Ok so it’s your first time traveling to Sicily. You arrive in a Sicilian town in the early afternoon and it may feel as though the day has quietly paused. Shops are closed, streets are empty, and the usual energy has softened into silence. Here are a few travel tips for Sicily that will come in handy during the hours of 2 and 4 pm. If you’re visiting Sicily for the first time this blog is for you!
Spain calls it Siesta. In Sicily we call this Riposo, Rest.
Life in Sicily moves to a rhythm shaped by sunlight, heat, and tradition. Mornings are active and social. Afternoons slow down, inviting rest and stillness. As the sun lowers, the island comes back to life with conversation, aperitivo, and long dinners that unfold without hurry.
For many first time visitors, this pace can be surprising. Plans may need adjusting. Timetables lose importance. Yet once understood, this slower flow becomes one of Sicily’s greatest charms.
Rather than fighting the quiet hours, the key is learning how to move with them. When you do, Sicily reveals a way of living that feels calmer, more balanced, and deeply human. Figuring out how to plan a trip to Sicily can be daunting all on your own. Luckily we made the mistakes for you to offer these travel tips when you visit Sicily. Understanding hours of Riposo can save you a bit of grief and will help you plan days better, especially if you are visiting a less touristy area.
Do restaurants stay open during riposo in Sicily?
Often yes, but it depends on where you are and the season.
Usually open during riposo:
- Restaurants in tourist areas (Taormina, Cefalù, Ortigia, Palermo historic center)
- Seafront restaurants and beach clubs
- Hotel restaurants
- Pizzerias with all-day service (more common in summer)
What closes during Riposo in Sicily?
- Small, local trattorie in non-touristy towns
- Family-run places that reopen for dinner around 7:30–8:00 pm
- Inland villages, especially outside high season
Rule of thumb:
The more local and residential the area, the more likely lunch service ends by 2:30–3:00 pm.
What people can do during riposo hours (and why it’s actually great)
1. Have a long, relaxed lunch
This is what Sicilians do. Lunch isn’t rushed, and it often stretches into the early afternoon.
2. Go to the beach or a lido
Beach clubs stay open all day. Riposo is actually the quietest, calmest beach time.
3. Rest at your accommodation
This is where villas shine:
- pool time
- a nap
- reading
- kids reset
It turns “everything is closed” into a luxury.
4. Walk through historic towns
Even if shops are closed, towns are:
- quieter
- cooler in shaded streets
- perfect for photos
You see a more authentic side of Sicily.
5. Visit major attractions
Many big sights stay open:
- archaeological sites
- cathedrals
- museums (especially in cities)
Always check seasonal hours, but many don’t fully close.
6. Enjoy a bar or café
Bars often stay open for:
- coffee
- granita
- cold drinks
Especially in summer.
The mindset shift that matters
Riposo isn’t a gap in the day.
It’s part of the day.
There isn’t one single best way to travel around Sicily. The most rewarding trips are the ones planned within your comfort level, while leaving room for the island to reveal itself once you arrive. Sicily moves at its own pace, and understanding that rhythm is one of the most valuable travel tips for Sicily, especially for first-time visitors. By knowing what to expect and avoiding common mistakes when traveling to Sicily, you can enjoy a more relaxed and authentic experience. Follow along on our blog as we share monthly insights, practical advice, and local knowledge on what to know before visiting Sicily, how to get around, and how to experience the island beyond the usual tourist routes.