Palermo – Why the Sicilian Capital is a Must See When in Europe
Palermo is my second home. So I always had a kind of different point of view on the city. More like a local than like a tourist.
During my last stay though I tried my best to see the Sicilian capital through different eyes. I went to explore places that I hadn’t seen since I was a child. By that time why just went there – me and my family – to check that. Now, 20 years later, I took a look again at the beautiful historic places. I did some day trips as well. I will tell you about them in my next blog post.
But today’s blog post is only about Palermo!
What do you need to see, to do, to explore? I’ll tell you in a minute!
Let’s immerse into that wonderful world that is a mixture of different cultures, that left their tracks.
Influenced by the whole world
Palermo and Sicily belonged during Centuries to different peoples. All of them left parts of the own culture which became part of the following and so on until Sicily’s very own and special culture ended up existing. You can hear it, feel it, see it.
Hear it… because there was an impact on the language. Yes, exactly. I said language not dialect! Sicilian is not an Italian dialect, but a very own minority language. In Palermo people speak Palermitan which is a Sicilian dialect by the way, not an Italian one.
Feel it… because Palermo just feels differently than the rest of Italy. It may be the climate which is giving Palermo around 8 months out of 12 of summer. The other 4 are spring. Or it could be the typical south Italian happiness. But I can assure you that being in Italy feels different.
See it… because in contrast to the architecture in the rest of Italy the buildings in Palermo have strong influences of the Arabic and Norman style. So they differ drastically from other cities like Florence, Milan or Rome.
My 5 Favorite Places in Palermo
#1 Piazza Pretoria
Piazza Pretoria or Piazza della Vergogna (Square of Shame) is located directly in the heart of the historic center. The epithet comes from the naked statues that surround the fountain in the middle of the square. Next to it there is the Town Hall of Palermo. I always liked the fountain with the funny story of its name.
#2 Teatro Politeama
The Teatro Politeama is making me smile every time I see it. Although the Teatro Massimo – the biggest opera in Italy – is way more impressive with its size and history, I often find myself sitting in front of the Politeama, but never in front of the Massimo thinking of whatever comes to my mind.
#3 Monreale
In the small town of Monreale, high up in the mountains next to Palermo, there is a Dome. It’s impressive from the inside and from the outside.
The special thing about it is that people used gold leaf to decorate the whole area of the altar which is creating an extraordinary golden light and the impression of power. It was used as a model and copied in a smaller version for the chapel of the prince Federico II. in the Palazzo Normanni (the Norman Palace in the city center of Palermo, where the princes of Palermo resided).
#4 Monte Pellegrino & Santuario di Santa Rosalia
On the Monte Pellegrino there are two Highlights waiting for you:
On one hand side there is the sanctuary of the patron Saint of Palermo, Santa Rosalia. It is built into the mountain so the main part of the Sanctuary consists of fieldstone. The light is therefore artificial which is creating a really special atmosphere.
The second highlight is along the street. If you arrive by bus to the Monte Pellegrino, you will need to walk around 29 minutes to walk there. By car it’s a 5 minutes drive. It’s a big platform at the edge of the mountain where you have an amazing view over Palermo. From the other side the view is good as well, but I am not sure about what it is that you see. It’s not Mondello I think.
#5 Mondello
Mondello is a village, a former fishing village, which has become one of the most touristy places of Palermo. In high season you can’t even move here. Because everybody wants to get some sun at one of the most beautiful beaches of Italy and go to one of the famous restaurants with the freshest fish and the best sea food.
I love coming here in October when it’s not that crowded anymore, but it’s still super good weather. I just stroll along the promenade then and watch the Monte Pellegrino.
From this side, the mountain looks like a sleeping dog (have a close look and you will see it in the photo). That’s why I was always fascinated by it – sind I was a child.
When do you fly to Palermo?
Could I convince you of the unique beauty of Palermo? Just hit the reply button if you have some more questions! If not: Safe travels!
Live Like a Local
Are you searching for a cool spot for digital nomads in Europe? You should check out Palermo in Italy!
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Hi Barbara,very nice and inspiring article…this city has been on my list for quite a while. Now I know again why…Cheers, Eddy
Thank you so much, Eddy! I’m happy that I could inspire you 🙂
Barbara,
awesome note and great pics, thanx for sharing.
I want to visit Sicily and the southern tip of the boot, is September (second, third week) a good time weather and tourist season wise to visit? Is it better to travel by land and then ferry or to fly directly from Rome? And do you have postings on wine and seafood restaurants/vendors that I can check out? Grazie!
Hi Ivan!
happy you like my photos 😀
September is a great time. It’s still pretty hot though if you like it around 30 degrees Celsius, it’s fine. Otherwise, I would rather recommend to go in October.
I wouldn’t say there is a „better“ in regards to how to travel. Flying is obviously the fastest way and great if you don’t have too much time. I love the route though and enjoyed driving it. And I also think that it’s a nice route to take by train. I personally like driving and it’s an awesome feeling of coming home every time I take the ferry and watch Sicily come closer. But as I said it depends on how much time you have 🙂
Unfortunately, I’m not a foodie at all. I recommend some places in my Palermo Guide for Digital Nomads though 🙂
All the best! Let me know how you liked it!
Barbara
Hi Barbara. Thank you for sharing so much information. Im seriously thinking and dreaming of buying a house in or near Palermo. What area would you recommend? I would love to be near the sea…
Thanks!
Marianne from Norway 😊
Hi Marianne,
I’m glad to hear that you liked my post. I would always recommend Mondello as an area to live. But it’s not the cheapest. But if you want to live by the sea it’s not going to be cheap anyway.
Best
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
I am looking to take my first digital nomad adventure starting in November. I want to see Rome and all the Roman history and art, but was wondering your opinion on living and working in Rome for a month vs. a place like Palermo. I’ve never been to Europe at all!
Hi Rosalie,
soooo, unfortunately, I have never been to Rome as a nomad! I have only been there as a tourist and my last stay is almost 10 years ago! That’s why I would like to encourage you to ask for information in the Facebook group Italy Digital Nomads. I can only say that i love Palermo and I think it’s highly underrated! When are you going? If it’s next month by any chance, Palermo is definitely your spot! A friend of mine and owner of one of the coworking spaces is hosting a DN retreat: Palermo Nomad Experience! But even if it’s not next month: Palermo is worth it! Let me know if you need more help!
All the best!
Barbara
I love your blog – super informative!
Thank you so much 😀
Hi there! If we only want to stay in three places on our first visit to Sicily, which three do you recommend, and how long should we stay in each place? Thanks so much!
Hi Robin,
thank you for your comment! How much time do you have and what’s your purpose of your trip?
I would recommend at least 3 nights in Palermo, 3 nights in Catania and 2 nights in Taormina if you’re a tourist/traveler. If you’re a (digital) nomad do one month in each place: Palermo, Catania and Syrakus.
Have fun and let me know how you like it 😀
Best
Barbara
My husband and I. Senior citizens. Are planning a trip to Sicily in October. Is it possible to have a base hotel in Palermo (or another place) and do day trips with a tour guide from our base hotel? We were able to do that in sorrento and it worked well. Also a hotel that has a big breakfast would be great. Thank you.
Hi Barbara!
Yes, that’s possible although you will probably be limited to the Northwest of the island 🙂
Unfortunately, I can’t really help you with hotels because I’ve never stayed in one.
All the best
Barbara