Sicily Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Sicily (Italian: Sicilia) is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and an autonomous region of Italy, located just off the "toe" of the Italian peninsula. Known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, Sicily blends Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman influences.

The island offers ancient ruins, volcanic landscapes, baroque towns, pristine beaches, and unique cuisine. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, and the historic cities of Palermo, Syracuse, and Catania.

Sicily is a year-round destination with sunny summers, mild winters, and easy access by air or ferry from mainland Italy and beyond.

Sicily is divided into nine administrative areas corresponding to the former provinces. While three are now officially designated as metropolitan cities, the province-based divisions remain useful for travellers and are used here for clarity.

Sicily’s nearby archipelagos are listed separately due to their distinct geography and travel appeal, though they are administratively part of mainland provinces.

The most visited towns and cities in Sicily, listed for their cultural, historical, or scenic appeal.

• 38.11666713.3666671 Palermo – Sicily’s vibrant capital, known for its historic markets, palaces, and mix of Arab-Norman architecture.
• 37.311113.57672 Agrigento – Hilltop city on the southern coast, home to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples.
• 37.507915.0833 Catania – Bustling Baroque city at the foot of Mount Etna, with lively markets and black-lava architecture.
• 38.193615.55424 Messina – The gateway to Sicily from the mainland, with a famous astronomical clock and busy ferry port.
• 36.916714.73335 Ragusa – Hilltop baroque city famed for its dual centres, Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore, and UNESCO-listed architecture.
• 37.075515.28666 Syracuse – Ancient city on the southeast coast known for Greek ruins, Baroque architecture, and the island of Ortigia.
• 37.852215.28757 Taormina – Cliffside town with views of Mount Etna, ancient Greek theatre, and boutique-lined streets.
• 38.01412.518 Trapani – Coastal city famous for its historic centre, salt pans, windmills, and ferries to the Egadi Islands.

Notable archaeological sites, nature reserves, and cultural landscapes in Sicily that lie outside the main cities and towns.

• 37.84614.0571 Madonie Regional Natural Park – Mountainous reserve east of Palermo with charming villages, hiking trails, and biodiversity.
• 37.75114.99342 Mount Etna – Europe’s highest active volcano, with craters, lava flows, and cable cars near Catania.
• 37.868212.46863 Mozia – Ancient Phoenician settlement on an island in the Stagnone Lagoon near Marsala.
• 36.833311.954 Pantelleria – Volcanic island closer to Tunisia than Sicily, known for thermal springs, dammusi houses, and capers.
• 37.144414.92175 Pantalica – Vast necropolis with thousands of rock-cut tombs, set in a scenic gorge near Syracuse.
• 37.949212.83876 Segesta – Well-preserved Doric temple and theatre in a bucolic setting.
• 37.578212.82587 Selinunte – Vast Greek archaeological park with temple ruins and coastal views.
• 37.9858412.657258 Trapani Wine Region – Touring route highlighting vineyards, cellars, and traditional Sicilian wines.
• 38.706913.17619 Ustica – Small volcanic island north of Palermo, famous for scuba diving and marine reserves.

See Piazza Armerina for the mosaics of the UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale, Agrigento for the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, and nearby Scala dei Turchi (covered under Porto Empedocle), and Noto, Modica, Ragusa, and Scicli for the baroque towns of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto.

Sicily is one of the country's 20 regions, and it is separated from the mainland region of Calabria by the 5-km Straits of Messina.

Sicily has a long history of foreign domination, from the Phoenicians to the Greeks and the Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Catalans. The result is a mixed culture where every single domination left something to see, to taste, and to hear.

The tourist season peaks in the summer months, although people visit the island all year round. It can get very hot during the summer, so it is better to visit during spring and autumn, while it is still quite pleasant during winter.

The Sicilians are a proud people. Though most are somewhat conservative, they are open-minded to visitors.

Being the overall hottest region in Europe, Sicily has a Mediterranean climate, with very hot, long and dry summers and very mild to warm winters. Sicily is very sunny, even in winter. Most cities only receive 40 days of precipitation throughout the year (with the exception of the quite rainy Messina) and when it does rain, it usually happens in winter. Humidity is generally low.

