Heading back to Europe
Mid 2022 we received 2 invitations to weddings. The first in the UK mid July, the second in Spain at the start of August. Chris and I looked at each other – how would this work. Both were important people in our lives, however we were about to embark on a 4 week holiday in the UK with our 3 kids – Harper 4 and our 1 year old twins Harlow and Beau. Could we A. Afford another overseas trip so soon, and B. Could we potentially go to both weddings or is that just crazy.
Well Chris and I like a little crazy and we’d been working super hard so we thought – stuff it let’s do it. We hadn’t had a Summer in Europe in so long due to Covid and kids so were super excited at the thought of escaping winter in Melbourne and making a trip out of it.
Planning
The start and the end of the trip were set – Chris’s cousin would get married in North Wales just outside Manchester first and our friends Jim and Holly would get married in Mallorca 3 weeks later. That meant we had 2 weeks to spend wherever we wanted and I wanted to make it amazing.
Deciding where to go
My non negotiable’s for finding somewhere for our little (big) fam to holiday were the following:
- The places had to be ones that neither Chris nor I had been
- They had to be beach locations
- They had to be easily accessible with the kids. Limited flights and transfers, close to restaurants, sites and walking paths
- Not overly touristy
Research
So I got out google and started searching. Both of us hadn’t been to Croatia, nor the Greek Islands – I knew that the Greek Islands would be hard – ferries or multiple flights, then hard to access beaches or hard with prams – I was hoping it would work but it was a no. Croatia was similar. Montenegro and Slovenia are on my buckets lists but not with the kids this time.
We had both been to Italy – Positano on the Amalfi coast would be absolutely amazing and we both hadn’t been – however – similar to Greece, hard to get to – and not great for prams. Then I remembered Sicily. I had just booked clients there and knew there were good beaches and it was easy to get to. Not wanting anything overly touristy I found a town on the top of the island called Cefalu (pronounced Chef-alu).
A beach side town at the bottom of a mountain, it looked romantic, beautiful and just what I was after.
So Summer in Cefalu with 3 kids it was.
Getting there & our Villa
I found a gorgeous villa on a site called The Thinking Traveller – a company I use in my own travel business. Brezza di Mare was a 2 bedroom villa on the top floor of an ocean facing old building with views for days. Beautifully decorated in old Sicilian decor, I booked it immediately. Their minimum stay was 7 nights – Saturday to Saturday. However had to check in a day later due to when our first wedding was.
We got on a direct EasyJet flight from London Gatwick to Palermo, which took 3 hours. Then were met by a transfer driver organised by The Thinking Traveller on arrival. We had requested 3 car seats when I booked however unfortunately they hadn’t organised. It was an hour and a half drive to Cefalu and I wasn’t happy but there was nothing we could do. I said to the driver “piano piano” (slow slow) and off we went.
We made it
On arrival in Cefalu we were met by our concierge Sergio who helped us up to the villa with our bags. I took a deep breath – it was everything and more I could’ve imagined. The view, the villa, the layout, the amenities. 2 large bedrooms – 1 with a king bed and beautiful wardrobe and ensuite. The second already set up with a king bed for Harper and 2 cots. With a separate bathroom. A gorgeous well equiped kitchen looked over a large dining table straight on to the ocean view. The living room had ample sofa space, a TV with Netflix and space for the kids to play. It was perfection.
I had pre ordered a food shop through The Thinking Traveller along with the arrival hamper they provide there was everything we needed for lunch and dinner the day we arrived. They had also organised 2 cots and 2 highchairs for the twins.
Our home for the week
I made some sandwiches then we headed straight out for a walk in our new home for the week. We travel with our Silver Cross Jet travel prams which not only are super light but fold up perfectly for the overhead lockers and are easy to use. They were a little bumpy on the cobble streets but manageable and the twins actually found it funny.
Stepping outside our villa everything is within reach, gelati, convenience stores, multiple restaurants and shops for either tourist trinkets or beautiful Italian linen clothing. 80m down from our villa was the entry to the beach. A beautiful white sandy beach that stretches 2km along the coast. Half way up beach clubs scatter the beach front, and bench vendors waltz up and down selling anything from beach blankets, blow up flamingos and rings, buckets and spades to beach massages. Which I purchased a blanket, a bucket and spade – and a massage. The hot sand was a challenge at times but it became a little game as to how fast we could make it to the water to then find our spot to set up.
