The Basics
City Name: Sicily
Where is it located?: Sicily is an island that is a part of Italy and sits to the southwest of the tip of the boot.
Why do people go there?: This island is known for hot and sweaty nights, mob ties and food. The island has had a number of influences – African, Asian and European, and all the ruling parties have left their mark in architecture, cuisine and lifestyle.
How do travelers get there?: Catch a ferry from mainland Italy.
Currency: Euro
City Code: Palermo 91
Population: 5 million
Languages: Italian
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Taormina, Palermo, Messina and Catania
Attractions: Island Fun, Food, Glam
Accommodations: Sicily Hostels, Sicily Hotels
Tourist Office: See Main Office in Rome: Ente nazionale italiano per il turismo, via Marghera no. 2/6, 00185 ROMA, Telephone: +39 6 49711, Fax: +39 6 4463379, Email: sedecentrale@enit.it, http://www.enit.it
Off-the-beaten-path: Sperlinga, Forza D’agro
Health Issues: chikungunya fever, Measles, Legionnaires’ disease
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Italy, especially in the South, heats up during the summer months, as tourists flock to the country. During Ferragosto in August, many shops and restaurants close as Italian flee the blazing hot cities and seek refuge at the beach.
Common Phrases: Yes = Si, No = No, Please = Per favore, Thank you = Grazie , Do you speak English? = Lei parla degli Inglesi?
City Specific Events: St. Agatha’s Feast Day, Ferragosta, Almond Blossom Festival
How to get around?: Metro and buses will get you around the island.
Good to know: Sicily is famous as the hub for organized crime.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Sicily is the Palermo International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Sicily travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
