Sicily’s east coast blends ancient Greek grandeur with volcanic drama and beachy ease—an ideal recipe for a family trip. You’ll trace layers of history from Catania’s Baroque core (rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake) to Taormina’s cliffside streets and famed Greek Theatre, all under the watchful silhouette of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

Expect kid-approved adventures: splash-friendly beaches, funicular rides, gelato and arancini breaks, and short train hops. Food is half the joy—think pistachio everything from nearby Bronte, tomato-sweet pasta alla Norma, and sunny morning granita with brioche.

Practical notes: Sicily is walkable in the centers, with frequent regional trains and buses between hubs. Etna excursions depend on weather and volcanic activity—guides will adjust routes for safety. For summer trips, reserve restaurants and tours early; in winter, pack layers for Etna’s higher altitudes.

Catania

Catania hums with energy: market shouts at La Pescheria, kids chasing pigeons by Piazza del Duomo, and lava-stone streets that glow after rain. It’s the best base for Etna day trips and for tasting classic street food between Baroque churches and palazzi.

• Top sights: Duomo & Piazza del Duomo, Via dei Crociferi (Baroque showcase), Monastero dei Benedettini (great for curious kids), Castello Ursino, Villa Bellini park.
• Where to eat: Savia (legendary arancini and cassatelle on Via Etnea); FUD Bottega Sicula (playful, Sicily-sourced burgers and salads); Scirocco at the fish market (fried catch-of-the-day with lemon); Me Cumpari Turiddu (Slow Food classics like pasta alla Norma and caponata); gelato at C&G (try pistachio di Bronte).
• Stay: Near Via Etnea or Piazza Duomo for easy walking and buses.

Book stays: Browse family-friendly apartments and hotels in Catania on VRBO or compare on Hotels.com.

Getting to Catania: Fly into Catania (CTA). Check flight options on Omio. From the airport, the Alibus to the center takes ~20 minutes (~€4). If you’re rail-hopping from mainland Italy, see Omio Trains for schedules.

Handpicked tours and activities (Catania/Etna):

• Etna Morning Tour from Catania — Easy-level hike, lava caves, lunar landscapes; great for families.

  

• Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting — Volcanic slopes plus a relaxed winery lunch; adults sip while kids enjoy the views.

  

• Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania — One big day: craters in the morning, Taormina strolls in the afternoon.

  

Taormina

Taormina is Sicily’s poster child: bougainvillea-draped lanes, the sapphire sweep of the Ionian Sea, and a 3rd-century BCE Greek Theatre with Etna on the horizon. Corso Umberto is made for passeggiata, while beaches at Mazzarò and Isola Bella invite lazy afternoons.

• Top sights: Greek Theatre, Villa Comunale gardens (parrot aviaries and sea views), Isola Bella nature reserve, the Mazzarò cable car, and nearby hilltop village Castelmola for panoramic sunsets.
• Where to eat: Breakfast granita at Bam Bar (try almond or coffee with brioche); arancini and tavola calda at Da Cristina; seaside lunch at Lido La Pigna (simple, fresh); pizzas from wood-fired ovens at Villa Zuccaro; seafood and view at Trattoria da Nino.
• Stay: In/near the historic center for easy strolling, or down by Mazzarò for beachfront families.

Book stays: See Taormina vacation rentals on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Getting from Catania to Taormina: Take a Regionale train Catania Centrale → Taormina-Giardini (~55–70 minutes, ~€6–€9). Timetables on Omio Trains. From Taormina-Giardini station, a 10-minute taxi or local bus climbs to the center; allow €10–€20 for a taxi. Buses also run (~1h15) via Interbus; check Omio Buses.

Handpicked tours and activities (Taormina area):

• Godfather vs Mafia Tour & Pasta Lunch (Small Group or Private) — Visit Savoca and Forza d’Agrò film sites plus a convivial pasta lunch.

  

• Seaview Cooking Class & Taormina local flavors with Chef Mimmo — Hands-on Sicilian recipes with a sea breeze; perfect for kids who like to cook.

  

• Etna Countryside Food & Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group or Private) — Lush vineyards, lava-stone cellars, and abundant tastings; scenic and educational.

  

• Pizza & Cannolo Making in Taormina by the Sea — Learn to stretch dough and pipe creamy ricotta; a kid favorite.

