Sicily recommendations with kids?

[Aichek]

We're planning a trip to Sicily- possibly in October half term but maybe next spring. We can get the ferry to Palermo from where we live in about 9 hours, so I guess looking at the west side of the island. Kids will be 6 and 8 at the time.

Not so bothered about beaches- we have those (although some swimming would be good)- ideally would like to stay in an agrotourismo, farmstay or similar, maybe with a few days in Palermo (love a rough round the edges city, Marseilles is one of our favourites), eat amazing food and maybe a bit of history. I think Etna might be a bit of a drive?

Any suggestions for an off the beaten track experience? We can take the car on the ferry so can get around a bit.

Giving this a bump as I want to know the same thing!

Depending on how far you want to drive the Aeolian islands are amazing.

It's probably in the wrong area of Sicily, and not off the beaten track either but highlights of our stay in Sicily were the Roman temples at Agrigento and a Roman villa with amazing mosaic floors - villa Romana del Casale

If you're headed to Palermo, then yes, Etna is in the east of the island so it is a bit of a drive, unless you base yourselves over there for a couple of nights. Taormina is a nice, but touristy town, with plenty of hotels and apartments to choose from. It's got a Roman theatre and great views of Etna. I loved going up Etna and your DC may find it reasonably exciting. It erupts regularly, so if you're lucky it may be chucking some hot rocks around when you're there.

The Aeolian Islands are indeed amazing, but tbh if this is your first trip to Sicily there is more than enough to keep you amused on the mainland. Besides, if you want to do islands, from Palermo the Egadi Islands, off the western tip of Sicily are closer. They are limestone islands, whereas the Aeolians are volcanic.