Italy has long been a popular and favourite destination for many travellers. Thanks to its wide range of scenery, impressive historical scene, and delicious culinary world, Italy has a bit of everything for everyone’s taste. Composed of 20 different regions ready to be explored, needless to say that Italy has many beautiful locations that are worth visiting.
In the south, in what is known as one of the country’s largest islands is Palermo, Sicily. Palermo is a great off-the-beaten track location to visit if you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, as the city has a lot to offer. Easily reachable both by land, sea, and by air thanks to its own international airport, Palermo has it all. What’s more is that it gets even better when deciding where to stay! Renting villas in Palermo, through websites such as wishsicily for example, is a great way to experience a full cultural immersion and have an authentic Italian getaway. So in case you’re starting to get that Palermo itch, here are a few more things that will convince you completely.
1. Historical Sites
Much of Italy has a lot to offer when it comes to history, and Palermo has its own abundance of history too. Thanks to the various cultures that at one point lived in the region, the whole island is full of different sites that symbolize the cultures. For example, you’re definitely going to want to visit the Valley of Temples near Agrigento and walk through the different temples around. Once you’re through with that, make sure you also check out the many different churches. From the church scene you will understand the difference in architecture that was also brought forth by the different cultures settling in on the island. One church that should be at the top of your list is the Palatine Chapel, which was lucky for us, left behind by the Normans. The Duomo is also a great site to visit, and an even better photo opportunity!
2. Beaches
As you must’ve heard at one point or another, the beaches in Sicily hardly ever let you down. Known for their crystal-clear waters a beach day is one of the best you could ever ask for. When in Palermo, a safe bet is the Mondello beach, which is easily reachable by public transport and is only 20 minutes away. Otherwise, in the middle of the city you can opt for the Arenella Beach, which is also a good option if you’re looking for a quick dip. Nevertheless, you can also choose to visit the beaches outside of the city as well, seeing how the Sicilian coastline is 1,000 kilometres long!
3. Food
And now for perhaps everybody’s favourite part… Food! Like most of Italy, the culinary scene is always delicious and welcomes every kind of preference. Sicily in fact happens to be one of the preferred places by Italians themselves to eat. With all the fresh fish options, and the many different combinations that are presented for each specific dish and not, you may have a hard time choosing a dish each meal. What you should definitely try is the arancino or arancina (read all about the linguistic debate here)- a street food delicacy that is popular among both natives and tourists. Once you’re through with that, you can have dessert with one of the famous cannoli, of which you may also have heard in your hometown; except, the originals are found in Sicily, so lucky you!
Regardless of what you choose to do, there are only a few examples of what Palermo, and Sicily have to offer. Other activities include visiting the many different markets the city has, or going on a hike up the Etna volcano, or taking a boat tour around the Aeolian islands. Just know that whatever you choose to do, you’re in good, Sicilian hands.