How to get the best value holiday in Sicily
Finding those extra funds for a summer holiday is never easy and can prove even more challenging when it comes to organising a family holiday. But whether it’s down to the change of scene or simply spending quality time together, it’s hard to put a price on the boost we all get from a holiday.
Of course, some locations are more budget friendly than others, but if you’ve set your sights on Sicily, there are ways to holiday for less if you plan carefully. Here are our tips for organising some holiday family fun without dipping into the kids’ piggy banks.
How to get the best value when you book your holiday
1. When to take your holiday
Naturally, prices spike during school holidays: this is essentially what keeps prices low at other times. So, if you have pre-school children, certainly try to stick to term time if you can. You’ll make some great savings across the board, and particularly on your accommodation, flights and car rental, but as an extra bonus, will find beaches, attractions and city centres much quieter than in July and August.
2. Should I rely on late offers?
When it comes to villa bookings, it is possible to pick up a late offer of discounted accommodation but if you’re limited to school summer holidays, it’s risky to rely on these. The chances of them matching a villa that ticks all your boxes, and on specific dates, are fairly slim.
This isn’t necessarily the case for Easter or Whitsun school holidays when you can get great value for money. Prices are already significantly lower than in August and you can save even more by taking advantage of selected Spring offers. For example, at Casa Turi, a fabulous villa in the countryside between Palermo and Cefalù, you can save over £250 during Whitsun half term.
3. Keep travel costs down
The cost of European flights has risen substantially in recent months and the more flexible you can be, the better. Not surprisingly, prices rise for weekend flights but you can make savings if you’re prepared to fly midweek and at a less convenient time. Search comparison websites such as Skyscanner for the best flight options and where possible, choose a villa with a flexible arrival day.
Checking in luggage is going to bump the price of your flight considerably, so pack minimally: you don’t need much when the sun’s shining and you have a washing machine, and most toiletries will be available locally. Whether you check in or carry on luggage, make sure your luggage meets requirements to avoid extra charges.
4. Choose your villa carefully
The location of your villa will also make a difference. Book a beachfront luxury villa with a pool in Sicily or a villa with direct access to the beach during July and August and not surprisingly, you’ll pay a premium for the privilege. Dedalo, for example, has fabulous sweeping sea-facing terraces and a private path to the beach. But there are savings to be had if you’re prepared to forego the pool or beachfront location and you may still get sea views even if the beach isn’t at the end of your garden.
You can also add value to your holiday by sharing with friends or your extended family. By booking a larger villa, you’ll often get a bigger pool and garden, plus extra amenities such as a jacuzzi.
How can I make savings during my holiday?
5. Local shopping, self-catering and eating out
You are already adding masses of value to your holiday just by opting for a self-catering holiday. Simply by preparing your own breakfast and possibly one other meal a day, you’ll make significant savings. Shop in local rather than tourist markets for cheese, cold meats, salad stuff and fruit and buy locally grown fresh produce rather than imported items.
After a day on the beach, the chances are the kids will be more than happy in the evening to tuck into a homemade barbecue or try their hand at pizza making. When you do eat out, fill empty kids’ tummies with affordable street food like arancini (fried rice balls) or head into town for a pizza and a gelato, both relatively inexpensive
6. What budget activities and experiences can I do?
If you’ve got a pool, there’s no need to plan expensive outings every day. Enjoy the luxury of chilling in your own private garden or having a day and picnic on the beach. When you do feel like exploring, guided cycling, hiking and bike tours are a fun way to get to see the island and body rafting in the Alcantara Gorge is a popular and not overly expensive family-friendly activity.
Watch out for special offers such as our Family Trio collection of 3 experiences – a boat trip, quad bike tour and horse riding – which offers savings of 25% on the cost of each individual activity.
7. Are Sicily’s beaches free?
Often, all you need for the kids is a sandy beach and warm water. If you’re prepared to skip the sun loungers, most beaches in Sicily are completely free. You can just turn up, spread out your towels and fix your umbrella in the sand. Private ‘lidos’ offer the luxury of sunbeds and an umbrella, as well as facilities such as a restaurant, shower and toilets, but come at a price.
8. What other free things are there to do in Sicily?
If you’re anywhere near a city, such as Palermo, Catania, Syracuse or Ragusa, you can easily fill a day just wandering and admiring the incredible architecture, churches and lively piazzas. It’s also fun to wander through the markets, particularly those in Palermo and Catania. For anyone keen to explore Sicily’s art and history, bear in mind that many museums are free on certain days, usually the first Sunday of the month. And if you’re visiting in May or June before the intense summer heat, a day trip to Sicily’s magnificent nature reserves, mountain ranges and national parks is a great way to spend the day.
