Living in Sicily Italy: 7 Harsh Truths They Don’t Tell You

Living in Sicily offers a captivating experience, blending rich cultural heritage with breathtaking scenic beauty and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. As the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is steeped in history and traditions, featuring diverse landscapes from pristine beaches and rugged mountains to lush vineyards. 

While the island’s allure is undeniable, with its deep historical roots and picturesque landscapes, there are aspects of daily life that may not be immediately apparent. 

If you’re considering moving to Sicily, it’s essential to understand both the dream and the reality. In this blog, we’re revealing seven harsh truths about life here. 

👉Here’s an outline of the things we’ll cover on this blog: 

• The Trash Problem
• Narrow Streets and Driving Challenges
• Coin-Operated Public Bathrooms
• Fruit and Vegetable Shopping Etiquette
• Access to Over-the-Counter Medication
• TV Tax on Electric Bill
• Water Shortages
• Bonus Tips

Let’s take a closer look at each of these truths.

💠1. The Trash Problem

Sicily is a land of incredible beauty, but one of its biggest challenges is the ongoing issue of waste management. Some towns are immaculate, while others suffer from piles of trash littering the streets and countryside. 

The root of this issue is largely attributed to government inefficiencies and corruption, where funds meant for waste disposal are not always used effectively. In some areas, illegal dumping has become a severe issue, leading to overflowing landfills. 

Efforts are being made to address the situation, with the introduction of surveillance cameras and stricter fines. However, for now, the contrast between Sicily’s natural beauty and its trash problem remains a frustrating reality.

💠2. Narrow Streets and Driving Challenges

Sicily’s historical streets were designed for carriages, not modern vehicles, making driving an adventure—especially in older towns. Navigating through these narrow alleys often means folding in side mirrors to avoid scraping against buildings or parked cars. 

In some areas, such as Baglio di Carini, single-lane bridges force drivers into nerve-wracking encounters where someone has to reverse to let the other pass. The charm of Sicily’s historic roads is undeniable, but driving here requires patience, skill, and a willingness to embrace chaos.

💠3. Coin-Operated Public Bathrooms

If you’re out exploring Sicily, be prepared to carry coins for public restrooms. Many bathrooms, especially in train stations or city centers, require a small fee for access. While this system helps maintain cleanliness and ensures restrooms are stocked with supplies, it can be frustrating when you’re caught without the correct change. 

Occasionally, an attendant will be present to assist and may expect a small tip. It’s an adjustment for those used to freely available restrooms, but it’s a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of Sicilian life.

💠4. Fruit and Vegetable Shopping Etiquette

Shopping for fresh produce in Sicily comes with its own set of rules. Unlike in the U.S., where customers freely inspect and select their fruits and vegetables, in Sicily, it is customary for the vendor to handle and bag the produce for you. 

While this practice ensures efficiency and respect for the seller’s goods, it can be an unexpected cultural shift for newcomers. However, in larger supermarkets like Lidl, customers can select and weigh their produce, offering a more familiar experience.

💠5. Access to Over-the-Counter Medication

One of the more surprising differences in Sicily is the inability to purchase essential over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil at grocery stores. Instead, all medications must be obtained from a pharmacy. While this can be inconvenient, pharmacies offer a silver lining: pharmacists are often knowledgeable. 

They can provide certain medicines without a doctor’s prescription, making access to treatment more streamlined in some cases.

💠6. TV Tax on Electric Bill

Sicily imposes a mandatory television tax, included in every household’s electric bill, regardless of whether you own a TV or not. While the annual fee has been slightly reduced from 90 euros to 73 euros, it remains an odd and often frustrating expense. 

There are exemptions for those who can prove they do not own a television, but the bureaucratic process to opt-out can be tedious. It’s a quirk of Sicilian life that many newcomers find baffling.

💠7. Water Shortages

Water shortages are an occasional but unavoidable issue in Sicily. At times, the water supply is temporarily shut off due to conservation efforts or infrastructure limitations. When this happens, residents must rely on stored water to flush toilets, cook, and clean. 

These disruptions are typically short-lived, lasting only a few hours, but they can be frustrating, especially if you’re unprepared. Having a backup water supply is a common practice among locals who have learned to adapt.

💠8. Bonus: Driving and Parking Anxiety

Driving in Sicily is not for the faint of heart. Traffic rules are often treated as suggestions rather than strict regulations. Parking can be equally chaotic, with cars squeezed into impossible spaces, frequently blocking sidewalks or intersections. 

Pedestrians cross unpredictably, motorscooters weave through traffic, and highways become multi-lane free-for-alls. While these conditions can be stressful at first, over time, many expats adjust to the Sicilian driving style—though some prefer to avoid city driving altogether.

Sicily is a destination that will capture your heart, but it’s not without its challenges. From navigating local customs to dealing with bureaucracy, it’s a place that requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt. Yet, for those who embrace the Sicilian way of life, the rewards far outweigh the inconveniences. 

The island’s beauty, history, and warmth make it a truly unique place to call home. 

If you can look past the obstacles, Sicily offers an experience unlike any other—one that is as challenging as it is enchanting.