We have a trip planned to Sicily in September. Given the severe drought and its impact on agriculture and the local population we are wondering if we should cancel. We know that tourism is important to the economy and are trying to figure out whether going is good or bad for Sicilians.
Posted by
Kamloops, BC, Canada
448 posts
I would go. As you mentioned, tourism is important for the Sicilian economy. It goes without saying that it would be appreciated if tourists try to limit their water use as much as possible. I hear that Aperol Spritzes are very inexpensive there! ; )
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
607 posts
The NYT has an article on the drought and tourism that may help:
Posted by
1 posts
We just returned from a trip to Sicily and Calabria and encountered only one problem related to water--the tap water at our hotel (recommended by Rick) on Ortigia Island was non-potable. I didn't feel that we got a good explanation of why the water wasn't fit to drink--but I didn't get the feeling that the reason was drought-related. Our hotel in Agrigento had a large swimming pool that was operational, and an Air BnB in Piazza Armerina had no water restrictions. In fact, we weren't aware of the Sicilian water shortage until we returned to the USA. A couple fountains may have been shut down as a result of the shortage, I suppose, but as tourists we were not impacted by the drought. Tourism revenue is really important to Sicily's economy, and we had a lovely time there; I hope you go.
Posted by
2657 posts
The water source on Ortigia is infiltrated with salt water. We were provided bottled water.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15762 posts
There might be restrictions, like for washing cars or watering lawns, if water shortage continue, but regarding drinking, although tap water is potable however most Italians drink bottled water and not tap water. Do the same, bottled water costs less than 0.20€ a liter at supermarkets in Italy, so it won’t break the bank.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6976 posts
As Roberto stated, bottled water is inexpensive. One can usually get a 5 or 6 liter bottle for a Euro or less. By buying the larger bottles one can just refill smaller bottles.
Posted by
Western Canada
3343 posts
We couldn’t figure out why the tap water on Ortigia was salty either.
Our (terrible) vac rental host finally told us….after being there and waiting for their answer for two full days….that we should have been buying bottled water.
The person also didn’t tell us we should have been psychic in advance either.
Information is important!
We still loved Ortigia.
Posted by
Central Florida Coast. (Melbourne)
86 posts
Not sure why that would stop you from visiting? In any case I'm sure they want your travel $'s and most drought restrictions tend to have impact on the locals and businesses in an area.