Best family-friendly hotels in Sicily, with top tips on travelling with children on the island

The Sicilians are, by and large, remarkably welcoming of bambini, who are embedded in their psyche as a blessing, not an inconvenience. As such, the best family-friendly hotels in Sicily are also some of the island’s most lauded. Expect cooing, overly-expressive signs of affection and a society that is unabashedly pro children being integrated into every facet of life. Even the most elaborate hotels welcome children warmly – perhaps not the sort whose parents turn a blind eye to their darlings smudging pistachio cannoli filling into Zoffany upholstered sofas, but here, first-rate kids clubs buy parents plenty of off-duty time. Time, that is, to enjoy a sun-dappled terrace framed by crumbling columns and palms, a haze of distant blue ring-fencing the green hills braided in olive groves and vineyards, and the irresistible waft of orange blossom and freshly baked arancini washed down with crisp Etna wines. Sicily is a wildly romantic island, layered in history, wrapped in surreal blue waters, caught in the crosshairs of civilisations, and intensely varied in its landscape, cuisine and culture – depending on which region you pootle a few kilometres over to. Wild spirits can run free on the island’s abundant argiturismos, free of the formalities and precariously balanced 17th-century busts of the high-end hotels.

Where you choose to stay depends on your children’s ages, proclivities and really, how you like to holiday. This is our edit of the best family-friendly hotels in Sicily.

Insider tips from a mother who’s explored Sicily with two small children for six weeks.

Small children will struggle outdoors in Sicily in peak summer from about 11am-4pm. Unless they’re aligning with Sicilian siesta law or are under a shaded kids’ club, it would be wise to consider shoulder season for pre-schoolers. What’s more, many of the Baroque Sicilian towns and cities’ ancient cobblestones aren’t designed for prams, so remember to bring a good baby carrier, backpack or hop on one of their sweet family train rides that introduces children to grand Baroque architecture, pointing out the best gelato spots, chocolatiers and the gargoyles peering down from atop their palazzi.

Invest in a wide-brimmed sunhat and long-sleeved, long-legged swimsuits for tinies to save their skin from the fierce Sicilian sun. Always check with your hotel for minimum kids club age, and what time their restaurant opens – what’s worse than a 7.45pm restaurant opening time when you’re children are used to eating at 5pm and being tucked up two hours later?

Unless you’re staying solely in Palermo or Catania (where Sicily’s two airports are based), it’s worth hiring a car to explore, though don’t expect the rental company to procure age-specific carseats (even if this has been agreed). I have experienced this hiccup numerous times and on my last trip, invested in two Cybex foldable Solution G2 carseats for peace of mind. Even if you book a smart transfer with hotels, you really have to emphasise the ages of your children and reconfirm to avoid the booster seat for a six month old scenario.