Feel the Heat! Family Holidays with a Difference in Sicily

Planning the perfect family holiday can be tough, especially as your children get older and are no longer amused by pool inflatables for hours on end. Are you looking to level-up your next getaway to an outdoors holiday with a twist to keep all the family entertained? Look no further than a trip to Sicily – holidays exploring the lunar landscape of the beautiful island are ideal for active families.

Centuries of volcanic activity in the region have permeated Sicily’s culture and traditions. Though it has a fascinating Roman and Greek history, it is the fire-breathing mountains that fascinate locals and visitors alike. Here are the three top fiery sites in and around the island where you can get up close and personal with one of nature’s most mesmerising and terrifying phenomenon – the volcano.

Are you ready to feel the heat?

Level 1: Vulcano

To reach Vulcano, you must take a leisurely ferry from Lipari. Once you have arrived on the island you can reach the summit in around an hour. Vulcano is smaller than many of the more famous volcanoes. However, the sulphurous smoke oozing from the crater gives the area an intense atmosphere that is just as impressive as some of the larger sites. From the summit, hikers get amazing views across the Aeolian islands.

Level 2: Etna

One of the most famous volcanoes in the world, Etna often makes an appearance in school lessons. This should make your children extra keen to visit Sicily – holidays are a good opportunity for children to build on what they have learnt in the classroom. Etna dominates the island, reaching 3350m above the sea. The distinctive summit is visible from almost anywhere on the isle.

If you have younger children you should hire a car and drive to the top, however, hiking or biking are great options for tiring out energetic youngsters and making the whole trip an adventure. Stop at one of the charming villages on the way for drinks and snacks, then enjoy the view from the common stopping point of Torre del Filosofo.

Level 3: Stromboli

Exploring Stromboli is not for the faint-hearted. To reach the volcano you must take a ferry or boat to the island (it’s just off the north coast of Sicily). What follows is a pretty vigorous hike; it takes three hours to reach the summit. The best time to make the journey is just before dusk. You will avoid the heat of the day and ensure you arrive in time to watch the thrilling explosions of the erupting volcano outlined against the dark sky.

This trip is ideal for older children who are confident hikers. They will be rewarded by the indescribable sensation of feeling air, hot from the centre of the earth, rush past them and watching as sparks of lava are flung into the sky.

Have I inspired you to take up volcano hunting for your next family getaway? Don’t forget to pack sturdy boots and sun cream to properly enjoy the adventure in Sicily – holidays spent nursing blisters and sunburns aren’t much fun.

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury Sicily holidays, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.