Sicily’s coastline, warmed in spring, is the place to go for family adventures and sporting activities.
Step into the sun for a springtime getaway in and around our resorts which hug the coast of Sicily. Browse our selection of family-friendly activities and plan ahead for craft workshops, dance classes and sweet treats fit for a saint.
A celebration for dad in Taormina
In Sicily, they really know how to celebrate Father’s Day. Treat dad to a special day on 19th March, starting with a thrilling helicopter ride from Villa Igiea in Palermo to Taormina. From there, make your way to the Baroque church of San Giuseppe and see the altar laden with flowers and pastries.
Children curious to know more will learn that the Festival of Saint Joseph honours the patron saint of pastry chefs. Sweetened zeppole – cream- or custard-filled deep fried dough balls – will go down a treat with your kids. And dads can feast on bread shaped into crosses, crowns, doves and lambs.
Family fun at Verdura Resort
Children can hunt down chocolates on an Easter egg trail on the southern coast of Sicily. Part of our jam-packed programme at Verdura Resort, from 6th to 10th April, kids can decorate their finds and get creative making an Easter wreath. Family meals are served by the barbecue and young chefs can get messy making pizza and sponge cake.
Spring is the perfect time to saddle up for a pony ride, learn tennis with an ATP Tour pro or try padel – tennis’ cool cousin. Play the sport where tennis meets squash on our two new courts designed by world-champion footballer, Gianluca Zambrotta.
Get crafty in Sciacca
Five ancient gates guide you into Sciacca, a charming town lined with artisanal workshops just 15 minutes’ drive north of Verdura Resort. For a deep dive into the town’s 3,000-year-old history, ask our Concierge to arrange a guided tour or a workshop to make ceramics or pasta, cheese, cannoli pastries or soap.
A science and history lesson in one, the Casa Museo del Sapone gives kids a chance to get hands-on by making their own soap. They’ll learn more about how to mix, mould and perfume their soap while hearing a story that starts in 2800 BC, when extra virgin olive oil was widely used in soap making in the Mediterranean.
Move to the beat in Puglia
Dance under the olive trees and immerse your family in Apuglian culture. Under the expert tuition of Simona Ciccarese, learn how to master the Apuglian folk dance – with scarves and tambourines to twirl and tap.
In Simona’s home in Ceglie Messapica, a 40-minute drive from Masseria Torre Maizza, she’ll take you through the steps of the lively pizzica and tarantella. Let the music take you and learn how to move to the rhythm of drums, violins, accordions and harmonicas.
After the three-hour class, complete your immersion into the Italian way of life with a taste of local wines while your kids sample regional food. With time and practice, you’ll be ready to join in at the Apuglian folk dance at the Festival della Valle d'Itria in Martina Franca in summer.
Consider combining a spring break at one of Rocco Forte Hotels’ resorts with a few days in a city, where you and your children can take part in science festivals, chocolate workshops and scavenger hunts.
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