Palermo vacation rentals

Sun, sea and history—Palermo is an offer you can't refuse

With its stunning ancient architecture, glorious beaches and a cuisine that simply can't be beaten, Palermo makes for a perfect Italian vacation. Get your Sicilian adventure off to a great start by booking a Palermo vacation rental in the heart of the city. Climb the steps of the domed cathedral, witness the ornately painted ceilings of the Cappella Palatino in Palazzo dei Normanni, or hop on a boat and find a secluded beach for a picnic. After dark, brave Palermo's chaotic streets and piazzas for dinner and drinks in the raucous bars and family-run restaurants that the city is famous for.

Find mosaics, booze, and bones in the Sicilian capital

There are so many iconic sights in Palermo, it's hard to choose a favorite. Dominating the city center, the Moorish-style Palazzo dei Normanni is regarded as a must-see attraction. The oldest royal residence in Europe, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is most famous for its Capella Palatina chapel, which has an elaborate mosaic roof. Alternatively, take a ghoulish peek into the famous Catacombe dei Cappuccini, which houses 8,000 mummified bodies. You'll probably need a drink afterwards, but thankfully, the city is crammed with bustling bars and trattorias, many dotted around Piazza Verdi.

Sicily—where vacations are a dish best served cold

Palermo is crammed with history, so sightseeing is a must in the city. Head to the Old Town and take a walking tour around its crumbling alleys and streets. Pick up some food for dinner in a bustling street market or kick back with a local granita in a rustic trattoria. But as charming as the Old Town is, a little bit of beach time can also be on the cards. Book a Palermo vacation rental in the northern districts of the city and join the locals on beautiful Mondello beach.

Bada-bing, bada-bing, visit Palermo in spring

The beach ball at the toe of Italy's boot, Sicily is blessed with some of the nation's nicest weather. It sizzles in the summertime, with temperatures often soaring past 90 degrees. In August, the locals tend to flee the city for their vacations, and many shops and restaurants are shut for the month. The best time to visit is in spring, when the warm, dry weather is a delicious 70 to 80 degrees and blue skies dominate. Spring and fall attract the greatest number of visitors, so Palermo vacation rentals can get snapped far in advance.

Whale meet again—Palermo's natural attractions

Perched on the northern shores of Sicily, Palermo is the island's capital city. Mount Etna, the island's iconic volcano, is renowned for its excellent hiking routes. For something a little more accessible, head to Monte Pellegrino, a 30-minute drive north of the old town. Climbing 2,000 feet to the peak, the trails have sweeping views of the city and the sea. Right at the top is Santa Rosalia, a beautiful 17th -century sanctuary. Don't fancy the hike? Visit the Entella Cave Nature Reserve at the base of the mountain, where you can still spot rare birds and migrating whales.

Traveling to and around Palermo

Fly into Punta Raisi Airport (PMO), the closest airport, located 14.7 mi (23.7 km) from the city center.

If you're traveling by train, Palermo Central Station, Palermo Palazzo Reale-Orleans Station and Palermo Vespri Station are the main stations in the city. It's easy to get around Palermo by jumping on the metro at Giachery Station, Fiera Station or Imperatore Federico Station.