Family Guides

< Practical Information: Campania

Herculaneum

Practical Information

Address Corso Resina 187, 80056 Ercolano; 0817324311; www.comune.ercolano.na.it

Train (Circumvesuviana) from Naples Stazione Centrale to Ercolano Scavi

Visitor information Via IV Novembre 82, 80056; 0817881237; open 8am–6pm Mon–Sat

Open Daily: Apr–Oct 8:30am–7:30pm (last adm: 6pm), Nov–Mar 8:30am–5pm (last adm: 3:30pm). Suburban Baths closed for renovation.

Price €22, EU citizens aged 18–25 €5.50, under-18s free; joint with Pompeii (valid 3 days): €40, children free

Skipping the queue Herculaneum does not attract the crowds like Pompeii does, so just turn up.

Guided tours The excellent audio guide is popular with children and allows them to go at their own pace, €21.

Age range 5 plus to get to grips with ancient Roman life; Herculaneum is easier with a pushchair than Pompeii.

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Café There is no café on site.

Toilets In the ticket office and just after the Boat House, at the top of Via del Mare

Good family value? Entrance is not extortionate for such an important site. There is lots to see and do and children will learn a lot about everyday Roman history.

< Practical Information: Campania

Naples

Practical Information

Address 80121–80147 Naples. Napoli Sotterranea: Piazza San Gaetano 68, 80138; 081 296 944; www.napolisotterranea.org. Duomo: Via Duomo 149, 80138; 081 44 9097; www.duomodinapoli.it. Museo Archeologico Nazionale: Piazza Museo Nazionale 19, 80135; 081 442 149; www.cir.campania.beniculturali.it

Train from Rome or the south to Naples Stazione Centrale.

Metro to Cavour or Museo (Linea B)

Visitor information Stazione Centrale, Piazza Garibaldi, 80142; 081268779; www.inaples.it

Open Napoli Sotterranea: tours noon, 2pm, 4pm Mon–Fri; 10am, 6pm Sat and Sun. Duomo: 9am–noon daily, 4:30–7pm Mon–Sat. Museo Archeologico Nazionale: 9am–7:30pm Wed–Mon

Price Napoli Sotterranea: €40. Duomo: €20. Museo Archeologico Nazionale: €16, under-18s free

Age range 5 plus

Allow 2 days

Festivals Festa di San Gennaro: 19 Sep

< Practical Information: Campania

Pompeii

Practical Information

Address Via Villa dei Misteri 2, 80045 Pompei; 0818575347; www.pompeiisites.org; entrances at Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro

Train (Circumvesuviana) from Naples Stazione Centrale to Pompei Scavi (for Porta Marina) or Pompei (for Piazza Anfiteatro)

Visitor information Via Sacra 1, 80045; 0818507255

Open Nov–Mar 8:30am–5pm (last adm: 3:30pm), Apr–Oct until 7:30pm (last adm: 5:30pm)

Price €22–33, under-18s free; combined ticket with Herculaneum (valid 3 days): €40–60, under-18s free with valid passport or ID

Skipping the queue Avoid visiting in high summer, as there is no shade and thousands of tourists visit every day, many on tour buses. If unavoidable, try to arrive at 8:30am to avoid the long queues and leave before midday to escape the heat.

Guided tours The ticket office has good audio guides; visit the interactive “World of Caius” (an 8-year-old Pompeiian boy) on the website before visiting.

Age range 5 plus; the site requires stamina and the cobbles are hard going for pushchairs.

Allow 2–4 hours

Wheelchair access Not easy

< Practical Information: Campania

Ischia

Practical Information

Address 80077 Ischia. Aragona Arabians: Via Cretaio, 80070, Barano d’Ischia, www.aragonaarabiansonlus.com. Sant’Angelo: Serrana Fontana 80070. Regno di Nettuno: Via Regina Elena 75, 80070 Barano d’Ischia (HQ), 366 1270 197, www.nemoischia.it. Sorgeto: 80077. Poseidon: Via G. Mazzella 87, 80075 Forio, 081 9087 111, www.giardiniposeidonterme.com. La Mortella: Via Francesco Calise 39, 80075 Forio, 081986220; www.lamortella.org

Ferries and hydrofoils from Naples to Ischia Porto, Forio and Casamicciola, and from Salerno, Sorrento and Pozzuoli; hydrofoils from Amalfi and Positano in summer; run by Alilauro (www.alilauro.it), Caremar (www.caremar.it), MedMar (www.medmargroup.it), Metro del Mare (www.metrodelmare.com), NLG (www.navlib.it) and SNAV (www.snav.it).

Bus Good network of public buses.

Taxis are plentiful.

Visitor information Via Sogliuzzo 72, 80077 Ischia Porto; 0815074231; www.infoischiaprocida.it

Open Aragona Arabians: 10am–1pm and 3–6pm, summer until 11pm, winter closed Mon. Regno di Nettuno: Apr–Nov. Poseidon: Apr–Oct 9am–7pm. La Mortella: Mar–Oct 9am–7pm Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun

Age range All

Activities Swimming, snorkelling, horse-riding, tree-climbing

Allow A weekend to a week

Good family value? Excellent destination for families in good weather, with lovely beaches and plenty of outdoor activities.

