Essential information for Sicily

When to go

The weather in Sicily is warm for most of the year but really starts to heat up in April. If you’re holidaying at this time you’ll enjoy comfortable average temperatures of around 20°C. Moving into May it’s generally sunny and dry and getting into the mid-20s. This is also when the island’s wild flowers start to bloom making it ideal for walking trips in the mountains.

July and August are the hottest peak summer months on the island. During these months you can enjoy weather at around the 30°C mark. With cooling sea and mountain breezes it’s the perfect time to make the most of the amazing beaches, sun-warmed sea and Sicily holiday deals.

Health and safety

Tap water in most of Sicily is normally drinkable. The exception is in some cities along the southern coast where the water supply comes exclusively from desalinated sea water. If in doubt, ask before drinking or stick to bottled mineral water.

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip. It’s also a good idea to apply for a free European Health Insurance Card – EHIC before leaving the UK as this entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Italian nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment.

If you’re visiting Sicily specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/health.

Passports and visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Italy but must have a valid passport. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Sicily has a comprehensive train service which connects all the main cities on the island and you can even travel by train from Sicily to mainland Italy. There are also several bus routes which travel around to the larger towns and popular holiday resorts on the island as well as some of the more remote regions.

If you’re planning to really explore the island you can hire a car and if you take your own car you can drive in Sicily with a UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents.

There are also taxis available for shorter journeys. It’s advisable to only use licensed taxis, and be sure to check that the fare-meter is reset before you drive off.

Advice for travellers with children

Sicily is a child-friendly island where you’ll find families are welcomed and accommodated at restaurants, cafes and hotels. Browse our range of package holidays to Sicily to find accommodation with all the right amenities for you.

There are lots of beaches and quiet bays with clear, shallow water ideal for little ones to play, there are plenty of activities beside the sea especially for children too, such as puppet shows. You’ll also find family discounts available on transport and ven free children’s admission to many of the local attractions.

Electricity

Connector type: Three-pin European plugs type L – you will need to take an adapter with you.

Voltage Info: 220 to 240 volts.

Emergency information

In the event of an emergency dial the following telephone numbers for assistance:

Police: 113

Military police (Carabinieri): 112

Ambulance: 118

Fire emergency services: 115

Roadside emergency assistance: 116

British consulate

If you’re a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner, contact the British Embassy in Rome which serves Sicily.

Address: Rome Consular Section, British Embassy Rome, Via XX Settembre 80/a, 00187 Rome, Italy

Phone (24-hour emergency assistance): +39 06 4220 0001 Fax: +39 06 4220 2334

Opening hours: The Rome Consular Section is open Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm. Access is by appointment only.

Hospitals

There are several modern, well equipped hospitals in Sicily where you will be taken for treatment in the event of a medical emergency. If you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your medical insurance company as soon as possible.

Sant’Elia Hospital

Address: 6 Luigi Russo Street, Caltanissetta 93100 Phone: +39 0934 559 111

Maddalena Raimondi Hospital

Address: 5 Carlo Forlanini Street, San Cataldo 93017 Phone: +39 0934 512 111

Azienda Ospedaliera Umberto

Address: Via Enrico Mattei, Ospedale, Enna 94100 Phone: +39 800 319 141