Moving To Sicily Italy: Your Burning Questions Answered

Sicily, Italy, is a destination that has captured the hearts of many, from its rich history to its stunning natural beauty. It’s the largest island in the Mediterranean, with breathtaking landscapes that range from the majestic Mount Etna to the crystal-clear waters of the Aeolian Islands. With a temperate climate, incredible food, and an affordable cost of living, it’s easy to see why many are drawn to this enchanting island.

However, before you pack your bags and start your new life in Sicily, there are some important practical aspects to consider. Whether it’s about the cost of living, transportation, or navigating local customs, moving to Sicily requires careful planning. 

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common questions aspiring expats have when considering relocating to Sicily. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from seasoned expats, we’ll help you understand what life in Sicily is genuinely like.

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

• How long have you lived in Sicily, and did you move before gaining citizenship?
• What are some nearby towns and villages?
• What’s the Process of Buying a Car in Sicily?: What to Expect
• How does the cost of living compare to Texas?
• Why would you order a burger in Sicily when you have so many local delicious dishes?
• Is solar energy common in Sicily?
• How does currency exchange work in Sicily 
• What legal support is available for Relocating to Sicily?
• How was the language barrier in Sicily?
• What is the public transportation system like in Sicily?
• How does the cost of living in Sardinia compare to Sicily?
• What has your experience been with medical care for Type 1 diabetes in Sicily?
• How did you navigate the visa and citizenship process when moving to Sicily?
• What are car insurance rates and accident considerations like in Sicily?
• What is the availability and experience of short-term rentals in Sicily?
• How close are you to the beach?
• What is the process for setting up a bank account in Sicily, and how straightforward is it?
• Why would you need radiators in Sicily?

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

💠1. How Long Have You Lived in Sicily, and Did You Move Before Gaining Citizenship?

If you’re considering relocating to Sicily, you might be wondering about the logistics of gaining citizenship. I moved to Italy in 2006 after receiving citizenship by marriage. My husband, Croce, is originally from Sicily, and we relocated to the island after his father passed away to help care for his mother. 

I had already navigated the consulate processes, filled out paperwork, and provided the necessary documentation, including our marriage certificate. So yes, I was a citizen before we moved, which made the transition a bit smoother.

💠2. What Are Some Nearby Towns and Villages?

If you’re thinking about settling near Palermo, there are several towns and villages you might want to consider. These include Torretta, Capaci, Cinisi, Mondello, Sferracavallo, Tommaso Natale, Partinico, and Terrasini. We particularly enjoy the western side of the island, although we have yet to explore the eastern side of Sicily, such as Catania and Taormina. There’s so much to discover, and these towns offer a variety of living options with proximity to the beach, beautiful nature, and historical landmarks.

💠3. What’s the Process of Buying a Car in Sicily?: What to Expect

One of the first things you’ll need to consider when moving to Sicily is whether or not to bring your car. We decided to purchase a car in Sicily rather than shipping one from the U.S.

It was more cost-effective, and we found a great deal—a 2009 Toyota Yaris for €6,500. We chose a semi-automatic transmission because neither of us had ever learned to drive a stick shift/manual car.
The car runs on diesel and gets excellent mileage, which has made it a great option for navigating the island. The cost of shipping a car from the U.S. is much higher than purchasing one locally, making it an unnecessary expense.

💠4. How does the Cost of Living compare to Texas?

Many people are curious about how the cost of living in Sicily compares to that of other places like the U.S. In our case, we found that rent in Sicily is much more affordable than in Texas.

Our rent in Sicily is 60% cheaper than what we paid in Texas, and the apartment we found was fully furnished. You can get much more for your money in Sicily, and the quality of life is very high.

💠5. Why would you order a burger in Sicily when you have so many local delicious dishes?

While Sicilian cuisine is true to be one of the best in the world, I ordered a burger because of my dietary restrictions as a diabetic. After a year of enjoying fresh Italian seafood, fruits, and vegetables, I decided to try a local favorite: a bacon cheeseburger. It turned out to be one of my favorites, albeit without the bun, for health reasons!

💠6. Is Solar Energy common in Sicily?

The answer is yes—solar energy is widely utilized across the island. Sicilian sunshine is incredibly abundant, and many homes and businesses have solar panels on their roofs to take advantage of this renewable energy source. We see them frequently in our town, and it’s great to see how the community is making efforts toward sustainability.

💠7. How does currency exchange work in Sicily?

