La vita è bella
Travel guide - Palermo
October 22nd, 2024
Palermo has a special, almost tangible atmosphere—a buzzing Mediterranean old town filled with culture, art, historic markets, and excellent restaurants. The city’s rich history blends Norman and Arabic influences, making every corner postcard-perfect. Wandering through its streets feels like a dream, where you can taste cannoli as sweet as a Sicilian sunset and uncover stories in every step.
Where to eat in Palermo
DOBA
DOBA Restaurant offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of Palermo, overlooking bell towers, church domes, and the largest opera house in Italy—the 19th-century Teatro Massimo, just across the street. A dinner here is magical and the perfect night out.
Where to eat in Palermo
Archestrato di Gela
Archestrato di Gela is a true Palermo favorite, ranked among the top 50 pizza places in the world. With fluffy crusts, the finest local ingredients, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s perfect for a casual dinner, whether with kids or on a laid-back date night surrounded by locals.
Where to eat in Palermo
Osteria dei Vespri
Located in the heart of the historic center of Palermo - the perfect Restaurant for Sicilian classics. Elegant yet approachable culinarily, wot a peaceful ambiance and just amazing food. This Restaurant truly captures Palermo’s essence.
Where to stay in Palermo
Villa Igiea
At Villa Igiea, you enter a world of elegance and absolute luxury. This iconic hotel is a touchstone for high society in Sicily, with its own private harbor and beautifully restored Belle Époque rooms. Overlooking the sea of Palermo, it has stunning sea views and lush gardens, making it a favorite for those looking for a luxury and serene escape.
Where to stay in Palermo
Grand Hotel et Des Palmes
In the heart of Palermo, where everything happens, the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes is perfect for a short, glamorous getaway. With its original Belle Époque décor and rich history, it has been a cultural landmark since the 19th century. The rooms seamlessly blend the original decor with contemporary design, providing both charm and comfort.
Where to stay in Palermo
Palazzo Natoli
Palazzo Natoli is a small boutique hotel nestled in a beautifully restored Baroque townhouse. With just a few exclusive rooms, it has an intimate atmosphere and personalized service. Its charming bistro serves dishes made with locally grown, organic ingredients, giving guests a true taste of Sicily in a cozy, elegant setting.
Where to play in Palermo
Mondello beach
Just a 20-minute ride from Palermo is Mondello. A beautiful 1.5-kilometer stretch of fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This postcard-perfect beach is the ideal spot to spend a relaxing day by the sea.
Where to play in Palermo
Palermo’s Ceramics
No trip to Sicily's artisanal capital is complete without bringing home a piece of its famous patterned ceramics—one of the things Palermo is best known for. With hand-painted designs featuring citrus fruits and vibrant floral motifs, these ceramics will add a touch of Sicilian charm to your home. Tre Erre Ceramiche, a family-run business, offers some of the finest quality pieces.
where to play in Palermo
I Segreti del Chiostro
When you think of Palermo, you think of cannoli, and I Segreti del Chiostro has the best in town. The options are endless, all with cream flavors, and fruit or nut fillings—making it super fun and delicious for kids.