3 Things to Know Before Visiting Sicily

In Sicily, villas to rent all over the island offer the holidaymaker the ideal base from which to enjoy a relaxing and fulfilling break on this stunning Italian island. There are plenty to choose from, so it's important to do your research. There are also some other factors you should consider before jumping on the plane.

Consider the Time of Year

As with other heavily visited tourist locations around the world, there is a low season and high season here and, depending on your personality type (whether you love bustling crowds or prefer a quieter, more laidback holiday), the time of year when you visit should be given serious consideration. In Sicily, villas can be hard to come by during the high season, as every bed on the island is often booked months in advance. But if you plan ahead - meaning several months ahead - even in high season you can secure a wonderful base to stay. If you’ve already visited mainland Italy, bear in mind that Sicily has a much longer season of warm weather than the northern and central regions of the country. What this means is that it is very possible (and in fact many visitors love it) to enjoy the island’s beaches even well into November, when the rest of the country is in the grip of the cold weather. Spring also begins early, and if you’re lucky enough to visit in February, you’ll be delighted to find the region carpeted with an explosion of colourful flowers.

Know the Local Etiquette

As with anywhere else in world, ignorance of local law will not excuse you from getting yourself in to trouble. Knowing the basic road rules of the island is most important, especially if you’re exploring in a rented vehicle. For instance, for safety, drivers are required to have a reflective yellow or orange bib inside their car, which they must put on in the event of a vehicle breakdown (this should be supplied by the rental company, but do check before you set off). Another example of local law is that when you’re driving outside built-up areas, you must keep your headlights turned on at all times; that means keeping them on even during the day when the sun is shining.

To make matters a little more confusing, in Sicily, villas may be located in regions that have their own special laws. The good news, however, is that the locals are very friendly, and often it takes a simple greeting to start a conversation. By the way, it's handy to know that if a local invites you to dinner, flowers or chocolates are a more appropriate gift than a bottle of wine.

Travel Safely

While the island is considered a very safe destination, there are some things you should be aware of before you visit. Foremost are the details of relevant organisations you can contact in case of any emergency or if you need assistance of any kind. Find out and take note of the phone numbers for emergency services - both for the Carabinieri and State Police. The contact numbers for the island’s tourist offices should also within easy reach. When you visit Sicily, villas to rent will afford you the opportunity to make the most of your time with a relaxed itinerary of your own choosing. Don't be afraid to get out and explore – this stunning island truly is a jewel in Italy's crown.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular Sicily villas or accommodation in the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.