stroll through the narrow streets of the atmospheric Ortigia peninsula, past sun-drenched squares and the mythical Fonte Aretusa with its crystal-clear spring water and lush plants.

In the afternoon, the Vendicari Nature Reserve awaits, an oasis of tranquillity with lagoons, sand dunes and ancient watchtowers that remind us of the past. The wooden walkways lead you past areas rich in birdlife where, with a little luck, you may spot flamingos or herons. Don't forget your binoculars, as nature treats you to a spectacular show here.

Day 4: To the north-east

Today you say goodbye to the baroque south-east coast and drive towards the rugged north-east of Sicily — a region full of natural beauty and highlights, both literally and figuratively. After arriving at your new accommodation, you check in and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool, with views of the Sicilian countryside or the azure blue sea.

Day 5: Adventure on Mount Etna

One of Sicily's greatest icons awaits you: Mount Etna. Together with an English-speaking volcano guide, you will explore the eastern flank of the mountain in sturdy 4x4 jeeps, far away from the busiest routes. Along the way, you will walk across lava fields and around small craters, a fascinating lunar landscape that is constantly changing. Those who like a little more adventure can opt for a quad bike ride or even a donkey trek along the volcanic trails. In the afternoon, you will return to the hotel for a refreshing dip in the pool or the sea.

Day 6: Taormina & Isola Bella

Today you will discover Taormina, an elegant town with winding streets, atmospheric squares and endless gelaterias. Visit the famous Teatro Greco, a Greek amphitheatre from the 3rd century BC that once served as a venue for gladiatorial combats and today provides a beautiful backdrop for concerts and performances overlooking the sea and Mount Etna. In the afternoon, descend on foot or by cable car to Mazzarò, from where you can walk to Isola Bella via a narrow spit of land. This small island with its turquoise waters is ideal for snorkelling, kayaking or a relaxing boat trip along the coast.

Day 7: The Alcantara Gorge

Today, pure natural beauty is on the programme. The Gole dell'Alcantara is an impressive gorge with basalt formations up to 25 metres high, created when lava from Mount Etna came into contact with the cold river water millions of years ago. You can walk along the water or take part in adventurous activities such as canyoning, ideal for families with older children who love action.

Day 8: Back home

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Sicily. You return the hire car and head home, with a head full of memories and a heart still tingling with sun, sea and Sicilian hospitality.

Frequently asked questions about a family holiday in Sicily

Do I need a hire car for this tour?

Yes. A hire car is necessary for this family holiday in Sicily, as you will be travelling between the south-east (Syracuse) and the north-east (Etna and Taormina).

When is the best time to travel to Sicily with children?

The best time for a tour of Sicily with children is May, June and September. The temperatures are pleasant for beach and Etna excursions.

What makes eastern Sicily so suitable for families?

Eastern Sicily is ideal for a family holiday thanks to short distances, safe beaches, historic towns and active excursions such as Etna and the Alcantara Gorge.