Palermo holidays Holiday rentals - self catering villas to rent in Palermo
Palermo is the regional capital of Sicily sitting on the northern coast and home to just over 1 million residents. Forged out of numerous conquering invaders including the Phoenicians, Saracen Arabs, Carthaginians, Greeks and Romans to name a few, Palermo's rich cultural history reflects their differnt architectural styles and cuisine that you can see in the local dishes.
If this is your first visit, Palermo will seem like an adventure! Its definitely not one of those tourist friendly cities where all the restaurant menus are translated into different languages. What you do get is an authentic Sicilian experience and there is nothing better than touring the back street markets with their Arabic origins. Full of colour, noise and smells to wet your appetite, the markets of Palermo are timeless.
| At a glance... | |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 100+ |
| Marina | ✔ Marina di Ravenna |
| Golf | ✔ |
| Water parks | ✔ Etnaland, 15 mins drive |
| Watersports | ✔ - Windsurfing, Sailing |
| Vineyards | ✔ |
| Family friendly | ✔ |
| Local airport | Falcone e Borsellino (33km) |
Featured Palermo villas
There is a wide selection of self catering holiday rental accommodation in Palermo from central apartments in the city centre to luxurious villas on the outskirts and along the coast. Renting a Palermo villa or holiday home can be the ideal base for exploring the surrounding area and are perfect for families, friends and groups providing the freedom, flexibility and space to do what you want, when you want - home from home.
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Palermo has a warm, sub-tropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Temperatures rarely drop below 22°C until the end of October and can peak at 35°C and more in August. Spring is generally the best time to visit - it comes early in Sicily with the almond trees blossoming in February and the spring flowers in full bloom in March.
Nightlife
The old town of Palermo is split in to 4 areas which intersect at the Quattro Canti. Around here, the streets are lined with cafes, bars and restaurants and it's a popular place for the famous Italian evening stroll known as the"passeggiata". The main shopping streets are between Teatro Massimo and Piazza Politeama.
The evenings are typically relaxed with refined alfresco dining at one of the many excellent fish restaurants which is what Sicily specialises in. Or, for a night in, a fresh fish BBQ at your holiday rental watching the sunset over the Madonie mountains to the west and dining under the stars also takes some beating.
Beaches
The beaches around Palermo are superb and rate as some of the best in Sicily...
Mondello Lido
The golden sands of this beautiful beach are flanked by luxurious villas and mansions but its not just for locals. Tourists from across Sicily come in their droves attracted by the gentle waters, amazing seafood restaurants and the watersports.
Aspra Beach
Aspra is a small fishing village to the east of the city centre and has a small beach that often gets crowded in summer. Known for its brightly coloured fishing boats and delicious icecreams, Aspra is a good option if you want to get away from the bustling city.
Isola delle Femmine Beach
Isola delle Femmine is just west of the city and sports a large public beach. With crystal clear waters, white talcumn powder sand and plenty of facilities such as cafes and restaurants, this is one of the most popular Palermo baches.
Things to see & do in Palermo
Palermo and the surrounding area is packed with interesting places to discover and activities to suit all ages. From relaxing on the stunning beaches to exploring the inner beauty of Sicily, there is something for everyone.
| Popular Attractions | |
|---|---|
| Palaine Chapel | ✔ |
| Quattro Canti | ✔ |
| Piazza Pretoria | ✔ |
| Ballarò - Palermo's oldest Arabic market | ✔ |
| Norman Palace | ✔ |
| Capuchin Catacombs | ✔ |
| Day trip to the medieval town of Erice | ✔ |
| Trip to Mount Etna, hiking or skiing | ✔ |
Our view on Palermo
Palermo is one of the top destinations in Sicily and full of history, charm and character. It has a reputation as being one of the most fascinating cities in Italy and is a melting pot of cultures and tradition dating back centuries. Staying in a Palermo holiday rental gives you more of an authentic holiday - from shopping at the food markets to wining and dining in the back street cafes and restaurants, it will be a wonderful experience.
