Best Place To Stay In Palermo Italy

San Vito Lo Capo Great Place To Stay In Sicily For Beach And Relax

This small seaside town is a favourite destination where to stay in Sicily with the lucky people who know about it, it being somewhat off the beaten tourist track at present.

The wonderful slopes and mountains in the area have made it a popular holiday spot for rock climbers, while the beautiful surroundings, chilled seaside ambiance and delicious seafood only enhance their experiences.

The sea has coveted Blue Flag status and is excellent for swimming.

The village is very safe for visitors and locals alike, and it is a wonderful place for family holidays as well as for singles, couples and groups of friends.

To get around, you are best going on foot, or having a hire car so that you can come and go as you please there is not much in the way of public transport to get you to the sights and tourist hotspots.

During your stay in Sicily, do try to see the local sights: each village and town seems to have a cathedral, lighthouse or museum that would, in other countries, be deemed an important and valuable asset in Italy there is one around every corner and it can be tempting to dismiss this one or that as they begin to blur together!

San Vito lo Capo has a wonderful sanctuary fortress, a watchtower and a tall and imposing lighthouse all of which are worth visiting.

If you are a die-hard party animal, you might be disappointed as nightlife is minimal but there are enough pubs, restaurants and discos for the determined traveller to have a good time!

Where The Local Travel Guides Would Stay

If they werent locals.

Olivella Bed & Breakfastolivellabb.it, from $50

This homey five-room B& B thats housed in a former silver factory manages to feel modern while also maintaining a lot of original details, like heirloom bed frames, tiled floors, and frescoed ceilings. Plus its very central, located right by Teatro Massimo. Edoardo Zaffuto, Addiopizzo Travel founder

Best Hostel In Palermo: A Casa Di Amici Boutique Hostel

This hostel in Palermo offers both dorms and private rooms, close to the center of Palermo, the train station, and the bus station. Its bright and cheerful and looks more like an art gallery than a hostel, with musical instruments, paintings, and sculptures all around the space. It offers lots of shared spaces, laundry, and free Wi-Fi.

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Travel In Palermo: Overview

Palermo is one of the major stop off points for tourists visiting Sicily. Its located right on the north coast of the island, with fantastic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. These views are combined with beautiful green landscapes and a mixture of architectural styles in the centre.

Some of the most popular attractions include a historical palace filled with Byzantine mosaics, the neo-classical Teatro Massimo , and the stunning Cattedrale di Palermo which dates back to the 12th century.

If thats not enough, add in the divine local food. Its tasty, fresh, and influenced by all the previous conquerors of this island. Theres definitely enough for an exciting city break ahead!

Although Palermo is a beautiful place to visit, theres one thing the city is famous for above all else. This, unfortunately, makes certain areas of the city very unsafe for tourists. Dont just avoid staying in these areas, make sure that you dont stray into them by accident especially at night.

Best Airbnb In Palermo: La Casa Perfetta Nel Posto Perfetto

If youre deciding where to stay in Palermo for one night or for longer, then this apartment is the answer. Its suitable for 2 guests and youll get the whole apartment to yourself, including the private bathroom.

Its five minutes walk from all of Palermos best attractions, so you really cant beat it for optimum convenience!

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Bolzano Not Very Italian But Charming

Bolzano, together with Trento and Belluno, took the top three places for quality of life in the 2018 survey carried out by the Italia Oggi. They had been the top destinations before, and rest assured they will hold the title for many more years.

Bolzano is a lovely medium-size city in South Tyrol. You might guess from the name of the region that it has strong connections with Austria and Germany.

Many natives of Bolzano still have strong German and Austrian heritage. You can see it in architecture, food, lifestyle, and the fact that German is spoken alongside Italian.

Bolzano is brilliant for families or retirement. Its peaceful, safe, quiet and surrounded by the most beautiful mountains.

Being inland in the north, the region has distinct seasons. In summer Bolzano can be the hottest city in Italy. In winter it gets cold and snows a lot. If you like skiing, its the right place for you.

Around Bolzano, you can find small picturesque mountain villages, seemingly endless vineyards that produce a very delicious local wine , a few castles, and the main feature Italian Dolomites.

Bolzano itself has everything you need for a comfortable day-to-day life: shops, cafes, restaurants, doctors, pharmacies, open markets, etc.

If you live in the town itself, you will have little need for a car. You can bike everywhere and move faster than if driving. When you do need a car, its easier to use carsharing services than keep your own car for such occasions.

Palermo The Capital Of Sicily

Despite Sicilys fearsome reputation with Hollywood, a recent study of the twelve biggest cities in the whole of Italy saw Palermo score the lowest crime rate of all.

