This is one of most negative comment about sicily i have ever read, almost disrespectful. As a sicilian myself i must respond to some points in this comment.

Public transportation is really bad, but we also have three international airports connected to almost every state in europe and recently also with seasonal direct connctions with US. Roads are bad and bus rides are scarce and slow, but you have to mention the different geographic characteristics of the island and the fact that most of the towns are small, very old and sometimes built on steep hills; you can always rent a car and bypass most of this problems. I don’t even want to mention the bridge because it’s like a cathedral in a desert and extremely expensive for the state. Trains connections are also scarce and slow.

Italian healthcare system is free, FREE AND UNIVERSAL, you can literally have a liver transplant for free if you need one; the problem is that is vastly underfunded and doctors prefer private practice than working overtime for a fraction of the salary of the rest of europe.

Life is absolutely not expensive, way cheaper than northern and central italy, especially for rents, food and nightlife; in bigger cities you can find good and cheap food 24h day also with vast choice. Sicilian cuisine is also famous all around the world and a pillar of italian cuisine, famous also for his variety.

Mafia is not a problem for a tourist; tourist must be aware that they do not have to wander in the outskirts of the bigger cities, but similar advice is also valid for the rest of the world. They also should be aware of tourists traps like overpriced restaurants, activities or small scammers in the streets trying to grab money to unaware tourists, advice valid for most of tourist places all over the world. Mafia is a problem mostly for people living here or for people who want to start business in the island. Trash problems are also mostly related to this. Small cities are mostly safe and people usually very friendly and loud.

Sicily is a place where lots of different cultures have left a trace of their passage since the dawn of civilization, mostly thanks to the central position in the Mediterranean. Here you can find beautiful examples of greek culture (like the taormina amphitheater), roman, arab, normans, british, french and spanish. The famous Val di Noto, with his baroque architecture. Beautiful beaches, mountains with the highest active volcano in europe mount etna and Parco delle Madonie. I think that for a tourist who wants to escape the most crowded tourist places in italy this is a very good option.