Sicily, Italy Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, boasts a rich history, stunning landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. This Italian island is home to ancient ruins, such as the Valley of the Temples and the Greek theatre in Taormina, as well as charming cities like Palermo and Catania. Its diverse landscape ranges from sandy beaches and azure waters to rugged mountains and fertile valleys. Sicily’s cultural influences from Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman civilizations make it a unique and intriguing destination. With its warm climate and welcoming locals, Sicily offers a vibrant and unforgettable experience for travelers.

Why Sicily, Italy?

  • Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • It is home to Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes and the highest active volcano in Europe.
  • Sicily is the largest region of Italy after Sardinia.
  • It is famous for its delicious cuisines, popular dishes include arancini, caponata, and cannoli.
  • Sicily has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era.

Sicily, Italy Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
54° F
41° F
February
54° F
41° F
March
55° F
43° F
April
61° F
46° F
May
66° F
54° F
June
73° F
59° F
July
79° F
64° F
August
79° F
66° F
September
75° F
63° F
October
70° F
57° F
November
63° F
50° F
December
55° F
45° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.6 inches
February
1.6 inches
March
1.3 inches
April
1.4 inches
May
0.6 inches
June
0.4 inches
July
0.4 inches
August
0.7 inches
September
1.1 inches
October
1.9 inches
November
2.6 inches
December
3.1 inches

Overview

From the fiery peaks of Mount Etna to the colourful capital Palermo and the crescent bays that fringe the most serene of shorelines, Sicily is utterly unique. Here you’ll find a rich historical tapestry bearing the hallmarks of Europe’s great civilisations. From the shimmering Byzantine mosaics of Palermo’s Palatine Chapel to the majestic Doric temples at Agrigento and theatre at Taormina, alongside countless Roman relics.

Take to the sea to explore the smattering of nearby Aegadian Islands, the rocky coastline of Marettimo caressed by charming crystal waters, or island-hop between Favignana and Levanzo with its pretty little port. For a taste of timeless Sicily, head to Syracuse, where you’ll find sweet lemon trees, bustling piazzas and the historic old town of Ortigia with its medieval streets perfect for strolling.

Step back in time in a ravishing manor house, nestled between the ocean and the restless, snow-topped mountains far beyond. From here, venture to one of the beautifully baroque towns to the south, where you’ll find unspoilt beaches and secret coves. Give your private chef the night off, sampling some of Sicilian specialities, from succulent seafood, steaming fresh from the sea, to the mouthwatering dolci almond laced ricotta desserts the island is famous for, all enjoyed al fresco Mount Etna lighting up the horizon.

History

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich and diverse history that has shaped its cultural identity and left a lasting impact on the world. The island has been inhabited by different civilizations for thousands of years, each leaving their mark on the land and its people.

The first known inhabitants of Sicily were the Sicels, an ancient Italic tribe, who arrived on the island in the 2nd millennium BC. They were followed by the Greeks, who founded numerous colonies on the island, including Syracuse, which became one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. The Greek influence can still be seen today in the architecture, cuisine, and language of Sicily.

In the 3rd century BC, the island came under Roman rule and became a hub of trade and commerce. The Romans built impressive structures, such as the famous Villa Romana del Casale, which is renowned for its well-preserved mosaics.

In the 9th century, the Arabs conquered Sicily and brought with them their advanced knowledge of agriculture, architecture, and mathematics. They also introduced new crops such as citrus fruits and spices, which are still a prominent part of Sicilian cuisine today. The Normans, a Viking tribe, conquered the island in the 11th century and brought a new era of cultural fusion, creating a unique blend of Arabic, Byzantine, and Western European influences.

In the following centuries, Sicily was ruled by various foreign powers, including the Angevins, Aragonese, and Spanish. Each of these rulers left their mark on the island, contributing to its diverse cultural heritage. However, it was during the Spanish rule in the 16th century that Sicily experienced a period of economic prosperity, as it became a major producer of wheat, wine, and citrus fruits.

Today, Sicily continues to be a melting pot of cultures and a testament to its rich and complex history. Its strategic location in the Mediterranean has made it a sought-after territory throughout the ages, and its unique blend of influences has made it a fascinating and vibrant place to explore.

Transportation on Sicily, Italy

Getting to Sicily, Italy and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
  • Visa: Check Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
  • Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
  • Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
  • Arrival Form: Complete if required.
  • COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Italy.
  • Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
  • Children under 12 or less than 150 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
  • Adhere to speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, 110 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways (some sections may have lower limits).
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
  • In some cases, vehicles coming from the right have priority unless road signs indicate otherwise. Always be cautious at intersections.
  • Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
  • In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

Local Transportation

Local transportation in Italy is a well-developed and efficient system that allows travelers to easily navigate through the country. The most common forms of transportation include trains, buses, and metro systems. Trains are considered the most popular and reliable mode of transportation, with a comprehensive network that connects major cities and smaller towns. Buses are also widely used, particularly for shorter distances and to access more remote areas. Many cities in Italy also have a metro system, which provides easy and quick access to various parts of the city. Other options for local transportation include taxis, rental cars, and bicycles.

Know Before You Go...® - Sicily, Italy Travel Tips

Before making their way to Sicily, Italy , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Sicily, Italy even more relaxing.

Capital: Palermo
Population: 5 million (estimated)
Size: 9,926 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 220/240
Time: zone:+1 (GMT/UTC )
Official Language: The official language spoken in Sicily is Italian. However, Sicilian, a distinct dialect of Italian, is also widely spoken as a secondary language by the locals.
Currency:
  • The official currency of Sicily is the Euro (€). It is recommended to exchange currency before traveling to Sicily, as many places do not accept foreign currency. However, there are ATMs available in major cities and tourist areas where visitors can withdraw Euros using their debit or credit cards.
  • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Sicily, especially in larger cities. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express and Discover may not be accepted in all establishments. It is always a good idea to inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans to avoid any issues with transactions being declined.
  • Cash is still widely used in Sicily, especially in smaller towns and local establishments. It is recommended to carry small denominations of Euros for easier transactions.
  • Traveler's checks are not widely accepted in Sicily and may be difficult to exchange.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • Tipping, also known as "la mancia" in Italian, is not mandatory in Sicily, but it is appreciated for good service.
  • In most restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% is already included in the bill, but it is customary to leave an additional 5-10% as a tip for exceptional service.
  • For other services such as taxis, tour guides, or hotel staff, tipping is not expected but again, it is appreciated for good service. A small tip of 1-2 euros is sufficient in most cases.
  • Value-added tax (VAT) in Italy is currently set at 22%, and it is included in the price of goods and services. This tax applies to almost all goods and services, including food, clothing, and transportation.
  • Non-EU residents may be eligible for a VAT refund on certain purchases made in Italy.
Dress Code: The dress code in Sicily is typically casual and comfortable, with an emphasis on light and airy clothing due to the warm climate.
Topography: Sicily is a mountainous island in the Mediterranean Sea, with rugged cliffs and peaks, fertile valleys, and numerous active and dormant volcanoes.
Telephone: Country code: +39 Area code: 091

Sicily, Italy Weddings and Honeymoons

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See our favorite Italy villas for weddings.