< Practical Information: Campania

Amalfi

Practical Information

Address 84011 Amalfi. Museo della Carta: Via delle Cartiere 23, 84011; 08983044561; www.museodellacarta.it

Train to Vieste sul Mare for Amalfi on the Naples–Salerno line.

Bus www.sitabus.it.

Ferry from Naples, Sorrento and Salerno and to other Amalfi Coast towns (www.metrodelmare.net).

Cars restricted in high summer

Visitor information Via delle Repubbliche Marinare, 84011, Amalfi; 089871107; www.amalfitouristoffice.it

Open Museo della Carta: Nov–Feb 10am–3:30pm, closed Mon, Mar–Oct, Dec & Jan till 6:30pm, closed Sun

Price Museo della Carta: €8, under-5s free

Age range 5 plus

Allow A day with a boat trip

< Practical Information: Campania

Ravello

Practical Information

Address 84101 Ravello. Villa Rufolo: Piazza Duomo, 84101; 089857621; www.villarufolo.it. Villa Cimbrone: Via Santa Chiara 26, 84101; www.villacimbrone.com

Bus from Amalfi

Visitor information Via Roma, 84101; 089857096; www.ravello.it

Open Villa Rufolo: 9am–8pm daily (last adm: 7:45pm). Villa Cimbrone: 9am–4pm daily

Price Villa Rufolo: €10. Villa Cimbrone: €12

Age range 5 plus

Allow Half a day

Festivals Ravello Festival (classical music at Villa Rufolo; www.ravellofestival.com): Jul–Aug

< Practical Information: Campania

Capri

Practical Information

Address 80073 Capri

Hydrofoil from Naples, Sorrento; run by Caremar (www.caremar.it), SNAV (www.snav.it), NLG (www.navlib.it), Neapolis (081 837 7577) or Ischia; run by Alilauro (www.alilauro.it).

Bus from the port to Anacapri and minibus to the Faro

Visitor information Capri town: Piazza Umberto I, 80073; 0818370686. Via Marina Grande: Banchina del Porto, 80073; 0818370634. Anacapri: Via G. Orlandi 19, 80073; 0818371524

Age range 3 plus

Allow 1–2 days

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Gran Sasso and Campo Imperatore

Practical Information

Address Santo Stefano di Sessanio, 67020 L’Aquila, Abruzzo. Gran Sasso National Park: 67020 L’Aquila; www.gransassolagapark.it. Ostello Campo Imperatore: Loc Campo Imperatore, 67100 Assergi; 3289022507; www.hotelcampoimperatore.it. Fonte Cerreto: 67100 L’Aquila; 0862606143. Bominaco: 67020 Caporciano, L’Aquila. Rocca Calascio: 67020 Calascio

Train to L’Aquila, Pescara or Sulmona (www.trenitalia.com).

Bus to villages (www.abruzzoturismo.it).

Car is the most convenient.

Visitor information Loc Fonte Cerreto, 67010 Assergi; 0862606143; www.ilgransasso.it

Open Bominaco: call ahead to request admission to churches (086293764; tip expected). Giardino Botanico Alpino di Campo Imperatore: 15 Jun–15 Sep 10am–5:30pm daily. Fonte Cerreto: open Dec–Mar (for skiing) and Jun–Sep

Price Giardino Botanico Alpino di Campo Imperatore: free

Age range All

Activities Sextantio in Santo Stefano di Sessanio organizes truffle-hunting, pony-trekking and wolf-tracking tours (www.sextantio.it); for information on skiing visit www.ilgransasso.it

Allow A long weekend in spring or summer, or in winter for skiing.

Good family value? This little-known area of Italy will appeal to families in pursuit of outdoor activities – many are free.

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Atri

Practical Information

Address 64032 Atri, Abruzzo. Museo Etnografico: Piazza San Pietro 1, 64032; 08587721. Duomo: Piazza Duomo, 64302

Bus from Pescara (www.arpaonline.it)

Visitor information Via D’Annunzio, 64025. Pineto (15 minutes’ drive away); 0859491745; www.abruzzoturismo.it

Open Museo Etnografico: May–Sep 4:30–7:30pm Tue–Sun, Oct–Apr 10am–1pm Tue–Sat

Price Museo Etnografico: €5

Age range 8 plus for the frescoes and historical trail; younger kids may enjoy the calanchi.

Allow 1 hour

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Sulmona

Practical Information

Address 67039 Sulmona, Abruzzo. Museo Civico: Santa Maria Annunciata, 67039.

Train www.trenitalia.it

Bus from Rome, Pescara and L’Aquila.

Car for national park

Visitor information Corso Ovidio 208, 67039; 086453276

Open Museo Civico: 9am–4pm Tue–Sun

Price Museo Civico: free

Age range 5 plus

Allow 2 hours, or a day with Monte Majella

Festivals Cocullo Snake Festival: first Thu in May; for information contact Cocullo tourist office (0864490006, 086449117; www.comune.cocullo.aq.it).

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

L’Aquila

Practical Information

Address 67100 L’Aquila, Abruzzo

Train to L’Aquila on the Roma–Sulmona line.

Bus to L’Aquila’s Collemaggio Bus Terminal near Porta Bazzano (www.arpaonline.it).