  

Day 1 — Arrive in Catania

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Land at CTA and ride the Alibus into the center (~20 minutes). Drop bags and stretch your legs along Via Etnea toward Piazza del Duomo; kids can run around the Fontana dell’Elefante while you peek into the cathedral.

Evening: Casual dinner near La Pescheria: share a seafood fry at Scirocco or pasta with pistachio at Me Cumpari Turiddu. Cap it with gelato at C&G—pistachio and almond are quintessential Sicily.

Day 2 — Baroque Catania and the Fish Market

Morning: Breakfast at Savia: granita with brioche and a warm arancino for the table. Explore Via dei Crociferi’s churches, then tour the Monastero dei Benedettini—its courtyards and cloisters fascinate kids and history lovers alike.

Afternoon: Dive into La Pescheria market vibe (closed Sunday afternoons/holidays). Snack on panelle (chickpea fritters) and anchovy-studded treats. Visit Castello Ursino for medieval walls and cool shade; nearby piazzas are great for a lemonade break.

Evening: Dinner at FUD Bottega Sicula (playful menu, high chairs, and local ingredients). Stroll Villa Bellini park at golden hour for easy playground time and city views.

Day 3 — Full-Day Etna and Taormina Preview (from Catania)

Join a full-day excursion combining Etna’s otherworldly landscapes and a first look at Taormina. Book: Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania. Guides adjust walking levels for families; pack layers and closed shoes. Expect a crater walk, lava cave stop, and an afternoon wander along Corso Umberto with gelato and a peek at the Greek Theatre (time permitting).

Day 4 — Train to Taormina, Greek Theatre, and Isola Bella

Morning: Take the Regionale train from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini (~55–70 minutes, ~€6–€9; see Omio Trains). Taxi or bus up to town and check in. Pause for a granita at Bam Bar—almond with whipped cream wins fans of all ages.

Afternoon: Visit the Greek Theatre, a showstopper since Hellenistic times, and wander the lush Villa Comunale gardens with Etna views. Descend by cable car to Mazzarò for beach time; shallow water by Isola Bella suits kids on calm days.

Evening: Pizza night at Villa Zuccaro. Then stroll Corso Umberto—street musicians, boutiques, and a gelato stop make for an easy family evening.

Day 5 — Godfather Villages and Pasta Lunch

Morning: Head to Savoca and Forza d’Agrò on the Godfather vs Mafia Tour & Pasta Lunch. Film lore aside, these hill towns offer quiet lanes, churches, and big Ionian views—great photo ops and minimal walking between sights for little legs.

Afternoon: Return to Taormina for a lazy beach interlude at Lido La Pigna or Spisone. Order a plate of spaghetti alle vongole for the table and a simple pomodoro for kids.

Evening: Dinner at Trattoria da Nino—ask for the catch of the day baked with tomatoes and olives. If energy remains, a quick sunset detour to Castelmola rewards with panoramic terraces and almond wine tastings (parents only!).

Day 6 — Cook by the Sea, Depart in the Afternoon

Morning: Make it delicious and hands-on with either the Seaview Cooking Class & Taormina local flavors with Chef Mimmo or the family-favorite Pizza & Cannolo Making in Taormina by the Sea. You’ll eat what you cook—built-in lunch and a souvenir recipe set.

Afternoon: Transfer to Catania Airport (train + bus or private transfer; allow ~1.5–2 hours from Taormina). Check flights on Omio. If time allows, one last granita to toast Sicily’s sunshine.

Evening: In transit.

Alternative/add-on for Etna from Taormina: Food-loving families can swap Day 3 or add time with the Etna Countryside Food & Wine Lovers Tour for vineyard visits and tastings; drivers are used to accommodating kids and non-wine drinkers with juices and farm snacks.

Family tip: Always keep small coins for funiculars and buses, carry sunhats and water for summer, and bring a light jacket even in warm months for Etna. For strollers, Taormina’s center is mostly smooth, but some lanes are stepped—baby carriers help.

Summary: In six days you’ll taste Sicily’s east-coast essence—Catania’s swagger, Etna’s raw geology, and Taormina’s sea-and-stone poetry—at a family-friendly pace. Expect full bellies, sandy toes, and plenty of “one more gelato?” moments.