Sicily

Sicily is a sensory explosion—a mix of Greek, Arab, Norman, and Italian influences that creates a unique environment for travel. The biggest draw for adventurous kids is Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. You can take a cable car and then a guided 4x4 bus tour to the summit craters, where the ground is warm and steam vents hiss—a geography lesson like no other. Just remember to bring warm jackets, even in summer!

History in Sicily is on a grand scale. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento features massive Greek ruins that rival those in Athens. In Syracuse (Siracusa), the island of Ortigia is a pedestrian-friendly maze of streets leading to a castle at the tip of the peninsula. Here, you can also visit the Technopark Archimedes to see replicas of the ancient inventor's machines.

Palermo, the capital, can be chaotic, but it holds a special magic. The traditional Opera dei Pupi (puppet theatre) tells stories of knights and dragons with handmade wooden marionettes—a tradition that dates back centuries and still mesmerizes children. The street markets (like Ballarò) are loud and colorful, offering street food like arancini (fried rice balls) and panelle (chickpea fritters).

Food is a highlight for children here: Sicily is the home of cannoli and granita. Eating a brioche bun with almond or lemon granita is a socially acceptable breakfast! The beaches are diverse, from the white cliffs of the Scala dei Turchi to the pebbled coves of Taormina (accessible by a fun cable car from the town center).

Driving in Sicilian cities requires nerves of steel, and summer temperatures can be scorching (often 40°C+). It is best to rent a car for the countryside but park it in a garage when visiting the main cities.