Car 1 hour to the national park

Visitor information The tourist office is currently located in a container at Parcheggio Stadio Rugby; bus 5 or 8 from the train station; 0862 410 808; www.abruzzoturismo.it; open Mon–Fri

Age range Any for the fountain and park visitor centres, 8 plus for most national park walking routes

Allow 1 hour for L’Aquila; at least a day for the national park

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Trani

Practical Information

Address 70059 Trani, Puglia

Train from Bari (www.trenitalia.it).

Bus from Bari or Foggia (www.sitabus.it)

Visitor information Piazza Trieste 10, 70059; 0883588830; www.viaggiareinpuglia.it

Open Duomo: 9am–8pm daily

Age range All ages will enjoy the buzzy port atmosphere and old-town streets; the elephants on the Duomo may hold kids’ attention briefly, but the churches are likely to appeal most to children over 11.

Allow Half a day to visit the town, or use it as a base for the Gargano Peninsula’s beaches – returning in the evenings for dinner by the port.

Toilets In Villa Municipale park, or ask at bars.

Good family value? Trani’s old town and fishing port are cheap and cheerful places to wander and soak up the feel of southern Italy.

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Alberobello

Practical Information

Address 70011 Alberobello, Puglia

Train Ferrovie del Sud-Est (FSE; www.fseonline.it) from Bari and Taranto via Martina Franca

Visitor information Via Monte Nero 3, 70011 Alberobello; 0804322060; open 10am–1pm and 2:30–5:30pm Mon–Sat, until 8:30pm Sun

Skip the queue Visit out of season as it is very crowded in summer.

Age range The trulli will appeal to young as well as older children.

Allow 1 hour for Alberobello, more for the hinterland

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Lucera

Practical Information

Address 71036 Lucera, Puglia. Castle: Piazza Padre Angelo Cuomo, 71036. Cathedral: Piazza Duomo, 71036; 0881547041. Museo Civico: Via de Nicastri 74, 71036. Amphitheatre: Viale Augusto, 71036

Train from Foggia; to San Severo via Foggia for Gargano Peninsula (www.ferroviedelgargano.com)

Visitor information Piazza Nocelli 6, 71036; 0800767606; www.comune.lucera.fg.it

Open Castle: 9am–2pm Tue–Sun (till 6:45pm summer). Cathedral: 8am–noon, 5–8pm daily. Museo Civico: 9am–1pm Tue–Sun, 4–7pm Tue, Thu and Sat. Amphitheatre: 9am–2pm, 3:15–6:45pm Tue–Sun

Age range 8 plus

Allow 1 hour

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Castel del Monte

Practical Information

Address Contrada Castel del Monte, 70031 Andria, Puglia; 0883569997; www.casteldelmonte.beniculturali.it

Train from Bari to Andria (www.ferrovienordbarese.it), then minibus (Apr–Oct only)

Visitor information Via Vespucci 114, 70031 Andria; 0883592283; www.proloco.andria.ba.it

Open Mar–Sep 10:15am–7:45pm, Oct–Feb 9am–6:45pm daily

Price €6, under-18s free

Age range All

Allow 1 hour

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Lecce

Practical Information

Address 73100 Lecce, Puglia. Roman Amphitheatre: Piazza Sant’Oronzo, 73100. Roman Theatre: Via del Teatro Romano, 73100. Santa Croce: Via Umberto I 3, 73100. Santa Chiara: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 73100. Rosario: Via Libertini, 73100. San Matteo: Via dei Peroni, 73100

Trains from Brindisi (www.trenitalia.it) and FSE trains from Martina Franca, Gallipoli and Otranto via Maglie (www.fseonline.it).

Bus from Brindisi, Taranto and other regional towns (www.cotrap.it).

Salento in Treno e Bus to Santa Maria di Leuca via Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo (summer only) (www.salentointrenoebus.it)

Visitor information Via Libertini 76, 73100; 0832245497; www.salento4you.it; open 9am–1pm and 4–7:30pm Tue–Sun

Age range All ages: 5 plus for monster-hunting on churches, 8 plus for Roman remains

Activities Pick up a bike from the bike-sharing scheme stand at Piazza Sant’Oronzo.

Allow Half a day for main sights to a week with trips to the coast

Toilets In cafés and bars

Good family value? A fine architectural city, near the coast; free sights and great food.

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Ostuni

Practical Information

Address 72017 Ostuni, Puglia. Museum of Prehistory: Via Cattedrale 15, 72017; www.urpcomunediostuni.it

Train from Brindisi, Bari or Lecce, then local bus or 2-km (1-mile) walk from station.

Bus from Bari, Brindisi or Taranto

Visitor information Corso Mazzini 8, 72017; 0831301268; open 8am–2pm daily, Jul and Aug also 4:30–10:30pm, Sep–Jun also 3:30–8pm; helpful InfoPoint, in the same office: 3395088036; www.ostuni.info

Open Museum of Prehistory: 9:30am–noon Mon–Fri, also 3:30–6:30pm Thu

Price Museum of Prehistory: free

Age range All ages

Allow 1 hour plus beach time

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Otranto

Practical Information

Address: 73028 Otranto, Puglia

Train or bus from Lecce to Otranto; Salento in Treno e Bus to Santa Cesarea Terme in summer.

