Sun Soaked Sicilian Summer

This summer I swapped everyday life for something special: a multigenerational family escape to Sicily to celebrate my mum’s 70th birthday. There were nine of us in total: me and my husband, our two sons, my sister and brother‑in‑law, their niece and nephew, and of course the birthday girl.

We flew into Palermo, arriving to hazy heat and rugged hills, then collected our hire car and set off along the coast. The drive to San Vito Lo Capo felt like a gentle introduction to Sicily: winding roads and glimpses of sparkling sea.

Our home for the week was a beautiful villa tucked at the foot of Monte Monaco, the dramatic limestone peak that dominates San Vito Lo Capo. Each morning we woke to that incredible mountain view. The villa worked perfectly for a big family group: plenty of space, a lovely pool terrace and enough bedrooms so everyone had their own retreat. For a milestone like a 70th birthday, it felt so much more special than simply having separate hotel rooms.

Very quickly we slipped into a blissfully slow Sicilian rhythm. Mornings started quietly, with simple breakfasts and the children in the pool almost immediately. The biggest decisions of the day were usually “lounger or lilo” and “book or podcast”. With three generations together, having our own pool meant everyone could join in at their own pace: energetic games for the children, gentle swims for the grandparents and lazy floating for the rest of us.

One of the real highlights was getting out on the water. We took a boat trip along the coast, leaving the sandy curve of San Vito Lo Capo behind and gliding past rugged cliffs. The sea here is incredibly clear, and we stopped at quiet coves to swim. The children loved jumping from the boat, while the adults floated in the turquoise water, sun on our faces and Monte Monaco in the distance.

Evenings were for wandering into town and enjoying that authentic, local atmosphere. San Vito Lo Capo feels like a resort for Italians first and foremost, which we loved. Families strolled the streets, children played late into the evening, and restaurants buzzed with the sound of Italian voices. We tried different places each night and ate a lot of seafood: grilled fish, pasta with clams and generous antipasti, always accompanied by local wine or beer!

For Mum’s 70th, we chose a special restaurant and raised a glass while the grandchildren made a fuss of her. It felt exactly how a big birthday should: relaxed, happy and surrounded by family.

San Vito Lo Capo’s beach is as pretty as the pictures suggest: a broad sweep of soft sand, shallow water ideal for children and that dramatic mountain backdrop. We dipped between pool days and beach time most days.

 What made Sicily so memorable for us was the combination of relaxed, sun‑drenched days and a setting that felt genuinely Italian. If you are dreaming of a laid‑back family holiday with stunning scenery, great food and space for everyone, San Vito Lo Capo is a destination I would happily return to in a heartbeat!