Sicily is a such a fantastic place to visit as it offers all the elements of a great holiday. However, before you plan a holiday to this Italian destination, you need to do a little bit of research to make sure that you have the best holiday when you’re there.
When to visit Sicily?
The best time to visit Sicily is from May to June and then September and October. These two periods are the best for when the weather is mild and suitable for activities. December and January are also good months to visit in too, provided it doesn’t rain. A top tip for you is to never visit Sicily in August since everything is closed.
4 Amazing Tips For Planning A Perfect Italian Holiday
Where to stay?
You have so many choices when it comes to hotel accommodation in Sicily. If you are going on a short visit, you can try out one of the many inns and hotels. If you prefer to take a longer holiday, then you can even hire one of these Sicilian villas. This often works out cheaper in the long run, and you would have a base for all the activities and trips you want to undertake.
The people of Sicily are really warm and welcoming and wherever you stay whether that be in a hotel or in a villa, you’ll have a great holiday in Sicily
Exploring Sicily
If your plan is to explore the inner areas or smaller towns in Sicily, then we highly recommend that you hire a car. Public transport outside the big cities is close to non-existent. However, driving is an art in Sicily and you need to be prepared for the road, so have the most competent member of your party take the wheel!
Do take maps and GPS along with you because directions are not present everywhere, especially in the more rural areas outside the big cities. Know where you are going before you leave for the day and do ask at your hotel reception for directions if you’re unsure.
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Tips for visiting Sicily
Please do be aware that pickpocketing and theft exist in Sicily as they do in all tourist spots. So avoid carrying a lot of cash or valuables with you. Tuck away your credit and debit cards and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Never leave your bag unattended and make sure that all of your belongings are concealed as much as possible. If it’s not essential to take with you for your day out, then don’t to be extra safe.
As with wherever you go it would be helpful to learn a few phrases of Italian or Sicilian since most people do not speak English and won’t attempt to either! You could also practice miming because in some cases, there really will be no other way to communicate. Here’s a list of some useful phrases to note down before you travel.
- Good Morning = Buongiorno = bwon jorno
- Good Evening = Buonasera = bwona sayra
- Do you speak English? = Parla inglese? = parla eengglaysay
- I do not speak Italian = Non parlo italiano = non parlo eetaleeaano
- Thank you = Grazie = grahtsyeh NOT grat-zee
- Please = Per favore = pehr favoray
- Please write it down = Lo scriva, per piacere = lo skreeva pehr peeachayray
- Where is = Dov’è? = doveh (Dov’è la toeletta? Where is the bathroom?)
- How much is that? = Quanto costa? = kwanto kosta
- I’d like = Vorrei = vorrehee (used when ordering in a restaurant i.e. vorrei un caffè per favore, I would like a coffee please)
If you are visiting in Summer do make sure that you carry sunblock and also make sure that you’re armed with insect spray, the local insect repellents are extremely effective so are worth buying when you arrive. You will absolutely require them if you plan to travel to the countryside.
By keeping these small things in mind, you can plan a perfect trip to Sicily. Happy travelling!
Have you visited Sicily before? If so I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips on how to have the best trip in the comments section below. If you’re visiting Sicily or know somebody who is and you’ve found value in this article we’d love you to share it across your social media channels.
