Sicily for people with mobility issues

Sicily, while spectacular, is full of hills, stairs, and cobblestones. My meek suggestion would be to go to Catania, and pace yourselves, if that city is important to your FIL, or just pick one other interesting city, Siracusa, for example. The Ortygia area of Siracusa is actually fairly level, and there are lots of things to see.

All the towns and cities I have been to have sites that are challenging. I'd think about renting or downloading a video on touring Sicily; it will probably whet your FIL's appetite, but it might also help them make up their minds.

I do think it's doable, if you go very slowly, and don't try to do too much. Pick one or two places and take it easy. Are taxis or car tours in the budget?

When are you thinking of going? It would be better to go when it’s not too hot. Know that all airlines will provide wheelchair assistance to and from every airport gate- you just have to notify each airline ahead of time. Careful planning would be essential. Be sure each lodging has an elevator or ground floor rooms. For cities taxis or a car service is recommended. I agree that Siracusa is a great city to consider. It’s beautiful and has Greek ruins and Baroque sites, among other things. I hear that Acreale, north if Catania, is a nice beachside town. You may want to search for a nice agriturismo in the area for a break from cities, getting there by taxi or rental car.

Have you considered a cruise around Sicily? I remember reading about an Azamara cruise that circled the island, stopping in several ports, but I have not researched this. It might be a good solution.

I think you should check with your family members' doctors before you attempt this. If flying itself poses a substantial hazard, then everything else is moot. From where I've been in Sicily (southeastern part), I recall that Noto and Siracusa/Ortigia have flat areas to walk (Noto is quite small with a nice flat pedestrian street and hilly side streets and steps to the interesting sites, like churches). Even Taormina, which is on top of a hill and has hilly side streets, has a flat pedestrian main street. But are you prepared to drive from one place to another or somehow shuttle everyone to the flat pedestrian zones? What mode of transport are you planning to use? Buses and trains have some small stairs to climb.

If you go, you should seriously consider going in Spring or off season when it's not so warm/hot. Catania, in particular, gets extremely hot. It is also a very busy city with lots of traffic, so keep this in mind. Also, you'll probably need canes/poles and those little things that can fold out into a seat easily for your family members.

Before you take the planning further, look into what medical/travel/cancellation insurance will cost, especially for the 89 year old. It will be shockingly high.

Okay.
Number one: can they get on a MUNI BUS?
If they can get on MUNI, they can do Sicily.
I completely get the “bucket list” thing.
And I’d rather make the trip to Sicily, die there, and scatter my ashes there ... (I’m 72 . I’m a solo woman traveler .)
I’m also from San Francisco.
Over the past 4 years, I’ve made 3 trips to Sicily. Each trip was 2-3 weeks long.
Fly Swiss Air from SFO to Zurich. Then Zurich to Catania. ONLY ON TUESDAYS they do this route.
(You’ll return with Lufthansa - a sister airline through Munich.) Use wheel chairs at all airports. Their airports are HUGE.
Take Alibus from Catania airport into Catania. (4€).
I assume they have family heritage there?
I stay Airbnb. Find one with elevators and close to the Alibus stops.
When booking Airbnb’s - I ask if they pick up at bus stops or train stops. Many do. If they say yes, I book with them.
It’s 1 1/2 hour bus ride to Siracusa from Catania. Stay in Ortigia. Flat.
In Ortigia, take the 1 hour boat ride around the island. 10€.
Go to the Teatro Pupi (Sicilian puppet show) in Ortigia.
I can send you restaurants, etc.
With just those 2 cities, they can experience and taste Sicily.
I can send you more details later if you go through with these plans.
Europe is much kinder to their aging citizens than is America.
While in Ragusa last year, I saw a group of wheel chair travelers. They were having a great vacation.
Make sure they take quality walking sticks and wear sturdy shoes. The black lava pavers on sidewalks and streets can trip anyone of any age.

angelina21: What a great post! I hope the OP pays close attention. How thoughtful you are.

Thank you all for your thoughtful and specific suggestions! It helps give me a place to start with my research!