Palermo hotels

Hotels in Palermo

Palermo is the regional capital of the Mediterranean's largest island, Sicily. Book a Palermo hotel with us and discover one of Italy's biggest cities and one with an identity all its own.

Prized Palermo

It seems that almost every invading force has at one time or other sought to get its hands on Palermo. From the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Greeks and the Romans to the Normans, the French and the Spanish Bourbons, the list goes on. Inevitably this has led to an influence on the city's cultural evolution and you'll find that there are local dishes and place names that are clearly not Italian in origin.

Like a prayer

An example of external cultural influence can be seen in the Arab-Norman-Byzantine construction, Palazzo dei Normanni. Within you'll see gorgeous mosaics depicting biblical scenes, and an intricately-painted wooden roof. And La Matorana church, with its sumptuous interior decorated with 12th-century frescoes and mosaics is possibly the best example of the cross-pollination of cultural styles.

Hip to be square

Probably Palermo's most attractive square, Piazza Pretoria is where you'll find the beautiful Fontana Pretoria, depicting the gods of Olympus. Built in Florence by Francesco Camilliani, it was moved to its present location in 1581.

Museums

A great way to learn about the history of Palermo is through its art. The Galleria Regionale della Sicilia (The Gallery of Art for Sicilia) is housed within the Gothic-Catalan edifice, Palazzo Abatellis. Here you'll see paintings, sculptures, lacquered cabinets, painted panels and much more, hailing from as far back as the 12th century.

Eating and drinking in Palermo

Whether you're looking for a friggitoria serving fried food such as rice balls and deep-fried pasta or a trattoria serving black squid spaghetti topped with buttery Sicilian sea urchin, gourmands will be spoilt for choice. And if all you desire is a classic sfincione pizza made with softer dough and oodles of sauce, Palermo will have it.

There are plenty of coffee bars serving everything from Sicilian to Arabian brews during the day and into the evening, ideal for a rest and a chat.

If you're a little unsure of the tasty treasures that Palermo has to offer, take a street food tour. Work up an appetite while a local expert shows you the best places to eat and a little of the history of the city and its cuisine.

Nightlife

The Champagneria area, in front of the impressive Teatro Massimo is a lively spot enjoyed by revellers, and the Kalsa quarter has lots of wine bars.

Viale Strasburgo and Via Generale Arimondi Giuseppe are where many of Palermo's clubs can be found and Via dei Candelai is popular with the younger set. You'll find nightspots where DJs spin their dance sounds, rock venues and gay-friendly bar and clubs.

Shopping in and around Palermo

Palermo has an array of famous brands, boutiques selling high-end fashion, craft and gift shops, and much more. There are markets aplenty, brimful of fish, fruit and vegetables.