The heart of passionate Sicily, sophisticated by the historical experience of Palermo, nestles on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, surrounded by colorful natural fringes and dangerously close to the formidable Etna. These two factors are the main reasons for a visit here, apart from the fantastic cultural wealth that has survived despite the intrigues of time and volcanic force majeure. Where to visit, what to see, try and where to stay in Palermo - most of the guests of the town face such questions, the choice is too great and the volume of upcoming events is huge. The Sicilian capital has a colossal number of hotels, restaurants and everything that plunges tourists into a state of confusion, it can be difficult to give preference to one thing.
Palermo's wealth is indeed great. The city seems to consist entirely of palaces, galleries, remains of ancient buildings and, of course, churches, of which there are simply an incredible number. On almost every street you will find if not one, then two, or even three medieval basilicas. Mixed with ancient riches, garbage heaps and dilapidated buildings have settled on the streets, but it all looks so harmonious and even gives the overall picture an original charm.
Accommodation in Palermo
For guests, hundreds of hotels are lined up for all requests, from cheap hostels to mind-boggling luxury complexes with crazy price tags. There are mid-range hotels with an emphasis on home comfort, there are also establishments that are cut in service to the maximum, but offer a very real price even for very budget-conscious guests.
As expected, most of the hotel establishments are located in the center of Palermo, around Via Maqueda, Via Roma and Via Pietro Amodei. There are a lot of both expensive hotels and affordable apartments, guest houses and mini-hotels. Still, 3-4-star hotels prevail, five-star palaces in Palermo are still rare and few in number.
Most of the hotels in the historical part of the city are equipped in restored ancient buildings that have retained the luxury of the exterior, the rest was completed by the skillful hands of builders, creating luxurious apartments inside in the best traditions of the aristocracy.
It is more prudent to settle closer to the center, not only because of the location of attractions, but also for safety. It is better to avoid remote areas altogether, since there are many migrants and the situation is not always calm, the outskirts often get into crime chronicles and if you do not want to become a member of them, it is better to overpay and check into a hotel closer to the busy areas of the center.
Beach tourism
If you come for a beach holiday, you should not settle in Palermo itself, since there are no beaches here, instead of them there is a port with marinas along the embankment. You can stay in Palermo by the sea in the suburb of Mondello with a delightful beach and a full range of resort services. Mondello is officially one of the districts of Palermo, but in fact it has been living an independent life for a long time. It is only 30-40 minutes from it by car to the center, but in the immediate availability there will always be a wide sandy beach, clear sea and endless opportunities for recreation.
Hotels in Mondello: B&B Le Muse, Villa Flora Relais, B&B L'Officina di Apollo, B&B Casa Chinaski, Splendid Hotel La Torre, Mondello House Eraclea, Busalacchi B&B, B&B Villa Margaret Mondello, Al Baglio, Mongibello B&B, Mondello Room, Hotel Conchiglia d'Oro, Villa Gilda, B&B Mondello Beach, Camera a Palermo, B&B Mondello Martini, Villa Anastasia.
Where to stay in Palermo
Other areas of Palermo, in the center and in the Old Town, full of antiquities and priceless creations of architects of the distant past, are cordially open to the rest of the guests.
There are only four main holiday areas in Palermo, and they all converge on the Cuatro Canti square. The entire Old Town can be bypassed in a few days, if you approach the matter with diligence and do not waste time on little-known objects, of which there are many in the narrow streets. Modern districts are suitable for those who do not want to overpay for the historical surroundings.
Top tourist areas:
- Kalsa.
- Albergeria.
- Seralcadio.
- La Loggia.
- Via Liberta.
- Borgo Vecchio.
Kalsa
Kalsa is crowned by the historic center, located near the train station. Palaces, cathedrals, temples, restaurants and cafes, pizzerias, pubs, palaces, towers literally stand on top of each other, pleasing the eyes of tourists stunned by the riot of colors and historical splendor. There is a huge number of hotels, hostels and apartments here, so there is not only where to stay in Palermo, but also to settle for a long time if you decide to extend your Italian vacation.
The central street of Palermo - Via Roma - is located in Calça - the main shopping citadel of the city with boutiques and renowned salons. On weekends, a large-scale fair is held in one of the adjacent squares. Such famous boulevards as Macueda, Vittorio Emmanuele Avenue pass through Kalsa, and the area ends, abutting the picturesque promenade of Foro Italico.
By the way, Kalsa itself is nothing more than a former Muslim citadel, about which there is a lot of evidence. Walking along the alleys of Kalsa, you can see the medieval church of Martorane - it is also the admiral's church, built in the 12th century in honor of the victory over the very Arabs.
