The optimal times to visit Sicily are during the spring (March to June) and autumn (October to November). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. 

Sicily boasts an all year round warm climate, hot and dry from May to October rising to the mid-thirties in July and August, with cooler temperatures up in the mountains. Winters are generally mild on the coast, but it can still snow on Mount Etna!

Climate Chart >

The island is the largest in the Mediterranean at 25,711km2 (9,927 miles2).

Sicily offers several transportation options:

• Car Rental: Ideal for exploring at your own pace, especially in rural areas.
• Public Transport: Buses and trains connect major cities and towns, though services may be less frequent in remote areas.
• Guided Tours: Organized tours can provide in-depth insights into the island's history and culture.

Sicily boasts a rich tapestry of attractions, including:

• Mount Etna: Europe's tallest and most active volcano, offering hiking opportunities and stunning views.
• Valley of the Temples in Agrigento: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring well-preserved ancient Greek ruins.
• Palermo: The capital city known for its vibrant markets, historic architecture, and diverse culinary scene.
• Taormina: A picturesque town with ancient theatres and breathtaking coastal views.
• Aeolian Islands: A group of volcanic islands perfect for exploration and relaxation.

Absolutely. Sicily offers a range of family-friendly activities, such as:

• Craft workshops: Engage in traditional Sicilian crafts.
• Cooking lessons: Learn to prepare authentic Sicilian dishes.
• Private puppet shows: Experience the unique Sicilian puppet theatre. 

Sicily offers numerous beautiful beaches, including:

• San Vito Lo Capo: Known for its white sandy beaches and clear waters.
• Scala dei Turchi: Famous for its unique white limestone cliffs.
• Mondello Beach: A popular spot near Palermo with a lively atmosphere.

Sicilian cuisine is a delightful blend of Italian and North African influences, featuring:

• Arancini: Deep-fried rice balls filled with ragù, cheese, or other fillings.
• Cannoli: Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta cheese.
• Caponata: A savoury eggplant dish with tomatoes, olives, and capers.
• Granita: A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavourings.

The cost of eating out is about the same as in the UK and prices vary depending on the type of restaurant. You can eat out in typical Italian Pizzerias cheaply, with a large pizza costing from €5-€8 each and a carafe of wine for about €8-€10 for 1 litre. At the other end of the scale, seafood restaurants can be pricey with fresh fish being charged per kilo. Most restaurants display their menus outside so you can check the price before sitting down. Like the rest of Italy, most restaurants make a cover charge per person.

Yes, Sicily hosts numerous cultural events, such as:

• Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania: Held annually from February 3 to 5, this is one of the most significant religious festivals in Sicily.  en.wikipedia.org
• Misteri di Trapani: A day-long passion procession featuring lifelike sculptures, held every Good Friday since before the Easter of 1612.  en.wikipedia.org
• Palio dei Normanni in Piazza Armerina: An annual traditional event that takes place on August 12, 13, and 14, featuring a horse race in costume. en.wikipedia.org

Sicily celebrates various traditional festivals, including:

• Carnival of Acireale: Known for its elaborate floats and vibrant parades.
• Sagra del Carciofo: An artichoke festival held annually in Ramacca in April. 
• Opera dei Pupi: Traditional Sicilian puppet theatre performances. 

When visiting Sicily, it's advisable to:

• Dress modestly: Especially when visiting religious sites.
• Learn basic Italian phrases: While many speak English, locals appreciate efforts to speak their language.
• Respect local traditions: Participate in festivals and events to immerse yourself in the culture.

By considering these aspects, you can plan a well-rounded and enjoyable holiday to Sicily.

Driving in Sicily is quite easy, however the Autostrada can be very busy and a toll is charged, as well as driving in the Catania and Palermo. There are plenty of road signs, but we recommend you buy a map! The roads can be quite windy in some of the more mountainous areas. Don't forget they drive on the right and it is Italian law to drive with your lights on at all times!

A number of vehicle rental companies that we are in partnership with have amended their conditions of hire such that they MAY now require drivers to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) when collecting their vehicle.

Whilst this is NOT a legal requirement, some car rental companies MAY request the presentation of an IDP amongst the required documents, and the failure to do so may result in a additional charge being levied or even refusal to allow the vehicle to be driven away. We recommend that, if you have already hired a vehicle or are planning to do so as part of your holiday experience obtain an IDP. Your can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint. For more information click here>

Please note however, most car hire companies will only accept a newer photocard driving licence and passport when collecting a car.

