Our guide on the most common Mistakes to Avoid in Sicily and how to avoid them for your next trip.
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, offers visitors a wealth of history, culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Despite its allure, visiting Sicily can present some unique challenges for travelers, especially if it’s your first time on the island.
Sicily is a diverse and captivating destination that deserves time and thought to explore properly. By avoiding these common mistakes and understanding the island’s unique pace, you’ll be able to have a richer, more rewarding experience. Enjoy the scenery, savor the food, and take time to discover the true soul of Sicily!
Here’s a guide to the common mistakes tourists make in Sicily and tips on how to avoid them, ensuring that your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
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Mistakes to Avoid in Sicily
1. Mistake: Only Visiting Major Cities
How to Avoid It:
While Palermo, Catania, and Taormina are popular destinations, Sicily’s charm lies in its small towns, scenic countryside, and coastal villages. Be sure to venture beyond the main cities to explore places like Ragusa, Noto, Modica, and Erice. These smaller towns offer a more authentic Sicilian experience, showcasing beautiful baroque architecture, local traditions, and quieter atmospheres.
Also consider visiting the Aeolian Islands, Mount Etna, and Scala dei Turchi for incredible natural beauty.
2. Mistake: Underestimating Travel Time
How to Avoid It:
Sicily is larger than many people expect, and getting from one side of the island to the other can take several hours. The roads are often winding, mountainous, and slower than mainland highways, especially in rural areas.
Plan your itinerary carefully and limit the number of bases you choose to avoid spending too much time driving. Use Google Maps or a similar app to estimate travel times, but add extra time to account for traffic and unexpected stops.
3. Mistake: Not Renting a Car
How to Avoid It:
Public transportation in Sicily can be unreliable, especially outside of the main cities. Buses and trains don’t always run on time, and some towns are not well connected.
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Just be prepared for narrow streets, chaotic traffic in cities, and limited parking. Opt for a smaller car to make navigating easier, especially in the historic town centers.
4. Mistake: Expecting Mainland Italian Cuisine
How to Avoid It:
Sicilian cuisine is distinct from mainland Italian food. Don’t expect traditional pasta dishes like Carbonara or Pesto. Instead, savor local specialties such as arancini (fried rice balls), caponata (eggplant salad), and pasta alla Norma (pasta with tomato, eggplant, and ricotta).
Seafood is a big part of the cuisine here—try spaghetti ai ricci (spaghetti with sea urchins) and grilled swordfish. Don’t leave without tasting cannoli or granita, especially in Catania.
Eat where the locals eat. Avoid tourist traps by asking locals for recommendations or using apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find top-rated local spots.
5. Mistake: Trying to See Everything in One Trip
How to Avoid It:
Sicily is full of incredible sites, but attempting to see everything in a short time will leave you exhausted. Focus on a particular area or region and enjoy it thoroughly instead of rushing from one attraction to another.
Consider splitting your trip between the east coast (Catania, Taormina, Mount Etna) or the west coast (Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento) to explore the region more deeply.
6. Mistake: Ignoring Siesta Time
How to Avoid It:
Many shops, restaurants, and even some attractions close for a long siesta between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Plan your day accordingly—visit historical sites in the morning, take a leisurely lunch, and save your shopping or strolls for the late afternoon or evening.
Use siesta time to enjoy a long meal at a local trattoria, relax at a cafe, or take a break back at your accommodation.
7. Mistake: Only Visiting in Peak Summer
How to Avoid It:
Summer in Sicily (July and August) can be extremely hot, crowded, and expensive. Popular spots like Taormina and the beaches can be packed with tourists.
Instead, visit during the shoulder seasons (April to June or September to early October) when the weather is still warm, but the crowds are smaller, and accommodation prices are more reasonable. Visiting in spring or fall also allows you to experience festivals and local events.
8. Mistake: Underestimating the Heat and Sun
How to Avoid It:
The Sicilian sun is strong, especially in the summer months. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Avoid visiting outdoor sites during the hottest part of the day (noon to 3:00 PM), and seek shade whenever possible. Schedule visits to archaeological sites like Valley of the Temples or Segesta in the early morning or late afternoon.
9. Mistake: Forgetting About Dress Codes for Religious Sites
How to Avoid It:
When visiting churches, cathedrals, and monasteries in Sicily, be mindful of the dress code. Shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Carry a light scarf or shawl to cover up if needed.
This is particularly important if you plan to visit Monreale Cathedral or the Palatine Chapel in Palermo.
10. Mistake: Not Being Prepared for Sicilian Driving Culture
How to Avoid It:
Driving in Sicily can be chaotic, especially in larger cities like Palermo and Catania, where traffic rules are sometimes loosely followed.
Be prepared for aggressive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and limited parking. If you’re not comfortable driving in these conditions, consider renting a car for rural areas and using taxis or public transportation within the cities.
Use paid parking lots whenever possible to avoid the stress of street parking.
11. Mistake: Avoiding Tap Water
How to Avoid It:
Unlike some other parts of southern Europe, tap water in Sicily is safe to drink. There’s no need to buy bottled water all the time—bring a reusable water bottle and fill up as needed.
12. Mistake: Overlooking the Lesser-Known Archaeological Sites
How to Avoid It:
While the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina are must-sees, there are many other fascinating sites that often get overlooked.
Consider visiting Selinunte (an ancient Greek city on the southwestern coast), the Temple of Segesta, and the Necropolis of Pantalica. These sites are often less crowded and equally impressive.
13. Mistake: Relying Only on Credit Cards
How to Avoid It:
Many smaller shops, cafes, and local markets in Sicily prefer cash over cards. Always carry some euros with you for small purchases, especially in rural areas or small towns.
ATMs are widely available, but be mindful of fees and ensure your bank card works internationally.
14. Mistake: Skipping Sicilian Wines
How to Avoid It:
Sicily produces some of Italy’s best wines, such as Nero d’Avola, Etna Rosso, and Marsala. Don’t miss out on tasting local wines, either at a vineyard or with your meals.
Take a day trip to the vineyards around Mount Etna or the Marsala wine region to learn about Sicilian winemaking and enjoy wine tastings.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.