The churches of St. Catherine, San Cataldo, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Santa Maria della Pieta await guests a little further. The charming square is home to the delightful Pretorio Fountain, a splendid architectural complex. Further you can see the Palazzo Valguarnero Ganji and the ancient gate of Porto Felipe - a little of what remains of the fortress walls.
Mirto Palace, Puppet Museum, Botanical Garden, Palazzo Chiaro Monte - if you decide to live in Calça, there will be no problems with where to go and what to see.
Hotels: B&B Palazzo Corvino, B&B La Bella Balla-rò, Al Piazza Marina, Al Giardino Dell'Alloro, Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Art Lincoln, Hotel Concordia, Kala Rooms, Hotel del Centro, L 'Hôtellerie B&B, A Casa Di Anna, B&B Palazzo Napolitano.
Albergeria
This is the richest area for attractions, although after Kalsa it seems much richer. A great place to stay in Palermo if the coolness of the sea is your preference for a hot passion of historical discovery and mystery. Here is the holy of holies of any Italian city - the Royal Palace. There is also the Ballaro market, well-known throughout the district, although there are many similar open-air establishments in Palermo, they sell here almost on every street, creating the atmosphere and entourage of the Middle East.
The area itself was built in the Renaissance, although the settlement has been known from much more ancient times, but the main part of the quarter collapsed in a series of military raids and volcanic eruptions.
In Albergeria, there is the 12th century Cathedral and the Porta Nuova gate, which appeared in the town in honor of another victory, this time over the Tunisians. You should definitely see the Palace of the Norman Kings - an Arab fortress of the 9th century, rebuilt into royal chambers. The palace houses the famous Palatine Chapel, completely decorated with colorful paintings.
Hotels: Porta di Castro, Camplus Guest Palermo, Hotel Regina, La Terrazza sul Centro, A Casa di Alba, 4 Quarti, B&B Ballaro, Quintocanto Hotel & Spa, Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini.
Serralcadio
The area is also known as Capo, after the local market, Mercato del Capo. This is the place where you can stay in Palermo inexpensively and in optimal conditions for relaxation. Here is the main attraction for all aesthetes and connoisseurs of high art - the Teatro Massimo, located on a beautiful square with a magnificent architectural ensemble.
Among other things, this is an evening party area with a whole army of bars, pubs, clubs and street cafes. With the onset of darkness, a completely different life wakes up here, full of incendiary motives and passions.
Hotels: Palazzo Brunaccini, Rainbow, Massimo Plaza, Best Western Ai Cavalieri, Hotel Verdi, Columbia Palermo, Mediterraneo, Hostel Firenze, Alma Hotel, Ariston, Bio Hotel Palermo, Federico II - Central Palace, Florio Opera.
La Loggia
Not a bad place to stay in Palermo if you're not spoiled for architectural chic. Despite the abundance of attractions, many streets look dirty and shabby, but the quarter still does not lose its overall charm.
The famous Vucceria market is located in La Loggia, which is why the area is often called that way. Although it can hardly be called a market, modern realities are such that we are faced with a chaotic heap of counters and a pile of rubbish to boot. The sights include the Church of St. Domenico, unnamed old mansions and the local port. There are not many apartments and hotels, but there are plenty to choose from.
Hotels: Palazzo Vatticani, Hotel Moderno, La Maison del Sole, Pretoria Rooms B&B, Porta Maqueda, Palco Rooms & Suites, B&B Vivaldi, Massimo Plaza Hotel.
Via Liberta
Beautiful area located near the Massimo Theater. It looks more modern than its neighbors, although not much younger. Here is the Mount of the Pilgrims, the Chinese Villa, Villa Nishemi, Favorita Park, Villa Trabia, the Temple of Saint Rosalia. You can stroll along the wide streets with many restaurants, bars and clubs, and then Mondello Beach is just a stone's throw away.
Hotels: Bed And Breakfast Federico Secondo, In Itinera, Le stanze di Irma, Trikeles, Alberico Gentili, Il Marchese Notarbartolo, B&B Al Giardino Inglese, The Notarbartolo B&B, Apartment Leonis.
Borgo Vecchio
A modern urban area covered with graffiti and other street art elements. The only advantages are cheap accommodation and an abundance of bars. If you believe popular rumor, you can rent a room in this area for only 30-40 euros, which is fantastic for Italy.
Hotels where to stay in Palermo: La Terrazza di Jenny, Hotel Vecchio Borgo, Darrè, Ibis Styles Palermo, Ucciardhome Hotel, B&B Noto Politeama, Trinacria, Politeama Residence, Vista sul porto, La Terrazza del Vecchio Borgo.