Car is the best way to explore the rest of the peninsula

Visitor information Piazza Castello, 72017; 0836801436; www.viaggiareinpuglia.it; open 9am–1pm and 4–6pm Mon–Sat

Open Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata and Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo: daily

Age range All ages

Allow 1 hour for Otranto, 1 day for the peninsula

Festivals Tarantella at Galatina: Jun 29. La Notte della Taranta: late Aug, Melpignano (www.lanottedellataranta.it).

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Taranto

Practical Information

Address 74100 Taranto, Puglia. Museo Archeologico: Via Cavour, 74100; www.museotaranto.org; 0994532112

Train from Bari or Brindisi.

Bus (direct) or train (via Martina Franca) from Lecce

Visitor information Corso Umberto I, 74100; 0994532397; www.viaggiareinpuglia.it

Open Museo Archeologico: 8:30am–7:30pm daily

Age range 8 plus

Allow 2 hours

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Matera

Practical Information

Address 75100 Matera, Basilicata. Chiesa del Purgatorio: Via Ridola, 75100. Convincinio Sant’Antonio: Vico Solitario, 75100. Madonna de Idris: Via Madonna dell’Idris, 75100. Casa Grotta: Vico Solitario 11, 75100; www.casagrotta.it.

Train Ferrovie Appulo Lucano (FAL) from Bari or from Potenza via Altamura (www.fal-srl.it; not Sun).

Bus (www.sitabus.it) from Taranto, Metaponto or Potenza (for FS trains)

Visitor information Via de Viti de Marco 9, 75100; 0835331817; www.aptbasilicata.it. Sassi di Matera: Via Lanera 33, 75100; 0835314244; www.sassidimatera.it

Open Casa Grotta: 9:30am–dusk daily

Price Casa Grotta: €8

Guided tours Pick up a self-guided map and itinerary from the tourist office or join a tour by Nuovi Amici dei Sassi (Piazza Sedile 20; 0835 331 011).

Age range Fun for all ages, but there is no level ground. Watch toddlers on uneven steps.

Allow 1 day

Festivals Festa di Santa Bruna, Madonna statue carried on a papier mâché float, which is broken up by the crowds: 2 Jul

Good family value? Strolling around the alleyways of the Sassi is fascinating and free.

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Maratea Coast

Practical Information

Address Maratea, 85046, Basilicata

Train to Maratea, Acquafredda and Marina di Maratea on the Napoli–Reggio Calabria line (www.trenitalia.it).

Buses to towns along the coast (all year).

Minibus between Marina di Maratea, Fiumicello and Maratea (summer only).

Taxi from Maratea train station to Fiumicello (5 minutes)

Visitor information Piazza del Gesù, Fiumicello, 85046 Maratea; 0973876908; www.discoverbasilicata.com

Age range All for beaches

Activities Boat trips to grottoes; ask at tourist office

Allow At least a couple of days

Festivals Festa di San Biagio; (procession of saint’s statue up Mt San Biagio): 2nd Sun in May

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Tropea

Practical Information

Address 89861 Tropea, Calabria

Trains from Lamezia Terme, or from Reggio di Calabria via Rosarno (www.trenitalia.it).

Buses along the coast (summer only)

Visitor information Piazza Ercole, 89861 Tropea; 096361475; www.prolocotropea.eu

Age range All

Activities Boat trips to grottoes; ask at tourist office

Allow 2 days with beaches

Festivals La Sagra della Cipolla Rossa (Red Onion Festival): Jul.

< Practical Information: Puglia and the South

Calabria’s Mountains

Practical Information

Address Calabria: 89057 Gambarie. 87052 Camigliatello Silano. Riace Warriors: Palazzo del Consiglio, Reggio di Calabria; www.archeocalabria.beniculturali.it

Bus from Reggio di Calabria to Gambarie, and from Cosenza to Camigliatello Silano.

Car useful

Visitor information Piazzale Mangeruca, 89050 Santo Stefano in Aspromonte; 0965743295; www.parcoaspromonte.gov.it. Casa del Forestiero, Via Roma, 87052 Camigliatello Silano; 0984578243; www.parcosila.it

Open Riace Warriors: 9am–7pm

Age range 5 plus for forest walks

Allow 1 day or more

< Practical Information: Sicily

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples

Practical Information

Address Strada Panoramica Valle dei Templi, 92100 Agrigento; 0922621611; www.parcovalledeitempli.it, www.valleyofthetemples.com

Train to Agrigento Centrale from Palermo or Caltanissetta, with connections from Catania (www.trenitalia.com), then local bus 1, 2 or 3 from outside the station to the main entrance.

Bus from Palermo (Sal; 0922401360), Catania (Sais Autolinee; 095536168) and other towns.

Car from Palermo or Catania 2 hours

Visitor information Via Empedocle, 92100 Agrigento; 092220391

Open 8.30am–7pm daily; Temples of Concord, Hercules and Hera also Sat and Sun 7:30pm–midnight, Mon–Fri 7:30pm–10pm Jul–Sep (entry at the Temple of Hera entrance). Museo Archeologico: 9am–1pm Mon, 9am–6pm Tue–Sat, closed Sun

Price Valley of the Temples: €20, under-18s free; Museo Archeologico: €24, under-18s free; combined ticket: €27

Skipping the queue Get to the site by 8am, or before 6:30pm for evening tickets.

