Sicily's Capital of Mosaics, Markets and Music
Palermo is the capital of Sicily, a port city on the island's north coast known for its Arab-Norman monuments, its street-food markets and a layered urban character that mixes Byzantine gold, Islamic-influenced domes and Spanish baroque. It was named Italian Capital of Culture in 2018, and its streets reward the curious: faded palazzi, courtyards full of lemon trees, marble churches and bustling lanes all sit within a short walk. The city feels both grand and lived-in, with a warmth that wins visitors over quickly.
The Arab-Norman monuments of Palermo, together with the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale, were inscribed by UNESCO in 2015. The Palatine Chapel inside the Palazzo dei Normanni glows with gold mosaics, while the cathedral at Monreale, a short ride up the hill, holds one of the great mosaic cycles of the medieval world. Close to the Quattro Canti crossroads and the Fontana Pretoria, the historic centre links these landmarks in an easy day of sightseeing.
Ballarò, Street Food and the Evening Passeggiata
Food is Palermo's great passion. The Ballarò, Capo and Vucciria markets are loud, aromatic and theatrical, selling fresh fish, spices, olives and produce, and the city's street food is celebrated across Italy: panelle chickpea fritters, arancine, sfincione pizza, pane con la milza and sweet cassata and cannoli. Teatro Massimo, among the largest opera houses in Europe, brings an evening of grandeur, and its steps appeared in the closing scene of The Godfather Part III.
At the seafront, Mondello offers a pale crescent of sand and a cluster of seafood restaurants just a short ride from the centre, a perfect counterpoint to a day of sightseeing. Beyond the capital, Sicily opens up with Cefalù, Segesta and the Valley of the Temples, and Pantelleria lies offshore for an island extension. A tourist board could use Palermo to promote a food-and-heritage city break that is rich in colour and easy to sell year-round.
Read the full Palermo guide on Visit Travel Group, or see VisitPalermo.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.