Registration requirement for hotels:
Under Italian law, a valid identity card (or passport) is needed to register when you arrive at the hotel.

Climate:
Although it is possible to travel throughout Sicily at any time of the year, we recommend the Spring and Autumn seasons, due to their more temperate climate and cheaper air fares. April, May, June, September, October and November are ideal months to travel around the island.

Note that from late July to late August temperatures sometimes reach the 35/40° mark and the number of tourists (and prices) increase dramatically.

Although it is usually very warm in the cities in July to August, the mountainous regions can be quite cool and it is even advisable to bring a sweater for the chilly (and, sometimes) humid summer evenings.

Occasionally, the Sirocco wind blows sand in from the Sahara. When the wind blows in the summer months, temperature rise to 40° and it can be rather humid in the East of the island and rather dry in the West.

In winter, you can even ski on Mount Etna or on the Madonies!.

If you are traveling from outside the EU, check with your medical insurance company for any bilateral agreements with Italy before leaving home.


Medical Insurance: If you are traveling from another European country, remember to ask your health insurance organization for the E111 form, before leaving home. This is free of charge and, if you need medical care during your stay, this form will simplify all the procedures and save you time and money.

Credit cards:
Most shops, restaurants and hotels will accept the major credit cards (Visa, Electron, MasterCard), but in some of the more traditional small villages and in the Aeolian Islands it may not be possible to pay by credit card. However, ATMs are widely available for drawing cash.

Banks:
The banks are open from 09h30 to 13h30 and from 15h00 to 17h00.Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Prices in Sicily
Very Often accommodation and restaurants prices are not displayed.

Here is an order of prices to guide you:
Accommodation
For a night in double room:
- Cheap Prices: between 50 and 60 €.
- Average price: 60 to 80 €.
- Top of the range of 80 to 140 €.

Food-Restaurant
- Discount: under 15 €.
- Average price: 15 € 25.
- Renowned restaurant: over € 35.
For a complete meal
(appetizer, entree, dessert, drink, bread and cover)
you will take about 20 euros, sometimes less in the beautiful little villages.

Tipping
Tipping is at the discretion of the customer.

On the road! Getting around in Sicily:

For greater autonomy during your stay, we recommend renting a car. Alternatively, buses represent the best way to travel within the island.

Many bus companies make the connection between the main cities, but also go to the smaller towns and the fishing villages.There is a relatively convenient railway line from Messina to Palermo, Messina, Syracuse, Palermo and Agrigento. Other connections are picturesque but extremely slow and unreliable.
We only recommend using the train and bus to those of you who have plenty of time... and a little patience… to spare.

Here are the requirements for renting a car:
Possession of a driving license for at least 3 years.
Minimum age: 21 years.
Most payments by credit card.

Quick tips for car hire:In most rental companies, you must return the car with full tank of fuel, or you will be charged an additional fee (usually about 50 €).
To avoid unpleasant surprises it is a good idea to keep the car inspection certificate and proof of your fuel purchases in a safe place. Alternatively, you may want to take a photo of the fuel-level indicator before taking possession of the vehicle.

Traffic conditions:
The Sicilian motorways are in very good condition and most of them are free of charge.
The minor roads are sometimes not in such a good state and it is advisable to drive slowly and with caution if this is the case.Sign-posts are a little unpredictable and not frequently updated... a sat-map can be very useful!
There are few traffic-jams in Sicily, except in and around Catania, Agrigento and Palermo. 
Unfortunately, it does require something of an effort to understand the road system in Sicily and to adapt to the pace of Sicilians.There is no need to worry, but do take extra care in Palermo and Catania, which are probably best avoided all together in a car!

Safety tips: As anywhere else in the world, it is advisable to always lock all doors and to avoid leaving valuables in the car.

No smoking rules: According to Italian law, it is forbidden to smoke in public places, including bars, cafes, restaurants.

Customs: From the EU, no visa requirements, just a valid passport or identity card.

Electric plugs: 220 volts throughout the island. Adapter plugs may be required, according to your country of origin. These can also be purchased on arrival at the major airports.