Things To See And Do In Palermo:
Visit the Royal Palace of Palermo, built by the Kings of Sicily.
Visit the Vucciria market for fresh food, crafts, and clothes.
Learn more about Norman architecture at the Cathedral of Monreale.
Make sure you spend some time in the Arab-Normal Palermo Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage listed property.
Spend an afternoon on Via Principe di Belmonte for stylish shops and cafeterias.
Spend some time in the Quattro Canti, a 400-year-old baroque square.
Check out whats on at the Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, one of the largest opera houses in Europe and built in 1897.
If you have a strong constitution, then spend some time in The Capuchin Catacombs.
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.
Where To Stay In Palermo
luxury
Grand Hotel Wagner When it comes to supremely grand opulence, Grand Hotel Wagner would be a perfect choice. Boasting well-appointed rooms sumptuously decorated with classic furniture and luxury fabrics and materials, you know its going to be a lavish experience right from the marble steps that lead into this hotel. Dating back to the late 19th century, this utterly refined hotel, with its dining room, spa, and beautiful lounge bar, is just a seven-minute walk away from the Teatro Massimo, amongst other sights.
midrange
Hotel Garibaldi Set in a historical Liberty-style building, Hotel Garibaldi is right across the street from its famous namesake the Politeama Theatre. And whats more, the Piazza Ruggero Settimo and Giardino Inglese are within easy walking distance. Palermo Cathedral is also a 20-minute stroll away. The hotel may be set in a heritage building, but its rooms are contemporary, the cocktail bar is sleek and modern, and theres a complimentary buffet breakfast served up to guests each morning in the dining room.
budget
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Not Your Average Lobby
Everything you might need, just steps from your guest room. Our Coffee Bar, proudly featuring Starbucks coffee, is open daily. Need to check email or print out a boarding pass? Visit our 24/7 Business Center, featuring a computer work station with Internet and email access, as well as printing and copying services. And if you just need a snack on the go or you left something off of your packing list, our always-open Marketplace has what you need when you need it.
Best Hotels In Syracuse

The best hotels in Syracuse, chosen by our expert, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels and Syracuse hotel deals. Read the reviews and book.
- 8/10Telegraph expert ratingA chic but family-friendly b& b in a cliff-top villa in a neighbourhood on the brink of gentrification, with transfixing views of turquoise and indigo waters and sea-sculpted golden rock through the floor-ceiling glass windows of the spacious lobby-lounge. Each of room is different, but all have views of the sea.
From
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The Aeolian Islands: Eat At Hotel Signum
I ended up eating at Hotel Signums restaurant twice. First was a bit of a lunch recce visit to check it out and it looked amazing and did a mean simple lunch.
So we all headed back for a big 3-course dinner extravaganza at this Malfa restaurant and it was fantastic. The restaurant atmosphere is wonderful we sat outside and it is quite magical.
The service was fantastic we ended up facebook friends with the manager! The food was amazing simply wonderful clean flavours.
However, the highlight was the Malvasia wine. I had been dying to try this famous dessert wine since arriving on Salina. Hotel Signum was the place to do it.
There was almost a ceremony in the pouring of the Malvasia wine and it was absolutely delicious. Do not leave the Aeolian Islands without trying this wonderful Italian dessert wine.
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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Where To Stay In Syracuse At The Central Railway Station
Speaking of railway station, another region with good options to stay is between the Central Railway Station and the entrance to Ortigia. There are several excellent hotels around here and it makes getting around easier both ways, since you are literally halfway both on one side and the other.
The city is very well structured and the tourist finds a huge variety of restaurants, bars, shops and hotels in all its areas. It is a calm, safe city with no great uphill and downhill stretches, which makes very peaceful and charming walks easier.