The only exception to the stereotyped climate of Sicily is the little city of Enna (as well as some villages in the mountains), which is foggy and relatively cold in winter. This is due to the altitude of the city, the highest in Italy for a provincial capital (931 m). Enna is also the foggiest city in Italy, with about 140 foggy days a year on average.

• Visit Sicily website

Natives of Sicily speak Sicilian, an ancient Romance language that is a separate language from Italian (even if it's called dialetto). The official language is Italian, and almost all Sicilians speak it, often with a strong Sicilian accent.

English is taught in all schools but few people can speak it. People who are more likely to speak English are the ones who work in the touristy areas; also, young and educated people usually can speak at least basic English, but with a funny pronunciation and a strong accent. That's because in most schools the teachers focus on grammar rather than pronunciation. People who study languages in university generally have a good pronunciation. Most people above 50 never studied English in schools and they are extremely unlikely to know more than a few words.

Sicily's main airports are in Palermo and Catania.

• Catania International Airport is the larger/busiest airport, with domestic flights to most parts of Italy, some international routes and many charter flights.
• Palermo Airport is the second airport, with a good range of domestic flights and international budget flights.
• Trapani Airport is the third airport which is served by low-cost Ryanair.
• Comiso Airport near Ragusa is served by Ryanair.
• There are also two other smaller airports in Sicily on the minor islands: Pantelleria Airport and Lampedusa Airport, which connect to Italy.
• Palermo-Boccadifalco is a military airport open to national civil traffic.

Sicily is linked to the main Italian train network at Messina. Long distance trains from Rome and Naples and Milano cross the Straits of Messina by rail ferry and continue on to Palermo and Catania.

From Naples, it usually takes 8 hours, 10 from Rome, the train stops at Villa San Giovanni train station for about 10-15 minutes. Then it's rolled down to the Villa S.G. ferry dock, where you wait about 20 minutes before the train rolls onto one of the ferries. On the ferry, you should get on the deck and watch the sea. It's a wonderful view, but don't forget the number of your train.

The 2010 timetable offers these direct trains:

• IC Roma - Napoli - Messina - Palermo / Siracusa 2x daily
• ICN Roma - Palermo InterCity Notte: Night train, seats, couchette and sleeper
• ICN Roma - Siracusa InterCity Notte: Night train, seats, couchette and sleeper
• E Venezia - Bologna - Firenze - Palermo/Siracusa Express (espresso): fast train with sleeper and couchette only
• E Milano - Bologna - Firenze - Palermo/Siracusa Express: fast train with sleeper and couchette only
• E Turino - Genova - Palermo/Siracusa Express: fast train with sleeper and couchette only
• E (Milano - ) Roma - Catania - Agrigento Express: fast train with seats only; from Milan 3x per week; from Rome daily

But you don't have to take a direct train. You can also take a train from Rome to Villa San Giovanni, and walk onboard the rail ferries (or another BLUVIA ferry), and take a local train from Messina centrale to Palermo and Catania

Detailed information is available at:

• Trenitalia

Car train There are running car trains from Venice and Rome to Catania and Palermo. This is a great offer for those who don't want to ride a car all day. you park your car onto a train. And some hours later, you can get your car at the Catania train station or Palermo, depends on what city you bought a ticket to. The car trains also run along with the night trains, so this is a great option.

Some trains on the island are very slow: for example it takes more than 7 hours between Siracusa and Trapani and it's about 450 km. But the IC (InterCity) trains that travel between cities on the Italian mainland and Sicily run much faster.

Long-distance buses^{[dead link]} link Rome and Naples to Catania and Palermo.

Large, cruise-ferries link Palermo with Civitavecchia, Naples, Genoa, Livorno, Sardinia and other points of departure around the Mediterranean (be sure to reserve a place for your car, or yourself, if you are a pedestrian). Only the Messina Strait ferries are open without reservation. There are also car ferries between Naples, the Aeolian Islands and Milazzo, and between Tunis and Trapani. You can reach Catania from Naples and Malta, and you can go from Salerno to Messina. See all current ferry connections at Ferryroutes or Ferryhopper.

