This post is also available in: Spanish Italian
If you are planning a trip to Sicily, Palermo is an essential stop. A vibrant city that mixes history, culture and a touch of chaos that makes it unique. With so much to see and do, a car hire is the best option for exploring not only the most famous monuments, but also those less touristy corners that show off the city’s authentic character. With Record go you can book your car hire at Palermo Airport to discover the Sicilian capital at your own pace and hassle-free, so…let’s get going!
Day 1: Exploring the historic heart of Palermo
Start the day by visiting one of the city’s icons. Palermo Cathedral is a reflection of the mixture of cultures that the island has experienced: Normans, Arabs and Baroque in a single building. Don’t miss the royal tombs and the panoramic views from the roof terrace. A few minutes’ drive will take you to the Palace of the Normans, a royal residence and the current seat of the Sicilian parliament. Inside is the impressive Palatine Chapel, whose mosaics were created by Byzantine artisans brought expressly from Constantinople and are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world.
End the day immersing yourself in authentic Palermo life with a visit to Ballarò Market, the oldest and most bustling in the city. This market has been active since the Middle Ages and its name is thought to come from the Arab traders who founded it. Let yourself be carried away by its feast of smells and colours and try Sicilian specialities such as pane con la milza (bread with spleen) or arancini.
Day 2: Beaches, viewpoints and charming neighbourhoods
Start the day with a drive to Mondello, Palermo’s most famous beach. Mondello was a swamp until the end of the 19th century, when it was transformed into a luxury seaside resort for the Palermo aristocracy. Disconnect among white sand, turquoise water and a most relaxed atmosphere. From the beach, drive to the top of Monte Pellegrino, with spectacular views of the city and the sea. Here you will find the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo, carved into the rock. According to legend, in the 17th century the saint appeared to a hunter to reveal the location of her remains, putting an end to a deadly plague in the city.
Return to the city centre to explore La Kalsa, one of Palermo’s oldest neighbourhoods. Its name comes from the Arabic ‘Al-Khalesa’, meaning ‘the chosen one’, as it was the exclusive neighbourhood of the Muslim government in Sicily. Lose yourself in its streets and travel back in time as you admire its weathered facades, hidden courtyards and urban art.
Day 3: Excursion and alternative Palermo
Take advantage of the freedom of movement that a hire car gives you and head for Monreale, a small town in the mountains, just 20 minutes from Palermo. Its cathedral is one of the jewels of Norman art and it took more than 2,200 kilos of gold to complete the mosaics that cover its interior. On the way back to Palermo, visit two fascinating and little-known palaces: La Zisa and La Cuba, built by the Normans with a strong Arab influence. They are a testament to how Islamic culture left its mark on Sicily.
Finish the tour with a visit to the Vucciria Market, an iconic market that at night becomes a lively meeting place to enjoy Palermo’s famous street food. Get your sweet fix at the Pasticceria Cappello, one of the most famous in the city. Don’t forget to try the ‘cannolo siciliano’, originally made by nuns in convents and served during carnival.
5 fun facts about Sicilian cuisine
A trip is not complete without food and in Sicily there is much to savour. Here are five curious facts about its gastronomy to whet your appetite and make you want to travel!
1️⃣ The Arab origin of arancini
Although arancini (stuffed fried rice balls) are an icon of Sicily, their origin dates back to the Arab domination of the island (9th-11th centuries). The Arabs introduced rice and the custom of mixing it with spices and meat, creating the basis of this dish.
2️⃣ Caponata: a dish with a maritime history
This delicious stew of aubergines, tomatoes and capers has its roots in the cuisine of Sicilian sailors. It is said that it originally included fish, but over time, the vegetarian version became the most popular.
3️⃣ Bronte pistachios, the ‘green gold’ of Sicily
The town of Bronte, on the slopes of Mount Etna, produces one of the most prized pistachios in the world. Its flavour is so unique that it has a protected designation of origin and is used in desserts, pastries and even in sausages.
4️⃣Marsala wine was born out of a British mistake
Marsala wine, one of Sicily’s most famous wines, became popular when an 18th-century English merchant tried to imitate Spanish and Portuguese fortified wines. He added alcohol to Sicilian wine to preserve it better, thus creating this island classic.
5️⃣Cannoli and their connection to convents
The famous Sicilian cannolo, with its crispy shell filled with sweet ricotta, was originally a recipe made in convents by nuns. It is believed that they prepared it during carnival before it became popular throughout the island.
Palermo is a city to be explored without haste and with a hire car the city and its surroundings become an even more fascinating destination. From the history of its monuments to the authenticity of its neighbourhoods and markets, don’t wait any longer and immerse yourself in the soul of Sicily.
