While many people think the Mafia pose a threat to holidaying in Sicily, rest assured they are not concerned with God-fearing tourists. You are unlikely to smell let alone see any Mafia related activity. However there are some things you can do to ensure a hassle-free holiday.

Taking out travel insurance should be a precaution before you go anywhere so if you are robbed or lose items they can be replaced. If you do suffer a loss you must report it if you wish to claim insurance. Dealing with Sicilian police or authorities can be a headache and they may take very little interest or care in your problem. However they could equally do the opposite and be very attentive. It’s really the luck of the drawer. There are Carabinieri across Sicily.

Emergency numbers to call in Sicily should you have an emergency include:

Carabinieri	112
Emergency / Police	113
Fire Brigade	115
Roadside assistance	116
Ambulance / medical	118

Of course the best way to ensure safety is not to seek trouble. This means you should not wear expensive jewellery or flaunt possessions like cameras, phones or cash. Don't wander city streets alone after dark especially in Palermo or Catania or in any particularly quiet areas. Keep your bags in sight at all times and always keep your money on you - internal money belts are the safest measure against pick pocketing. However it's best not to store too much cash; try to just have what you need for a few days and store it in different places away from other valuables. Cards and travellers cheques are a good way of carrying money. However in Sicily it's not always possible to use/cash these. You may not find ATMs (bancomats) in small towns and they may also not take credit card. Cash is still king in a lot of Sicily particularly in markets, shops and small tourism operators.

Travel in Sicily should not present too many health concerns. The worst problem you may suffer is heat exhaustion in summer and an upset stomach from eating too much! If you tend to have a sensitive stomach buy bottled water and look out for sings that say aqua non potabile (not safe to drink).

Should you feel ill there are farmacie (pharmacies) around the country and every town has a medico (doctor). EU U citizens may use Italy’s health services under the same terms as Italian residents. If you really ill head to the local hospital or phone 113 or 118.

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