FAQs

Question

How much is this all going to cost?

Answer

We understand asking everyone to come to Sicily is a big ask. That is why we are also having another wedding in Milwaukee! If you can't make it to Sicily we would love to see you there, no hard feelings. Flights to Sicily range from about $1100 - $1600. Once in Sicily things get a lot cheaper. Good food and good accommodation are often very affordable. The most expensive place to stay, Domina Zagarella, is about $170/night. Entire villas that house six can be found on Airbnb's for under $100 a night.

Question

What should I pack?

Answer

Passport, European power converter, wedding outfit, wedding shoes (ladies, the ground is gravel/dirt, so no spike heals), swimsuit, beach towel (can also buy there), sun screen (can also buy there), sunglasses, water shoes or sandals for the rocky beach bottoms, hiking or athletic shoes (if you want to hike up to the nearby ruins), and notify your bank/credit card about traveling abroad.

Question

When should I arrive?

Answer

The best time to arrive would on the Thursday before the wedding, June 7th. We will all be hanging out around the village and having a welcoming party on Friday night. Coming on the Thursday will give you a little time to settle in, and recover from jet lag.

Question

Does anyone speak English?

Answer

Most Sicilians speak proper Italian, but many will speak the strong local dialect on a normal basis. Few speak English. Hotel concierge and restaurant waitstaff often speak enough English to help, but don't expect them to understand much more than the basics. Many menus in larger restaurants have English translations, and some dedicated English menus. We encourage everyone to get the Google Translate app for their phones. The live camera translator comes in very handy when trying to order.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

If you are brave enough to travel with kids, bring them along! There is enough gelato for everyone.

Question

Can I drink the tap water?

Answer

While all of the water in Sicily is managed by the national government, few Sicilians drink the tap water. Porticello only receives full running water every other day. On the off days, water is drawn from rooftop tanks. Unless you are using copious amounts, you will likely not run out on the off days. If you are staying at an Airbnb, be sure to ask about the water use. Most Sicilians only use this water for washing dishes and themselves. Bottled water is cheap and available all over.

Question

What is there to eat?

Answer

Fish! Gelato! Pasta! Pizza! Octopus! Clams! Fresh Fruit!

Question

What is the weather like in Sicily?

Answer

While Sicily can be very hot in mid-summer, we specifically picked early June for our wedding to take advantage of the beautiful late-spring weather. The average high temperature on June, 9 is 77F with an average low of 69F. On average, there is less than a 10% chance of rain. The water in the Tyrrhenian Sea will be cool but swimmable, so don't forget your swimsuit and sunscreen. At only 38N latitude the sun is substantially more intense than where most of you will be coming from, so that is a second reason to bring sunscreen.

Question

Is Sicily "safe"?

Answer

Thanks to popular American movies and somewhat strained relationships with Northern Italy, Sicily has gained a strong reputation for organized crime, the Mafia. While the mafia has effected the lives of every Sicilian in some way, it is not the world of Hollywood movies. Violent crime is nearly unheard of on most of the island, and almost non-existent in the village. If you spend time in Palermo, pick pockets should be more of a concern. Despite being the open sea, the waters around Sicily have few aquatic animals that pose any issue for humans. The sea does have sharks, but there has never been an attack in the area of the village. Things to look out for include small jelly fish, sea urchins, and weaverfish. Wearing watershoes virtually eliminates the chances of getting stung by sea urchins and weaverfish, and since many beaches are very rocky, it makes it more comfortable to walk around anyway. None of these animals are deadly.