20 Tips for Sicily in Italy

Read up on the history of Sicily in Italy

If you are interested in the history of places, you should read up about Sicily before arrival to really appreciate what you will be seeing. So much happened in this area that I would need a separate website to cover everything. I get into some facts in other posts on Sicily.

Travel to Sicily – best time to visit

Visiting Sicily is great all year around due to its Mediterranean climate. However, there are certain periods that are better than others. Not only climate wise but also because many places are closed in the winter months. In summer, they might get rather crowded.

Sicily is very hot in summer

The heat in July and August is remarkable which is fine if you are out for a beach holiday. Know that rented houses with air conditioning are more of a rarity in Sicily.

January to March

During the months January to March it can get fresh. Many houses do not have heating hence it is cool and rather unfortabalbly humid.

The above does not go if you opt to stay in a hotel … most of the times. Better check their setup.

Best months for your travel to Sicily are in spring or autumn

In conclusion, the best months to travel to Sicily are April-June and then again September to November.

Visit to sites during your trip

Engage a knowledgeable guide to take you through the history of Sicily at least once during your visits of the main sites or towns. It is really worth it.

Book one ahead. Otherwise, most of the time, you will find multi language guides on the main sites or through your accommodation.

Some sites close over lunch

Some sites e.g. the Cathedral in Catania are closed from 1-4 pm. Others, such as the archaeological parks, are open all day.

Hence, inquire before heading there.

Tips for Sicily have to include classical performances in Greek or Roman theatres

In summer, classical performances in Greek theaters are organized in Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina, just to name a few. It is spectacular to watch a Greek tragedy in such an environment.

A special tip for Sicily is the Festival of the Pistachio

If you travel to Sicily at the end of September/beginning of October, you might want to get to Bronte at the foot hills of the Etna Vulcan. This event is especially entretaining during a harvest year. This happens every second year making 2019 one of them.

Only Italian spoken

When oil the countryside, Italian is pretty much the only language of communication. Having said that, Sicilian Italian has been influenced by many different cultures. So, even if you are fluent, you might have difficulties to comprehend.

Tips for Sicily – Dinner time in Italy

Italians will not have dinner before 7:30 pm. If starving before then, you will have to go to a bar, a Rosticceria or a restaurant catering for tourists.

Sicilian desert

You have to try the Cannuoli – they are typical from this area (good for breakfast as well) with fresh cottage cheese. The Cassata Siciliana is also typical from the area.

Nero d’Avola from the foothills of the Etna Volcano

If into red wine, you have to taste the one produced from the Nero d’Avola grapes. I have tried it in all price levels and it was always good. It is also served as “house wine” in many restaurants. The grapes grow between the volcanic rocks at the foothills of the Etna.

White wines are good as well. Especially the ones grown, again, on the food hills of the Etna volcano. However, they have an unusually high alcohol content for a white wine.

Markets

Have a look at the local fruit/vegetable and fish markets. I visited the ones in Syracuse and Catania (check my posts on them). If you are into this kind of things, they are worth a trip on their own. If you are not, you will still find great local fresh food/fish around the area.

Tips for Sicily when visiting by car

Roads are very good and with a GPS you easily reach any destination.

Unexplained speed limits

Beware of the speed limits. They appear to be changing without any apparent reason. And they are all over the place. The hefty ticket will reach you at home up to six months later.

Where to leave your vehicle in a city

If you decide to park your car on the road and there are blue lines on the ground, you will have to pay for the time you use it. Sometimes, there is a little money machine where you throw in some coins and you get your parking ticket. Otherwise you find them in most “Tabacchino” (they sell newspapers, cigarettes).

Tips for Sicily – accommodation and your vehicle

When booking your accommodation, check if they have parking possibilities around. Especially in the old town centers it is nearly impossible to find an empty spot. Many times, there is an agreement with a near-by garage. You will probably have to leave your keys. I have not encountered any problem with that throughout the trip. Alternatively, you might opt for a valley service.

Beware of driving in historical centres in Sicily

Driving in most of the historical centres of towns in Sicily is only permitted to cars with a permit. Problem is that you can still enter not realising that a camera has already taken a picture of your plate number. They will find you back home through the car rental company.

Refuelling

When getting into a fuel station, there are two options. One is self-service and the other is where an employee of the gas station fills up the tank. If you go for the latter option, there is a surcharge for the service and you will pay considerably more for your gasoline.

Safety in Italy generally

Violent robberies are rare but having your handbag/camera ripped off your shoulder can happen. It might also happen that you get robbed while sitting in your car. So, when driving keep your valuables on the floor of the car.

It is also good practice not to leave any items visible in your parked car. Loosing your article is bad but worse, you will have to deal with a broken window.

Airport in Catania, Sicily

One last tip on Sicily is to get to the airport in time as the check-in and security checks are pretty lengthy especially during high season.

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Check out my posts on Sicily including Siracusa, Noto, Taormina.  Other amazing locations are grouped up into one post.

Enjoy the read!