Why Verdura is one of the best family-friendly resorts in Italy

Sun, sea and a true sense of space greets you on arrival at the stylish Sicilian resort of Verdura. Set along two kilometres of sparkling Mediterranean coastline, this is the ultimate family-friendly destination offering world-class golf, spa and cuisine.

A comfortable three-hour flight time and 80-minute transfer from Palermo airport makes this an easy jaunt for young families seeking an off-season beach holiday in spring or autumn. You could also choose to arrive in style as the hotel can arrange for a helicopter to collect you from the airport.

Rocco Forte’s only beach resort offers a touch of barefoot luxury. Nestling within the zest of lemon and olive groves the luxury resort is set over 230 hectares of stunning landscapes on the southern coast of the island.  You can choose from 203 rooms including 50 suites and villas.

The baroque town of Sciacca is best known for its thermal waters, seafood and wine. Travel in September and you can indulge in all three, and do so while the air is still warm, the beaches are empty, and the annual grape harvest is in full flow. 

Verdura Resort offers a treasure trove of family-friendly activities from beach volleyball to exploring the cycle trails on a bicycle. You can also tee-off on two championship golf courses, improve your game at tennis and football academies or take a dip in the 60-metre two-tiered swimming pool which is one of the largest in Europe.

For all gourmet lovers, Verdura has a wide range of culinary experiences for all the family. You can learn to cook authentic Sicilian cuisine to sampling the local wines. As the second largest wine-producing region in Italy there’ll be plenty of tipples on offer. The Planeta Winery is just a short drive from the hotel and well worth a visit.

With four restaurants on offer, you’re really are spoilt for choice. Buon Giorno is the casual main dining room renowned for its buffet breakfast. The adult-only La Zagara offers sophisticated Mediterranean dining while Amare is the Olga Polizzi-styled beachside restaurant open in summer and offering panoramic views. Pizzas from a local a trattoria and barbecue is sure to keep the kids happy.

Take to the mineral-rich waters of the thalassotherapy pools in the spa while your children are entertained in the free kid’s club, for four to 12-year olds. The club is equipped with its own kitchen for cookery lessons, cinema room and two pools. Every week a golf professional pops in to coach budding young players. 

Thalassotherapy involves bathing in sea water, and its proponents suggest the practice has restorative benefits to health and wellbeing. You can experience this within the extensive spa. Immerse yourself in four outdoor pools, heated from 25 to 35 degrees, each with varying salt densities, minerals and organisms.

You can’t leave Sicily without exploring beyond the landscaped gardens of the resort. Culture vultures will enjoy a trip to Agrigento, home to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most significant archaeological sites on the island. Less than an hour’s drive away you will discover some of the best-preserved relics from Greece’s Golden Age.