Discover Palermo Area

Palermo

Palermo is the capital of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, dating back to the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. Palermo is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Palermo Cathedral, the Palatine Chapel, and the Zisa Palace. The city is also known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly people.

Here are some of the top things to see and do in Palermo:

• Visit the Palermo Cathedral: This imposing cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Sicily. It was built in the 12th century and features a mix of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine architectural styles.
• Explore the Palatine Chapel: This stunning chapel is located within the Royal Palace of Palermo. It was built in the 12th century and is decorated with intricate mosaics.
• Admire the Zisa Palace: This Norman palace is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 12th century and is known for its beautiful Arabic-style architecture.
• Explore the historical markets: There is a choice of three, impressive open-air markets: Vucciria, Il Capo and Ballaro‘ with seasonal produce, colourful spices and a vast array of meats and cheeses. 
• Galleria regionale of Palazzo Abatellis and the GAM (Gallery of Modern Art)
• Catacombe dei Cappuccini: long communicating tunnels carved into the tuff, covering an area of around 300 square metres. About 2,000 skeletons and mummified bodies are kept in these halls, making the Catacombs of Palermo the largest and most extraordinary collection of mummies in the world.
• Duomo di Monreale (10 km away) with its magnificent mosaics
• Relax on the beach: Palermo has several beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The most popular is Mondello
• Enjoy the food: Palermo is a foodie paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants serving traditional Sicilian cuisine and local street food places. Some of the must-try dishes include pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines), arancine (rice balls stuffed with meat or cheese), and cannoli (Sicilian pastries filled with ricotta cream).
• Experience the culture: Palermo has a rich cultural scene, with many museums, theaters, churches and art galleries. The city is also home to several annual festivals, including the Festival of Santa Rosalia in July and the Palermo Opera Season in winter.

Here are some additional tips for visiting Palermo:

• The best time to visit Palermo is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
• Palermo is a walkable city, but you can also take the bus or tram to get around.
• Palermo is a safe city, but it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft. 
• Sicilian people are known for their hospitality, so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with a local.

Where to stay: discover our Villas in the Palermo Area

Mondello

Seaside town located in the Gulf of Palermo. It is known for its beautiful sandy beach, clear blue waters, and Art Nouveau architecture. Mondello is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months.

Sicily's Turquoise Paradise

Mondello Beach is a captivating stretch of coastline, boasting 1.5 kilometers of pristine white sand and inviting turquoise waters. Located just a short 10-kilometer drive from Palermo, this idyllic seaside haven has become one of Sicily's most beloved destinations. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty, Mondello offers an unforgettable experience. The beach is nestled between two iconic landmarks: the majestic Monte Pellegrino, hailed by Goethe as "the most beautiful promontory in the world," and the equally impressive Monte Gallo, both protected within their respective nature reserves. Immerse yourself in the charm of Mondello's unique Liberty architecture, a captivating showcase of Art Nouveau style that adds a touch of elegance to this coastal gem.

Where to stay: discover our Villas in Mondello

Cefalù

Cefalù is a beautiful seaside town located on the northern coast of Sicily, known for its stunning beaches, historical center, and Norman Cathedral. It's a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months

Here are some of the highlights of Cefalù:

• The Duomo: The Duomo, or Cathedral, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important examples of Norman architecture in Sicily. It was built by Roger II in the 12th century and features stunning mosaics and Byzantine-style architecture.
• The Old Town: The Old Town of Cefalù is a maze of narrow streets, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. It's a great place to wander around and get lost, and there are plenty of hidden gems to discover.
• The Beach: Cefalù has a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for over a kilometer. It's a great place to sunbathe, swim, and go for walks.
• The Rocca: The Rocca is a large rock that overlooks Cefalù. There is a path that leads to the top, and the views from there are simply amazing.
• The Museum Mandralisca: The Museum Mandralisca is home to a collection of art and artifacts, including the famous "Portrait of a Man" by Antonello da Messina.

Cefalù is a great place to visit for a relaxing beach vacation or a cultural getaway. There is something for everyone in this charming town.

Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Cefalù:

• The best time to visit Cefalù is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the town can be crowded during this time, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October).
• Cefalù is a relatively small town, so it is easy to get around on foot. However, there is also a bus service that runs throughout the town.
• Cefalù is a great place to enjoy Sicilian cuisine. There are many restaurants in the town that serve traditional dishes, such as pasta with seafood, grilled fish, and arancini (rice balls).
• Don't forget to try the local gelato! There are several gelaterias in Cefalù, and the gelato is made with fresh, local ingredients.

Where to stay: discover our Villas in Cefalù

Balestrate - Terrasini

Balestrate

Seaside town in the Gulf of Castellammare, known for its beaches and nature reserves. Popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Close to the Segesta archaeological site, with ancient Greek ruins.

Terrasini

Coastal town with a charming historic center and a long sandy beach. Known for its fishing traditions and seafood restaurants. Home to the Palazzo d'Aumale, an 18th-century palace with a beautiful seafront terrace.

Things to do 

• Relax on the beach
• Go swimming, sunbathing, or water sports
• Explore the Zingaro Nature Reserve (1h and half by car)
• Visit the Segesta archaeological site (half an hour by car) 
• Stroll around the historic center of Terrasini
• Visit the Palazzo d'Aumale
• Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant 

Tips 

• The best time to visit Balestrate and Terrasini is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. Consider visiting also in the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October).   
• Be sure to try the local seafood, which is some of the best in Sicily.   Getting there Both Balestrate and Terrasini are easily accessible by car from Palermo Airport.  

Solanto and Santa Flavia

Solanto and Santa Flavia are two charming seaside resorts located on the north-western coast of Sicily, about 20 km from Palermo. Solanto is a hamlet of Santa Flavia, known for its breathtaking promontory that offers a panoramic view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here is the archaeological area of Solunto, an ancient Phoenician city dating back to the 6th century B.C., with remains of temples, houses and walls. Santa Flavia, on the other hand, is a municipality in its own right, with a lively historical centre and a charming seafront promenade. Among the main attractions are the Castle, the Royal Palace, historic villas, the Tonnara .

Official tourism website: https://visitsantaflavia.it/en/home/