Holidays

Family Holiday Bucket List – Sicily

November 7, 2017 Jayne1 Comment

Sicily Husband and I spend a lot of time fantasising about where we’ll visit when we’re able to start taking holidays and one place that we definitely agree upon is Sicily. It’s considered to be a ‘wilder’ version of Italy and there are SO many things about the place that pique our curiosity. We’re planning to rent a villa in Sicily as we think it’ll provide a really good base for us as a family to explore from, and it also gives us the option to have lazy days in our accommodation, or to eat in rather than visiting restaurants for every meal. Here are just five of the reasons we’d love to visit Sicily:

Mount Etna

Obviously, one of the things which springs to mind as soon as most people mention Sicily is Mount Etna, which is an active volcano on the island. It’s possible to climb the mountain and there’s a cable car which takes you to the summit. Once you get there, the views are truly breathtaking and while it’s all very well seeing other people’s photos, it’s a view I’d like to take in with my own eyes.

The History

One of the things that a lot of people don’t realise is the huge amount of Greek history which Sicily has, including one of the best examples of a Greek temple on the planet! Husband and I love a bit of historical sightseeing and would be absolutely in our element wandering around temples for the day.

The Food

Every time I see a plate of Sicilian food, my mouth starts to water involuntarily! From the fresh fish to the cured meats, the pasta, the gelato, the cannoli and other pastries – I could go on, but I don’t want to start drooling on my keyboard! I guarantee I will come back from Sicily having gained a LOT of weight (fortunately there’s a lot of villas in Sicily with a pool, so I could keep some of the weight at bay while I’m there!).

The Architecture

From what I can gather, the architecture in Sicily is something to take notice of, not least of all because the island has a long history of different cultures using the island as a travelling way-point. Years ago, I read in a book that whenever you’re in a new city, you should look UP at the tops of the buildings because there are often little hidden treasures than so many people miss because they simply never look up, and I reckon Sicily has a lot of these treasures to find.

The Coast

Coming from the South East of England means that I’ve always been fairly close to the coast wherever I’ve lived, and it’s given me a real love of the sea and beach. Sicily’s coastline looks absolutely stunning in every single image I’ve ever seen and I’d love to spend time both on the beaches and travelling the coastline.

Have you ever been to Sicily? Is it a favourite location for holidays for you and your family? Do you have any tips for hidden gems? Do leave me a comment below.

Holidays

Sicily with children: Tips and Activities

October 19, 2015October 22, 2015 JayneLeave a comment

Sicily is one of the favorite destinations for travelers who tag along their kids with them. This is because of the abundance of available activities that can accommodate children of all ages. Aside from the nature parks and archaeological sites to visit, waterparks and adventure parks abound to keep the entire family happy. Here are some tips and activities suited for a family holiday in Sicily.

Stay in a charming villa in the countryside or near the sea

If you want to have a real vacation, with all the comforts you can find, find a charming villa that provides you the necessary services that your family needs.

There are many companies in Italy like Country Holiday that can help you to find the right accommodation for your family. You can also choose those that have swimming pools and spas so your vacation will even be more relaxing and enjoyable. Some villas also provide necessary amenities for families with very young children. Depending on where your destination is, there are villas that are located in the countryside or near the sea. Keep in mind to reserve for one that can serve as a comfortable base for your itinerary.

Have Fun in Adventure Parks or Water Parks

You can’t drag your children the whole time to visit museums, especially if they are of very young age. They will lose interest immediately and it can get tiresome to be towing them around. Providing them a means of diversion in between your visits to some museums will keep them charged and interested all the way. There are many nature parks where they can test their agility and physical skills such as Adventure Park Ecocampus Casaboli which is just 15 minutes away from Palermo. While the children try the different activities, parents can pass away their time in the relaxation areas. Tree climbing, cable slides, rope ladder walking, archery and mountain biking are just some of the activities they offer.

In summer, aside from enjoying the beaches of Sicily, the entire family can also have fun in Etnaland Water Park located in Catania. It is a dinosaur-themed water park that offers more than just different rides and slides. The park also has a cableway and laser shows to keep the family excited the whole day long.

Drive around the Island

Instead of hopping from one public transport to the next, you can also opt to rent a car so it will more comfortable for the entire family to each destination. It’s more convenient when you have luggage and children to deal with. Kids don’t have much patience for many things, so having a comfortable ride can make it more fun and enjoyable for the entire family. You can stop anywhere you want or go anywhere you desire.

Holidays

Sicily on a Budget for Family with Children

January 19, 2015 JayneLeave a comment

Sicily is widely known as a hotspot for romantic getaways, but it is also a nice place to take a family vacation. The island is very accessible to get around and has many activities that are family friendly as well as relaxing for even children. One way of making travel around the island easier is hiring a car in Sicily and driving to each destination. This will save you on time and most importantly money. There are also great budget accommodations around the island such as bed and breakfasts to quaint inns, which will make your family vacation that much easier and less stressful. Here is a quick guide on some of the best activities you can do that are fun for the entire family and most importantly, will keep the kids happy and occupied.

In the cities there are some great museums and exhibits that are fun and educational for the whole family. In Palermo, there is even a children’s town with many fun activities. You can find For a more nature driven experience, try taking the family on a guided tour of Mt. Etna or other volcanic sites. Kids will surely be in awe of the power and site of an active volcano. On Mt. Etna there is even a cable car that takes you over the flowing lava and active zones. There are even various mud baths around Sicily where the whole family can have a blast being covered in natural clay! For more educational and fun trips, kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring some of the Ancient Greek temples or other ruins around the island. Syracuse has some of the best preserved temples in the world making it a fun and memorable adventure for the whole family.

If you are visiting during the summer months there are some wonderful nature parks and water parks in Sicily. On a hot day there is nothing better than to go to one of the water parks such as Etnaland near Catania or Acqua Isola Verde Park near Cefalu. The whole family can let loose and have fun at any of these awesome parks which also enjoy some incredible views. In the town of Monreale you can split the day in half. One half can befor the adults to see the amazing cathedral and the other for the kids to go to the nearby waterpark. No matter where you go Sicily is filled with fun activities for the entire family. Whether you are on top of a volcano or walking amongst ancient ruins, everyone can find something they like.