3 Unique Things to Do in Sicily with All Ages

Sicily, Italy’s sun-soaked jewel, blends history, culture and natural beauty for the perfect family getaway. Thanks to the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus and, most recently, Jo Piazza’s new bestselling book, The Sicilian Inheritance, Sicily — just off the toe of Italy’s boot — continues to dominate as the “it” summertime Italian vacation. The island’s diverse attractions and trendy vibe make it an unforgettable family destination.

Mount Etna’s volcanic wonders, savoring gelato on Taormina’s chic promenade and diving into Pantelleria’s crystal-clear waters are just a few adventures that await — not to mention the distinctive Sicilian eats, from cannolis to caponata.

Unique Things to Do in Sicily: 3 Amazing Adventures

Mount Etna

Channel your inner volcanologist at Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Most recently erupting in November 2023, this UNESCO World Heritage site towers at more than 11,000 feet. Start at the Etna Park Visitor Center with its interactive exhibits. A short walk leads to Rifugio Sapienza, where a cable car whisks you up 8,200 feet. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sicilian countryside and Ionian Sea, then marvel at the volcanic landscape. Join a guided tour to explore higher craters and lava fields — walking on cooled lava is surreal and makes for a great Instagram photo opportunity.

For a deeper dive, Etna Experience offers a half-day tour, perfect for kids, including a safe trek through legendary lava tubes with helmets and headlamps. End your adventure at a local trattoria like Parco Statella, savoring boar sausage, mushroom soup and Mount Etna wines. If kids get restless during the degustation menu, let them explore the beautiful park grounds while the adults enjoy the meal.

Taormina

Taormina, Sicily’s glamorous cliffside town, was a star long before The White Lotus’ character Tanya McQuoid vacationed there. Begin your adventure at the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, a well-preserved Greco-Roman amphitheater built in 3 BC. Kids can roam the ancient steps, imagining gladiatorial battles and dramatic performances. Afterward, stroll through Villa Comunale gardens, ideal for picnics among whimsical sculptures.

On day two in Taormina, take the cable car to Mazzarò Beach for a relaxing seaside outing. In the evening, join locals for la passeggiata (the evening stroll) along Corso Umberto, with shops, galleries and street entertainers. Don’t miss the authentic gelato, a must for the whole family.

Pantelleria

Pantelleria, a hideaway for celebrities and rock stars plus local resident Giorgio Armani, is a rugged playground for outdoors-loving families. This island, closer to Tunisia than Sicily, features black volcanic rock landscapes dotted with pink caper plant flowers. Beaches may be sparse, but protected coves for swimming and cliff diving abound. Ask your hotel to point you to one nearby (a rental car is a must for the island as ride shares are basically nonexistent). At the geothermic lake Specchio di Venere, slather on mineral-rich mud for a fun family mud bath.

A treat for parents, award-winning Sicilian winemaker Donnafugata has a gorgeous, modern wine tasting room to sample their vintages, including local passito wine (made from dried grapes). Opt for the tasting that includes food so kids can enjoy the island’s flavors too. Speaking of local flavors, seafood is primo here. Don’t miss a meal at the fresh catch-focused Il Principe E Il Pirate, perched atop a hill overlooking the ocean. Homemade pasta with sea urchin, anyone?

Relevant Links:

Browse all accommodations and things to do in Italy on Ciao Bambino

52 things to know before traveling to Italy with kids

10 tips for traveling to Italy with kids

Sicily with kids: Ancient history on crystalline shores

Experience a melting pot of cultures in Sicily with kids

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.