Across the Straits of Messina, there are at least hourly ferries between Villa San Giovanni (14 km north of Reggio di Calabria) on the mainland and Messina on Sicily. There are at least twenty of them, so don't worry about timetables or waiting too long. If you only drive a car, you can also drive on-board the BLUVIA rail/train ferries. There are also several hydrofoils each day between Reggio di Calabria and Messina.

If you do worry about timetables, which is not necessary, check carontetourist.it:

• This one takes you right into Messina city and connects you to the Palermo - Catania highway:
• And this one takes you to Messina Sud (Tremestieri) And does also connect you to the highway. This route is more for the people driving towards Catania:

And there are also ferries running from Reggio di Calabria, to Messina-Sud (Tremestieri): [1]

There are Catamarans and ferries running from Malta to Pozzallo (90 min) and Catania (3 hr). [2]^{[dead link]}

Although public transport is very good during the week, there are not many services on Sundays - check the timetable carefully and ask the locals.

The main roads are good, with four motorways (Catania-Palermo, Palermo-Mazara and Catania-Noto which are toll-free and Messina-Palermo where you have to pay). Little roads, mainly in mountain zones, are slower but offer great views.

For some regions you need to have snow chains in your car. For instance around Mount Etna you need them on board from 1 December until 31 March. These roads are marked "transito con catene". Fines start at €80.

Motorways

• A18 Messina - Catania (toll)
• A18 Catania - Siracusa
• A18 Siracusa - Ragusa - Gela (under construction - open from Siracusa to Noto)
• A19 Palermo - Catania (free)
• A20 Messina - Palermo (toll)
• A29 Palermo - Mazzara (free)
• A29dir Alcamo - Trapani (free)

The railway network in Sicily is quite good and cheap. Regular, quite fast trains run on the main lines between Messina and Palermo and Catania, with fewer trains on the other routes.

Trains on some routes can be infrequent and slow so it's worth checking times in advance and having a plan B. Sometimes a service listed on a station timetable is actually a bus service leaving from outside the station.

As in the rest of Italy, tickets must be validated in the yellow machines found at stations - conductors may be lenient to tourists who didn't know this, but not necessarily.

The bus network in Sicily is quite extensive and cheap. The main hubs are Palermo and Catania, but routes link most of the main towns frequently and most small towns at least once a day. From virtually any town you will be able to get a bus direct to Palermo. For the AST company, go to the website and click on 'Autolinee'. There is also Interbus.

There are regular ferries and hydrofoils from Sicily to its islands, although services are somewhat reduced during Spring and Autumn and even more so during Winter. Individual companies: SIREMAR [3], Liberty Lines^{[dead link]} and NGI. The main routes are:

• The Aeolian Islands from Milazzo. A few also run in Summer from Napoli, Cefalu, Palermo and Messina.
• Ustica from Palermo.
• Trapani to the Egadi Islands and Pantelleria.
• Porto Empedocle (near Agrigento) to Lampedusa and Linosa

If you have less time and more money, there are flights to Pantelleria and Lampedusa.

From Enna Water Aerodrome (Nicoletti Lake) with amphibious aircraft you can reach the Aeolian Islands, Palermo and Siracusa.

Sicily’s layered history is visible everywhere — from vast ancient ruins and elegant Baroque towns to atmospheric hill villages and bold contemporary art. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of the Greeks, wandering medieval lanes, or admiring sculptural landscapes, the island offers cultural experiences as rich and varied as its terrain.

Sicily boasts some of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is home to soaring Greek temples, while Selinunte and Segesta showcase other sprawling ancient cities. In the east, Syracuse and Akrai preserve classical theatres and sanctuaries, while the Neapolis Archaeological Park holds layers of Greek, Roman, and early Christian ruins.

