PALERMO:
SICILIAN ART,
HISTORY AND
TRADITION

An masterpiece of Arab-Norman culture, the cradle of the Mediterranean civilization, Palermo is one of Italy’s most gorgeous cities and certainly one of the wonders of the world. Not too popular with tourists, it is, instead, a unique melting-pot of art and tradition that cannot be missing from you top-destination list. Palermo brings to mind a fragrant sea breeze, colorful collages of characteristic carts, and the smell of mouth-watering delicacies, like the famous cassata and cannolo.

Palermo’s harbor easily accommodates private boats. Porto Arenella – its modern marina geared toward international nautical tourism – is perfect for those who hire a luxury yacht in Sicily. Also, its strategic position makes it an excellent location to sail out on an exploration of the nearby Aeolian islands (Lipari, Filicudi, Alicudi, Salina, Stromboli, Panarea, and Vulcano).

The many civilizations that dominated Palermo throughout the centuries left their mark in the city’s architecture, which is, in fact, a mix of styles, scents, flavors, and traditions. What to see in Palermo? There is so much to choose from: from the Cathedral to the Martorana Church built by the Arabs, to the Royal Palace with the Palatine Chapel embellished with precious Byzantine mosaics and considered one Sicily’s best ones, to the famous catacombs.

Sweet tooths can’t resist the mouth-watering Sicilian pastries including cannoli, cassate, arancini, and panelle, and the colorful granitas to taste on sweltering days before retreating to a luxury charter, ready to take off to the island’s best beaches.

Palermo’s top-rated beaches

Must-visit beaches in Palermo are Cala Gallo (a rocky spot located in the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve) and Capaci. Cala Gallo’s deep waters a great for scuba diving, while Capaci’s sandy and shallow shore is fit for snorkelling. More lovely spots are Addura, overlooking the Gulf of Mondello, Sferracavallo, and Vergine Maria (also known as Arenella), where you can dine on excellent fish. Mondello, Santa Flavia, and Secca delle Formire are other popular retreats, the latter a renowned dive site.

A perfect mix of sea, architecture, history, and gastronomy, Palermo will not disappoint the cruisers who choose it for their luxury charter in the Mediterranean!