The 11 Best Things to Do in Sicily for Families

Sicily might not be the first place that you think of when you're looking for an active family holiday, but it should be.  

It's got:

• Diverse activities, easily accessible; There’s a brilliant balance between culture, adventure and beach.  
• Varied coastlines; You’ve got three different coastlines on one island. There’s golden sandy beaches in the north, dramatic volcanic shores in the East and turquoise bays surrounded by white cliffs in the South West. All different. All perfect for exploring.
• Kids are treated like royalty; Sicilians adore children, and tavernas happily welcome families late into the evening.  
• You don’t have to worry about fussy eaters; Pizza, pasta, arancini, gelato. You’re safe with Sicilian food if you’ve got a fussy eater on your hands. 

1. Climb Mount Etna, Europe's most famous volcano

Sicily's headline act is worthy of Saturday night at Glastonbury, and will be a highlight for the whole family. Standing proud at 3,357m above sea level as Europe's highest mountain, Etna is visible from almost every part of the island. It's recognised by UNESCO as the most active stratovolcano in the world, and standing next to its vast lava fields is like stepping onto another planet.  

You can get pretty close to the top even with small kids in tow. On the southern side, a cable car runs up to 2,500 metres, and from there you can jump in a jeep for an exhilarating 4x4 road trip close to the craters, led by a guide.

Even if you don't go all the way to the summit, you'll uncover sensational views. Lush hills roll out towards the coastline, dotted with vineyards and fruit groves, small villages and historic towns. The mountain itself is an otherworldly treeless landscape of craters and black lava flows.

2. Explore the Valley of the Temples – Ancient Greece, in Italy

There are lots of outstanding historical attractions in Sicily. But if you're going to visit one, make it the Valley of the Temples.  

It's seven Ancient Greek temples, built to honour various gods and heroes like Hercules almost 2,500 years ago. Most are incredibly well-preserved, with the Temple of Concordia being the best of all of them with rows of soaring columns, each six metres high, stretching straight up to the sky beneath a grand façade.

Kids will have no trouble imagining the myths surrounding each site. They can spend a morning pretending they're Zeus or Athena, whilst walking the 4 km route around the ruins. Audio guides are available and worth picking up if you're interested in details of the history.

Looking for a base to visit The Valley of the Temples? Our Neilson x Mangia's Torre del Barone resort is in the southwest and is only an hours drive away.

3. Paddle around the coves – kayaking and SUP

The southwest coast of Sicily was made for water sports. Calm water, warm temperatures and a gentle sea breeze make this one of the easiest places to get everybody out on the water.  

Kids will love kayaking and paddle boarding. The family can take excursions at their own pace, enjoying a leisurely paddle or moving confidently from cove to cove. It's an endorphin-rich way to find quieter spots away from the main beaches and get a different perspective of the beautiful coastline.

When you stay at Neilson x Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort, paddle boarding and kayaking are included,  all supported by qualified instructors who can help get you out on the water.

4. Wander Taormina, Sicily's showpiece town

This is Sicily's showpiece town.

Taormina is a postcard-perfect, coastal hilltop town with charming medieval streets, crowned by an ancient Greco-Roman theatre with panoramic views. Look in one direction, and you can marvel at Mount Etna. Turn back, and there's the Ionian Sea.  

It's also one of the best places to visit in Sicily for a taste of tradition. Follow the smells of fresh seafood, crisping arancini, bright citrus and bold coffee as you wander the main streets. The Piazza IX Aprile is car-free, so little ones can roam safely with supervision while you take a moment to rest up, Aperol in hand.

Once you've had your fill of the town, head down to the base of the cliff to visit the Isola Bella. Known as the 'Pearl of the Ionian Sea' because of its beauty, this tiny island is now a protected nature reserve, with lush exotic vegetation to explore. It's connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand. When you're ready to leave, you can use the funicular to ferry the family back up the hill to Taormina and be on your way.

5. Go snorkelling and discover the world beneath the surface

Snorkelling is sure to be a favourite for all the family. Gentle and accessible, it's one of those rare activities that is enjoyable for the whole family.

With your masks on, you and your kids can explore a world of coral, colourful fish and coves that line the shores of Sicily. Peer beneath the surface and you'll find a hidden world of darting silver fish, and secret coves only reachable by water. It's slow, calm and endlessly rewarding, the sort of activity that has kids begging for "just five more minutes" long after everyone else is ready for lunch.

All snorkelling gear is included in your Neilson stay, so it's easy to get set up and in the water when the mood strikes.

6. See the stunning Scala dei Turchi coastal hotspot

Scala dei Turchi is one of Sicily's most-photographed spots. Dazzling white marl cliffs form natural steps that lead straight down to the shimmering sea and have been attracting people to take pictures of it long before Instagram was even a thing.

