Things to Do in Sicily

About Sicily

Sicily has Greek temples, Arab markets, Norman castles, and an active volcano shaping its landscape. Mount Etna's presence defines the island as much as the turquoise coast or the ancient cobblestones underfoot. This isn't your typical Mediterranean stop. The island collected influences from everyone who invaded it—Greeks, Arabs, Byzantines, Normans—and kept the best parts. You'll find Arab spices in the markets and Byzantine mosaics catching light in old chapels. Hilltop villages look frozen in time. The real Sicily appears in small moments. Café cups clatter at dawn. Fishermen mend nets in harbor shadows, and the Sicilian dialect drifts through narrow alleyways with its own musical rhythm. Don't expect grand gestures here. The island works differently—independent, stubborn, generous with strangers. An arancini isn't just fried rice; it is layers of cultural invasion turned into lunch. Sunsets over the Ionian Sea hit harder than expected. The place stays with you. That warm hospitality mixed with fierce local pride creates something you can't shake after you leave.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Regional buses (AST, SAIS) cost 3-15 EUR ($3.18-15.92) for intercity routes. Car rental essential for exploring: 25-45 EUR ($26.54-47.77) daily from Catania or Palermo airports. Trains between major cities cost 8-25 EUR ($8.49-26.54) but limited routes. Taxis expensive at 1.50-2 EUR ($1.59-2.12) per kilometer plus base fare. Circumetnea railway around Mount Etna costs 8 EUR ($8.49) for scenic journey. Ferries to mainland Italy cost 35-80 EUR ($37.16-84.95) depending on route. Walking excellent in historic centers of Palermo, Catania, Syracuse. Ape Calessino (three-wheeled taxi) tours cost 80-150 EUR ($84.95-159.24) for groups.

Money: Euro (EUR) is the currency. UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo ATMs widespread, dispensing 250-500 EUR ($265-531) per transaction. Cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and stores. Budget 50-80 EUR ($53-85) daily for mid-range travel. Tipping 10% appreciated but not mandatory - round up bills. Banking hours 8:30am-1:30pm and 2:45pm-4:15pm weekdays. Tourist areas accept major credit cards but rural areas prefer cash. Market vendors and small trattorias cash-only. VAT refunds available for non-EU tourists on purchases over 155 EUR ($164.52).

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Buongiorno/Buonasera' and expect warm hospitality. Strong family traditions - Sunday lunches are sacred family time. Remove hats when entering churches and dress modestly (covered shoulders, no shorts). Photography allowed in most places but ask permission at religious sites. Siesta time (1-4pm) means many shops close - plan accordingly. Sicilian culture distinct from mainland Italy with Greek, Arab, Norman influences. Puppet theater (Opera dei Pupi) is UNESCO heritage. Respect for elderly and traditional ways of life paramount. Food culture central to social life. Mafia history sensitive topic - approach respectfully at anti-mafia sites.

Food Safety: Arancini at street vendors cost 2-4 EUR ($2.12-4.25). Pasta alla norma at restaurants runs 8-15 EUR ($8.49-15.92). Cannoli Siciliani at pasticcerias cost 2-5 EUR ($2.12-5.31) each. Granita with brioche for breakfast costs 3-6 EUR ($3.18-6.37). Fresh seafood at coastal restaurants costs 15-30 EUR ($15.92-31.85). Local wines like Nero d'Avola cost 12-25 EUR ($12.74-26.54) per bottle. Caponata at trattorias runs 6-12 EUR ($6.37-12.74). Bottled water costs 1-2 EUR ($1.06-2.12). Street food culture excellent - try pani ca meusa in Palermo. Restaurant portions generous - antipasti often sufficient for light meals.

When to Visit

Sicily's Mediterranean climate offers distinct seasonal experiences, each with unique advantages. Spring (April-May) brings perfect weather with temperatures of 68-77°F, minimal rainfall (2-3 inches monthly), and wildflower-carpeted landscapes. Accommodation costs are 20-30% below peak season, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers and photographers. Summer (June-August) delivers classic Mediterranean heat (77-86°F) with virtually no rain, perfect for beach lovers and festival ensoiasts. However, expect 40-50% higher prices and crowded attractions. The well-known Taormina Arte festival runs June-September, while Palermo's Santa Rosalia celebration peaks July 10-15th. Autumn (September-October) offers Sicily's sweet spot: warm seas (still 72°F), harvest season charm, and 25-35% lower costs than summer. October averages just 3 inches of rain with comfortable 73-79°F temperatures. Winter (November-March) sees cooler weather (54-64°F) and increased rainfall (4-6 inches monthly), but brings dramatic advantages: 50% lower accommodation costs, authentic local life without tourist crowds, and perfect conditions for exploring museums and archaeological sites. Cultural ensoiasts should visit during Carnival season (February-March) or the atmospheric Christmas markets. Mount Etna is accessible year-round, though winter offers dramatic snow-capped crater views.