Further inland, the Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina is famed for its vast Roman mosaics. The cliff-carved necropolis of Pantalica (Syracuse), the Phoenician island city of Mozia (Trapani), and prehistoric cave dwellings like Grotta Mangiapane (Custonaci) illustrate Sicily’s continuous human habitation stretching back millennia.

Each wave of conquest and rebirth has left its own distinct imprint on Sicily's landscape and culture. Norman-Arab cathedrals in Palermo, Cefalù, and Monreale blend Islamic and Romanesque motifs and are UNESCO-listed masterpieces. The island’s post-1693 reconstruction gave rise to the spectacular Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, including Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Noto, and Palazzolo Acreide — a theatrical fusion of light, stone, and town planning.

Medieval towns like Erice (Trapani), Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania), and Troina (Enna) preserve fortified castles and Gothic churches, while rebuilt towns like Gibellina (Trapani) showcase avant-garde architecture and monumental land art after earthquake devastation.

Sicily’s borghi — historic towns and villages — offer a more intimate and timeless window into the island’s identity. Perched on hilltops, nestled in valleys, or hugging the coast, many are recognised among the Borghi più belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) for their beauty, heritage, and cultural character.

Three of the most iconic borghi in Sicily are Erice, a medieval hill town above Trapani known for its stone streets, ancient walls, and panoramic sea views; Taormina, perched high on the eastern cliffs with its famed Greek theatre and stunning outlook over Mount Etna; and Cefalù, a postcard-perfect coastal town dominated by its Norman cathedral and backed by the dramatic Rocca headland.

Other remarkable borghi include Savoca and Montalbano Elicona in Messina province, Geraci Siculo in the Madonie Mountains, Monterosso Almo in Ragusa, and Ferla in Syracuse — each preserving a deep sense of place and strong local traditions.

Some, like Castellammare del Golfo and Castiglione di Sicilia, blend coastal charm with historical depth, while others such as Sambuca di Sicilia and Pietraperzia shelter ancient ruins, folkloric rituals, and archaeological mystery.

From regional archaeology to contemporary art and folklore, Sicily’s museums reflect its cultural complexity. The Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi in Syracuse and the Agostino Pepoli Museum in Trapani are among the most important collections of their kind. The Whitaker Museum (Mozia) and Museo del Satiro Danzante (Mazara del Vallo) preserve rare Punic and Hellenistic artefacts recovered from land and sea.

Contemporary culture thrives too: the town of Gibellina is a landmark for modern art, home to the Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao, the Fondazione Orestiadi, and the stark white expanse of Burri’s Cretto, built over earthquake ruins. Along the northern coast, the Fiumara d’Arte sculpture park turns a string of remote villages into an open-air gallery, blending art with the landscape.

While Sicily is known for its wild nature reserves and dramatic coastlines, it also offers a wealth of cultivated greenspaces — elegant botanical gardens, shady town parks, and panoramic terraces tucked into historic centres. These gardens often blend natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering welcome pauses from the sun and crowds.

In Palermo, the grand 18th-century Orto Botanico and nearby Villa Giulia form one of Europe’s most important historic garden complexes. Catania’s refined Villa Bellini and the seafront Giardino Comunale di Acireale provide similar green refuges in the east. Messina offers palm-lined promenades like the Passeggiata a Mare, while nearby Taormina boasts one of Sicily’s most celebrated gardens, the romantic Villa Comunale designed by Lady Florence Trevelyan.

Smaller towns have their own treasures: Giardino Ibleo in Ragusa Ibla, with its ridge-top views; Villa Comunale in Modica and Scicli; and the leafy parks of Piazza Armerina and Enna. Even hilltop villages like Erice maintain picturesque retreats such as the Giardino del Balio, a terraced garden created by Count Pepoli with sweeping views over the countryside and coastline.

Whether you're looking for shade, views, or just a quiet bench among palm trees and fountains, Sicily’s greenspaces offer a gentler way to experience the island’s beauty.

