Palermo has quickly became one of my favourite cities in Italy. Over the years, I have travelled all over Italy, so I can compare different regions and cultures. I was a bit afraid before I came to the south for the first time as I've heard that it's way too relaxed for someone used to the Swiss structure, but I was pleasantly surprised, or maybe just lucky with the people I met.
I've been coming back every year to meet ceramicists from all over Europe for a couple of weeks spent together, but there is always a weekend that I reserve for myself. I love the community, but I also need to be alone and do my own thing. They usually go together to a beach, but I prefer to take a weekend off and enjoy myself.
Palermo to me means summer. Not only because of the weather, but also because of the atmosphere which is relaxed and holidays like. I love walking around the city, exploring the side streets, going to the smallest and dodgiest restaurants that turn out amazing, listening to the street artists, buying some handmade accessories, visiting museums and churches, walking along the sea promenade, talking to strangers, having cocktails on a terrace while observing people around me, simply enjoying everything what is happening there.
Today, I will take you with me all around the city. We won't go anywhere specific, just roam the streets and enjoy the weather (with SPF 50 of course)
I was lucky to score a table at a bar with the view of the Palermo Cathedral. Well, I could have stayed there all day...
The streets are narrow, so you can get a bit of relief from the scalding sun, you are surrounded by beautiful buildings, scooters are parked everywhere, all shops have their items outside, and I could go on and on and on.
All terraces have sun protection, but it feels like eating in the greenhouse, and I always prefer eating inside. Many places don't have aircon, so it's not such a difference, but it's still a bit cooler than outside.
Most tourists walk around the main streets, and I usually look for the side streets as they are (almost always) empty...
Yes, those scooters are everywhere...
I only had 2 days, so I didn't do the siesta not to lose too much time, and enjoyed almost empty streets. But it was hot, and I was walking from one shade to another...
There are surprisingly a lot of trees around the city. It's impressive how they survive and thrive in such rough conditions...
The streets were as clean as in Switzerland (or maybe I was lucky) ...
There are many buildings reminding me of Spain which is not surprising as Sicily was ruled by Spain long time ago. I even visited a Palazzo where I learned more about this period, and I'll share it with you another time.
Piaza Villena is one of the most beautiful places in Palermo. It is also known as Quattro Canto or Four Corners, as it divides the city into 4 historic quarters. The facades of 4 Baroque buildings are heavily decorated by pillars and various statues and they are a real eye-catcher. My hotel was right next to the square, and I was happy that I had my earplugs with me as there was loud music and chatter all night long.
Yet another church...
Well, some places were not that clean, but this was more of a residential area, so that might be the reason. I can imagine that the city takes better care of the touristic places as these are bringing money.
People in Italy start dinner late and I think that in Palermo it is even later than in the rest of the country. I didn't go to the restaurants on the main streets, so I don't know about tourists, but I came for dinner at 8 PM and was the only one there. People started coming when I was done eating. How can they sleep when they eat so late? No idea...
Oh no, another church? 😊
This park was full of dog walkers in the morning. I can imagine that it's impossible to walk dogs later in the day...
The garden is perfectly maintained. There is not much grass, but everything is symmetric and groomed. It was a pleasure to walk there even though I hoped for more shaded areas.
I was lucky to be there in the evening of the Palermo Pride, so I have joined it. People were waiting all along the street for the parade to come by. I have joined them in the middle. It was so much fun! Dancing in the streets was exactly what I needed even though I was not really dressed up for the location. I was only a coincidence that I happened to be there that night.
After the Pride I walked back to the hotel and I can confirm that Palermo is charming at night too. When I travel alone I don't usually go out at night, but I felt safe in Palermo.
This was so cool!
I love when the historic buildings are lighten up at night...
I was waiting for about 5 minutes but those 2 people just didn't want to move, so here they are, ruining my photo...
I don't have many photos of what I ate and rank, but this fresh bruschetta made in front of me at the market and the cocktail are worth of sharing! It feels like I spent full 2 days eating. My stomach was full all the time, but there was always something to eat. I must admit that I didn't finish everything, but I have tried as much as I could. Sicilian food is amazing!
Thank you for reading and I'm looking forward to share more from my trip!
Until next time...
