useful travel information

accommodation

Most of Open Sicily’s rental properties are privately owned and therefore have been furnished and decorated in accordance with the taste of the owners. This means that they can vary greatly in style and décor. Please also be aware that the overall standards do not match those that you would expect from other countries in Europe with a more developed tourist industry.

All of our properties are adequately equipped and all kitchens have a fridge and hob but electrical appliances may not be of the same standard as at home. Kettles, toasters and hairdryers may not be provided. Beds in Italy can be very simple in design and can often be shorter than those in the UK. Also, the base for the mattress can vary a great deal according to taste. Should you require additional information, please ensure to ask your Travel Consultant at the time of booking.

Usually our holiday accommodation needs to be vacated by 10am on the day of your departure in order that the property is prepared for the next arrivals. Also, please note that the majority of our holiday properties can be occupied from 1600 onwards.

security deposits

A small security deposit is required for many of our properties which is held in the form of a credit card guarantee. In the event of any loss, damage or breakages, Open Sicily may charge your credit card up to the maximum amount as specified on the website, the holiday quotation and the booking form.

passports and visas

British tourists will need a full 10-year passport when visiting Sicily. No particular visas are required for European Union Nationals in possession of valid passports wishing to stay for up to three months. Other nationals should contact their local Italian Embassy to confirm visa requirements.

airports

Both of the two main airports in Sicily ( Catania and Palermo) are relatively small and therefore you are unlikely to get lost in them. However, be aware that when you are waiting to collect your luggage, it is more likely to be found on the international carousel rather than the “domestic” carousel even if your flight involved a domestic connection. If you are unfortunate and your luggage has not arrived on either carousel, you may well find that it will follow on the next flight. Locate the information desk and report your lost luggage and you will probably be advised how long you will need to wait.

money and credit cards

The Sicilian currency is Euros although be aware that they are still adjusting to this new currency. You will still see many Sicilians with calculators trying to understand prices in their old Lira. Money can be changed in banks and most establishments do not except foreign currency. Not all establishments accept credit cards (particularly in coastal or rural areas) so it is essential to check before you purchase.

It is advisable to carry as few credit cards as possible in case of theft. Large towns and cities gladly accept credit cards but smaller resorts and rural areas will only accept cash. Keep your money safe by following the normal travel procedures applied when traveling abroad. Avoid wearing your hand bag or wallet on display, don’t carry large amounts of cash, avoid showing large denomination notes when paying for goods and do not leave bags etc unattended. Although rare, in larger towns and cities it has been known for bags to be “snatched” from pedestrians by moped riders so please ensure that bags etc are carried away from the roadside.

languages

Italian is spoken throughout the island but you will often hear the local dialect being spoken. Each region has its own adaptation to the dialect.

driving in sicily

A full driving licence is required by EC Nationals. Non EC Nationals should contact the Italian Consulate for advice. Nobody under the age of 18 may drive a car in Sicily even if they hold a valid license in a foreign nation. Driving in Sicily is “interesting” and certainly not for the nervous driver because everything is possible. If you remember that the rules of the road are dubiously maintained and always expect the unexpected, you will manage fine. It is fairly easy to get about, as road signs are relatively simple and clear. Laws have been enforced whereby it is necessary to wear a seatbelt at all times and to turn your lights on when traveling on a dual carriageway or motorway.

parking

Sicily has paid car parks and metered parking facilities and these are usually indicated with the standard (P) sign. Some free roadside parking is permitted (according to the parking restrictions displayed) although don’t be surprised if you are approached by an unofficial ‘parking warden’. This is considered normal and is “accepted” by the Sicilians and it is advisable to pay the fee (usually one euro). In return, you will be directed to a free parking space and your vehicle will be “looked after” in your absence. Blue bays and allocated parking spaces need to be paid for either in a local bar or tobacconist or, (where applicable) at a central ticketing machine.

traveling around

We strongly recommend that you rent a car in Sicily. Taxi Services are very expensive although where usage is necessary or convenient to you; please ensure that you get an idea of the cost of the journey before you travel.

There are local bus services and you must purchase a fare ticket, which are sold at Newsagents, tobacco vendors and even some bars. A ticket will cost approximately one euro each and they are valid for 60-90 minutes from the time they are stamped. When you board the bus you must ensure to stamp your ticket in the machine provided.

eating out

Eating out in Sicily is relatively cheap when compared to other regions of Italy. Prices and portions will vary according to the location, size and type of establishment, though portions are usually large and the service is friendly and helpful.

