SICILY HOLIDAY ADVICE

VOLCANO TIPS
Marta Marinelli, from our supplier Exodus, shares her tips and advice on visiting Sicily.

VOLCANO TIPS

“For me, the Aeolian Islands are the best location to visit as, depending on visibility, the active lava and views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from the summits of the volcanoes are simply stunning. We had to wear a helmet when we undertook the moderate to challenging trek up the side of Stromboli and stood just 50 metres away from the bright red lava fire. It was a breathtaking, yet totally safe, experience.”
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Our Sicily Vacations

Sicily history tour, Italy

Sicily history tour, Italy

One of the most fascinating islands in Europe

From US $2179 to US $2679 9 days ex flights
Read 12 reviews
Sicily food vacation in Italy

Sicily food vacation in Italy

Be overwhelmed at how varied and diverse Sicily’s cuisine

From US $2379 to US $2779 8 days ex flights
Read 3 reviews
Sicily coastal walking vacation

Sicily coastal walking vacation

Walk the north west coast from Scopello to Trapani

From US $2599 to US $2949 8 days ex flights
Sicily history tour

Sicily history tour

Discover Sicily with a knowledgeable guest lecturer

From US $3460 to US $3710 15 days ex flights
Small group Sicily grand tour

Small group Sicily grand tour

Discover the temples, villages and food of Sicily

From US $3849 to US $4199 15 days ex flights
Sicily walking vacation, Sicilian Volcanoes

Sicily walking vacation, Sicilian Volcanoes

Discover Mt Etna and the beautiful volcanic achipelago

From US $2249 to US $2599 8 days ex flights
Read 3 reviews
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CULTURAL ADVICE

Cultural advice

“Sicily is a melting pot of civilisations, the place in Italy where the highest amount of cultures have crossed, and much more than just the obvious highlights. The UNESCO region of Val di Noto in the southeast of Sicily is certainly somewhere that I’d recommend and you’ll find some of the island’s best examples of baroque architecture in towns like Noto, Modica and Ragusa. The temples of Agrigento are also worth seeing.”
TIPS ON WHAT TO EAT

Tips on what to eat

“Sicily’s cuisine bursts with Mediterranean flavours. It has all the classic Italian ingredients but with exotic twists coming from the various civilisations, like the Arabs, which have occupied the island over the years. The ingredients are fresh and the vegetables are some of the tastiest you can find in Europe, thanks to the fertile soil and year-round sunshine. Interestingly, juicy tomatoes, pistachios, oranges and lemon zest are used as dressing in a lot of recipes and give a really unique flavour to pasta and fish dishes, unique to Sicily.
The classic Sicilian specialities such as arancini and cannoli are now world famous and some of the most popular food choices amongst visitors, but my tip is to be adventurous and go for the dishes or ingredients combinations you would normally not go for. Who would have thought that a sandwich of pork spleen (pani ca meusa), pasta with sardines, chickpea fritters (pane e panelle) or pasta with sea urchins would be so amazingly tasty? I’d also recommend visiting Palermo. Although it is quite a dark and mysterious city, a bit like Naples, it’s also amazing for food and anyone interested in cooking or just eating should definitely give it a go.”

Our top Sicily Vacation

Sicily history tour, Italy

Sicily history tour, Italy

One of the most fascinating islands in Europe

From US $2179 to US $2679 9 days ex flights
Read 12 reviews
Small group travel:
2023: 24 Jun, 26 Aug, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 16 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct
2024: 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 13 Apr, 27 Apr, 4 May, 11 May, 18 May, 1 Jun, 8 Jun, 22 Jun, 24 Aug, 31 Aug, 7 Sep, 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 28 Sep, 5 Oct, 12 Oct, 19 Oct
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HEALTH & SAFETY IN SICILY

HEALTH

Summer temperatures can be searing, especially in July and August. If planning anything active be sure to carry plenty of water, and take a break between 12-4pm to avoid the risk of sunstroke and dehydration. If you need emergency treatment – medical or dental – head to casualty (pronto soccorso) at the nearest hospital. For EU citizens, the EHIC card provides cover for most medical care at public hospitals in Italy. Be sure to also have travel insurance in place in case you need emergency repatriation. The standard of healthcare is generally good, though public hospitals may look less impressive in Sicily than in Milan, say. Hiking on Stromboli and Etna can be very dusty, and may not suitable for asthma sufferers. If you use an inhaler, seek advice before you try these treks. To call an ambulance, dial 118.

