Frequently Asked Questions

I was born and raised in the Province of Messina. Then I lived overseas for nine years, working as a tour guide in Australia, New Zealand, France, Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina. Since 1999, I have lived in Sicily, where I work as a Licensed Tour Guide and International Tour Escort/Manager.

My passion for travelling inspired me to become a tour guide. Ever since I was young, I have been a backpacker exploring the world. My first trip was to Brazil the day after I turned 18. Over the years I have taken many courses in Archaeology, Languages, Botany, etc., including a tough government examination to become licensed as a tour guide.

Every season offers something special. However, I love Sicily in the spring. The weather is moderate, and Mediterranean wild flowers bloom everywhere, a beautiful show for all to appreciate.

People who have traveled on the Italian mainland will find Sicily to be full of pleasant surprises. The uniqueness of the island has not been promoted as much as a region like Tuscany. It is less expensive, warmer, friendlier, and more exotic. Everywhere are the effects of the Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish cultures that once called Sicily home: it’s Italy with a totally different flavour.

Some scholars say Sicily has the best-preserved Greek ruins in the world, and certainly this is true. Our Greek temples and theatres date back 2900 years but are still in excellent condition. The beauty of our mosaic-filled churches, showing the skill of many Arab craftsmen, equals that of other famous Italian churches. Plus, do not forget the golden beaches surrounding the island.

Our cuisine is superb! The combination of the many different flavours and spices from the Greek, Arab, Spanish, and Italian settlers has helped Sicily to develop its own specialties. (Click on this link to Mamma Pina’s Recipes.)

The wine industry improves every year. While the island’s weather provides excellent conditions for growing grapes, only recently has Sicily developed sufficient expertise in bottling and exporting wine. For example, the Nero d’Avola grape grows only in Sicily. Although many wine drinkers compare it favorably with the Syrah, the wine remains relatively unknown. In my opinion, perhaps somewhat biased, Sicily produces wines equal to those in Tuscany and at a much better value.

In the past, Sicily was very poor with much immigration to other countries (especially to the US), but conditions have changed. Today Sicily has become more prosperous, and now people are immigrating to Sicily. The economy has become diversified, and Sicily has many exceptional services that sometimes surprise but also please travelers.

Another misunderstanding concerns the Mafia. While some travelers worry about how they might be affected, such experiences – for sure – will not occur. They will see no signs of the Mafia, only the monuments erected to honor those who have worked to end its influence. In fact, Sicily has one of the lowest crime rates in Italy. Travelers to Sicily quickly discover that the stereotypes are false.

With only one week, concentrate on the highlights. Start by spending two nights in Palermo. The capital of Sicily is a magical place with Arab influences everywhere, especially in the many open-air markets – like huge suks, but in Europe. While Palermo’s many monuments honor the historical importance of the Arabs, it also has magnificent Baroque buildings.

Next visit nearby Monreale and its exquisite Duomo (Cathedral). Then spend one night in Agrigento to enjoy the Valley of the Temples at night. This magnificent light show should not be missed by anyone! Now travel to Siracusa for two nights, especially if you are interested in Greek archaeology and history. Once Siracusa was more powerful than Athens, which explains the many impressive Greek ruins. Here the famous Greek mathematician Archimedes lived and was killed. Also do not forget the beach where General Patton landed with the Allied troops in 1943.

Finish your week with two nights in Taormina, the true gem of Sicily. Its elevated position creates infinite loveliness by combining the marvelous blues of the sea and sky, the miles of curving coastline, and the picturesque mountains. Here you can also see the majestic Mt. Etna, and you should dedicate a half day to visit one of Europe’s most famous volcanoes. Truly Taormina represents the land of Dolce far niente (“the sweet of doing nothing”). One week will provide a short introduction to the island. However, for a better understanding and appreciation of Sicily and Sicilians, plan a visit for ten to fifteen days!

Sicilians speak an unofficial language, which we call the Sicilian dialect. It is a different language from Italian. First of all, it is a mixture of four languages: Arabic, Spanish (Castilian or Catalan depending on the area of Sicily), Italian, and French. In the western section of the island where the Arabs dominated, people speak the dialect like “singing a song“. Yet in the eastern section where the Greek and Spanish dominated, the speech becomes more “clipped“. Amazing but true – sometimes we natives have difficulties understanding each other! Unfortunately the dialect and its traditions are dying because younger generations learn only Italian. Still in little villages and towns you can hear the Sicilian dialect but not very much in big cities, especially those with many tourists. If you meet some rural Sicilians, try to guess which language they are speaking!

I love all of Sicily, and I love to take travelers around the island, especially to places where we can find the “true and unspoiled Sicily“. As a native, I want everyone to leave with an increased knowledge and appreciation of Sicily: a combination of flavours, colors, and fragrances unique in the Mediterranean. As we say in Italian, “Provare per credere!” – “Try it to believe it!“