Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Italy / Sicily / Palermo
 |  | Travel Reviews : Palermo |
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| | | | Review by RIOUFOL Alain from Pergola
Cefalu est une ville magnifique mais Palerme a actuellement beaucoup de travaux dans ses plus beaux sites: palais Normands, eglise st Jean l'Ermite, chapelle Palatine ce qui gache un peu l'interet de visiter cette ville.
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| | Destination Guide : Palermo |
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| | | Simply glorious |  | Why go on holiday to Palermo?
In its heyday, Palermo was considered to be Europe's grandest city. It may have lost some of its sparkle since then but there is still enough evidence of its golden age to make this a fascinating Sicilian city break holiday.
The legacy of Roman, Byzantine, Greek, Arab, Norman, German and Spanish masters has left an exotic and unique imprint on the city; its Mafia-ridden past gives it a certain edge while its beaches will satisfy sun-seekers. What more could you ask for?
How much will it cost?
Moderate hotel rooms in Palermo cost from around £20. Flights to the city cost from £200, though look out for low cost airline deals with Ryanair.
When should I go?
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with July and August highs of 30C (86F). Winters are mild, with temperatures between 10C and 20C (50F-68F). For those who don't like it too hot, the best time is late spring and early summer.
Who is it for?
Sicily's principal city is ideal for culture vultures looking for an alternative Italian city break holiday, it has some of the most amazing monuments in Italy, and perhaps in the world. It is also the main centre of Norman architecture in Europe. And is ideal for sun-seekers looking for a Med beach break with a bit of a twist. The city will also appeal to anyone with more than a passing interest in the Mafia as Palermo was once the scene of notorious gangland slayings.
What are the must-sees?
The Quartiere della Kalsa is the medieval core of Old Palermo and is located in the south-western part of the city. It was built and planned by Arab rulers as a walled city. Start your exploration at the church of Santa Teresa alla Kalsa and then work your way around the area. There is plenty to see.
Wander to the Piazza Pretoria where a fountain decorated with nude figures raised more than a few eyebrows when it was built in the 16th century. La Martorona is one of the city's most famous churches thanks to its Arab-Norman bell tower and intricate mosaic interiors. Perhaps the grandest building is the Duomo which contains royal tombs and reflects the city's hotchpotch architectural style.
Other must-sees include the ninth century Roman Palace which is now the seat of Sicily's regional government; the Cappella Palatina, a gorgeous chapel; the Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti with its distinctive red domed roof and pretty gardens, and the Catacombe dei Cappuccini where you can see the amazingly intact mummified bodies of notable Sicilians dating back four hundred years.
Palermo's ties with the Arab world are evident throughout the city but are emphasised by a visit to the markets. The most famous is the Vucciria where you can buy anything your taste buds desire.
When you want to top up your tan, take your towel to the north west beaches of Mondello, popular with locals, or to Sferracavallo.
Day-trippers looking to escape should hop on a bus for the five-mile visit to the cathedral at Monreale. It's a stunning Norman cathedral with dazzling mosaics, huge bronze doors and 228 twin intricately decorated columns.
What will I spend?
As a rough guide: litre of petrol 60p; bottle of beer £1.50; moderate restaurant meal £12; roll of camera film £2.50; four-mile taxi ride £7-£8.
Any special events?
In May every year, beach bums and water babes can enjoy the World Festival On The Beach combining windsurfing, jazz, beach-volleyball, kite surfing and sailing at Mondello Beach.
Easter celebrations this year take place between April 14-16 and feature impressive street processions and re-enactments of the Last Supper. Check the time and departure points for the processions with the local tourist office.
It's followed in July by a festival celebrating the memory of Palermo's patron saint, Santa Rosalia. Massive parades and processions take place in the historical centre of the city and there's an evening of fireworks and music on the last day.
Music lovers can tune into the Verdura Festival from June 25 at the Teatro Massimo. Classical, rock, pop and dance acts are lined up - from Joaquín Cortés to Craig David.
There's also Kals'Art between July-August, which brings together music, cinema and theatre. Enjoy free guided tours of the city's parks, piazzas and historic buildings.
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| | Fact File : Palermo |
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| | | Palermo | | Did you know?
Palermo's patron saint Santa Rosalia is believed to have lived as a hermit in a cave on Mount Pellegrinio in the 17th century. Today, the water in the cave is said to have miraculous powers.
Language
Italian
Visas
None required for EU residents.
Getting there
Ryanair flies direct to Palermo
Flying time from London
Three hours
Getting around
Palermo is a large but manageable city. Walking is the best way to explore. The metro system is limited as it doesn't provide easy access to the main tourist spots. Roads are generally good, although driving in Palermo can be chaotic.
Currency
Euro
Costs
As a rough guide: litre of petrol 60p; bottle of beer £1.50; moderate restaurant meal £12; roll of camera film £2.50; four-mile taxi ride £7-£8.
Weather
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with July and August highs of 30C (86F). Winters are mild, with temperatures between 10C and 20C (50F-68F). For those who don't like it too hot, the best time is late spring and early summer.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 39
Voltage
220V 50Hz, but some places still use the old 125V system - check with your hotel or landlord.
Opening hours
Shops open at 8am, shut at 1pm for a long lunch, then reopen at 3-4pm till 7-8pm. Banks open 8.30am-1.30pm and 2.45-4.30 Mon-Fri.
Health - Before you go
You don't need any vaccinations to visit Italy. The UK also has a reciprocal agreement with Italy regarding healthcare. To take advantage of this you will need to get an EHIC form at a UK post office and make sure you understand how to access this health care when away.
Health - When you are there
A new law states that all foreigners have the same right as Italians to emergency health care. That, plus having your E111 form, means that you have good access to care. Take the E111 form to the local Unita Sanitaria Locale (USL) office and they will give you the information you need. However, many Italian public hospitals are underfunded, so you may prefer to take out travel insurance to cover treatment in a private clinic.
Warnings
Beware of pickpockets and handbag-snatchers. Car theft is a problem in Palermo. Women shouldn't walk around the historic centre alone at night and all holidaymakers should avoid the area between Via Roma and the port at night.
Emergency
British Consulate, Viale Cadorna 10, 1-98100 Messina. Tel. (090) 672924. British Consulate, S. Tagliavia and Co, Via Cavour 121, 1-90133 Palermo. Tel. (091) 582533.
Customs
Slow service and long queues are the norm in banks and post offices. Be patient - stamping your feet will get you nowhere.
Pets
Italy is a qualifying country for the Pet Travel Scheme. However, that does not mean that you can put Fido on the lead and take him on the plane. There are stringent requirements for veterinary checks and documentation to fulfil prior to taking a pet abroad. Check with your vet.
Tipping
Ten per cent in restaurants if service is not included. Small change in bars. Tipping taxi drivers is not common practice.
Tourist office
Italian State Tourist Board: 1 Princes St, London W1R 8AY. Tel. 020 7408 1254. Brochure line: 09001 600 280 (calls cost 60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Palermo |
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 |  | Lively nightlife (1) | | | Good value (1) | | | Good dining (1) | | | Family and kids (1) | | | Culture and history (1) |
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