Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary to Explore Sicily

  • Day 1: Taormina
    1 hour (55.8 kilometers) from Catania Airport

    Taormina is one of the top destinations for families in Sicily. Start the day by visiting the Teatro Antico di Taormina, one of the most famous attractions in the area. Follow-up with a visit to the beautiful Isola Bella Beach and then visit Castello di Taormina for a great view of the city. Finish the day with a leisure walk around the Corso Umberto I street, lined with shops, restaurants and street performers.

  • Day 2: Mount Etna
    1 hour 20 minutes (47.9 kilometers) from Taormina

    The day should start early with a trip to Mount Etna, one of the most popular destinations in Sicily. Your family can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountain and have a memorable hiking experience. For a unique twist, take a cable car to the top to see the stunning views. End the day with a visit to the Museo del Giocattolo di Etna, known for its collection of toys from around the world.

  • Day 3: Siracusa
    1 hour 30 minutes (80.9 kilometers) from Taormina

    The third day of the trip should include a visit to the beautiful city of Siracusa. Start the day with a visit to the renowned Parco Archeologico della Neapolis before moving to the craftsmen quarters of Ortygia. Ortygia is known for its wide range of family-friendly restaurants and cafes. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Castello Maniace.

  • Day 4: Palermo
    2 hours 15 minutes (205 kilometers) from Siracusa

    Visit the bustling capital city of Sicily, Palermo, to start the fourth day. Start your day with a visit to the Cappella Palatina, a Norman Palace filled with vibrant mosaics and gold reliefs. Then explore the Mondello Beach, which has clear waters, white sand, and a dazzling range of coves. End the day with a visit to the Piazza Pretoria, a square in the heart of the city with a magnificent fountain.

  • Day 5: Agrigento
    2 hours 30 minutes (170 kilometers) from Palermo

    The day should include a visit to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sicily. It houses the remnants of the awe-inspiring Greek temples that were built in the 5th century BC. End a great day with a visit to the Casa Natale di Luigi Pirandello, to learn more about the famous Italian writer, playwright, and poet.

  • Day 6: Cefalù
    1 hour (75 kilometers) from Agrigento

    One of the most beautiful coastal villages in Sicily, Cefalù, is where the trip ends. Visit the magnificent Cefalù Cathedral, made with beautiful Byzantine mosaics, and then take a walk to the La Rocca di Cefalù, which has stunning panoramic views of the coast. End the day at Le Salinelle Beach where you can relax, indulge in water-sports, and watch stunning sunsets over the island's coast.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Teatro Antico di Taormina (45 min, $15)
  • Isola Bella Beach (90 min, $5)
  • Castello di Taormina (60 min, $10)
  • Cable car to Mount Etna (120 min, $60)
  • Museo del Giocattolo di Etna (60 min, $12)
  • Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (120 min, $20)
  • Cappella Palatina (60 min, $12)
  • Mondello Beach (150 min, $10)
  • Piazza Pretoria (60 min, Free)
  • Valley of the Temples (120 min, $15)
  • Casa Natale di Luigi Pirandello (90 min, $8)
  • Cefalù Cathedral (60 min, $10)
  • La Rocca di Cefalù (120 min, $8)
  • Le Salinelle Beach (120 min, $5)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $180

Transportation

It is recommended to travel by car to explore Sicily, especially when traveling with family. Car rentals are available from Catania Airport, and other nearby locations. Taking public transportation is also an option, but it's essential to check the schedules and drop-off points beforehand, and taxis are readily available, but it's better to negotiate the price before getting in to avoid being overcharged.

Costs: Car Rental - $30/day, Taxi - $15/hour, and Public Transport - $5/ride. Travel time increases when taking public transport options.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, include a visit to the beautiful Aeolian Islands or the picturesque beaches of San Vito Lo Capo. Around Sicily, you can explore some of the untapped historical treasures of Erice, Noto, and Monreale. If you have limited time, consider cutting the visit to Agrigento and adding a visit to the charming hilltop village of Ragusa.

Airports

The main airport in Sicily is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), which is located 4.3 km southwest of Catania City Centre. It is the busiest airport in Sicily and the sixth busiest in Italy. The airport has excellent connectivity with various domestic and international destinations.

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