Having said that, opportunistic theft can occur in any city at any time, so be wary of showing off expensive equipment, wads of cash and loosely secured valuables.

Women might find themselves the target of wolf whistles and cat-calls, but during the day, at least, this is nothing to worry about. Walking alone at night is not recommended for anyone.

Get around Palermo in a number of ways: buses are cheap but quite unreliable and to be avoided if you are on a tight schedule. The bus system officially runs from 5.30am until 11.30pm, but quite often there is no bus after 10.30pm!

Bus tickets are very cheap, and do not be inclined to dodge the fare as they are monitored and fines for improper tickets can be very expensive.

There is a skeleton subway service in the city and also a partial tram service, which will get you to the most popular tourist areas in Mondello, Old Town and Politema/ Liberta.

Much of Palermo is easily accessible by foot if you like walking and are not going far, but do check out the weather report before committing to long hours in the sun.

The three areas mentioned above are the parts of the city best geared for tourists, and you will find few hotels or accommodations outside of these places.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PALERMO

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The Aeolian Islands Best Place To Stay In Sicily On A Second Or Third Visit

This is probably an area of Sicily you would visit on a second or a third trip. Or maybe if you have a few days as part of a long stay in Sicily.

There are direct ferry boats from Milazzo, that will take you to Vulcano, the first island in the Aeolian archipelago, in about 2.5 hours.

This is a great island for trekking, beaches and mud baths.

The other islands are:

• Lipari, the main island with the biggest population, a great place for a stay with family
• Salina, for a relaxing stay between locals. A great destination for a secluded getaway for couples
• Panarea, famous for its nightlife
• Stromboli, for the great volcano view
• Alicudi and Filicudi if you are looking for more of an isolated place

Syracuse/ Siracusa Where To Stay In Southeast Sicily For History Buffs

To the southeast is the ancient city of Syracuse. So historically significant that the city as a whole holds UNESCO Heritage status, the city is a must-visit for anyone with a love of classical history and culture.

If you want to experience the atmosphere of historic Sicily, you should head to the old town of Ortigia. Boasting beautiful architecture, walking around this mostly pedestrianized quarter is like taking a step back in time and you can visit the nearby Syracuse morning market to pick up some fresh local delicacies to snack on.

The winding streets of Syracuses old town are a charming place to spend an afternoon observing traditional Sicilian life. Pop into some of the small, local shops to pick up some unique, Syracunian souvenirs.

The most famous landmark in the area is the Grand Theatre of Syracuse. One of the largest Greek amphitheaters in the world, the site draws tourists from across the world, to marvel at 5th-century architecture. In summer each year you can experience the theatre as it was meant to be, as the Festival of Greek Theatre puts on a varied itinerary of plays in the open air.

About 14 miles outside of Syracuse city, lies the ancient UNESCO heritage site of the Necropolis of Pantalica. With a history stretching as far back as the bronze age, and many of the old structures still standing and able to be explored, its well worth the drive out if you have the time.

Where to stay in Syracuse Sicily:

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Best Hostel In Palermo: Bed And Breakfast Alla Vucciria

Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? Get your fix by staying at one of the best hostels in Palermo! This accommodation option is located less than 1 kilometer from all the most interesting and popular attractions in the city. Each room has a private bathroom and the owner offers a delicious breakfast of warm croissants, fruit and bread each morning.

If youre looking for accommodation thats like a home away from home then youll find it because the owner works hard to create this atmosphere.

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo Taormina

Many, many visitors to Sicily pack into the pretty clifftop town of Taormina, but precious few stay at Belmonds Grand Hotel Timeo. This sensational property has what must be one of the most envied locations anywhere on the island, with spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The terrace overlooking the Bay of Naxos has welcomed a long list of luminaries, including Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, and often hosts alfresco concerts in the summer, with a cool breeze rising up from the shore below. Sister hotel Belmond SantAndrea makes its private beach available to guests at either property.

Spa Y

La Foresteria Planeta Estate

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Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel

Address: Via Santissimo Salvatore 6

Walking toursCCTV outside propertyWiFi available in all areasLuggage storageRoom serviceFirst aid kit availableShared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removedNon-smoking rooms

Located in the heart of a district rich in vibrant culture, right next to Garibaldi Theatre, you can savor a perfect view of this historical theatre right from your hotel room. The rooms are gracefully designed with soft shades that add to the spaciousness and elegance of each room. The hotel offers 24 hours reception services, free wifi, a business point, four meeting rooms, and a snack bar. If you require any help in getting around or booking facilities/vehicles, the multilingual hotel staff will be more than happy to assist you. You can reach the main attractions, restaurants, and cafes, easily from this hotel.

