Sicily Travel Guide
Sicily is a captivating destination that enchants holidaymakers with its stunning coastal landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned cuisine.
As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily boasts a unique charm that reflects its diverse influences from Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman civilizations. Visitors will be awe-inspired by iconic sites such as Mount Etna, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and the historic streets of Palermo. Whether you wish to indulge in authentic Sicilian cannoli, explore charming seaside towns like Taormina, or soak up the sun on pristine beaches, Sicily offers something for everyone.
We've outlined some essential tips and recommendations below to help make your holiday in Sicily truly unforgettable.
Time Zone & Currency
Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The currency in Italy is the Euro.
Weather In Sicily
The coastline climate in Sicily offers fresh, hot summers and mild winters.
Reading For Your Trip To Sicily
The Godfather by Mari Puzo
The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
Conversations in Sicily by Elio Vittorini
Best time to go to Sicily
Early July to the end of August is peak tourist season and visitors can expect a lively atmosphere at the beach resorts as well as very hot, sunny weather. May to June and September to October are ideal for relaxing and sightseeing in Sicily, with fewer crowds at the coast, plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the region of 25-30°C.
Recommended Sicily Hotels
See where you'll be staying on our tours of Sicily.
Top Tourist Attractions In Sicily
Experience Sicily - A Holiday You Can't Refuse
Michelle Jackson, The Novel Traveller, shares her highlights of this wonderful part of Italy.
Food and drink in Sicily
Sicilian food is similar to mainland Italy, but there are more influences from its Greek and Arab neighbours. Some of the must try dishes include:
- Arancini: When you fancy a snack, try the Arancini, tasty fried rice balls filled with various ingredients, from meat to mozzarella.
- Pasta con le Sarde: Made with sardines, fennel, pine nuts, raisins and toasted breadcrumbs in olive oil.
- Pasta alla Norma: A classic pasta dish featuring eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta salata, and fresh basil.
- Caponata: A sweet and sour vegetable stew made with eggplant, celery, capers, and olives, typically served as a side or appetizer.
- Cannoli: a rolled pastry filled with ricotta and candied fruits is a classic Sicilian sweet treat.
- Granita: A refreshing frozen dessert made with crushed ice, sugar, and fresh flavors like lemon, almond, or pistachio, often paired with a brioche bun.
Accompany your meal with a robust Nero d’Avola or a light Grillo, just some of the excellent wines produced on the island. To finish, enjoy a glass of Marsala, Sicily’s renowned fortified wine.
Sicily Travel Guide FAQs
Do Sicily hotels provide entertainment and is free WiFi available?
In Sicily, WiFi is free in most restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels, but in hotels it may be free of charge in the public areas only. Some resort-based hotels in Sicily feature live entertainment, but do check your hotel facilities. During the summer months, musical entertainment can often be enjoyed at pavement cafes and outdoor public spaces in Giardini Naxos, Taormina and other towns along the coast.
Can hotels in Sicily provide meals to suit my dietary requirements?
When notified in advance, Travel Department can inform our Sicily hotels of your dietary requests, such as gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan foods.Please note that choices may be limited compared to the offering found in hotels at home.
Is there a dress code at my hotel or going out in Sicily?
For restaurants and hotel dining rooms you can dress casually, but we suggest you avoid wearing “beach wear”, such as shorts and flip flops. When visiting churches and holy places, cover up bare flesh; shoulders, chest, legs.
I have walking difficulties, is a holiday in Sicily suitable?
Our guided tours in Sicily will involve periods of walking and standing, at times on uneven or cobbled surfaces. There will be steep inclines or steps to negotiate at certain locations and early morning starts for some excursions. A reasonable degree of health and mobility is required. For all our tours we have an activity level guide to help you decide which holiday suits you best. For specific advice regarding our Sicily tours and to discuss any special needs, please contact us directly and we will be happy to assist you.
Is Sicily a good holiday destination?
Sicily's chequered past has resulted in a rich and unique culture, with traces of former civilisations including Roman amphitheatres, Greek temples and Aragonese churches waiting to be discovered throughout the island. North of the island lies the Aeolian Island archipelago, a group of volcanic islands that exhibit incredible natural beauty, earning them a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Both Sicily and the Aeolian Islands still have some active volcanoes, the most famous being towering Mount Etna. Sicily also has charming seaside towns and villages located along the coastline; it’s one of the best places to experience an authentic Italy holiday.
Sicily Travel Advice
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into Italy please see: www.gov.uk
- Official Italian Tourism Board: www.italia.it
