Taormina Sicily, Italy Travel Guide
Italy has large cell phone companies like TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad. Get local SIMS at official stores in larger cities like Catania or Messina; a passport is needed for registration.
For compatible phones, ESIM services like Airalo offer convenient internet connectivity for Italy or Europe, allowing activation without a physical SIM card.
Italian is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist-oriented businesses (hotels, restaurants, maat retailers) in Taormina. English might be less common in smaller, local establishments or outside the main tourist areas.
Post offices ("Poste Italiane") are available for sending postcards or parcels. Stamps can also be purchased at "tabacchi" (tobacco shops).
Download the Italian language language pack for Google Translate to use it offline, especially helpful in areas with limited mobile data.
Generally open 9:00 AM/9:30 AM – 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM/4:30 PM – 7:30 PM/8:00 PM, observing a pm break ("riposo").
Lunch service runs commonly 12:30 PM/1:00 PM – 2:30 PM/3:00 PM. Dinner begins from 7:30 PM/8:00 PM – 10:00 PM/11:00 PM. Many close in between.
Start early (around 7:00 AM) for breakfast coffee and pastries, often remaining open continuously through the evening for aperitivos and drinks.
Banks typically open From monday To friday, from 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM and a shorter afternoon session from 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM. They close during weekends and public holidays.
National Holidays: Jan 1 (New Year's), Jan 6 (Epiphany), Easter Monday, April 25 (Liberation), May 1 (Labor), June 2 (Republic), Aug 15 (Ferragosto), Nov 1 (The Feast of all saints'), Dec 8 (Immaculate Conception), December 25TH (Christmas), Dec 26 (Santo Stefano).
Plan your banking and transport needs carefully around public holidays, as services could be reduced or unavailable.
Engaging with local customs enriches your travel experience.
Always use "Buongiorno" (good morning/day) or "Buonasera" (good evening) when entering shops, restaurants, or addressing someone. "Ciao" (hello/goodbye) is informal; reserve it for friends.
For houses of worship and religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Italians tend to wear clothes smartly; steer clear of skimpy clothes or beachwear in town centers.
Wait for staff to seat you in restaurants. Do not pour your own water or wine if dining with service; the wait staff will do this. Cappuccino is traditionally a breakfast drink.
Photography is generally allowed in public spaces. Be respectful while capturing images of individuals; asking permission for close-up shots is polite. Photography is prohibited in some museums and specific church areas.
For detailed and up-to-date information, consult specialist tour operators or online forums focusing regarding travel for people with disabilities in Italy. Planning routes carefully and calling venues ahead of time is recommended.