It takes about 3 hours to drive North to South from Palermo to Marina di Ragusa, and 4 hours from West to East from Trapani to Taormina. There are no motorways as such but there are good A roads.

In October, Sicily enjoys mild temperatures averaging around 20-28°C, making it an ideal destination for those seeking autumn sun. 

Valid passports can still be used to travel to the EU. There are no current visa requirements for up to 90 days travel. There are currently no requirements for other inoculations required if travelling from the UK. For more information about Passport rules for travel to Europe Click Here >

We recomend that you get valid travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday as well as a Valid GHIC card click here for more details.

Full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Half board includes breakfast and dinner.

All Inclusive includes some drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The sea temperature is obviously warmest in July and August and generally stays warm in September and October. Although the outside temperatures can be high in May and June, the sea is usually cooler and generally takes until July to really warm up.

Climate Chart >

Most of our transfers are a minibus or taxi, occasionally it may be necessary to use a coach transfer. Please note that the transfer may drop off and pick up guests at other Just Sicily hotels en route to or from your accommodation or airport. If you would prefer to guarantee a private transfer a supplement will apply, please call for details.

Sicily is one hour ahead of the UK.

The deposit is £120 per person plus some flights at time of booking, and then the balance must be paid 8 weeks before travel. A reminder will be sent via email 9 weeks before departure for your balance.

We do not charge for the use of Debit or Credit cards.

Baby food can be bought in local supermarkets and pharmacies, however it is unusual to find the same brands as in the UK. Nappies can also be found in local supermarkets. Baby milk is only sold in pharmacies behind the counter on request and beware it is very expensive and you are unlikely to find the same brands as in the UK so do take your own.

Quite a few Italians will speak a little English in local restaurants (menus are often translated into English) and shops if you are in an area which attracts tourists. In the hotels there is almost always English speaking staff. Inland fewer people will speak English.

There is a mix of nationalities visiting Sicily but predominantly Italians holiday in Sicily particularly in August. There is a growing number of British visiting Sicily with a mix of Americans, French, Scandinavian and Germans but no majority of one nationality over another.

We do not offer coach tours of Sicily, but we can arrange tailor made self drive tours for our customers (Tour Sicily). Many of the hotels offer half day or full day excursions to see more of the island.

There are no more mosquitoes in Sicily than any other Mediterranean island and some areas and or hotels are sprayed in the summer months to alleviate any problem. It is worthwhile taking precautions e.g. insect repellent particularly at dusk if you or your family tend to get bitten and use an electric repellent plug in your bedrooms.

Yes the tap water is fine to drink unless otherwise stated. Bottled water is readily available in supermarkets, shops, restaurants and bars either still (aqua naturale) or sparkling (aqua frizzante).

It is unusual to find kettles in Sicily, so if you like a cup of tea in the morning it is best to take your own travel kettle.

2 pin 220-240 volts. You will need to take a standard European plug adapter on holiday with you.

There are many local buses that operate in certain towns and the blue buses from town to town and longer distances. There is a very comprehensive train network in Sicily, however we would recommend hiring a car if you like to explore and not rely on public transport too much to get around! Click below for bus timetables and details.

Ast: www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it/

Interbus: www.interbus.it/

Sais: www.saisautolinee.it/

Trenitalia: www.trenitalia.com/

Agriturismo’s are usually found in the countryside and can be farms, guesthouses, bed & breakfast and most commonly restaurants. They usually offer a set menu dinner (about €30 per person) with local traditional cuisine using either home or locally grown/produced ingredients. In Sardinia expect anti pasti with cured hams, sausage, salami, cheese, olives, bread etc, followed by traditional homemade pasta with ricotta cheese and tomato and basil sauce followed by roasted suckling pig and rosemary potatoes and for sweet seadas which is a pancake usually served with local honey and homemade biscuits. Locally produced wine is served by the jug.

This varies in different areas, but can be any time between 12pm and 4pm, when most shops will be closed but most shops open again between 4pm or 5pm and 7pm or 8pm.

Yes, however the island is seasonal and most hotels are open from April to September/October. However, we do offer some hotels which are open all year round and some hotels and apartments that open earlier to take advantage of the lovely spring weather.

Yes your phone will work whilst you are on your holiday, however some networks have re-introduced roaming charges. Please check with your provider for more information.