It's well-located near Realmonte, around 15 km from Agrigento (and close to Neilson x Mangia's Torre del Barone resort) making it an easy stop off on your way back from the Valley of the Temples.  

One thing to bear in mind is that access to walk the cliffs has been restricted in recent years due to conservation efforts, so it's worth checking the latest information when planning what to see in Sicily.

7. Try e-Foiling and sea scooters – the new wave of water sports

Take the chance to try e-foiling or sea scooters. They let you move through or over the water with ease, giving maximum enjoyment at minimum effort.  

Instead of swimming, children can hold the sea scooter by the handles and be towed along for the ride, allowing them to go further and stay in the water longer without getting tired.

Adults will love having a stab at e-Foiling and feeling what it's like to fly! Powered by an electric board which lifts as you gain speed, you glide above the surface for a heart-racing, half-surfing, half-soaring experience. We offer e-Foiling taster sessions at the Neilson Sicily resort, so you can give it a go before deciding it's their new favourite activity.

8. Slow down in Cefalù, where a medieval town meets sandy beach

If you and the kids are at odds over beach or culture, Cefalù offers a best-of-both-worlds. You can explore the narrow, golden-sandy streets of the medieval old town followed by some time on the golden-sandy beach. Energy-wise, it's gentle too, making it a great day-out no matter how old you are.

The medieval town sits on the north coast, approximately an hour from Palermo by car or train. It's best known for its 12th-century cathedral, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture decorated with breathtaking mosaics.  

The town is car-free, so you can relax while wandering with younger children. All the Cefalù sites are walkable, so you can enjoy a varied day without hassle.

9. Walk through history at Ortigia and Syracuse

Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Greek and Roman roots and beautiful Baroque buildings. As you walk round the town you'll be able to marvel at the cathedral, with its grand 1700s architecture and remains of a 5th-century Temple of Athena, as well as spot the Greek temples still standing in and amongst the shops.

The highlight of a visit to Syracuse is undoubtedly Ortigia, a connected island at the city's heart. Barely 1 km long, it showcases 3,000 years of history in a diverse array of sites, each with its own story to tell.  

10. Cycle the countryside for olive groves, vineyards and sea views

If you can tear yourselves away from the beach for a day, the Sicilian countryside doesn't disappoint. The landscape shifts from lush to dry to coastal to mountainous as you move through the regions.

Choose between road, mountain and e-bikes to suit the terrain and your preferences and saddle up for a few hours of peace. E-bikes flatten the hills, making it easy for mixed-ability groups to ride together without anyone waiting or getting left behind.  

Fancy cycling in Sicily? Check out our complete guide to cycling in Sicily.

11. Recharge with yoga, Pilates and a sound bath in the pines

What better way to complete an active holiday in Sicily than with some slower-paced activities designed to help you unwind? After days filled with exploring volcanoes, medieval towns and water sports, a little bit of down time doing some Yoga or Pilates is a welcome break. And exactly what you might need to recharge the batteries before you have to go back to work.

There's no bad time to visit between May and October. The best month for your holiday depends on whether you're looking to prioritise cultural adventures, beach days, or a balance of both.

Here's the breakdown:

• May and June; May to June is a bit of a sweet spot if you’re looking for long days exploring or doing plenty of activities. The days are warm without being scorching, and popular attractions are quieter than in the summer. It's ideal for active families who want to combine water sports, sightseeing and beach time without spending the day searching for shade.
• Summer; July and August bring classic Mediterranean summer weather, with temperatures regularly climbing into the 30s °C. The sea is gloriously warm and beach days are at their best, but it's also the busiest time of year. And one thing that definitely isn’t fun is trying to tackle something like the Valley of the Temples in the scorching midday sun, battling for shade with other tourists.
• September and October; September to October is another fantastic time to visit. The sea is still a pleasant temperature, and the crowds begin to thin. You'll also find there's a lovely late-summer atmosphere across the island that's blissfully peaceful.

Neilson Beach Clubs are ideally placed for exploring, making it easy for families to balance time in the resort with the occasional afternoon out.  Our Sicily resort on the southwest coast is perfectly located for ticking off a big chunk of the best things to do, so you spend less time in the car and more time doing what you want to.

All activities are included, letting you switch off knowing the kids are sorted. Water sports, from old favourites like kayaking to paddleboarding, are our bread and butter, included with every Neilson stay. Our resorts also offer lots of other outdoor activities too, in addition to in-studio fitness classes and an indoor pool for when you need a break from the sun.  

Make the Neilson x Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort your base for it all and enjoy five-star comfort after busy days devoted to the best things to do in Sicily. Whatever you decide to include in your Sicily holiday, one thing's for sure – there's no danger of anyone getting bored!

Looking for more things to do in Sicily? Check out our post on the best things to do in Sicily in May. Or you can check out our post on the must-try Sicilian dishes or best outdoor activities to do in Sicily.