5 Things To Know Before Traveling to Sicily

5 Things To Know Before Traveling to Sicily

Sicily, with its sun-drenched landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, undeniably casts a spell on many. Whether you’re planning a permanent escape or an extended sabbatical, the allure of island life is irresistible.

Every year, countless travelers flock to Sicily to explore its treasures. If you’re considering making the journey, it’s a decision that can profoundly change your life.

To ensure you make the most of your experience, in this blog, we’ll share five key things to know before traveling to Sicily, along with some bonus tips to help you plan your adventure.

Here’s an outline of 5 things we’ll cover in this blog:

• When to Go
• How to Get There
• Getting Around Sicily
• Prices
• Best Things To Do
• Patience is Key
• Bonus Tips

Let’s take a closer look at each of these aspects.

When to Go

Timing is everything when it comes to visiting Sicily. The best times to visit are May to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for enjoying beaches, hiking, and sightseeing. You’ll also encounter fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.

August is when much of Italy, including Sicily, slows down for national vacations. Many locals take time off, and some businesses temporarily close. Still, for those who enjoy lively summer festivals and don’t mind the heat, August can be a memorable time to visit.

The winter months bring cooler temperatures and more rainfall. While some outdoor activities may be limited, it’s a quieter time for exploring charming villages and historical sites.

Your choice of travel time depends on what you’re seeking: warm beaches, fewer crowds, cultural events, or a more relaxed pace.

How to Get There

Reaching Sicily is easy, with several travel options. As an island, your main choices are flying, taking a ferry, or arriving via cruise ship.

Flights to Sicily: This is the most convenient way. Major airports like Palermo (Falcone-Borsellino) and Catania (Fontanarossa) are well-connected to international and domestic destinations. Airlines like ITA Airways, Delta, and American Airlines operate regular routes. In summer, you can even find direct flights from major cities like New York (JFK) to Palermo.

Budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet offer lower-cost options, though they often fly from secondary airports, so plan accordingly.

Pro tip: Clear your browser’s cookies and cache before searching for flights to avoid dynamic price increases.

Arriving by Ferry or Cruise: If you’re already in mainland Italy, ferries from Naples, Genoa, and Salerno connect to Palermo and Messina. Cruises often include Sicily as a stop on Mediterranean routes.

Getting Around Sicily

Once you arrive, you’ll need to decide how to explore Sicily’s many regions. Here are the main options:

Renting a Car: For flexibility and access to off-the-beaten-path locations, renting is ideal. A compact car works best on narrow roads, especially in old town centers. Expect winding roads and a few local driving quirks, but it’s worth it if you want the freedom to explore coastal drives or mountain villages.

Public Transportation: Affordable and functional, though slower than driving.

• Buses: Connect major towns. Palermo to Cefalù costs about €6. A monthly pass is around €30.
• Trains: Good for scenic routes between cities like Palermo, Catania, and Taormina, though generally slower than buses.

If you’re budget-conscious or sticking to larger cities, public transit works fine. Otherwise, a rental car opens up many more.

Prices: Accommodation, Food, and More

One of Sicily’s biggest appeals is affordability. Here’s what to expect:

Accommodation

• Hotels: €60–80 per night, often with breakfast included
• Airbnbs: Around €90 per night, good for families or groups
• Seasonal rentals: Cheaper for 30- to 90-day stays. Try Casa.it, Subito.it, or Immobiliare.it

Dining

• Lunch: €6–10 for a full plate
• Dinner: €10–15, with pizza being the cheapest
• Fine dining: More affordable than on the mainland

Other Costs

• Attractions: €5–15 for museums and historical sites
• Transportation: Fuel and tolls are manageable if driving

Best Things to Do in Sicily

Sicily is packed with unforgettable experiences. Here are a few highlights:

Historical and Cultural Sites

• Palermo: Don’t miss the Cathedral and Norman Palace. See our post on exploring Palermo.
• Agrigento: Valley of the Temples, a stunning UNESCO site
• Syracuse: Walk the ruins and visit Ortigia Island

Natural Wonders

• Mount Etna: Hike, take the cable car, or just enjoy the view
• Aeolian Islands: Great for day trips and swimming
• Cefalù: Chill on the beach or explore the old town

Local Experiences

• Food tours: Try local tastings or cooking classes
• Festivals: Join one if the timing lines up—each town has its own

Patience is Key

Sicily moves at its own pace. Some things to keep in mind:

• Riposo: Many shops close midafternoon, then reopen later. Plan around it.
• Festivals and Holidays: Expect closures, but also great street celebrations
• Bureaucracy: Booking and paperwork can take longer. Stay flexible

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Trip

For stays longer than a few weeks, skip Airbnb or Hotels.com. Try local rental sites like Casa.it, Subito.it, Idealista.it, or Immobiliare.it for better deals.

Be aware of ZTL zones, especially in historic towns. These restricted traffic zones can result in fines if you accidentally enter.

Even just a few words of Italian can make a difference. A friendly “Grazie” or “Buongiorno” goes a long way with locals.

Sicily is more than just a destination. If you travel with a bit of planning, flexibility, and curiosity, you’ll leave with lasting memories and probably want to come back for more.