Practical A–Z

Sicily is a safe travel destination — violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare, medical care is good, and the Mafia is absolutely irrelevant to visitors. The biggest risks: sunburn, heat exhaustion, and the creative driving style of the Sicilians.

Medical Care

• Hospitals: Well-equipped hospitals are available in Palermo (Policlinico), Catania (Policlinico Universitario), Messina, Syracuse, and Agrigento. English-speaking doctors are available in tourist areas.
• Pharmacies (Farmacia): Green cross, in every city and many villages. Opening hours usually 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:30 PM–8:00 PM. Night and Sunday service is displayed on a notice.
• EHIC: Accepted in public facilities. Travel health insurance is still recommended.

Sun & Heat

Sicily's sun is relentless — UV index 9–11 in summer, temperatures up to 45°C in the Catania plain during the Scirocco. Sunscreen with SPF 50 is mandatory, as well as a hat and sunglasses. Stay out of the sun between 12:00 and 4:00 PM — Sicilians take a siesta for good reason. At least 2–3 liters of water per day, significantly more during Etna hikes.

Safety

• Pickpocketing: Usual caution is advised in Palermo (Ballarò market, train station) and Catania (fish market, Stazione Centrale) — keep valuables close to your body, do not carry an open handbag.
• Car theft: Do not leave valuables visible in the car in Palermo and Catania. Use guarded parking lots (2–5€).
• Road traffic: The biggest risk. Sicilian drivers interpret traffic rules as suggestions. Red lights in Palermo and Catania are considered optional. Drive carefully, react defensively, do not let yourself be provoked.
• Etna: Only with a certified mountain guide above 2,900 m. Weather can deteriorate quickly. Eruptions are possible — always check the current status with INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia).

Sicily is technologically well-equipped — there is fast internet in cities and tourist areas, but it can be patchy in the interior and on smaller islands:

Mobile & Internet

Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German phone in Sicily without additional costs. Network coverage is good in coastal cities (4G/LTE), but in the interior and mountains (Madonie, Nebrodi, Etna heights), the signal can be weak. On the smaller Aeolian Islands (Alicudi, Filicudi), coverage is patchy. Download offline maps from Google Maps!

Wi-Fi: Hotels, restaurants, and cafes almost always offer free Wi-Fi. In rural B&Bs and Agriturismi, the speed can be slow — sometimes intentionally (Digital Detox, Sicilian style).

Useful Apps

• Google Maps: Works reliably in Sicily. Download offline maps!
• Trenitalia: Buy train schedules and tickets online.
• Moovit: Public transport navigation for buses and trains.
• Direct Ferries: Ferry connections to Aeolian and Aegadian Islands.

Language

English is spoken in tourist areas — in hotels, restaurants, and by tour providers. In the interior and smaller towns, English is less common. Basic Italian words are very appreciated and open doors:

• Buongiorno (Good day) / Buonasera (Good evening)
• Grazie (Thank you) / Prego (You're welcome)
• Per favore (Please)
• Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?)
• Il conto, per favore (The bill, please)
• Buonissimo! (Excellent! — the most important phrase when eating)

What you absolutely must have with you in Sicily — and what you need to know:

Essentials

• Sunscreen SPF 50 — The Sicilian sun is brutal, especially in the south and on Mount Etna (altitude radiation!).
• Comfortable walking shoes — Sicily's old towns have cobblestones, and the archaeological sites require a lot of walking over uneven terrain.
• Warm layer for Mount Etna — Even in midsummer, temperatures at the summit are only 5–10°C. Pack a wind- and rainproof jacket!
• Water shoes — Many beaches (especially on the east coast) are rocky or pebbly.
• Reusable water bottle — Many fountains with drinking water in the cities. Saves money and plastic.
• Light scarf — For church visits (covered shoulders/knees) and cool evenings.
• Mosquito spray — Particularly helpful in summer near the coast and at the salt pans.

Practical Tips

• Siesta: Many shops close between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Museums and archaeological sites are often open continuously, but restaurants take a lunch break.
• Late dinner: Sicilians rarely dine before 8:30–9:00 PM. Restaurants open for dinner no earlier than 7:30 PM.
• ZTL zones: Many old towns (Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Syracuse-Ortigia) have restricted traffic zones with camera surveillance. Without a permit, fines of 80–100€ are possible — and they arrive weeks later by mail. Check in advance!
• Cash: Cards are widely accepted in cities. In mountain villages, markets, street food stands, and on smaller islands, cash is a must. Always have at least 50€ in cash.
• Tipping: In Italy, tipping (Mancia) is not obligatory. In restaurants, a “Coperto" (cover charge, 1–3€) is often on the bill. A few extra euros for good service are appreciated but not expected.
• Church etiquette: Covered shoulders and knees. In some churches and the Monreale Cathedral, this is strictly enforced.