Prepare for the heat
Small children will struggle outdoors in Sicily in peak summer from about 11am-4pm. Unless they’re aligning with Sicilian siesta law or are under a shaded kids’ club, it would be wise to consider shoulder season for pre-schoolers. What’s more, many of the Baroque Sicilian towns and cities’ ancient cobblestones aren’t designed for prams, so remember to bring a good baby carrier, backpack or hop on one of their sweet family train rides that introduces children to grand Baroque architecture, pointing out the best gelato spots, chocolatiers and the gargoyles peering down from atop their palazzi.
Pack smart
Invest in a wide-brimmed sunhat and long-sleeved, long-legged swimsuits for tinies to save their skin from the fierce Sicilian sun. Always check with your hotel for minimum kids club age, and what time their restaurant opens – what’s worse than a 7.45pm restaurant opening time when you’re children are used to eating at 5pm and being tucked up two hours later?
Hire a car
Unless you’re staying solely in Palermo or Catania (where Sicily’s two airports are based), it’s worth hiring a car to explore, though don’t expect the rental company to procure age-specific carseats (even if this has been agreed). I have experienced this hiccup numerous times and on my last trip, invested in two Cybex foldable Solution G2 carseats for peace of mind. Even if you book a smart transfer with hotels, you really have to emphasise the ages of your children and reconfirm to avoid the booster seat for a six month old scenario.
Embrace day trips
Older children and teenagers will enjoy exploring Siciliy’s maze-like towns and villages, diving into its Slim Aarons-looking pools and aquamarine swimming spots, and hopping on boat trips for uninhabited islands and caves. The beauty of Sicily is that, no matter where your hotel is located, much of the island can be explored via day trips, though families would be forgiven for indulging a little Dolce Far Niente, poolside or under the shade of the citrus trees.
Take your time
Having travelled to Sicily as a family multiple times, the best formula for a successful 10 days or two-week break is, unquestionably, combining a family-friendly hotel with a villa stay. Hotels provide parents with all the pampering they’re so desperately in need of (the spa facilities, the elevated dining, the kids’ club or babysitting), then a villa serves up all that precious family time and, crucially, the privacy to let children run wild and the room space to ensure everyone’s banking ample sleep. It works particularly well for multi-generational groups and opens up new areas of the island for everyone to explore.
