Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Italy / Sicily
 |  | Fact File : Sicily |
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| | | Sicily | | Did you know?
Sicilians love their pasta so much that in the Middle Ages they were known as 'sicilianu manciamaccaruna' - Sicilian macaroni munchers.
Language
Italian
Visas
None required for EU residents.
Getting there
Scheduled flights via Milan or Rome
Flying time from London
Four hours
Getting around
The island has a good bus service. Coastal train services from Messina to Palermo and Siracusa are efficient. Elsewhere, most rail services are infrequent and slow. Roads are generally good, although driving in Palermo and Catania can be chaotic.
Currency
Euro
Costs
As a rough guide: litre of petrol 60p; bottle of beer £1.50; moderate restaurant meal £12; roll of camera film £2.50; four-mile taxi ride £7-£8.
Weather
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with July and August highs of 30C (86F). Winters are mild, with temperatures between 10C and 20C (50F-68F). For those who don't like it too hot, the best time is late spring and early summer.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 39
Voltage
220V 50Hz, but some places still use the old 125V system - check with your hotel or landlord.
Opening hours
Shops open at 8am, shut at 1pm for a long lunch, then reopen at 3-4pm till 7-8pm. Banks open 8.30am-1.30pm and 2.45-4.30 Mon-Fri.
Health - Before you go
You don't need any vaccinations to visit Italy. The UK also has a reciprocal agreement with Italy regarding healthcare. To take advantage of this you will need to get an EHIC form at a UK post office and make sure you understand how to access this health care when away.
Health - When you are there
A new law states that all foreigners have the same right as Italians to emergency health care. That, plus having your E111 form, means that you have good access to care. Take the E111 form to the local Unita Sanitaria Locale (USL) office and they will give you the information you need. However, many Italian public hospitals are underfunded, so you may prefer to take out travel insurance to cover treatment in a private clinic.
Warnings
Beware of pickpockets and handbag-snatchers. Car theft is a problem in Palermo.
Emergency
British Consulate, Viale Cadorna 10, 1-98100 Messina. Tel. (090) 672924. British Consulate, S. Tagliavia and Co, Via Cavour 121, 1-90133 Palermo. Tel. (091) 582533.
Customs
Slow service and long queues are the norm in banks and post offices. Be patient - stamping your feet will get you nowhere.
Pets
Italy is a qualifying country for the Pet Travel Scheme. However, that does not mean that you can put Fido on the lead and take him on the plane. There are stringent requirements for veterinary checks and documentation to fulfil prior to taking a pet abroad. Check with your vet.
Tipping
Ten per cent in restaurants if service is not included. Small change in bars. Tipping taxi drivers is not common practice.
Tourist office
Italian State Tourist Board: 1 Princes St, London W1R 8AY. Tel. 020 7408 1254. Brochure line: 09001 600 280 (calls cost 60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Sicily |
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| |  | | Casale la Zagara - Pomelia
Relax, SPA, carnival, temples, good food and wine, warm, safe and sunny environment close to the best beaches and city center. Air conditioned, TV Sat
|  | | Casale la Zagara - Hibiscus
Relax, SPA, carnival, temples, good food and wine, warm, safe and sunny environment close to the best beaches and city center. Air conditioned, TV Sat
|  | | Oasi del Borgo | "Marte" Cottage, Sicily
Self Catering Cottage located at Borgo Bonsignore in a peaceful resort with panoramic pool and private parking.
|  | | Oasi del Borgo | "Nettuno" Cottage
Self catering cottage perfect for families in a little seaview Resort with pool and next to the beach.
|  | | Oasi del Borgo | "Urano" Cottage
Self catering cottage perfect for families in a little seaview Resort with pool and next to the beach.
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Holiday Rentals in Sicily |
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