CLIMATE

Marsala enjoys climatic conditions that are among the best in Europe. The climate is mild, typically Mediterranean, with an average annual temperature above 19ºC. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. In the winter months, the temperature generally does not drop below 10ºC. Rainfall is moderate and, according to the classic Mediterranean model, it is minimal in summer which reaches two maximums per year, one in autumn and one in late winter / early spring.

TIMETABLES

The time for eating is the same as in the rest of Europe: breakfast, very similar to the continental one, is served from 7:30 to 10 in the morning. Lunch in the restaurants is served between 1pm and 3pm; dinner from 20:00 until 22:30.

In Marsala you can go shopping every day of the year. Although normal business opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 09:30 to 20:00.

LANGUAGE

In Marsala there are two official languages: Sicilian, a typical dialect characteristic of our region, and Italian, the official language of the Italian state.

TIP

It is already included in the price and in the bill, so it is not considered mandatory. Nonetheless, you generally leave a tip if the service has been more than satisfactory (especially in bars and restaurants).

POSTAL SERVICES

The central office of the Italian Post Office is open all day from 08:00 to 18:30 and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 12:30. It is located in Via Garibaldi, nº 5. Tel. +39 0923 76 30 13. The stamps can be bought in all tobacconists.

BANKS

Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm and in the afternoon from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Only a few branches open on Saturday mornings. There are 24-hour ATMs throughout the city, most of which provide international service.

HOLIDAYS

New Year: January 1st

Epiphany: January 6

Madonna della Cava, patron saint of Marsala: January 19th

Good Friday and Easter Monday (the date changes every year)

Italian Liberation Day: April 25th

Labor Day: May 1st

Pentecost: May 31st

Italian Republic Day: 2 June

Feast of San Giovanni: June 24th

Mid-August: 15th August

All Saints' Day: November 1st

Immaculate Conception: December 8th

Christmas: December 25th

Boxing Day: December 26th

ELECTRIC CURRENT

In Marsala the standard electrical current is 220-240V AC, 50Hz. US electrical equipment needs a transformer and adapter. The plugs have two contacts but the corresponding adapters can be found in any hardware store.

CREDIT CARDS

Most of Marsala's hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards (American Express, VISA, Mastercard, 4B, Access and Diners Club).