Palermo holidays

Holidays to Palermo merge Italian identity with history from far and wide. The foodie scene is really on the up, too.

Sicilian capital

Palermo is set on the ball being kicked by the toe of Italy’s boot – better known as Sicily. It’s the regional capital, too, so we’re talking about a place with plenty going on. Its coastal spot has made it one of the Mediterranean’s most coveted spots over the centuries, and conquering invaders have come and gone with some regularity. The result is a city that’s packed with architectural influences from all over the place, and an identity that’s one of the most unique in Europe.

Cultural chameleon

Sightseeing fans shouldn’t skip on Palermo – it’s like a living museum of European themes. Nowhere captures the idea better than Palazzo dei Normann – this palace was built for Arab settlers, was expanded by the Normans, and given a final flourish by the Spanish. There’s even a Byzantine chapel inside, with some of Italy’s best-kept mosaics on show. Elsewhere, the fountains and statues at Quattro Canti are typically Italian, and the main marketplaces – Capo and Ballaro – feel more like North African souks than Sicilian set-ups.

Foodie scene

Hearty Italian cuisine is starting to take on a trendy image in Palermo – lots of the dishes are still done the traditional way, only in street food form. XL arancini balls – called arancini bomba – are double the size of their mozzarella, tomato and rice-filled friends. Fried chickpea fritters, called panelle, are sometimes served in sandwiches, and crocche potato croquettes are given a mint and parsley twist. There’s even a focaccia and pizza hybrid, called sfincione, which is great for eating on the go by the slice.

City by the sand

On top of its urban appeal, Palermo puts a cherry on the cake with its brilliant beaches. Mondello Beach is the most popular of the lot, mostly thanks to its soft white sands, book-ending cliffs and calm clear waters. It’s neighbours with the pretty Capo Greco nature reserve – this rocky headland is a great spot for wildlife watching and snapping scenic coastal shots.