Best Hotel In Sicily: Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini

This hotel in Sicily is located in the heart of Palermo. Its an ideal base if you want to explore the town as its close to local attractions like the Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti, and Piazza Pretoria. The hotel has an outdoor terrace, restaurant, bar, and comfortably furnished rooms with private bathrooms.

Sicily is a small island that packs a lot in a small area. When youre looking for the best neighborhood in Sicily to stay in, youll have your pick of small cities and towns that all have their own culture, food, and historical attractions. You can explore the main parts of this island in a couple of weeks by moving from city to city. Just make sure that you see these more popular sites.

Palermo is hands down one of the best places to stay in Sicily. Its filled with history and attractions and offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. With its vibrant nightlife, its also ideal for anyone who wants busy nights as well as busy days.

But if you want to be closer to the beach, then looking for somewhere to stay in Cefalù. This charming town must be part of any good neighborhood guide because of its relaxed atmosphere and beach activities.

But if youd prefer to explore the regions history, then spend some time in Agrigento. This is where youll find lots of historical buildings and sites in the middle of a modern town.

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Things To See And Do In Syracuse:

Explore Syracuses ancient city center to find hidden gems.

Head across to Ortigia and wander the ancient streets.

Visit the market on Ortigia for unique souvenirs.

Explore Ortigias, 13th century castle.

Spend some time in Piazza Dumomo for a meal, coffee, or some gelato.

Check out Ortigias beaches.

Visit the archaeological park, the home of the famous Ear of Dionysus.

Choose a restaurant or bar near the waterfront for a relaxing meal at sunset.

Pros And Cons Of The Top 3 Districts In Palermo

While I have already told you what the three best locations are to staying in Palermo, I should remind you again in case you forget things after only a brief time like I do.

• Politeama/Libertà
• Centro Storico
• Mondello

Each of these has its own feel and distinct characteristics, so it matters what suits your plans and party the best.

Lets take a closer look at each of these options in Palermo.

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Recommended Restaurants/ Bars In Palermo:

• Osteria Dei Vespri If your tastebuds are craving authentic Sicilian food, this is the perfect place right in the heart of ancient Palermo. Run by the Rizzo brothers, the restaurant offers a choice between the Earth or Classic tasting menus. The food here is top-notch which makes it one of the more popular restaurants in the city.
• Street Food and History Walking Tour One of the best ways to indulge in authentic local cuisine is to taste it at a street stall. This walk through the streets of the old town will give you a chance to test five typical street foods while you also learn about the local culture and landmarks.
• Il Baro You cant leave Sicily without tasting its pizza and one of the best places to indulge yourself is at this restaurant. There are over 60 specialties of pizza on offer here plus a range of other delicious Italian dishes.

Cost Of Travelling In Palermo

Youll find that Sicily is generally cheaper than mainland Italy, which is a good start for making the most out of your trip! The average cost of travel in the city is about 75 per day, including accommodation, food and drink, local transportation, and entertainment.

However, if youre looking to spend less, then dont worry. There are a few budget accommodation options in Palermo, and when it comes to eating, you can buy food at one of the many markets and cook yourself.

Onward travel in Sicily is also reasonably priced. Many budget carriers operate flights to Palermos Falcone Borsellino airport to and from mainland Europe.

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Things To See And Do In Agrigento:

Head down to see the Valley of the Temples, one of the most famous historical sites in Sicily.

Learn more about the history of the area at the Agrigento Regional Archaeological Museum.

Buy clothes or kitchen utensils at the Agrigento market on Fridays

Take a stroll through Agrigento Old Town for historic buildings and cathedrals.

Head a little west of the town to see and photograph the Scala dei Turchi, a staircase carved by the sea.

Head down to the beach at Capo Rosso, in Realmonte for a quiet swim.

Visit the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve.

Agrigento Best Neighborhood In Sicily For Families

Agrigento is on the south coast of Sicily and has a long history that stretches back to 400 B.C. It started its life as a Greek colony and quickly became one of the richest colonies before it was sacked by the Carthaginians in 406 BC. Today, its one of the best areas to stay in Sicily because of this long history, and tourists flock there every year to see its monuments.

If you love history, then you need to spend time in this town. There are several main historical sites, but countless more Hellenistic and Roman sites are found all throughout the area. Because of all the tourists, there are also lots of great restaurants, hotels, hostels, and apartments for rent in town. So, you shouldnt have any trouble finding a Sicily accommodation option that suits your budget and needs.

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