Sicily is one of the best hiking destinations in southern Europe, offering trails through volcanoes, forests, canyons, and along spectacular coastlines. For volcanic adventures, Mount Etna (Catania) and the Aeolian Islands (Messina) are top picks. Inland, the Madonie and Nebrodi mountain parks (Palermo, Messina, Enna) offer forested ridges, wildlife, and village-to-village hikes, including parts of the long-distance Sentiero Italia CAI and the Via dei Frati pilgrimage route.

If you're interested in coastal walking, head to the dramatic sea cliffs and coves of the Zingaro and Monte Cofano reserves (Trapani), or stroll through the quiet lagoons and dunes of Vendicari (Syracuse). Canyon lovers should explore the steep limestone gorges of Cavagrande del Cassibile and Pantalica (Syracuse), or the atmospheric Cava d’Ispica (Ragusa). For forest hikes near hill towns, head for Erice or try Monte Bonifato in Alcamo (Trapani). There are also oak woods at Bosco della Ficuzza (Palermo).

Most trails are scenic and peaceful, but signage varies, so carry a GPS map and avoid hiking in the midday summer heat.

Sicily may not be known for skiing, but in winter, Mount Etna offers a truly unique experience: skiing on an active volcano with views of the sea. There are two small ski areas, both typically open from January to early March, depending on snow and volcanic conditions.

The southern slopes Etna Sud (Messina) are accessed via Rifugio Sapienza, where you'll find chairlifts, gear rental, and cafés. The northern side Etna Nord, (Messina) is based at Piano Provenzana, a quieter area surrounded by forests and lava flows, also offering cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Both areas are best reached by car. Snow cover varies, so check conditions locally before planning a trip.

Fishing in Sicily is more than a sport — it’s a way of life that still shapes many of the island’s coastal communities. Visitors can experience this culture firsthand by joining local fishermen for boat-based excursions, learning traditional techniques, or simply casting a line from the shore.

The west coast, particularly around Trapani and the Aegadian Islands, offers some of the most authentic experiences, including net fishing and seafood lunches aboard small boats. On the southeast coast, villages like Marzamemi and Portopalo di Capo Passero (Syracuse province) offer relaxed outings and connections to old tuna fisheries (tonnare). Along the Ionian coast, Aci Trezza and Acireale (Catania province) provide scenic fishing trips near lava cliffs and marine reserves.

Casual shore fishing is possible almost anywhere, especially at dawn and dusk, while spearfishing and trap use are regulated. Inland fishing is limited but possible in a few lakes in Enna and Caltanissetta.

Cycling in Sicily offers a rewarding mix of coastal roads, quiet inland loops, and mountain climbs. While dedicated bike paths are limited, rural roads and varied landscapes make the island ideal for touring and gravel riding — especially in spring and autumn.

Cross-provincial routes are common in the southeast, with scenic loops connecting baroque towns like Noto, Modica, and Scicli. Inland provinces such as Enna and Caltanissetta offer peaceful hill rides, while coastal stretches in Ragusa, Syracuse, and Trapani provide flatter terrain and sea views.

More experienced cyclists head for the climbs of Mount Etna or the Nebrodi and Madonie ranges, where long-distance routes pass through forests and ridgelines. Cycling parks like Monte Cofano (Trapani) and forest reserves such as Bosco della Ficuzza (Palermo) also offer mapped gravel trails.

Bike rental is available in most cities and tourist hubs, and e-bikes are recommended in hillier areas.

Sicily’s coastline offers something for every type of beachgoer — from long sandy stretches and family-friendly resorts to wild coves, volcanic rock pools, and protected nature reserves. With over 1,000km of coast, you’ll find beaches facing every direction, making it possible to swim in calm water almost any time of year.

For iconic sandy beaches, head to Trapani's San Vito lo Capo and Spiaggia di San Giuliano in Erice, Fontane Bianche near Syracuse, or Marina di Ragusa in the southeast. Rugged beauty and excellent snorkelling await in spots like the Zingaro Nature Reserve, the lava-rock shores of Aci Trezza (Catania), and the cliffs near Cefalù in Palermo province. Nature lovers will appreciate the wild dunes of Torre Salsa (Agrigento) or the unspoiled coves inside Vendicari Nature Reserve near Noto.