Habits
The kids loved the water. I’ve always said – kids love being outdoors and the water – and it’s true. They are happiest outdoors. My must haves were our Sarah Jane Collection swim nappies, our matching Infamous swim bathers, hats, sunscreen and good sandals for the kids.
Whenever we go away we always make sure that we get straight into routine with the kids sleep and ensure their sleeping spots are comfy and as close to home as possible. Harper would be sharing a room with the twins too. Dark rooms are a must and sticking to our routine as much as possible. For us this meant a midday name for the twins – between 12-12:30. We would plan each day and alternate between having dinner or lunch at home and the other out.
Necessities
Our travel necessities with the twins are our Birch and Elm plates, bowls, bibs and spoons and forks. They’re easy to clean, light, compact and non breakable (unlike restaurant plates). We also have their Bbox water bottles as well. Harper always has her big water bottle as well as her colouring books, note book and pencil case with textas etc. These are taken to every meal out to ensure a stress free meal. Well as stress free as possible with 3 hungry kids. The kids usually shared one main meal – whether that be a pasta or pizza or risotto – and of course – always picked some of ours too.
We always had the villa stocked up with loads of in season fresh fruit, yoghurts, eggs and veggies to ensure the kids always had healthy snacks and we could always turn something into a meal if we needed. There were loads of fresh fruit stands all around the town which was so gorgeous.
Cooking
Cooking on holiday doesn’t bother me – when there’s fresh produce all around you it’s nice to keep some normality and it also saves money. This is the beauty of having a villa or air bnb. You can truely make yourself at home and it takes the stress away from wondering where you’re going to get the kids something to eat from. It also means you always have your own space – which for me and Chris is essential.
Moving our bodies
If you’re after a run – the length of the beach is really the only spot you’ll get that’s flat. My runs consisted of running back and forth the 2km stretch. The post run swim in the ocean was just divine and a must do. You can absolutely run through the town – if you like hills. My morning walks through the village were divine however and I would find nooks and crannies that looked over the ocean with the morning sun rising. On alternate days (and every day for Chris) we would go to FitTimes gyms – a 1 km walk from our Villa. At 8 euro a visit it was great value with a great selection of weights and machines, a studio and stretching area.
The best gelato
Keeping our bodies moving on holiday is a non negotiable for Chris and I. It keeps our cups full, keeps us energised, feeling strong and fuels our brains so we can fully enjoy our holiday and keep our patience. It makes us feel AMAZING.
Our daily walks with this kids were about exploring the gorgeous romantic town. Walking up the medieval streets up to the 12th Century Cathedral, down the little lanes and finding small bakeries and locating the best Gelato I have ever had at Sapore di Sale. If you go – have their signature flavour – white chocolate and lemon gelato with sea salt and white chocolate wafers. To die for. Chris, Harper and kids couldn’t go past the chocolate and hazelnut flavour.
During the babies naps Chris and I took turns to take Harper to the beach for some one on one time while the other got some reprieve. Reading my book on the balcony with a view of the Mediterranean was just breathtaking. Nodding off to sleep in-between chapters.
Time with my big little girl
The days I had Harper it was so nice to spend some quality time with my big little girl. She does so well with the twins and is such a good big sister – it’s nice to give her that time when so much is taken up with the twins at times.
That’s a wrap
Our departure was also flawless – we had help with our luggage again for our transfer back to the airport. I had leftover pasta in the kids Skip hop Thermo’s from The Stork nest– which have been a lifesaver on this trip. It means I know the kids have a meal wherever we are and are not scrambling to find food. We stocked up on fruit for the trip too. Our next stop was the south of France – flying into Nice via Rome so had to make sure we had snacks. Once at Palermo airport I had realised we hadn’t tried a traditional Sicilian Canolli and what was right there at the airport but fresh Canolli’s. Well – I’m glad we did it because they were delicious and I’m glad we ticked it off the list.
We had the most amazing time in Cefalu – I would highly recommend it. Not only for a family, the kids will love the beach, the town is gorgeous and easily accessible, but for a couple it’s such a romantic town.
First decision was a success – Sicily – you charmed me.
Onto our next stop…Eze, Cote d’azure, France. It would encounter a little speed hump to get there – but you’ll have to wait of the next blog of that story.