For Families

The island of Sicily has many attractions that kids enjoy. Perhaps your main concern with having children along is pacing yourself with museum time. You can only hope that your kids get a kick from wandering among Greek and Roman ruins, because these are major reasons for first-timers to visit Sicily. Our suggestion is to explore Palermo for 2 days before heading east along the Tyrrhenian coast for an overnight at Cefalù before going east to the great resort of Taormina, which is for all the family. The trip concludes with major stopovers in such historic cities of the ancient world as Syracuse and Agrigento.

Days 1 & 2: Arrival in Palermo

On Day 1, your kids have probably been held captive on a long flight (maybe even with a change of planes) and will be eager for exercise. After a fortifying breakfast with some Sicilian pastries, set out for a long stroll by taking our walking tour of Old Palermo. In the afternoon, promise your kids that they will find plenty to hold their interests in the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, since you don't dare leave Palermo without seeing these world-class attractions. At the end of the afternoon, drive up to Monte Pellegrino for the grandest and most panoramic views in Palermo.

On the morning of Day 2, visit Monreale to see its spectacular Arabo-Norman Duomo. Kids enjoy climbing up to the dramatic terraces with views in all directions. Fortify them with the famous cookies of the area, which are sold at Bar Italia near the Duomo. Monreale lies 10km (6 miles) southwest of Palermo. In the afternoon, if it's a summer day, head for the best beach in the area, Mondello, lying 12km (7 1/2 miles) west of Palermo.

Overnight for both nights in Palermo before heading east in the morning.

Day 3: Bagheria to Cefalù

On the morning of Day 3, leave Palermo, making the drive to the decaying villas at the old summer retreat of Sicilian nobles, Bagheria, lying 14km (8 3/4 miles) east of Palermo, reached along the coastal route (113), via Ficarazzi, which is more scenic and easier to access than the autostrada (A19). Once here, visit Villa Palagonia, a bizarre monument known as the "Villa of Monsters," because of all the grotesque statues. Your kids will think it's the setting for some scary movie. After a visit, follow Route 113 east into Cefalù, a distance of 81km (50 miles) from Palermo. Check into a hotel here for the night.

Before exploring the town itself, which can be done later in the afternoon, secure the makings of a picnic and set out to enjoy it and the scenery in one of Sicily's greatest national parks, Parco Naturale Regionale delle Madonie, lying only 6km (3 3/4 miles) south of Cefalù.

When you return to Cefalù, take your kids on a stroll of the town, beginning at Piazza Garibaldi and heading along Corso Ruggero, the main street. Drop in at the Duomo to see the brilliant mosaics before heading up the rocky crag, La Rocca, for one of the most panoramic views along the northern coast.

Days 4 & 5: Family Fun at Taormina

On the morning of Day 4, set out early to drive east in the direction of Messina, a distance of 170km (106 miles) following Route 113. At Messina, cut south along A18 (an autostrada), following it along the east coast into Taormina, a distance of 53km (33 miles) south of Messina. There is so much for all the family to see and do that we suggest you check into a hotel here for 2 nights.

After all that driving, your kids deserve some beach time, and Lido Mazzarò, reached by cable car, is one of the best along the east coast. After 2 or 3 hours here, return to town in time to visit Teatro Greco, one of the greatest of Greek amphitheater ruins in Italy. Spend the rest of the afternoon and early evening strolling the ancient streets of Taormina, enjoying an affordable dinner in a tavern.

On a very busy Day 5, get an early start, taking an excursion to the northern rim of the still active volcano, Mount Etna. This is the highest and largest volcano in Europe -- and it's still active. Check on road conditions with the Taormina tourist center before setting out, as they are subject to change. The menace of Etna begins 23km (14 miles) southwest of Taormina.

Day 6: The Ruins of Syracuse

On the morning of Day 6, leave Taormina, heading south on the A18 to Catania, second-largest city of Sicily, a distance of 53km (33 miles). Bypass the city, getting onto N114 for the final lap south into Syracuse, a distance of 87km (54 miles) from Catania. Check into a hotel for the night and set out -- with kids in tow -- to explore this ancient city of antiquity.

There will be much in the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis to fascinate children, including the Latomia del Paradiso, where the acoustics are so good the sound of a rip in paper evokes gunfire. Follow up with a visit to the eerie Catacombe di San Giovanni, which is always a kid pleaser, with its honeycombed tunnels. If time remains, head for the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, where we recently saw kids mesmerized by the skeletons of prehistoric animals, including dwarf elephants.

Day 7: Noto & Ragusa in the Southeast

On the morning of Day 7, leave Syracuse and drive 31km (19 miles) southwest to Noto, following Route 115. You can spend the morning here strolling through this baroque city. As you wander about, pick up the makings of a picnic to be enjoyed later in the Giardini Pubblici, a park shaded by palm trees. If the family is willing, take a break from driving and head for one of the sandy beaches at Noto Marina, 6km (3 3/4 miles) from the center.

Packing up from the beach, continue on for the night at Ragusa, which lies 55km (34 miles) west of Noto. Plan to overnight here. Kids like to climb the long stairway to the old city, Ragusa Ibla. Wander at leisure, taking in some of the most panoramic views in Sicily. A highlight here for the entire family is the beautiful public garden, Giardino Obleo.

If time has run out at this point, and Palermo is your transportation hub for the island, you can cut back across Sicily the following morning to Palermo on the north coast, a drive of 267km (166 miles).