The options of Hotels that I advise with great value for money are:
Where To Stay In Ragusa
midrange
San Giorgio Palace Occupying a grand old building dating back to the 18th century, San Giorgio Palace boasts spacious rooms with extremely chic and modern interiors. But theres one very cool thing about this 4-star hotel thats the 33-meter long tunnel used to enter it, making it feel like a hidden lair. The hotel also offers a pastry breakfast each morning free of charge. And in terms of location, its right next door to beautifully Baroque Duomo of San Giorgio.
budget
Hotel Vittorio Veneto Cozy and laid back, Hotel Vittorio Veneto is set in a beautiful late 18th-century palace, making it an excellent option for those looking to stay in their very own slice of history. That said, theres plenty more of that just a stones throw from this hotel: Cattedrale San Giovanni Battista Ragusa is a three-minute walk away, while many other historic sights practically jostle for space in the surrounding area. Back at the hotel, guests can start their day the right way with a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning.
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Syracuse: Go To Le Vin De Lassassin Bistro For Dinner
All food is good in Sicily you really want to have been dieting before you get here. However, Le Vin De L assassin Bistro was one of our best meals.
This highly recommended restaurant in Sicily is located in one of Syracuses back streets. We were in Syracuse in August and it was very hot so we took an outside table.
This Syracuse restaurant has a fantastic menu with great service and a great wine list. I went with their signature tuna dish and it was amazing! My recommendation would be not to have dessert here wander back through the town and stop for some gelato or cannoli.
Whilst in Sicily you want to eat as much gelato and cannoli as you possibly can Another great option on the waterfront in Syracuse is Approdo Delle Sirene.
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Your Room Your Choice
Whether for a weekend getaway or a long-term stay, we have the room type for you. Choose from our king- and queen-sized rooms, or select one of our suites, complete with kitchen facilities. Two-bedroom suites are also available. Every room features plush bedding, free wireless high-speed internet, individual coffee maker, large work desk, 55 flat screen TVs, and stylish bathrooms.
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Where To Stay In Sicily The Aeolian Islands: Salina
I settled on Salina as the Aeolian island to stay on. This was for a few reasons. I wanted somewhere a bit happening but didnt want to be on the biggest island as that never feels like a good idea.
I have wonderful memories of watching the movie Il Postino and being entranced by the town and it was shot in Salina. Salina seemed to have a good mix of restaurants and hotels without compromising on size.
Malfa is definitely the place to stay within Salina. It is rather hilly and you do want to be somewhere where you are able to walk to the main street and to the beach.
Syracuse: Eat Ricotta And Cannoli

Oh, my gosh the ricotta in Sicily. I made it a goal to have ricotta at every main meal and I did pretty well in delivering.
Hotel Gutkowski will help you get started with fresh ricotta on the breakfast buffet. Try it with some of the fresh honey and mix it up with some eggs.
Then at lunch try ricotta on pizza with some Sicilian aubergine fantastic combination. Dinner means ricotta cannoli one of the best things that I have ever eaten.
The food is amazing in Sicily it is one of the best food places I have ever been. But dont limit yourself. Make sure you have every possible flavour of cannoli chocolate, vanilla, pistachio. It is a genuine tourist experience so dont be shy.
If youre looking for another beautiful place to visit in Italy youll enjoy my post on 14things to do in Riminiand around Rimini
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Hotels Near Syracuse University
University Hill is home to the Syracuse Orange, great pizza, and fantastic accommodation choices. Whether youre climbing the stairs up to Crouse Hall on your first campus visits or catching up with old pals during homecoming weekend, youll find a variety of full-service hotels close by for some R& R. National brands like Sheraton and Crowne Plaza, along with award-winning boutique digs like the Hotel Skyler, will give you a place to relax in style while enjoying Americas best college town.
- #visitsyr
Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi
Situated 500 meters from the Neapolis Archaeological Park, it is the ideal place to complete your visit to the park. Remember to take a combined park + museum ticket at 13.5, you will save a little. Otherwise, the entrance fee for the museum only is 8. Its closed on Mondays.
The Paolo Orsi archaeological museum houses a collection of statues, sculptures, ceramics and various objects ranging from the period of Sicilian prehistory to Greek colonization.