Please be aware that it is often difficult to find someone who speaks English and often the menu is difficult to translate as it refers to local foods and dishes. So remember to take your dictionary with you to assist with ordering and understanding the menu.

Also note that sometimes bottled water and bread with your meal can cost more than you think so please ensure that you are aware of the price when ordering.

Most Restaurants will not include service in their bill and therefore it is usual to leave a tip.

opening hours

Exact opening hours vary greatly from place to place. Generally in Sicily you will find that almost everything closes between 1pm and 4pm apart from a few restaurants and shops. Supermarkets close at 8pm and most pharmacies are closed at night except for the night-service pharmacies, which accommodate emergencies.

In general principle archeological sites are open from 9-12am and 4-7pm Monday - Friday and 9am - 12am Saturday (Summer hours may be longer). Museums are open from 9-1 Tuesday - Saturday and some weekday afternoons. Most shops close on a Monday morning and all day on Sunday but open 9am-1pm and 4pm-7.30 pm on other days including Saturdays. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 08.30 - 13.20 14.45 - 15.45 and are closed Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Restaurants such as pizzerias open evenings from around 8pm Tuesday through Saturday and some are closed Sundays and Mondays. Some restaurants open for lunch from around 12.30 or 1pm but don’t expect to find pizza served at lunchtime as many restaurants only serve pizza in the evening.

making calls

Prepaid domestic telephone cards and Italian SIM cards can be purchased from Newsagents, tobacco shops and sometimes bars to use in the telephone booths. Low call rate times are between 6.30pm and 8am weekdays, after 2pm Saturdays and all day Sunday.

UK mobiles can be used in Sicily but there are high charges for both receiving and making calls abroad. An alternative option is to simply acquire an Italian SIM card and insert it in your UK mobile. Do remember to take a travel adapter for mobile battery recharging.

insects/animals

Insects such as mosquitos and ants are inevitable in countries where the climate is warmer and Sicily is no exception. It is very important therefore that you are aware of crumbs and ensure that rubbish bins are emptied regularly. A good repellent will keep the mosquito bites at bay during the day. At night we highly recommend using plug in mosquito repellents. Several hours prior to going to bed, insert the blue tablet into the unit, plug it into an electrical socket, turn off all lights and close doors and windows (please remember to turn the unit off prior to going to sleep). Equally, large citronella candles are effective for outside protection. Overall, dogs and cats are not regarded with the same affection in Sicily and therefore it is not uncommon to see local dogs and cats roaming unattended.

refuse collections

There is no collection service from individual properties and therefore rubbish and refuse sacks should be deposited in the large bins, which are located along most streets. Unfortunately, the rubbish collection is not as regular as in some parts of Europe and therefore it can sometimes collect in the more populated areas.

electricity

The Italian mains supply is at 220 V, 50 Hz. Adapters are still needed for the plugs (most Italian sockets have 2-3 holes) and North American citizens will need a transformer. Please be aware that in some older properties, the electrical supply can trip if it is overloaded. It is necessary to consider this when using several high voltage appliances at once. In the event of the electrics tripping, it is necessary to flip the mains trip switch that can be located in the external mains box found by the main door or gate of most properties.

time

Sicily is on Central European Time (CET) which is GMT + 1.

additional travel information

On the whole, the cultural differences in Sicily are subtle and you will hardly notice them. The most obvious difference is in the pace of life. Sicilians have a fairly laid back sense of time and priorities and this is reflected in their long afternoon closure. This approach does not usually bother travelers as they are, after all in Sicily to take a break from the pressures of life and to have a good time.

The overall “standards” in Sicily are lower than in some other parts of Europe and this can be noted in general accommodation, public services and facilities that are provided on the island.

You will also notice that despite their laid back approach, Sicilians are less laid back when it comes to standing in line. They will often crowd around the bank teller windows, ticket booths, and cashiers with little consideration for the fact that someone else arrived there first.

safety in sicily

The standard safety precautions should be followed as in any part of the world. Never leave valuables in the car (not even in the boot) when it is unattended. Do not carry large sums of money around with you. Make sure that if you are renting self-catering accommodation that the property and the external gates are securely locked when you are out.

recommended guide books

We do recommend that you acquire a guidebook, as it is extremely useful for organising and planning your holiday. There are numerous guidebooks on Sicily available through book shops, Internet sites etc. Open Sicily recommends The Blue Guide to Sicily for comprehensive information regarding art, architecture, history, museums etc and/or DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Sicily, which we found proved excellent for maps, photographs, information on sights to see and practical travel information/advice.