The Aeolian Islands, especially Lipari, Salina, and Vulcano, offer a mix of pebble beaches and volcanic black sand, while the southern tip near Portopalo di Capo Passero sees the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet — a favourite for more remote escapes and water sports.

Most provinces offer both public beaches (spiagge libere) and serviced beach clubs (lidi), with umbrellas, cafés, and facilities. Summer weekends are crowded, but spring and autumn are ideal for quieter seaside stays.

With warm seas, reliable winds, and a diverse coastline, Sicily offers watersports for every level — from snorkelling and SUP to kitesurfing and scuba diving. The island’s mix of sandy shores, rocky coves, and protected marine areas creates ideal conditions for aquatic adventure.

Kitesurfers and windsurfers head to the Stagnone Lagoon near Marsala (Trapani) or the southern tip near Portopalo (Syracuse), both known for steady wind and shallow water. For snorkelling and diving, highlights include the Plemmirio Marine Reserve (Syracuse), the Cyclops Coast near Aci Trezza (Catania), and the caves and reefs off the Zingaro Nature Reserve and Aegadian Islands (Trapani). The Aeolian Islands (Messina province) also offer excellent diving, sea kayaking, and coastal boat tours.

Closer to the cities, Mondello near Palermo and La Playa in Catania offer paddleboarding, windsurfing, and rentals with full facilities. For rocky coves and snorkelling, head to Capo Gallo, Milazzo, or Scopello.

Most coastal provinces have watersport centres and rental options, especially in summer. Spring and early autumn offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and good sea conditions across the island.

Sicily’s dramatic terrain makes it an ideal destination for adventure seekers. From soaring over ancient ruins to exploring lava caves beneath active volcanoes, the island offers a wide range of outdoor thrills.

Paragliding is available in several provinces — with scenic tandem flights over Monte Erice (Trapani), the Madonie Mountains (Palermo), the coast of Cefalù, and even the cliffs near San Vito lo Capo and Taormina. In Catania, adventurous travellers can explore the slopes of Mount Etna by jeep or on foot, often including guided visits to lava tubes and craters.

Ziplining and high-rope courses can be found at Erice Adventure Park in Trapani and at Parcallario in the Iblei Mountains (Syracuse). For those seeking more water-based excitement, body-rafting in the Pantalica Gorge (Syracuse) or canyoning near Ragusa and Enna offer immersive natural experiences.

Horseback rides, quad-bike tours, and 4×4 excursions are available across the island’s inland provinces, including Ragusa, Caltanissetta, and Enna, often through olive groves, forest trails, or volcanic landscapes. Occasionally, hot air balloon flights over Segesta are scheduled during special events — a rare but unforgettable way to see western Sicily from above.

Most activities run from spring through autumn and should be booked in advance. Paragliding, ballooning, and canyoning are weather-dependent, while guided tours typically include gear and safety briefings.

Sicily offers a broad spectrum of wellness experiences, from sea-view spas and yoga retreats to thermal springs and open-air sports. Along the coast, resorts in places like Mondello, Marina di Ragusa, Fontane Bianche, and San Vito lo Capo offer everything from massages and saunas to beachside fitness and group yoga. Inland, agriturismi and mountain lodges — particularly in the Madonie, Nebrodi, and Iblei ranges — offer forest walks, hammams, and wellness weekends set in quiet rural landscapes.

Major cities like Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse feature hammams, spas, tennis clubs, and wellness centres, while smaller towns like Noto and Castelbuono have become hubs for boutique retreats. Thermal bathing has a long history here, with sites like Sciacca and Vulcano still offering sulphurous treatments. For more active travellers, public parks, promenades, and sports gardens (like the vast Giardino dello Sport in Erice) offer space for running, racket sports, or outdoor gym circuits.

Wellness in Sicily blends rest and movement, ancient tradition and modern luxury — all set against the backdrop of sea, sun, and stone.

