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With temperature in mind, the best times to visit are May, June, September and October. Every season is beautiful, even winter, when bright green shoots of wheat start to sprout and you can ski on Mount Etna. Summer is lovely, but it can get very hot in July and August, and the beaches are crowded.

With a wealth of activities available, pack accordingly: if you’re heading for Etna, take a good map, sturdy hiking shoes, a torch and a warm coat; if it’s a beach destination, you’ll need sunglasses, swimming gear, sandals for pebble beaches, sun protection and a beach towel.

Ente Nazionale Italiano per il Turismo is the national Italian tourist board and has offices in numerous countries. Check the website for your home country.

Tourist offices in Sicily are randomly staffed and randomly open, but it is worth stopping in for information on local exhibitions, concerts, plays and listings of bars, restaurants and entertainment. Look for the signs with an “i” on a yellow background.

Foreign embassies are mainly located in Rome, but there are US and British consulates in Palermo.

Non-EU citizens must present a valid passport to enter Italy; EU members only need an identity card. Visas are not necessary for citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand for stays of less than three months. Other nationalities should check with their embassies. Apply for visas in person and well in advance at the Italian embassy or consular office in your home country.

EU residents are not charged duty on goods purchased in Italy, although certain limits may apply. US citizens are allowed to bring in up to $400 worth of goods before customs duties are applied. No fruits, vegetables, meats, fresh cheeses or farm products can be brought in.

Shops, post offices and banks close on public holidays (see General Information).

Electrical current is 220V, and plugs have two or three round prongs. Sicily is notorious for poor electrical and water supplies – periods of drought are frequent. Small inland towns have the most problems, but hotels are well equipped. Everyone drinks bottled water although tap water is usually potable.

Opening hours for shops vary between 8:30am and 10am. Nearly everything closes for lunch at 12:30pm until 2:30pm or even 3:30pm.