SAFETY

Italy is an earthquake zone, as it sits on the convergence of the African and Eurasian plates. The central and southern part of the country, including Sicily, is at highest risk, but you’d be extremely unlucky to be affected by one. Travelers should take all the usual precautions against petty crime, particularly in larger cities, where bag snatching and pick pocketing can be an issue. If you need to call the police, the number is 113. The driving in Sicily can be unsafe. Take care at zebra crossings; vehicles are supposed to stop by law but they generally don’t! Women travelers in Sicily – particularly solo women – may find themselves the focus of attention from Italian men. In some areas, you may find yourself subject to outright staring or persistent approaches from would-be Casanovas. The best response is usually to just ignore them. If that doesn't work, politely tell your admirers you are waiting for your husband (marito) or boyfriend (fidanzato), and walk away. Remember it’s compulsory throughout Italy to carry ID with you at all times. Generally, a photocopy of your passport is sufficient, but you may need to show your full passport if stopped when driving. If you plan to walk on Etna or the volcanic Aeolian Islands, walking poles are essential to help you cope with the hilly lava, rocky ash and sandy terrain. Gaiters are also a good idea, to stop ash getting in your boots. Bring warm and waterproof clothes, too.

TIPS FROM OUR TRAVELLERS IN SICILY

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Sicily travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation – and the space inside your suitcase.
When visiting Etna make sure you have adequate warm/waterproof clothing.
Diana Grant
“Learn a bit of Italian, especially for food items – makes it just that bit easier and more enjoyable! (Makes the locals happy too).” – Meiling Aw

“Do some training riding up hills! On two of the days there are very long climbs (and very long descents afterwards). Bring clothes for a wide range of weathers if traveling in April as it can be cool and wet, but when the sun comes out it can also get pretty hot.” – Wendy Pillar on a cycling vacation

“Take your swimmers.” – Liz Adams
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Be prepared for a lot of boat travel around the islands
– Hazel Geatches on a walking vacation including the Aeolian Islands

More about Sicily

Best time to visit Sicily
Best time to visit Sicily
Unless you’re a sun worshipper bent only on the beach, the best time to go to Sicily is outside of roasting and rammed July and August.
Sicily travel guide
Sicily travel guide
Explore the Mediterranean’s largest island with our Sicily travel guide, with an introduction to this fascinating place and a potted history, too.
Sicily map & highlights
Sicily map & highlights
Our interactive map features 12 Sicily highlights, from the foodie and frenetic capital Palermo to pretty fishing villages and towns bursting with beautiful Baroque architecture.
Things to do in Sicily
Things to do in Sicily
Our top things to do in Sicily range from hiking up volcanoes to seeking out historical sites, with eating high on the must-do list, too, as Sicily’s food is famously delicious.
Sicily food holidays
Sicily food vacations
A Sicily food tour makes for an introduction to one of Italy’s most distinctive and dangerously delicious cuisines that is sure to become a long-lasting relationship.
History tours in Sicily
History tours in Sicily
Blessed with an enormous variety of well preserved archaeological sites, Sicily is a paradise for history buffs, classicists and anyone hoping to explore one of the world’s great cultural crossroads.
Mt Etna and Sicilys volcanoes
Mt Etna and Sicilys volcanoes
Sicily’s volcanoes make up one of the most volcanically active regions of the planet, and the best way to appreciate their awesome power is by getting up close and personal with them – on foot.
Travelling in Sicily with kids
Traveling in Sicily with kids
Hiking on volcanoes, sea kayaking into caves, beautiful beaches, super snorkelling, fascinating history and brilliant cuisine – traveling in Sicily with kids is a joy.
Sicily walking holidays
Sicily walking vacations
Walking is also a fantastic way to discover the distinct and vibrant culture of Sicily, especially its food and wine.
Responsible tourism in Sicily
Responsible tourism in Sicily
Our page on responsible tourism in Sicily includes guidance on supporting local businesses that resist Mafia extortion rackets and advice on conserving water.
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More relevant guides

Italy
Written by Joanna Simmons
Photo credits: [Page banner: Gandolfo Cannatella] [Volcano Tips: HopeHill] [Cultural Advice: ro431977] [Tips on what to eat (market): Jeanne Menjoulet] [Tips on what to eat : Guillaume Flambeau Von ] [Health and Safety: kuhnmi] [Review introduction: Daniel Fazio] [Review 1 - Diana Grant: Daniel Enchev] [Review 2 - Hazel Geachtes: Jorge Franganillo]
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