Making the most of its island coasts, Sicily has one of the world's best cuisines to offer. Much of the island's food is made with creatures of the sea. Unlike in the northern parts of Italy, cream and butter are hardly used for typical dishes in Sicily. Instead, the natives usually substitute tomatoes, lard (rarely) or olive oil. The cuisine uses many spices, and has a number of unique flavours. Sicilians cultivate a uniquely Sicilian type of olive tree, which they affectionately call the "saracena". The food is typically Mediterranean but there are strong hints of Arabic and Spanish flavour (Sicily was conquered by many peoples during its long history). Sicilians like spices and have particular affinity for almond, jasmine, rosemary, mint and basil.

Sicilians notoriously have a sweet tooth and are among the best dessert-makers in Italy. Try 'cannoli' (tubular pastries filled with sweet ricotta cheese), 'granita' (ices mixed with real crushed fruit and juices), and their most famous export, 'cassata' (Arabic-inspired cake). Make sure to try the very popular pine-nut and almond biscuits.

'Arancini' (sometimes Arancine), fried rice balls with fillings, is a Sicilian fast food that is relatively cheap. They can be hard to find outside Sicily, so try them while you're there.

Sicilians are not big alcohol drinkers (Sicily has the lowest rate of alcoholism in Italy) although the island is home to more vineyards than any other Italian region and has one of Italy's most progressive wine industries. Noted mainly in the past for strong bulk wines and often sweet Moscato and Marsala, the island has switched its emphasis toward lighter, fruitier white and red wines.

Sicily is divided into three main wine producing districts:

• Trapani Wine Region – a rural and coastal area of western Sicily known for historic wine production, DOC-designated vineyards, and agrotourism. The region includes wine areas around Erice, Marsala, Salaparuta, and Paceco.
• Etna in the east
• Noto and Ragusa on the southeast tip

Best known Sicilian wines: Marsala, Nero d'Avola, Bianco d'Alcamo, Malvasia, Passito di Pantelleria, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco.

Some Sicilian wine producers: Planeta; Cusumano; Tasca d’Almerita; Tenuta di Donnafugata; Feudo Principi di Butera (Zonin); Morgante; Duca di Salaparuta; Benanti; Palari; Firriato; Marco De Batoli; Salvatore Murana; Icone.

Sicilians enjoy a fruity lemon liqueur called Limoncello during the long, hot and dry summers.

Most of Sicily's small/middle-sized cities and villages are completely safe. Big cities like Palermo, Catania and Messina are also safe but you should be aware of pickpockets and scammers in touristy areas. Some suburbs of Palermo (Zen, Brancaccio, Borgo Nuovo) and Catania (San Cristoforo, Librino) are quite dangerous, but are almost never visited by tourists.

The well-known mafia, which is also present in most parts of Italy, is almost never involved in crimes against visitors.

Driving habits in Sicily (and in most of the south of Italy) are very different from what you may be accustomed to, especially in big cities. Turn signals are not used, and parking is haphazard. Driving outside the big cities is OK, especially in highways (Autostrade) and in the main roads in general. Provincial roads in the interior of the island can be in bad condition.

On trains, especially during the night, keep your wits about you, and try to stay with other passengers.

Even if it's constantly decreasing, the Mafia is still active in some parts of Sicily, causing many problems and damaging the region's economy. Most Sicilians know that and are very upset about it; they are also very aware of the mafia-related crimes that have happened in the region. Many organisations, like AddioPizzo and Libera, have been founded specifically to fight the mafia. Do not make jokes about the mafia, and never say that all Sicilians are "mafiosi", even if it's a joke.

In general Sicilians are quite conservative and religious, although most young and educated people are becoming fairly liberal, especially in big cities. However public displays of affection between LGBT couples are best avoided: even in big cities, stares and whispers are almost always guaranteed, and sometimes something more can happen. Shorts and clothes showing much skin are OK everywhere but in churches.

Although quite common in the centre and north of Italy, blasphemy is definitely not cool in Sicily. Most people in Sicily are Catholic and expect visitors to respect their religion.

Why not explore neighbouring Sardinia? You have the chance to visit the second-largest island in the Mediterranean.

You can also explore more of what Southern Italy has to offer.