Downtown Luxury Slum

If you’re looking for tips for planning a trip to Sicily, Italy, you’ve obviously come to the right place.

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1. As with other Schengen destinations, if you have a Canadian, US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, or EU passport, that’s all you’ll need to visit for up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport expiry date is at least three months after your intended departure date from the Schengen area.

2. There are no special vaccines required but be smart and make sure you’re up to date on all of your vaccinations.

3. There is an InterCity train line that runs between Palermo and Messina and another that runs between Messina and Syracuse. Other cities not on these lines are connected by slower regional trains. Because of this, there’s no real reason to buy train tickets in advance. The ItaliaRail website is a good place to research train routes and schedules though. Buses are the only form of public transportation serving many interior towns. Use Omio or GetByBus to research bus routes and schedules. Ferries run to Sicily’s many islands. Check routes and schedules with Ferryhopper.

4. Having a car is ideal for visiting the countryside but not cities. Expect good roads but unpredictable drivers. An International Driver’s Permit is theoretically required although apparently rarely enforced. Ask about parking before booking accommodations in city centers. Most places will provide free parking BUT cars are not allowed in many city centers. 

5. Buses are reliable and efficient in Sicily’s larger cities. Palermo also has a tram network and Catania has a metro. Taxis are expensive but can come in handy. Download the Uber app (Android / Apple) for use in Syracuse.

6. Pack comfortable walking shoes, a hat for protection from the intense sun, and make sure you have clothing that adequately covers shoulders and knees for visiting churches. 

7. Pack a travel adapter for type C and F outlets (2 round prongs) or consider getting an international travel adapter.

8. Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are readily available to get some Euros when you need them for tips, public bathrooms, tolls, etc. A service cost is often included in the bill at restaurants but if not, and you feel like the service was good, a 10-15% tip is appreciated. Same goes for taxi drivers and concierges. For bellhops, maids, bathroom attendants, doormen, etc, 1 Euro is a good tip. 

9. Most water is safe to drink unless labeled “non-potable,” however it doesn’t hurt to ask when in doubt. Pack a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. A water bottle with a built-in filter will ensure your water is always safe.

10. When planning activities on Sundays, check opening hours as many things close around 1pm.

Since I’m still planning and haven’t yet been, I’d appreciate any additional tips you might have?

* Featured image by Cattan 2011 on Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/68166820@N08/49673601503/

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I hope you found these Sicily trip planning tips helpful. If you’re looking for more, here are all of my posts about Italy, including essential Sicily travel experiences and a 14-day Sicily itinerary.