Sicily Travel Tips: “I Wish I Knew This Before Visiting Sicily”

Planning your Italian island getaway? These Sicily travel tips will be your secret weapon for an authentic experience.

From navigating local customs to finding the best food and hidden gems, consider this your essential guide to the Mediterranean’s largest island.

Sicily Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Here’s everything you need to know to make your Sicilian adventure smooth and memorable.

When to Visit

• Best times: Visit Sicily during the shoulder seasons, from April to June and September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
• Avoid peak season: If you can’t handle heat, avoid July and August when temperatures soar well into the 90s°F (35°C+) with humidity.
• Off-season advantages: November to March can be chilly but you’ll have attractions mostly to yourself. However, some hotels and many resorts, shops, and restaurants will be closed.

Trip Planning Strategy

• Fly strategically: The most efficient approach is to fly into Palermo and leave from Catania (or vice versa).
• Use multiple bases: Consider multiple accommodations to better explore the island’s attractions (that are pretty spread out).
• Two-week plan: If limited to one week, focus on either eastern Sicily (Taormina, Siracusa, Agrigento, Mount Etna, Catania) or western Sicily (Palermo, Cefalù, Trapani). With two weeks, you can explore more comprehensively.
• Plan logical routes: Arrange your itinerary in a logical sequence to avoid wasting time zigzagging across the island.
• Don’t rush it: Don’t try to see too much in too little time – Palermo, Siracusa, and Taormina alone need a minimum of 7 nights.

• Top places to visit:
  • Palermo (capital with colorful markets)
  • Siracusa (with historic Ortigia island)
  • Cefalù (charming beach town)
  • Mount Etna (Europe’s most active volcano)
  • Taormina (resort town with Greek-Roman Theater)
• Beyond the obvious:
  • The Valley of Temples in Agrigento
  • Sicily’s Baroque towns (Noto, Ragusa, Modica)
  • Aeolian Islands
  • Egadi Islands
  • Trapani
  • Beautiful beaches like San Vito Lo Capo

Transportation and Getting Around

• Rental car vs. public transport: When visiting Sicily, first decide between renting a car or using public transport. A car gives you the most flexibility, especially for reaching remote areas.
• Car rental posts: We have a helpful post on renting a car in Catania or for renting a car in Palermo.
• Car rental tips:
  • Book well in advance if traveling in peak season (July/August) when availability is scarce
  • Cars in Sicily are often scratched and dented due to tight parking situations, so make sure to get comprehensive car insurance
  • Take a video of your rental car before leaving the lot to document any pre-existing scratches, dents, or other issues
  • Rent a small car (like a Fiat, Lancia, or Toyota) as parking is difficult in cities and at popular beaches
  • Avoid renting flashy, large, new, or expensive vehicles as they’re more likely to get stolen or broken into
  • We recommend you rent your car through DiscoverCars.

• Sicilian driving culture:
  • Sicilians have a reputation for being aggressive drivers who cut you off, pull out in front of you, drive recklessly, and park poorly
  • Be super cautious, always check multiple times before pulling out, and watch for youngsters on scooters
  • Be aware of ZTLs (limited traffic zones) which have cameras and will result in fines
• Public transportation realities:
  • Buses are generally reliable with frequent service between major cities and towns (companies like Interbus and SAIS Autolinee are recommended)
  • Trains are considered less reliable and slower compared to bus services
  • Always validate your train and bus tickets (at machines before boarding trains, on the bus when you board)
  • Consider using the Trainline app to view schedules and purchase tickets ahead of time
  • Be patient and flexible – there’s a carefree attitude toward timetables and punctuality
• Taxi advice: Try to get taxi drivers to give you a price before getting in, as the same route can vary significantly in cost.
• Don’t underestimate distances: Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, taking over 3 hours to drive from Palermo to Siracusa.

Daily Rhythms and Opening Hours

• Siesta respect: Most restaurants and shops close between 1pm and 4:30pm (sometimes later). Do your essential shopping in the morning.
• Opening hours challenges: Archaeological sites and churches often close during lunchtime (noon to 4pm/5pm). Many attractions, shops, and restaurants also close on Sundays or Mondays.
• Beach timing: Beaches are extremely crowded on weekends (especially Sundays) during summer. Consider alternative activities or go very early in the morning (before 10am).