Guided tours Audio tour €5; excellent guided tours in English daily at 10:30am and 5:30pm, €56 plus entry fee (book at www.valleyofthetemples.com). Night visits to the valley: 0922621657

Age range 5 plus

Allow 2–4 hours

Wheelchair access Partial

Café By the main entrance and the Temple of Hera

Toilets In the cafés.

Good family value? It is well worth the cost of entry on a mild day when it is pleasant to roam, but on a hot day kids may prefer to escape to the beach.

< Practical Information: Sicily

Villa Romana del Casale

Practical Information

Address Piazza Armerina 94015; 0935680036, 0935687667; www.villaromanadelcasale.it

Train from Catania to Enna.

Bus from Palermo or Enna to Piazza Armerina (www.interbus.it), then local bus (hourly 9am–noon and 3–6pm May–Sep) or taxi (€10; 0935680501) to the villa.

Car 5 km (3 miles) from Piazza Armerina

Visitor information Via Generale Muscara 13, 94015 Piazza Armerina; 0935680036; www.piazza-armerina.it

Open 9am–6pm daily

Price £40–50, EU citizens under 18 free

Age range 5 plus

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access No

< Practical Information: Sicily

Palermo

Practical Information

Address 90121–90151 Palermo. Galleria Regionale: Via Alloro 4, 90133; 0916230011. Museo delle Marionette: Piazza Antonio Pasqualino 5, 90133; www.museomarionettepalermo.it. Palazzo dei Normanni: Piazza Indipendenza, 90129; 0917054317/1111; www.federicosecondo.org

Train to Stazione Centrale.

Bus to Via P Balsamo.

AMAT bus in the city (www.amat.pa.it).

Visitor information Piazza Castelnuovo 34, 90141; 0916058351 Stazione Centrale; www.turismopalermo.it

Open Galleria Regionale: 9am–6pm Tue–Sun; Museo delle Marionette: 9am–1pm and 2:30–6:30pm Mon–Sat, 10am–1pm Sun; Palazzo dei Normanni: 8:15am–5:45pm Mon–Sat

Price Galleria Regionale: €16–48, EU citizens under-18s free. Museo delle Marionette: €20. Palazzo dei Normanni: €17–34, EU under-18s free

Age range 5 plus

Allow One day

Festivals Santa Rosalia (fireworks and feasting): 11–15 Jul

< Practical Information: Sicily

Monreale

Practical Information

Address Duomo: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 90046

Bus 389 from Palermo’s Piazza Indipendenza; 20-minute journey

Visitor information Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 1, 90046; 091334376. Duomo: www.duomomonreale.it

Open Duomo: 8am–6:30pm Mon–Sat, 8am–12:30pm and 3–7pm Sun

Price Free

Age range 5 plus

Allow 1 hour

< Practical Information: Sicily

Trapani

Practical Information

Address 91100 Trapani. Museo del Sale: Via Chiusa Nubia, Paceco, 91027; 0923867061; www.museodelsale.it

Train from Palermo to Stazione Centrale.

Bus from Agrigento (www.autolineelumia.it), Palermo (www.segesta.it) and other towns to central bus station.

Hydrofoils and ferries from Stazione Marittima to the Egadi Islands (www.siremar.it, www.usticalines.it)

Visitor information Via Torrearsa, 91100; 0923544533; www.comune.trapani.it/turismo

Open Museo del Sale: 9:30am–7pm daily

Age range All

Allow Half a day for the town and salt museum plus a day for beaches and nature reserve

Festivals Good Friday processions (wooden statues depicting the Passion are carried through streets), 2pm–midnight.

< Practical Information: Sicily

Erice

Practical Information

Address 91016 Erice

Funivia (cable car) from Trapani.

Bus 21 or 23 to the terminal from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Trapani

Visitor information Via Guarrasi 1, 91016 Erice; 0923869388

Age range All

Allow 2 hours

Festivals Good Friday processions

< Practical Information: Sicily

The Egadi Islands

Practical Information

Address Favignana 91023

Ferries and hydrofoils from Trapani (Siremar: 0923545455; www.siremar.it or Ustica Lines: 0923 873 813; www.usticalines.it).

Visitor information Piazza Madrice 78, Favignana, 91023; 0923921647; www.isoleegadi.it

Age range All – the islands are a kids’ paradise, but for Marettimo they will need to be walkers.

Allow Favignana and Levanzo make good day trips, while Marettimo is best explored by boat or on foot over a few days.

< Practical Information: Sicily

Mount Etna

Practical Information

Address Catania Province. Etna Adventure: Parco Scarbaglio, Via Acque del Vescovo, 95010 Milo; 3299188187, 3665266903; www.etnaadventure.it

Car or guided jeep are easiest.

Bus Daily from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza and back (www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it) or bus from Taormina to Castiglione di Sicilia and Motta Camastra (0935565111; www.interbus.it).

