Sicily · Italy · Things to do
5 things to do in Sicily with kids
The five best things to do in Sicily with kids are the clifftop town of Taormina, a day on Mount Etna, the street food and markets of Palermo, a swim at Cefalu, and the Greek temples at Agrigento's Valley of the Temples. They are spread across the island, so plan on a car, a base on each side and at least a week.
What to do, in order
- 1
Take in Taormina's views
Taormina is a town on a cliff on the east coast, with a Greek theatre that looks out over the sea towards Mount Etna. The main street, Corso Umberto, is lined with shops and cafes and is easy on foot. Below the town, a cable car runs down to Mazzaro and the small beach of Isola Bella, which suits swimming. Visit the theatre early or late, since the middle of the day is hot and busy. Parking is hard, so use the car parks at the edge.
- 2
Get close to Mount Etna
Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, and it often shows smoke or small eruptions. Most families go up by road to the Rifugio Sapienza area, then take the cable car and a guided 4x4 further up, or walk the paths around the old Silvestri craters, which are easy and short. The summit area is closed or restricted depending on volcanic activity, so check the current status. It is cold and windy at altitude even in summer, so bring jackets and sturdy shoes.
- 3
Explore Palermo's markets
Palermo has several old street markets, including Ballaro, Capo and Vucciria, where stalls sell fruit, fish, spices and snacks. They are loud and crowded, but good for children who like to see everything. Street food is part of the visit. Arancine, fried rice balls, and panelle, chickpea fritters, are easy choices. Go in the morning, when the markets are busiest and freshest, keep bags in front, and watch for scooters in the narrow lanes.
- 4
Swim at Cefalu
Cefalu is a fishing town on the north coast with a long sandy beach right next to its old centre, so you can swim, then walk into town for lunch. The cathedral dates from the Norman period and is worth a short visit. Behind the town, a steep path climbs La Rocca, the rock above the town, for a view, though it is hot in summer. Arrive early for a place on the beach, and use the train from Palermo to avoid parking.
- 5
See the Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento is a group of Greek temples built from about the sixth century BC, which makes them older than the Colosseum. The Temple of Concordia is one of the best preserved in the Greek world. The site is large, open and almost without shade, so visit in the early morning or late afternoon, bring water and a hat, and allow two to three hours. Children enjoy the scale and the space to walk.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to early June and September to October have warm weather, a swimmable sea and fewer crowds. July and August are very hot, especially inland. Etna can have snow in winter and early spring.
- How long
- A week allows the east and the north, and ten days gives time for Agrigento and the south. Sicily is large, so choose a base on each side rather than crossing daily.
- Getting around
- Rent a car for most of the island. Trains connect Palermo, Cefalu, Catania and Taormina, but are slower, and buses cover the rest. Old town centres have restricted traffic zones with fines, so park outside and walk in.
Good to know
- Plan the middle of the day indoors or in the water. Summer heat is strong, particularly at archaeological sites and inland.
- Eat late by northern European standards. Many restaurants open for dinner around 7.30 or 8.
- Drive carefully in Palermo and Catania, where traffic is fast and parking is informal. Many families stay outside and use taxis.
Frequently asked
Is Sicily good for kids? +
Yes. Beaches are easy, food is simple, and sights such as Etna, the Greek temples and Palermo's markets give variety. Heat, long drives and chaotic city traffic are the challenges, so plan slow days and avoid midday sightseeing in summer.
How many days do you need in Sicily with kids? +
Seven to ten days works for a first visit. That allows a base on the east coast near Taormina and Etna, plus time in Palermo and Cefalu or the temples at Agrigento, without driving across the island every day.
Can you climb Mount Etna with children? +
Children can visit the lower slopes by cable car, 4x4 or short walks around the old craters. The summit requires a guide and more effort, and it can be closed during volcanic activity. Check the current rules and weather.
Do you need a car in Sicily? +
Mostly yes. Trains link the main cities and Taormina, but the Valley of the Temples, Etna and many beaches are easier by car. You can do Palermo and Cefalu without one.
