Palermo is one of the most exciting, chaotic and exhilarating cities in Italy. Part of the reason is that extraordinary culture clash. Sicily has its ancient Greek and Roman ruins, but it bears the stamp of every culture that has held sway in the Mediterranean over the past three millennia. You will find traces of every invader in the architecture: Baroque, Rococo, Medieval, Romanesque, Renaissance, Spanish, Arabic and more. You will find it in the cuisine too: with dishes like couscous and orange salads suggesting North Africa, a distinctive Mediterranean emphasis on fish and shellfish, and spicier food than you would find on the mainland.
The town can, at times, become overpowering - the traffic is a nightmare. But see the sights, including the superb Cattedrale (cathedral), the Palazzo dei Normanni (Royal Norman Palace) and its Cappella Palatina (the chapel has superb mosaics). There are very fine Norman churches, one of the main legacies of the Frenchmen's brief occupation, and some very good museums. There are excellent bars and restaurants, and the harbour - if a little rundown these days - has real atmosphere.
When you've had enough city living, you'll find Palermo an excellent base for exploring the natural delights of this beautiful island. There is Monte Pellegrino, from which you can gaze down onto the town and the Tyrrhenian Sea beyond. There is a very good beach at Mondello. And there are hydrofoils and ferries out around the coast, to the Aeolian Islands, to Etna and beyond.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Palermo hotels.
