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
° F
February
54° F
° F
March
55° F
° F
April
61° F
° F
May
66° F
° F
June
73° F
° F
July
79° F
° F
August
79° F
° F
September
75° F
° F
October
70° F
° F
November
63° F
° F
December
55° F
° 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

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

  • Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa not required for most nationalities for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
  • Return/onward ticket required for proof of departure.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax; taxes are included in airfare.

Driving

  • Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side.
  • Road Conditions: Roads are generally well-maintained, though some rural and mountain routes may be narrow or less maintained. Traffic can be heavy in cities like Palermo and Catania.
  • Speed Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Parking can be challenging in historic centers like Palermo and Taormina. Renting a car is recommended for exploring Sicily’s remote beaches, ancient sites, and countryside.

Local Transportation

Sicily provides a variety of transport options for exploring its scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities. Renting a car is highly recommended for those wanting to visit remote towns, vineyards, or the island’s iconic beaches at their own pace, as public transport can be limited in rural areas. Major cities like Palermo, Catania, and Messina are well-connected by trains, offering a scenic way to travel between them. Public buses are another option for getting around the island, although schedules can be irregular. Taxis and private transfers are available for a more convenient but pricier option, especially for trips to more secluded locations.

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: 230
Time: Timezone: CET, 2024-12-26 01:31:03
(GMT Offset: 1 hours, DST: No)
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: * Telephone Country Code: +39 * Mobile Networks: Reliable coverage across the island, including rural and mountainous areas. * Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Many establishments offer free Wi-Fi for guests.

Sicily, Italy Weddings and Honeymoons

In Sicily Italy, getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.

Apply for a marriage license at the local Comune (Town Hall) in the chosen municipality in Sicily.

Required documents include:

  • Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.
  • Birth certificates (translated into Italian and certified with an Apostille).
  • Certificate of no impediment to marriage (Nulla Osta) issued by your country’s embassy in Italy.
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
  • Application form provided by the Comune.

Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted in Italian by a registrar. An interpreter may be required if the couple does not speak Italian.

Costs: Marriage fees vary by municipality but typically range from €200 to €500 for non-residents. Additional costs may apply for translations, Apostilles, and optional arrangements.

Optional Religious or Scenic Venue Ceremony: Sicily offers stunning venues for symbolic or religious ceremonies, including ancient ruins, seaside cliffs, and historic churches. Popular locations include the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek Theatre in Taormina, and baroque venues in Noto. These ceremonies are not legally binding without a civil ceremony.