Train Circumetnea from Catania to Bronte and Maletto circles the base of Etna Mon–Sat (www.circumetnea.it).

Cable car From Rifugio Sapienza, with jeep link to main crater 9am–sunset, weather and eruptions permitting (www.funiviaetna.com).

Visitor information Via del Convento 45, 95030 Nicolosi; 095821111; www.parcoetna.it; www.parks.it; www.comune.catania.it

Open Etna Adventure: 10am–8pm Jun–Sep, weather permitting

Price Etna Adventure: €40–60, adults and children over 1 m 40 cm (4 ft 7in) €15; children 1 m 30 cm (4 ft 3 in) to 1 m 40 cm €12; children 1 m 10 cm (3 ft 7 in) to 1 m 30 cm €8; children aged 2–5 €5

Age range 8 plus

Activities Etna Adventure arranges child-friendly activities and its refuges offer excursions. White-water rafting and wading can be organized at Gole di Alcantara (www.terralcantara.it)

Allow 3 or 4 days

Café At Etna Adventure, Rifugio Sapienza and Rifugio Citelli

Good family value? Etna is a great place for families, with all the thrills of the volcano, a river gorge and Etna Adventure, but activities do not come cheap.

< Practical Information: Sicily

Catania

Practical Information

Address 95121–95131 Catania. Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943: Viale Africa, 95121; 0954011929; www.provincia.ct.it

Train from Palermo, Messina, Siracusa and other towns to Stazione Centrale.

Long-distance bus to Stazione Centrale (www.saisautolinee.it; www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it; www.interbus.it).

City bus 1/4, 4/7, 438 and 448 to Piazza Duomo (www.amt.ct.it).

Circumetnea train and buses to Etna (www.circumetnea.it)

Tourist information Via Vittorio Emanuele 172, 95121 (near the Duomo); 800841042; www.apt-catania.com

Open Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943: Nov–May 9am–5pm Tue–Sun; Jun–Oct 10am–6pm Tue–Sun.

Price Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943: €10–12

Age range 5 plus

Allow 2 hours

Festival Sant’Agata (street party, food stalls, fireworks and procession of St Agatha statue through Catania’s streets; www.festadisantagata.it): 3–5 Feb

< Practical Information: Sicily

Taormina

Practical Information

Address 98039 Messina

Train from Messina, Catania and Siracusa to station on coast way below town, then erratic bus or taxi (€17).

Bus from Catania and Messina to central Via Pirandello.

Cable car down to Mazzarò and beach from Via Pirandello

Visitor information Piazza Santa Caterina, Taormina, 98039; 094223243; www.gotaormina.com; also in the train station

Open Teatro Greco (Via Teatro Greco, 98039; 094223220): 9am–1 hour before sunset daily

Price Teatro Greco: €16–32

Age range All

Allow A day for town and beach

Festivals Classical drama in the Teatro Greco: Jun–Aug. Puppet shows, concerts, folk singing and dancing: Christmas and New Year

< Practical Information: Sicily

The Aeolian Islands

Practical Information

Address 98055 Lipari, other islands, 98050 Messina

Hydrofoil from Milazzo, Messina and Palermo; www.usticalines.it.

Car ferries from Milazzo (www.tirrenia.it).

Bus on Lipari, Salina and Vulcano

Visitor information Corso Vittorio Emanuele 202, 98055 Lipari; 0909880095; seasonal office in Santa Marina, Salina

Activities Stromboli guided walks: Magmatrek, Via Vittorio Emanuele, 98050; 0909865768; boat trips from the port

< Practical Information: Sicily

Siracusa

Practical Information

Address 96100 Siracusa. Hypogeum: Palazzo Archivescovile, Piazza del Duomo. Aquarium: Largo Aretusa, next to the fountain. Parco Archeologico della Neapolis: Viale Paradiso. Museo Archeologio: Parco Landolina, Viale Teocrito 66

Train from Catania and Messina (www.trenitalia.it).

Bus from main towns in Sicily (www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it; www.interbus.it). Free shuttle bus to Ortigia; bus 1, 3 or 12 to Parco Archeologico from Ortigia

Visitor information Via Maestanza 33; 0931 464255

Open Duomo: 8am–noon, 4–7pm daily. Santa Lucia alla Badia: 9am–2pm, 3–7pm Tue–Sun. Hypogeum: 9am–1pm Tue–Sat. Castello Maniace: 9am–1:30pm Tue–Sun (military zone may be closed). Aquarium: 10am–10pm daily. Parco Archeologico della Neapolis: 9am–1 hour before sunset daily. Museo Archeologico: 9am–7pm Tue–Sat, 9am–1pm Sun (last entry 1 hour earlier)

Price Hypogeum: €8–16, children free. Castello Maniace: €8–16, children free; Aquarium: €14. Parco Archeologico: €16–45, EU citizens under 18 free. Museo Archeologico: same as Parco Archeologico

Skipping the queue In May and June arrive at the Parco Archeologico at 9am. Book tickets for the classical theatre season well in advance

Guided tours Official guides to the Parco Archeologico wait in the ticket office.