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Where To Stay In Syracuse
If you’re a first time visitor to Syracuse, you mightprefer a more touristy area, but if you’re a solo traveler, a localneighborhood could be more interesting. Some areas have lots of thingsto do within walking distance, but the hotels may be more expensive.To give you a starting point for your trip research, we looked at what people say about neighborhoods and places to stay in Syracuse.
What are some good hotels in Syracuse?
Depending on the neighborhood you choose, you may want toresearch hotels in the area. If you’d rather start with themost recommended hotels in Syracuse, here’s a list toget you started.
What To See In Syracuse
Syracuse is a famous historical town-port, surrounded by sea, with a heart marvelous shining rose-cream tone baroque Duomo square. The town has a great history from ancient ages, you can feel its spirit in every meter of old town Ortigia, and can enjoy elegance in every detail.
Grand Canel» in Syracuse
- Ortigia an ancient part of Syracuse, historical center
- Duomo and with square whole a baroque gem
- Fountain of Arethusa Greek mythological landmark of Siracuse
- Maniace castle 08:30 to 18:00
- Beach a free urban rocky beach in Ortigia, nearby Maniace hotel. If you would like to enjoy the sea too, then its better to stay for vacation on a good beach in neighborhood and visit Syracuse for one-two days.
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International Travel During Covid
Do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDCs international travel recommendations for people who are not fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.
The COVID-19 situation, including the spread of new or concerning variants, differs from country to country. All travelers need to pay close attention to the conditions at their destination before traveling.
CDC will update these recommendations as more people get vaccinated, as rates of COVID-19 change, and as additional scientific evidence becomes available.
Have You Been Fully Vaccinated
People are considered fully vaccinated*:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnsons Janssen vaccine
If you dont meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.
If you have a condition or are taking medication that weakens your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.
- Before you travel
- Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, mask wearing, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destinations requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.
- Check the current COVID-19 situation in your destination.
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Is Ortygia Area Really Best Place To Stay
I have seen many posts that say the best area to stay in Syracuse is in Ortygia. They also say you can easily walk to all the historical sites. But while the Temple of Apollo is there, most of the ancient sites seem to be up near Viale Teocrito / Viale Augusto north of the train station in Achradina. On my map it seems like a long way from the Piazza Duomo area to there. I’m hoping I’m not viewing this right. Can anyone help give me some distances here or time to walk? Help!
It’s only a 25/30-minute walk from Ortigia to the archeological site and there’s local bus service as well. Ortigia is Siracusa’s ancient historical centre. Mainland Siracusa is working Siracusa.
Vagabonda
A problem you are going to run into in Ortigia is if you have a car, it can be hard to find parking, and if you do, you will probably have to pay for it. Ortigia is beautiful, but you can do everything in the area in a day , and then you would be faced with leaving the area whenever you wanted to see something. I would recommend staying off Ortigia , and doing a single day trip into Ortigia.
How long are you staying?
Although an agriturismo in the countryside is lovely, theres easy parking at Talete on Ortigia and you could enjoy many days in Siracusa!
You could also stay on Mainland Siracusa….
Vagabonda
Ciao vagabonds,
Thank you for the great info on car rentals!
Grazie
Where To Stay In Cefalu

midrange
Hotel Kalura At this 4-star hotel, you can choose between standard rooms, studio apartments with kitchenettes, or your very own unit in the adjacent annex, which boasts direct access to the beach. But dont worry Hotel Kalura has its private beach anyway. Parking and breakfast are free of charge. Theres a cool lounge with billiard tables, an outdoor pool, and a bar. But what beats everything here are the views set on a rocky promontory, these are pretty spectacular.
budget
Hotel Mediterraneo For a simple, laid back stay, Hotel Mediterraneo is a good option. The rooms are unfussy and classically decorated, with warm furnishings and tiled floors. Theres a breakfast served up each morning, which includes delicious homemade cakes. This 3-star option is well located for exploring the local area, with the beach just over five minutes away on foot. Cefalu Cathedral is a 13-minute stroll from here even the train station is only 200 meters from this hotel.
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