Sicily has a long and arduous early history spanning several centuries, beginning with the history of Europe during the upper Paleolithic age. First colonized by the Phoenicians, followed by other Mediterranean settlers, Sicily was colonized by Carthage, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Normans and the Spanish; some like the Greeks came as traders, the Romans created huge feudal estates bringing misery and slavery for the native Sicilians that lasted for centuries. What came out of this crucible was a unique identity that has a little of every colonizer blended together to create a Sicilian flavor that has no peers.

In the 9th century AD Sicily came into its own under the Arab rule who introduced oranges, rice, sugarcane and mulberries for making silk. Arabic numerals were used and chess was introduced and paper was first made in Europe. After the Arabs, Sicily’s history continued to be a multicultural experiment changing hands from Normans, Germans, French Angevins, Spanish Aragonese, Austrians and finally the Spanish Bourbons who united Sicily with Naples in 1734 as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Almost a century later, on 11 May 1860, the daring expedition of Giuseppe Garibaldi for unification of Italy made Sicily a part of it.

What to see

Dominating the landscape of NE Sicily is the largest and most active volcano of Europe, Mount Etna, surrounded by dried lava in swirling tangles. Numerous vineyards and olive groves can be found at the foot of the volcano and the dense wood at higher altitudes are home to several animal species. The magnificent 12th century Monreale Cathedral with its splendid golden mosaics, built when the Normans ruled Sicily, is a major attraction. Taormina, Sicily’s foremost travel destination offers you a glimpse of Sicily’s multicultural historic past with beautiful mediaeval structures, remnants of Greek and Roman amphitheatres, quaint old churches, museums, ancient fortresses and aristocratic palaces such as the Palazzo Corvaja and the Palazzo Del Duca Santo Stefano. The Cathedral at Cefalù with its Byzantine mosaic decorations, the grand Greek temples at Selinunte, Ragusa, and the Aeolian Islands should not be missed.

When to visit

The months between April and June, and September and October are the ideal months to visit Sicily. During these months the average temperatures are around 68F. Summers in Sicily are long, hot and dry. Spring is warm and there could be rain for weeks on end. The hot Saharan desert wind Sirocco sweeps a sandstorm through Sicily occasionally during spring and the autumn months of September and October. November is the month that brings in several storms; otherwise, winter months experience temperatures that do not fall below 50F.

Where to stay

Sicily has its share of 5 star hotels and 5 star luxury hotels along with dozens of 4 star and 3 star hotels, if you are on a budget holiday. You will find a few guest houses and apartments that offer a home like ambience.

Shopping

Practically all the cities and towns in Sicily have the street markets where you experience the characteristic sights and smells of Sicily. The Mercato Lo Capo and Vucceria markets in Palermo are very well known. Palermo has awesome shopping centers in the Teatro Massimo, Piazza Del Duomo and Via Roma districts. The Corso Italia shopping center at Catania carries famous designer labels of Italian as well as international fashion designers and you will find some of the very best in clothes and footwear here.

Catania is well known for its fishing market, Pesheria. Tourists invariably pick up high quality and best tasting olive oil from Sicily. Ceramics, sweets, wine, cosmetics, and cheese are other stuff tourists enjoy buying.

Food

Sicilian cuisine is heavily influenced by a colorful mix of various Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean cultures from its past. And the best way to sample food here is to savor the buffitieri which is hot snacks prepared and served on street-side stalls, especially in Palermo. Panee pannelle which is chickpea fritters, potato croquettes, sfincione(a soft greasy pizza with onions and caciocavallo cheese as toppings), or baked brioche with a stuffing of ice cream with fruits, nougat or coffee. Cassatas, which are the Sicilian desserts, exquisite wines, fresh olive oil, Rasguscano cheeses, fresh fishes, beans, cuscusu (which was the result of the Arab influence), vegetables and meats are some of the foods popular in Sicily. The staple diet in Sicily is however based on grains, vegetables and fish while meat dishes are special dishes.

What to wear

Most Sicilians dress casually, in keeping with the weather conditions. Jeans with blouses, knit tops or shirts are ideal for women while men are seen in jeans and blazers. Skirts and sundresses are fine but shorts are a big no-no in Sicily. Make sure you do dress well for dinner.

Local transport

Sicily has two main airports at Palermo and Catania. You can get around Sicily easily by buses, trains or ferries. Buses ply to the airport from various places in Sicily every 30 minutes. Bus stations are usually near the main railway stations. Orange colored buses provide local service while blue buses provide intercity transport services. Beware of taking a taxi but if you have to make sure you pay by the meter. Train service is available every hour from 5.40 am to 23.40 pm.

Banks and Money changing

Several ATMs or Bancomats are the cheapest and easiest way to get money in Sicily. At major tourist spots, credit cards will be accepted, but you would require cash in euros, to pay at restaurants and small shops. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 3 pm to 4 pm.

Pharmacy and Hospitals

The 24 hour helpline numbers are 113 and 112 providing Public Emergency Assistance and the numbers belong to State Police and the Immediate Action Service respectively. These services can be called in case of accidents or medical emergencies for medical help and ambulance service. You may also dial 116 to obtain immediate assistance.

Tourist office contact

Some local, provincial and regional tourism boards in Sicily and islands are as follows and are open from 8.00 hours to 20 hours, and many remains shut for the afternoon siesta for a couple of hours.

AAPIT Palermo Piazza Castlnuovo,
35 90141 Palermo Phone: 091 583847

AAPIT Catania Via Cimarosa,
10 95124 Catania Phone: 095 7306211

AAPIT Trapani Via S.Francesco d'Assisi,
27 91100 Trapani Phone: 0923 545511

AAPIT Syracuse Via San Sebastiano,
43 96100 Syracuse Phone: 0931 481200

AAPIT Messina Via Calabria Isolato,
301 98122 Messina Phone: 090 640221

Visa

U.S. and Canadian citizens and those from the European Union nations can enter Sicily visa free for 90 days. So also can the citizens of Japan, Australia and New Zealand. But make sure your passport remains valid for 3 months beyond your arrival. It is best to contact the nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate to get fully updated information before your travel.

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