Age range 5 plus for Parco Archeologico; 11 plus for Museo Archeologico

Allow 2 days

Toilets At Parco Archeologico and museum, and in cafés

Festivals Santa Lucia (parades and fireworks): 13 Dec. Festa dell’Immacolata (processions, heralded by brass band parade at dawn): 29 Nov, 8 Dec. Classical theatre season (www.indafondazione.org): May–Jun

Good family value? Siracusa’s archaeological attractions are good value for EU families, but non-EU families may want to consider their kids’ level of interest.

< Practical Information: Sicily

Noto

Practical Information

Address 96017 Noto, Siracusa. Duomo: Via Cavour 88, 96017. Palazzo Villadorata: Via Corrado Nicolaci, 96017; 0931835005; www.palazzonicolaci.it

Bus Interbus (www.interbus.it) from Catania and its airport; AST from Siracusa, Modica and Scicli (www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it).

Train Single-line, single-carriage from Siracusa to Gela, via Noto (www.ferroviedellasiciliasudest.it)

Visitor information Via Gioberti 13, 96017; 0931572156; www.pronoto.it

Open Palazzo Villadorata: 9am–1pm and 3–7pm Tue–Sun

Price Palazzo Villadorata: €16

Age range All

Allow A morning or afternoon

< Practical Information: Sicily

Scicli

Practical Information

Address Scicli 97018, Ragusa. Chiaroscuro: Via Mormino Penna 79, 97018; 0932931154; www.tecnicamista.it

Bus AST from Siracusa, Modica, Ragusa, Sampieri and Catania (www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it)

Visitor information Via Castellana 2, 97018; 3357561960

Age range All

Activities Art workshops at Chiaroscuro cultural centre

Allow 2 hours

Toilets At Hotel Novecento bar

< Practical Information: Sicily

Modica

Practical Information

Address Modica, 97015. Antica Dolceria Bonajuto: Corso Umberto I 159, 97015; www.bonajuto.it. Cooperativa Quetzal: Corso Mazzini 42, 97015; 0932066374; www.quetzalmodica.it

Bus Interbus from Catania and airport; AST from Siracusa, Noto and Scicli.

Train Single-track, single-carriage from Siracusa

Age range All

Activities Chocolate-making; call Cooperativa Quetzal for details.

Allow 2 to 3 hours

< Practical Information: Sardinia

Alghero

Practical Information

Address 07041 Alghero. Nuraghe di Palmavera: www.coopsilt.it. Sella e Mosca Winery: 07041 I Piani; 079997700; www.sellaemosca.com. Aquarium: Via 20 Settembre, 07041

Train from Sassari.

Bus from other towns (www.arstsardegna.it); bus AF or AP from station to centre.

Ferry to Porto Torres

Visitor information Piazza Porta Terra 9, 07041; 079979054; www.alghero–turismo.it

Open Nuraghe di Palmavera: daily. Sella e Mosca Winery: Mon–Sat Jun–Sep. Grotta di Nettuno: daily. Aquarium: daily Apr–Oct, Sat–Sun Nov–Mar. Trenino Catalano (336691836) daily Apr–Oct

Price Nuraghe di Palmavera €12–20. Grotta di Nettuno €26–32. Aquarium: €44–60. Trenino Catalano: €34–44

Skipping the queue Avoid visiting in August.

Age range 5 plus

Activities Boat trips: Aquatica (www.aquaticasardegna.it); to the Grotta di Nettuno: Navisarda (www.navisarda.it). Bike hire: Cicloexpress (www.cicloexpress.com)

Allow At least two days

Toilets In café-bars

Festivals Festa di Sant Miquel: Sep

Good family value? Alghero is a family-friendly place to wander, but the cost of attractions and activities adds up (and prices rise in August).

< Practical Information: Sardinia

Bosa

Practical Information

Address 08013 Bosa. Castello Malaspina: Via Ultimo Costa 14, 08013; 0785377043. San Pietro: 3335445675; www.castellodibosa.it

Bus from Alghero to Bosa (www.arst.sardegna.it)

Open Castello Malaspina: check website for timings. San Pietro: Tue–Sun Apr–Oct

Price Castello Malaspina: €6–10. San Pietro: €4–6; combined: €8–14

Age range All

Allow 1 hour, more for beach

Festivals Carnival and Holy Week: Feb/Mar/Apr. Festa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (regatta to San Pietro): 29 Jun. Sagra di Santa Maria del Mare (boat parade of Madonna): first Sun of Aug. Sagra di Nostra Signora di Regnos Altos: second Sun of Sep

< Practical Information: Sardinia

Castelsardo

Practical Information

Address 07031 Castelsardo; www.comunedicastelsardo.it. Castle and Museo dell’Intreccio: Via Marconi, 07031; 079471380

Bus from Sassari to Castelsardo (www.arst.sardegna.it)

Open Castle and Museo dell’Intreccio: daily Apr–Sep, Tue–Sun Oct–Mar

Price Castle and Museo dell’Intreccio: €4–6

Age range 5 plus for the town, all for the Roccia dell’Elefante

Allow 2 hours

Festivals Lunissanti (torch-lit procession): Mon before Easter

< Practical Information: Sardinia

The Maddalena Islands

Practical Information

Address 07024 La Maddalena, Isola Madalena. Compendio Garibaldino: 07024 Caprera; 0789727162; www.compendiogaribaldino.it

Ferry to La Maddalena from Palau (www.enermar.it; www.saremar.it; www.delcomar.it)

Visitor information Piazza Barone des Geneys, 07024 La Maddalena; 0789736321; www.comune.lamaddalena.ot.it

Open Compendio Garibaldino: 9am–8pm Tue–Sun

Price Compendio Garibaldino: €10–15; under-18s free

Age range All

Allow 1 to 5 days

< Practical Information: Sardinia

Cala Gonone

Practical Information

Address 08020 Cala Gonone

Bus from Nuoro to Cala Gonone (www.arst.sardegna.it)

Visitor information Viale Bue Marino, 08020 Cala Gonone; 078493696; www.dorgali.it. Ask here about watersports and hikes.