If you’re coming from the U.S., it’s important to know the currency exchange rate. As of now, €1 is equivalent to around $0.97. This means that $1.00 in the U.S. is about €0.97 in Sicily. Italy is part of the European Union, so the currency here is the Euro, and the Italian Lira is no longer in circulation.

💠8. What legal support is available for Relocating to Sicily?

Relocating to Sicily involves some paperwork, especially if you’re planning to stay long-term or apply for citizenship. We recommend two legal resources for assistance with relocation: Pete and Chris, based in Calabria near Catanzaro, offer a network of professionals to help with relocation tasks. 

Additionally, Alfred Zappala, a lawyer based in Catania and featured on the YouTube channel You, Me & Sicily, can also provide legal advice. These professionals can guide you through the process of relocating and help with visa applications or residency requirements.

💠9. How was the language barrier in Sicily?

One of the biggest concerns for newcomers to Sicily is the language barrier. While it’s possible to get by with English in some areas, especially in tourist spots, it’s essential to learn at least basic Italian if you plan to live here. 

There are plenty of resources, like Duolingo and even Google Translate’s visual translation feature, to help you communicate in Italian. But if you truly want to thrive and build relationships with locals, taking the time to learn the language will be invaluable.

💠10. What is the public transportation system like in Sicily?

If you don’t plan to drive, don’t worry—Sicily has a great public transportation system. In our town of Carini, there’s a reliable bus service and even a train station nearby. Many medium-sized towns and cities have well-established transportation networks, so getting around without a car is definitely possible.

💠11. How does the cost of living in Sardegnia compare to Sicily?

Some people are curious about how the cost of living in Sardegna compares to Sicily. Interestingly, Sardegna tends to be a bit cheaper than Sicily, despite both places being known for their affordability. 

We’ve heard from friends living in Sardegna that housing and general living expenses are even lower than in Sicily, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable lifestyle in Italy.

💠12. What has your experience been with medical care for Type 1 diabetes in Sicily?

We’ve had positive experiences with healthcare in Sicily so far. While some people have reported mixed experiences with hospitals, the general healthcare system is quite good. 

We’ve been to doctors and dentists, and while we haven’t needed emergency care, the routine care has been excellent. As with any healthcare system, the quality can vary depending on the provider, so it’s important to do research and find the best options available.

💠13. How did you navigate the visa and citizenship process when moving to Sicily?

If you’re not already a citizen, you’ll need to go through the visa or residency process. We are dual citizens, so we didn’t have to deal with the visa process.

However, we recommend checking with your consulate or an immigration lawyer to understand the specific requirements for obtaining a visa or citizenship, especially if you’re relying on passive income or retirement funds.

💠14. What are car insurance rates and accident considerations like in Sicily?

Car insurance in Sicily is slightly higher than in the U.S., with the cost depending on factors like the car’s value and the horsepower of the engine. Our car insurance costs about €900 per year for a vehicle valued at €6,500. 

Keep in mind that driving in Sicily can be a bit challenging due to narrow streets and the local driving style. It’s not uncommon to see cars with minor dings and scratches, so it’s wise to be extra cautious when driving.

💠15. What is the availability and experience of short-term rentals in Sicily?

If you’re not ready to commit to a long-term lease, there are plenty of short-term rental options available in Sicily. Look for “transitorio” rentals, which are seasonal leases or short-term agreements that can range from a few weeks to several months. These are ideal if you’re just getting a feel for the area and don’t want to sign a year-long lease right away.

💠16. How close are you to the beach?

Many people are drawn to Sicily for its stunning beaches. In our case, we’re just a short drive away from the beach—about seven to eight minutes. The beaches in Sicily are absolutely gorgeous, and the warm Tyrrhenian Sea waters are perfect for a refreshing swim on a sunny day.

💠17. What is the process for setting up a bank account in Sicily, and how straightforward is it?

Setting up a bank account in Sicily is straightforward with the right documents. In Carini, Carol and Croce had a great experience with Intesa SanPaolo, opening an account in just an hour. Most banks require a Codice Fiscale (tax code) and proof of residence.

💠18. Why would you need radiators in Sicily?

Sicilian winters, though mild, can be chilly due to uninsulated homes made of stone or cement. Radiators or gas heaters (bombola) are commonly used to keep warm during the cooler months.

Relocating to Sicily can be an exciting adventure filled with beautiful scenery, rich history, and a slower pace of life. However, it’s important to be prepared for the practical aspects of living on this picturesque island. 

Whether it’s figuring out how to get around, understanding the cost of living, or navigating the healthcare system, planning will help ensure a smooth transition.

Hopefully, we have answered some of your burning questions and helped you envision your new life in Sicily.