Things to know, where to go and what to eat... Get ready for your sun-kissed Sicilian getaway with these handy insider tips.

It’s very laidback

Adopt the go-slow, Sicilian way of life here and you’ll feel relaxed in no time. There's no rushing around here so take your time and take it all in.

Car is the best mode of transport

Although the roads can sometimes be tight and winding, driving is the best way of getting around the island. Sicily is a lot bigger than you might think so hopping between resorts and attractions with ease is key. And public transport can be very tricky to work out!

Sicilian cannoli are the best in the world

Got a sweet tooth? You won’t want to miss out on sampling some cannoli. They’re a staple of Sicilian cuisine and although famous across all of Italy, nowhere does it quite like Sicily.

Visit in May or September to avoid the summer crowds

Schools are out for summer during these months, so a lot of the locals are enjoying time off with their families too. Sicily is also a popular holiday spot for people from other Italian cities and the rest of Europe, so there’s no surprise it gets so busy.

The same goes for avoiding the scorching temperatures!

If you prefer things a little cooler, you should probably avoid travelling in July and August when temperatures can reach up into the high 30s and even low 40s!

Shops and restaurants take siestas AKA riposo

They may close for a couple of hours during the day, so be wary if you’ve got an itinerary planned.

Dinner time is much later

Take siestas into account and the laidback lifestyle, and you’ll be dining quite late if you do it like the locals do. Expect to see some people ordering their meals up to around 11pm!

It’s hilly to walk around

If you’re up for exploring on foot, you’ll need some comfy shoes and good stamina. The ancient towns are very higgledy-piggledy and the streets wind in and out and up and down.

You’ll have cake and ice cream for breakfast

Well not exactly, but a traditional Sicilian breakfast is always sweet and usually features a sweet brioche bun with a scoop of ice cream in it.

Aperitivo hour is a must

From late afternoon to the early evening, many bars and restaurants will serve a small snack with your drink. This could be nuts, crips or even arancini.

You can fly into Palermo or Catania

Did you know that you can pick between Palermo and Catania Airport? They’re Sicily’s two main gateways to island adventures. If you love history, start in Palermo with its ancient streets and mishmash of architecture. Craving coastal vibes? Catania is near Mount Etna and bags of dreamy beaches. Why not explore both?