Enlarge

Destination:

Sicily


Basics

topWhen to Go

The best time to visit Sicily is in the spring (Apr-Jun) and autumn (Sep-Oct), when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. High season (Jul-Aug) is often unpleasantly hot and overrun with tourists, especially popular destinations like Taormina and the Aeolian Islands. Between late Oct-Easter, many attractions have reduced hours or close for renovations. Many hotels and restaurants take a month off between Nov-Feb.

topWeather & Temperature

Sicily has a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The southeast regions are generally drier and warmer than the northwest and the southeast coast is usually calmer. Summers can be intensely hot, especially inland, with temperatures in the upper 90s. Winter temperatures average in the 50s, though it can be much cooler at high altitudes. In the winter months, rain is frequent but light, with Mount Etna usually getting a cap of snow. (Ski season on Mt Etna lasts from Nov-Mar).

Sicily
 
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average High Temperature°F 59 59 61 65 71 77 81 82 79 74 67 62
°C 15 15 16 18 22 25 27 28 26  24 20 16
Average Low Temperature°F 48  48  49  53  60  67  71  72  69  64  57  51
°C  9  9  10  12  15  19  21  22  20  18  14  11
Average Precipitationin  1.7  0.98  0.65  0.89  0.3  0.17  0.02  0.12  0.72  1.2  1.73  2.28
cm  4.31  2.5  1.64  2.27  0.76  0.44  0.06  0.31  1.84  3.05  4.39  5.78

topTime Difference

1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Daylight saving time goes into effect from the end of March to the end of September.

topPassport & Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required to enter Italy. Citizens of Commonwealth countries and the United States do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.

topMoney Matters

Currency

Italy’s currency is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200. Coins come in 1c, 2c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2.

Changing Money

For best rates, change money at a bank or an American Express office. For convenience, look for ATM machines.
Currency Converter

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are accepted throughout Sicily.

Tipping

In hotels, the service charge of 15% to 19% is already added to your bill. The concierge expects about 15% of his or her bill, as well as tips for extra services performed, which may include help with long-distance calls. In expensive hotels, these amounts are often doubled.

In restaurants and cafes, 15% is usually added to your bill to cover most charges. An additional tip isn't expected, but it's nice to leave the equivalent of an extra couple of dollars if you're pleased with the service.

Taxi drivers expect at least 15% of the fare.

Pizzerias/trattorias round up to the nearest euro
Porters 50c to €1 per bag
Chambermaids 60c to €1 per day
Doorman 60c (for calling a cab)
Cloakroom attendants 90c
Washroom attendants 40c

topPersonal Security

Pickpockets and petty theft are a common problem in cities, especially Palermo and Catania. With a few simple precautions, you should be fine. Take extra care in crowded areas, popular tourist spots, and on buses. Leave valuables and important documents in the hotel safe. Carry the minimum amount of money necessary for the day. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance.

topBusiness Hours

Regular business hours are generally Mon-Sat from 8 or 9am-1pm and 4-7 or 8pm. The riposo (midafternoon closing) is observed in Sicily. Banking hours vary from town to town, but in general are Mon-Fri from 8:30am-1:20pm and 3- 4pm.

topTelephone

Country code for Italy is 39

City codes:
Catania  95
Palermo  91
Syracuse 931
Taormina  942
Agrigento  922
Aeolian Islands  90

Moblie-telephone numbers begin with a four-digit prefix, such as 0330, 0335 or 0347.

When calling from US or Canada, dial 011 + 39 + 0 + city code + number
To call from Sicily abroad, dial 00 + country code + city code + number

Public Phones

Public phones accept coins, precharged phone cards (scheda or carta telefonica), or both, though coin-operated phones are increasingly hard to find. You can buy a carta telefonica at any tabacchi (tobacco shop).

Emergency Numbers

Police 113
Ambulance 118
Fire 115
Road assistance 116
General crises, call the Carabinieri (military-trained police force)  112

topElectrical

The electricity in Sicily varies considerably, but is usually alternating current (AC); the cycle is 50Hz 220V. Check the exact local current at the hotel where you're staying.

topSun & Heat Precautions

Sicily is generally sunny, and can be scorchingly hot in summer. Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat when you're at the beach or hiking.

topEtiquette/Customs

Italians are very family-oriented and love having children around, so you can be sure yours will be welcome wherever you go.

A few phrases of Italian, regardless of pronunciation, will keep you in good step with the locals. On meeting people or entering stores or restaurants, us a simple buon giorno (good day) or buono sera (good afternoon or evening).

Please is per favore, thank you grazie, and prego means you're welcome. Before a meal, say buon appetito (eat well), to which the reply is grazie, altrettanto, (thank you, and the same to you). Before a drink, the toast is salute (good health). Say permesso when you wish to pass, and mi scusi if you wish to apologize.

Avoid entering churches while services are in progress, and dress modestly – many churches do not allow you to enter with bare knees or shoulders.