Age range All

Allow At least 1 day, up to 1 week or more

< Practical Information: Sardinia

Cagliari

Practical Information

Address Cagliari, 09122–09131; Museo Archeologico: Piazza Arsenale 1, 09123; www.archeocaor.beniculturali.it. Orto Botanico (0706753522) and Anfiteatro Romano (www.anfiteatroromano.it): Via Sant’ Ignazio da Laconi, 09123. Cripta di Sant’Efisio: Via Sant’Efisio, 09124; 070652130. Cattedrale: Piazza Palazzo 4, 09124; www.duomodicagliari.it. Torre di San Pancrazio and Torre dell’Elefante: Piazza Indipendenza 8–13, 09124

Train from main towns (www.trenitalia.it).

Bus (www.arst.sardegna.it) from all of Sardinia to Piazza Matteotti; bus 7 to citadel.

Ferry from the mainland and Sicily (www.tirrenia.it)

Visitor information Piazza Matteotti, 09122; 070669255; Largo Carlo Felice 2, 09122; www.visit-cagliari.it

Open Museo Archeologico, Anfiteatro Romano, Cripta di Sant’Efisio & Torri: Tue–Sun. Orto Botanico & Cattedrale: daily

Price Museo Archeologico, Cripta di Sant’Efisio & Cattedrale: free. Orto Botanico: €4. Anfiteatro Romano: €8. Torri €8.

Skipping the queue Karalis Card allows free transport and entry to sights for one adult and one child; valid 1 year, €30; from tourist office and hotels (www.karaliscard.it).

Age range All

Allow 1 to 2 days

Toilets On Salita Santa Chiara

Good family value? Cagliari’s old citadel is pleasant to wander around, and sights are not expensive. Restaurants are cheaper than in the resorts.

< Practical Information: Sardinia

Su Nuraxi

Practical Information

Address 09021 Barumini. Su Nuraxi: Viale Su Nuraxi, 09021 Barumini; 0709368128; www.fondazionebarumini.it. Casa Zapata: Piazza Giovanni XXIII, 09021 Barumini; 0709368476; Sardegna in Miniatura: SP Las Plassas, 09029 Tuili; 0709361004; www.sardegnainminiatura.it

Bus from Cagliari to Barumini (www.arst.sardegna.it)

Open Su Nuraxi: daily. Casa Zapata: daily. Sardegna in Miniatura: daily

Price Su Nuraxi and Casa Zapata: €20; Sardegna in Miniatura: €20

Age range 5 plus, but bringing prehistoric stones to life is difficult.

Activities Guided nature walks in the Giara; call ahead to book (0709364277; www.parcodellagiara.it).

Allow 1 day, more to explore the Giara di Gesturi

< Practical Information: Sardinia

Villasimius

Practical Information

Address 09049 Villasimius. Museo Archeologico: Via A Frau 5, 09049; 0707930290

Bus from Cagliari to Villasimius (800865042; www.arst.sardegna.it)

Visitor information Piazza Giovanni XXIII, 09049; 0707930271; www.villasimiusweb.com

Open Museo Archeologico: Tue–Sun (closed for renovation).

Price Museo Archeologico: €6–9

Age range All

Activities Boat trips: Blu & Blu (3207773633; www.blueblunoleggio.it)

Allow A week for the beaches

< Practical Information: Sardinia

Sant’Antioco and San Pietro

Practical Information

Address Sant’Antioco, 09017. San Pietro, 09014. Museo Archeologico and tophet: Piazza Insula Plumbea, 09017; 078182105; www.archeotur.it

Bus from Cagliari to Sant’Antioco and Calasetta (www.arst.sardegna.it).

Ferry from Calasetta to San Pietro (www.saremar.it)

Visitor information Piazza Repubblica 41, Sant’Antioco 09017; 078182031

Open Museo Archeologico and tophet: 9am–1pm daily

Price Museo Archeologico and tophet: €14–22

Age range All

Allow 1 to 2 days

Festivals Festa di Sant’Antioco: May. Girotonno, San Pietro: Jun

< Practical Information: Sardinia

Sinis Peninsula

Practical Information

Address 09070–09072 Oristano

Train or ARST.

Bus (not Sun) from Cagliari to Oristano, then bus to Tharros and beaches (Jul–Aug)

Visitor information Piazza Eleonora 19, 09170 Oristano; 07833683210; www.oristanowestsardinia.it

Festivals Corsa degli Scalzi (bare-foot race): first weekend of Sep