Palermo
Overview
Sicily’s bustling capital Palermo, in the valley of Monte Pellegrino and fronted by a sweeping bay, is a city of crumbling façades and hidden majestic treasures. With a concentration of attractions to rival Rome it is a traveler’s paradise, however, unlike Italy’s capital, in Palermo you will have to go looking as many of the highlights are tucked away within the urban districts. Those not afraid to explore and able to battle passed the chaotic streets are treated to a feast of medieval churches, stunning palaces, top notch museums and vibrant markets of Byzantine, Norman, Arab and Mafia influence. Once upon a time Europe’s finest city, today Palermo combines images of its enduring past alongside the outlook of a forward thinking metropolis.
Palermo is a city that requires patient exploration and a destination certainly not to be rushed. By devoting 3 to 4 days you can take your time and easily cover the main attractions whilst cruising from district to district. Start off in the city centre Quattro Canti which grants quick access to the Cattedralle, Palazzo dei Normanni and other striking Norman churches. Jump over to timeless Albergheria and explore the markets before wandering down to La Kalsa, the city’s oldest neighborhood rich in Arabic influences. When visiting Palermo make sure to put aside enough time to explore the plethora of outdoor markets that remain relatively unchanged since the glory days of the 12thC.
Sat on the coast of Sicily, Palermo has a tendency to get hot and steamy throughout the summer months. This is the time to do as the locals do and head to the beaches situated to the north of the city. En route to Mondello or Adduara take some time out to enjoy the sprawling and peaceful gardens of Parco della Favorita. For active travelers there is also the opportunity to make a detour and go hiking around Monte Pellegrino whose summit commands unsurpassable views of the dramatic city rooftops and Tyrrhenian bay.
To get to Palermo you can take a bus from the neighboring Sicilian towns of Catania, Cefalu and Messina or jump on a train coming in from Naples or Rome. Palermo also has a large port and ferries make regular journeys from Cagliari, Genoa and Naples. This is a big city, however, going on foot is by far the most comfortable way to appreciate the inspiring concoction of Arab and Viking ideas.
> Read
Palermo
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Palermo
Quattro Canti (Four Corners) - Check out the traditional centre of Palermo at the intersection of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda. On each corner is a three tiered palace complete with lavish façade that rises into the sky above. This is a good place to begin a sightseeing tour of Palermo as it is within close proximity to many piazzas and attractions.
Albergheria - Take a stroll around the district lying just north of the train station, with a labyrinth of streets that seem like they have been frozen in time. This is the main market area with Piazza Ballaro and Piazza del Carmine coming to life on a daily basis with its fresh produce market, concealed bars and local food stalls. Hidden amongst the market are some wonderful churches, including the Baroque styled Chiesa del Gesu and Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremtri, built in 1132.
La Kalsa - Although witness to severe bombing during WWII, the Arab influenced La Kalsa is Old Palermo’s most intriguing district housing a fascinating array of architecture. Be sure to wander down Via Garibaldi and admire the many imposing palazzos before stopping off at the 1151 Norman church La Magione and 1506 Norman-Gothic church of Santa Maria dello Spasimo. La Kalsa is also home to the city’s largest park Villa Giulia and Kals Art Festival.
Palermo Outdoor Markets - Palermo’s market culture plays an important role in its heritage and the traditions continue to this day providing visitors to the city with a way to immerse in the local way of life. La Vucciria is the city’s most well-known market, where the streets around Piazza San Domenico light up with seafood and fresh fruit and veg stalls from dawn until early afternoon. Mercato di Capo is a great place to sample local delicacies from the hoards of street vendors. Ballaro, Piazza Carmine, is another popular spot for trying local food in addition to shopping for discount, designer and vintage clothing. Antique collectors should check out the goods on sale at Piazza Peranni.
Palermo Museums - Palermo’s museums and palaces are a great testament to the city’s rich history and long traditions and a must see for those wanting to learn more about the region and culture. Palazzo dei Normani is arguably Palermo’s most famed attraction, bearing witness to Arab, Norman and Spanish occupation and today housing an array of artwork and exhibits on Norman history. Check out the Museo Archeologico Regionale for traces of Sicily from pre-historic times to the present day and Museo delle Marionette with over 3000 examples of Sicilian puppets. Art lovers should head to Galleria Regionale for its medieval art collection and Galleria Arte Moderna with a vast collection of Sicilian pieces from the 19th and 20thC.
Catacombs of the Capuchins - In the vaults of Capuchins Monastery are the mummified bodies of over 8000 residents of Palermo, perhaps the city’s most bizarre and mysterious attraction. Believed to have been preserved between 1533 and 1920, the corpses range from barely clothes skeletons to those that are scarily lifelike.
Mondello Beach - Only 10km from the city centre is Palermo’s favorite beach with an inviting stretch of soft golden sand and pleasant rolling waves. Throughout the summer months Mondello becomes crowded yet enjoyable, vibrant with visitors basking in the sunshine or taking part in water sport activities. Back from the beach, the main square is blessed with numerous bars, restaurants and ice cream shops. Stop by in May for the World Festival windsurf competition.
Palermo Nightlife - Nightlife in Palermo present visitors and locals with a myriad of options, from going to the opera at Teatro Massimo to sampling a pizza at Antica Focacceria San Francesco to sitting in a beachside café at Mondello to dancing the night away at one of the many clubs. Good drinking spots are the American Bar at the Grand Albergo Sole hotel, Nashville, a favourite for the young trendy crowd, and the boisterous Rocket Bar. When last orders have been called move on to either I Candelai, a converted warehouse and club cum venue hall, or La Cuba, a lounge bar and club fusion with superb terrace.
> Read
Palermo
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Palermo
Budget Hotels Palermo
A Casa di Amici - Two budget bed & breakfast hostels in the city centre. Tel (39) 328 317 2205.
Midrange Hotels Palermo
La Dimora del Genio - Small and elegant guesthouse commanding a central location. Tel (39) 347 658 7664.
La Dimora del Guiscardo - Stylish bed & breakfast in La Kalsa, close to a busy nightlife district. Tel (39) 328 662 6074.
Luxury Hotels Palermo
Grand Hotel et Des Palmes - Large charming rooms and fine services in the heart of the historical centre. Tel (39) 91 602 8111.
Hilton Villa Igiea - Stunning luxury resort nestled into the hills and with great views of Palermo bay. Tel (39) 91 631 2111.
> Read
Palermo
Hotel Reviews
Palermo
Weather
Palermo
Travel Resources