Sicily - Cefalu or Syracuse

[eyesbiggerthanstomach]

Hi

I am looking to go to Sicily with my DH and 19 month old.

We have been to Palermo and Mondello which we loved pre baby. Looking to try Cefalu of Syracuse this time.

I'm taking the icandy which is I know is huge but it's the only thing he will sleep in. Is Syracuse too steep for that?

Also any recommendations on where to stay not far from the centro storrico of either. I want a hotel that's modern ish. Although I like the rustic Italian towns I prefer the accommodation a little less rustic. DH wants a balcony.

Any thoughts gratefully received!

Syracuse isn't steep, but it's an ancient city and and a lot of pavements are uneven, so probably not ideal with a stroller. There is bugger all to do with a toddler too, so I'd probably choose somewhere that isn't just an ancient city - you want a nice park, playground, pool, beach, etc IMO. Cefalu would probably be a better bet for that (although I haven't been there myself).

Thanks @zafferana . That is a good point actually. I have heard even the beach in Syracuse is pebbly and sandy beaches are a drive away.

I have been looking at Cefalu but Palermo flights from LGW which is 15 mins away from us are only at 5.35am!! The idea of waking DS up at 3am could turn him into a monster on the flight!!

Have you considered Taormina? It's gorgeous albeit a bit hilly. But if you stay in the town it isn't too bad IIRC.

If the flights to Catania are at better times then yes, look at Taormina and Giardini Naxos. Not sure of the steepness of Taormina, but I think GN is down at beach level and there are definitely beaches there. The only beaches I saw at Syracuse were tiny and only accessible by steep steps - not really ideal for anyone - but particularly not for parents of a toddler. I loved Syracuse, but there was nothing there for DC of any age.

You'll find modern hotels with a pool in Syracuse but the island of Ortigia (the old Greek city) which is attached to Syracuse you'd be hard pushed. As above - there are swiming platforms rather than beach on Ortigia, rickety iron things, small and rammed and no way baby friendly! It is gorgeous though and dead flat but perhaps one to save for another time? You don't say when you are going? Taormina is set on top of a hill (there is a cable car and buses that go up and down to the beach)and is absolutely rammed at this time of year - it's very very pretty but expensive in terms of accomodation and full of tourists. The beach area (Mazzaro) has a busy road I'd hate to push a buggy down and quite a few steps down to the pebbly beach. Again, lovely but not sure I'd go with a baby and I'd definetely go outside of season. If flights to Catania are better, maybe use Catania as a base (it's pretty underated) and do day trips from there? I don't know Cefalu at all to compare to Syracuse I'm afraid. How about somewhere on the mainland?

We stayed in Cefalu a couple of years ago and loved it. The old town has narrow cobbled streets, then there is a long road by the beach that has all the hotels on it. The only downside is that it is a 2 hour transfer from Catania. It is very suitable for toddlers. None of our local airports had flights to Palermo, which would have been better.

I would go back in a heartbeat.

One of my favourite ever holidays was in Cefalu. Great beach. super restaurants, really friendly place. I'd always be happy to go back there

Thanks for all the recommendations. We have booked our trip to Cefalu! We have pushed back our days a little and now have a slightly later flight time.

It sounds a little like Gallipoli in Puglia which I would recommend. It's mainly Italians that holiday there so it's good value for money and has everything you need. Lovely cobbled streets and restaurants as well as golden sand and beach clubs.

Looking forward to Cefalu!