Family activity holidays in Sicily

Sicily definitely does beach breaks but there’s much more to look forward to than simply sand between your toes. Family activity holidays here serve up cycling and trekking in river valleys; Greco-Roman encounters in archaeological sites; secret family recipes and semi-frozen sorbets. Sicily’s got more crunch than a freshly filled ricotta cannoli.

This is an Italian island that’s trapped in time, whose landscapes are almost as rugged as the suited, booted and coppola-capped old men aligning town piazzas every evening. Summer temperatures soar, matched only by the heat of the lava flowing from Stromboli and Etna.

Family activity holidays in Sicily are aimed at children aged nine and over. Sea kayaking, island hopping, thermal springs and trekking up active volcanoes are all great fun – and especially so when combined with late nights, summer sunshine and generous helpings of gelato and granita.

Sicily’s east coast is an ideal setting for active families. Mount Etna looms large as the coastal towns of Catania and Taormina look inwards with a certain amount of trepidation. Locally run, family friendly hotels in Naxos Bay provide home comforts as well as access to Isola Bella Marine Park and Etna’s simmering summit.

Our active family holidays always make Mount Etna the high point as you embark on a 4x4 Jeep excursion to 2,900m before opting to continue, on foot with a local guide, to the crater’s edge at 3,350m.

Giardini Naxos, between Cape Schisò and Cape Taormina, is another Sicilian seaside town that supplies smouldering views of Etna. This is also where the Alcantara River empties into the Ionian from its source in the Nebrodi Mountains, some 50km inland. The Alcantara Valley offers a chance to trek up river before floating, scrambling and swimming downstream – sure to excite even the surliest of teens.

On a free day, perhaps visit the Aeolian islands of Vulcano for volcano trekking, Lipari for mud baths and Stromboli for a stroll along the Sciara del Fuoco – the Stream of Fire. However, be warned, it’s about a two hour transfer from Catania to the port town of Milazzo, followed by an hour’s hydrofoil ride to Vulcano. Early starts are essential. The amphitheatres and temples of Syracuse – an hour’s drive south of Catania – are an easier option for families looking to balance out activity days with ancient coastal site.

Syracuse is also renowned for its seafood. Check out the little Sicilian savoury and sweet snacks on offer in Oritigia market and the surrounding street food stalls, including everything from arancini and cannoli to brioche and almond granita – a refreshing, semi-frozen sorbet.

Sicily sizzles in the school summer holidays, so water based activities – sea kayaking, snorkelling and body rafting on the river – are perfect for keeping cool. May half term makes for a much more comfortable alternative for cycling trips and trekking up Mount Etna, and the Ionian is already starting to warm up. Typical of Italy: facilities and restaurants around the coast tend to only open between May and September. That’s why our small group activity holidays for families tend to follow suit.