Page 232 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

230  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The Sicilian coastline, one of the most beautiful landscape. But whenever your reason for
in Italy, attracts thousands of visitors every year. visiting the island known to the ancients as
The island’s unique history and artistic and Trinacria, there is always something exciting
cultural heritage, as well as its numerous spect­ to explore. Everyone comes expecting to
acular monuments, are as much an attraction – enjoy the food and wine, the coastline and art
if not a greater one – than its marvellous treasures, as well as sports activities and spas.

When to Go
in the US and the Department except on Monday. Most
Sicily enjoys a Mediterranean of Foreign Affairs and Trade churches are open to the public
climate, with hot, dry summers in Australia. for morning and evening mass.
and mild to cold, rainy winters. If a church is closed, you can try
From late March to June and Tourist Information asking the priest or sacristan to
from September to October, the let you in for a brief visit.
pleasant weather allows for plenty The provincial capitals of Sicily Off season, most hotels remain
of time outdoors. Those interested have an official tourist board, the closed, so if you plan to travel
in Sicilian history and culture Servizio Turistico Regionale (STR), during the winter months, it is
would do well to plan their visit which generally includes Unità advisable to book in advance.
for a time other than the crowded Operative (Operating Units) or One of the character istics of
months of July and August. Spring smaller bureaus located in towns Sicilian life is that people dine
and autumn are the best seasons within the provincial later than on the
to visit inland areas, including capital. Brochures on main land, particu-
Mount Etna, the Madonie how to organize your larly in summer
mountains and the Riserva dello trip are available at when the weather
Zingaro nature reserve. STR offices, Town can be very hot. The
Halls, Pro Locos midday meal may
(local tourist Tourist information sign begin as late as
Visas and Passports information points), or 2pm, and evening
European Union (EU) residents the Assessorato al Turismo meals may not be served until
and visitors from the US, Canada, della Regione Sicilia in Palermo. 10pm. Restaurants are closed
New Zealand and Australia need one day a week and for annual
no visa for a stay of up to three holidays, usually in the winter.
months. Information concerning Admission Prices Shops are open Monday to
visas can be obtained at your Entrance fees for museums and Saturday from 8 or 9am until 1pm
nearest Italian consulate. Non- archaeo logical sites vary from €2 and then from 4 to 8pm (winter),
EU citizens must carry a valid to €10. Young people and senior or 4:30/5pm to 8:30/9:00pm
passport, while for EU citizens citizens are usually allowed in (summer). With the exception
any ID will suffice. By law you free of charge or pay a reduced of shopping centres and DIY
must carry your ID with you at fee, though a valid form of stores, most shops are closed on
all times, as it may be needed identification will be needed. Sundays and Monday mornings.
during a road block (see p232).
Opening Hours Disabled Travellers
Customs Information Sicilian museums and Sicily is not particularly well
Any customs formalities are archaeological sites are usually organized to cater for disabled
completed at the first Italian open every day in the morning visitors; however conditions for
arrival point (usually the
mainland). Non-EU citizens can
claim back sales tax (IVA) on
purchases costing over €154.94.
Consulates can generally provide
up-to-date information on
particular customs regulations.

Travel Safety Advice
Visitors can get up-to-date
travel safety information
from the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office in
the UK, the State Department Souvenir shop selling local craft items in Taormina

230-231_EW_Sicily.indd 230 11/3/16 2:10 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm