Traveling in Sicily, Italy?

Question

I want to go to Italy to practice my Italian on my own and wouldn't mind going to Sicily. But is there a mafia problem over there? And how safe is it for tourists?

Answer 1

Mafia will not bother you. My parents are from Sicily the whole family (8)went there in 1984, not one problem ever in 5 weeks.  Sicily is renowned for its very nice people, great food and beautiful beaches...if you like ancient architecture go to Agrigento in southwest Sicily where you will marvel at the Greek temples. GO THERE, you will love it!!

Answer 2

I was stationed in sicily for two years and never had any problems with mafia or crime. Tourist go to sicily from europe all the time. The worst in crime for Italy is actually Rome, there are large number of kids who travel in bands looking like beggers. They know who are the tourist and surround them supposably begging. Unfortunatly what really happens is while one or two distracts you the others are lifting something off you. I know this from personal experiance, so watch out.

Also if you plan on driving in Italy remember this: ALL road signs are "suggestions" to Italians, every kind - speed limit, stop signs, one-way street, all of them. Makes driving very interesting.

Also make sure to see Agrigento, Etna, and Siracusa while there. And try a locally owned resturant or two (the Risotto is great) and try the "bars" which are really family places with great gellato.

Answer 3

Yes, there is Mafia in Sicily, but no, they're not going to be a problem to you!

We're American and we're stationed in Italy, and we always go to Sicily to visit and site see, and I feel perfectly safe there. They're lovely people and it's a beautiful area! I also have friends that are stationed in Sicily, and they've never had any problems. Have fun!

Answer 4

I went to Sicily last summer and felt completly safe there. I didn't see or hear about anything Mafia realted when I was there. Just use common sense about where you go at night and I'm sure you'll be fine.

Answer 5

Yes, there's Mafia in Sicily, Mafia is everywere in the word. sicily is very beautifull and interessing.  The principal town are so safe as a grat town in USA. You can't miss it.