A. 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.
A. The island is the largest in the Mediterranean at 25,711km2 (9,927 miles2).
A. 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.
A. 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. Full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A. Half board includes breakfast and dinner.
A. All Inclusive includes some drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A. 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!
A. 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.
A. Most of our transfers are a mini bus 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.
A. Sicily is one hour ahead of the UK.
A. The deposit is £120 per person 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.
A. We do unfortunately have to pass on the credit card charge of 2% for all transactions. However we do not charge for debit cards.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. There are four main airports, Catania (East), Palermo (North), Trapani (North West) and Comiso (South).
A. Yes, all our cars have air conditioning. See Car Hire
A. Most hotels are very accommodating and are used to catering for a whole range of tastes. However, if you have a severe food allergy it is best to let us know so we can speak to the hotel before you go. You must also speak to the hotel when you arrive.
A. 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).
A. 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.
A. 2 pin 220-240 volts. You will need to take a standard European plug adapter on holiday with you.
A. 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/
Trenitalia www.trenitalia.com/
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. You should make sure the date you are travelling home is before the expiry date of your passport. There are currently no required innoculations or visa requirements to visit Sicily when travelling from the UK,