Money Matters

• Cash is essential: Carry cash and coins for markets, street food, petrol stations, toll roads, and parking fees.
• ATM advice: While ATMs are widely available, only use those attached to banks as others may charge high fees for withdrawals.
• Don’t flash cash: Be discreet with large amounts of money, especially in Palermo and Catania.
• Always count your change: Be mindful of being short-changed, which happens fairly regularly, especially from market stallholders.
• Ask prices before ordering: At bars, gelaterias, pasticcerias, or markets, ask for prices before ordering if they’re not displayed. Some places charge tourists more than locals.
• Check your bill carefully: Establishments might try to sneak extra items onto your bill, particularly when dining with a large group.
• Tipping practices: Small tips are appreciated but not mandatory.

Food, Dining and Markets

• Sicilian meal times: Lunch is typically served between 1-3pm, and dinner starts around 8pm. If hungry earlier, look for restaurants offering aperitivo.
• Aperitivo culture: Plan aperitivo around 7pm and dinner around 9pm. Aperitivo typically includes a snack or light plate with your drink.
• Must-try Sicilian specialties:
  • Arancini/arancina (fried rice balls with fillings – called arancino in eastern Sicily, arancina in western Sicily)
  • Cannoli (pastry tubes with sweet ricotta – look for places that fill to order for crispier shells)
  • Pasta alla Norma (pasta with tomatoes and eggplant)
  • Granita (slushy ice cream often served with brioche for breakfast)
  • Fresh seafood (especially near the coast)
  • Local wines (Marsala, Nero d’Avola, Mount Etna varieties)

• Eat local: Stick to Sicilian food in Sicily! Avoid places with non-Sicilian dishes like carbonara or bolognese. Eat seafood by the sea and meat inland for the best food experiences.
• Cappuccino rule exceptions: Unlike some parts of Italy, Sicilians don’t care if you order cappuccino after 11am – they know you’re a tourist anyway.
• Seating at bars: Unlike mainland Italy, most Sicilian bars won’t charge extra to sit rather than stand. Only fancy places charge a coperto.
• Market timing: Visit food markets in the morning for the freshest produce and fish. Famous markets include Catania’s fish market, Palermo’s Mercato di Ballarò, and Ortigia market in Siracusa.

Culture and Language

• Sicilian identity: Many locals identify as “Sicilian” first, “Italian” second. Sicily has its own distinct identity with unique culture, architecture, cuisine, and dialect.
• Sicilian dialect: Locals often speak Sicilian dialect, which is completely different from standard Italian. English is spoken in major tourist areas but less so in rural regions.
• Church etiquette: When visiting churches, ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Respect rules regarding photography and noise.

• Mafia sensitivity: Avoid casually mentioning the Mafia. Sicilians have dealt with real consequences of organized crime for over a century.
• Dress standards: Sicilians tend to dress more formally, even for casual outings. Leave flip-flops at the hotel/beach.

Practical Essentials and Weather Preparation

• Water information: Tap water is safe to drink. Public fountains provide free drinking water, though many locals prefer bottled water.
• Bathroom preparedness: Carry tissues and hand sanitizer as public washrooms might lack toilet paper and soap.
• Passport copy: Keep a photo of your passport on your phone if not carrying the original. Authorities might request identification.
• Translation help: Have Google Translate ready as English isn’t as widely spoken as in northern Italy.

• First impressions: Don’t panic if initial impressions of areas around airports (with garbage, graffiti, and rundown buildings) aren’t great.
• City noise: Bring earplugs if staying in Catania or Palermo as these cities can be very loud.
• Sun protection: Bring your own sunblock as it’s expensive in Sicily.
• Insect repellent: Bring strong insect repellent, especially if not visiting in early spring. Mosquitoes can be a significant problem.
• Mount Etna preparation: If hiking Mount Etna, be physically fit and bring appropriate gear. Even in summer, you will need warm clothes and solid footwear.

Safety

• General safety: Even though Sicily is very safe, exercise standard precautions: keep an eye on belongings and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Final Thoughts on The Best Travel Tips for Sicily

Sicily will captivate you with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible food.

Plan ahead, embrace the island’s unique rhythm, and you’ll be rewarded with an authentic experience that goes far beyond the typical tourist path.

Looking for more Italian travel inspiration? Check out our other guides:

• Best Things To Do In Sicily
• Best Destinations in Sicily for First-Timers
• Best Islands to Visit Near Sicily

Explore our blog for even more detailed Italy travel posts to help you plan your perfect Mediterranean adventure!