There are always multiple types of travelers going to Sicily or any place in the world for what matters.
We are part of a group that visits Sicily frequently for its history, natural beauty, monuments, cuisine, traditions, and, of course, its people.
Therefore, for types like us who want to enjoy a true Sicilian experience, it is essential to know the basics of savoir-faire and vivre.
Family
No matter where you go in Italy, family is sacred. No surprise here for anyone with even the least knowledge of the Italians and Italy. In Sicily, family is not limited to parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, siblings, in-laws, aunts and uncles, cousins, and other extended family.
A Sicilian family includes friends, neighbors, colleagues, and “strangers” on many occasions.
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Therefore, don’t act surprised when you receive an invitation for lunch or dinner at a Sicilian’s home. It comes naturally to them. Their homes are open to everyone.
We anticipate that when you arrive, you may be surprised by the number of people already there.
Children are the Essence of Life
Is this news to you? We hope not. All Italians love children, but in southern Italy and Sicily, children are the sun, the moon, and the sky all in one.
Children of all ages, no matter if they are theirs or yours, are treated like kings and queens. And they are welcome everywhere. So much so that a red carpet can be rolled out for them on any occasion.
Of course, there is etiquette to be followed. Children will not be seen or welcomed in nightclubs, bars, or any place where common sense indicates it is not a place fit for any child.
Dress code
The dress code is in place and must be respected.
It is understandable that you will be on holiday. However, this does not suggest that going everywhere, all day long in flip-flops and beachwear is acceptable.
Remember… Sicily is the birthplace of really, really famous fashion designers. And to top that, Italians are the best-dressed people in the world.
Pack a few smart-casual outfits for your morning or afternoon outings, and one or two semi-formal outfits if you plan to dine at fancy restaurants.
Sicilian Men are always impeccably dressed. Women, on the other hand, tend to overdress on many occasions. For sure, though, they take a lot of care of their looks no matter what.
Shopping
Surprise surprise!!! Most shops close in the afternoon between 13:00hrs and 16:00hrs. Even those located in the most-visited areas, such as Taormina. Some souvenir shops remain open throughout the day, as do grocery stores and all shops in malls.
Sicily is a shopper’s paradise. We know we did not astonish you with the news. We are in Italy after all.
But if you love shopping and you want to buy the best, remember that the early afternoon hours are not ideal for really great shopping.
Eating Out
Sicily’s gastronomy will undoubtedly delight you. However, not every restaurant or trattoria offers the true Sicilian experience. Not only in terms of food quality, but also in service.
Wondering how to choose? We did too. We had more than enough negative experiences with all known methods.
We reviewed the travel guides and selected a few of their top-listed places. Hmmm… not what we expected.
We selected restaurants based on fellow bloggers’ recommendations, and we could not have been more disappointed.
We checked TripAdvisor reviews and encountered another disappointment.
We asked the locals, and here we succeeded by 90%. Because we speak Italian, we were able to explain what we were looking for. We always love going to places where locals eat all year long. Places offering great cuisine and exceptional local hospitality.
But that was not always the case. During one of our visits to Siracusa, our B&B owners not only recommended a place that offered poor food and service but also “forced us” us to spend our last evening in the area by “inviting” us to dinner. This is where, for the first time in my life, I ordered carbonara, and I was served a plate of pasta with scrambled eggs.
Nightlife
If you are looking for the nightlife of Mykonos or Ibiza, then Sicily is not for you.
There are bars and clubs all over the island. But they offer a different type of nightlife.
Moving Around and Exploring
First things first… Remember, Sicily is a very, very big island. An island that is impossible to explore in one or two weeks. Unless you just drive through the towns, villages, and archaeological sites. The last one is impossible to do anyway.
To give you an idea, you need a full day just to visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. And that does not include the driving you may need to get there from the nearest airport.
Having a car is essential, and planning ahead is essential.
Hiring a car is easy. All major international companies are present with offices in all airports. Choose wisely. Book your car ahead of time. Make sure you get unlimited mileage and a full damage waiver.
Decide in advance which areas you want to visit, check the distances, and book your stays nearby. That will give you peace of mind and plenty of time.
Driving in Sicily
Easy-peasy for everyone. Motorways connect cities and towns and have been in place for decades. Tolls exist, too.
The inner roads are narrower, but still, the overall driving experience is relaxing and entertaining.
Sicilians show great respect for pedestrians, even in areas without traffic lights or special signs. Keep that in mind.
Best Time to Visit
Sicily is large and a destination that welcomes visitors year-round.
However, if you prefer peace, relaxation, and quietness, then avoid the period between July 15th and August 30th.
If you can choose to go in May, early June, late September, or October. These are the months when you will enjoy your trip the most.
Remember, August is the preferred holiday month for the vast majority of Italians. Many of them always choose Sicily for their summer vacation.
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