For those in search of the outside world, the wonders ofPalermo,the beach atMondelloand the Cathedral and Cloisters ofMonrealeare just a short drive away.
Palermois one of Italy’s largest, oldest and most historic cities. Full of art, and with a plethora of architectonic treasures (Andrew Graham-Dixon, the art historian, rated Palermo as his favourite city in the world in his BBC series Sicily Unpacked), Palermo deserves and rewards exploration. But Palermo means much more... and for sure it means also great shopping! You might like to head up to Via Libertàand Via Ruggero Settimo forshopping: numerous big-name boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, CK Jeans, Rolex, Chanel, etc.) and local specialists selling ceramics and other objéts d'arts line these two streets, offering rich pickings for those with a penchant for fine things.
After a tour of Palermo, you cannot miss the Palermo’s seaside resort:Mondello.Either spend a little time on the glorious sandy beach or make use of your honorary membership (as guests at Villa Tasca) of La Vela, Mondello’s most exclusive beach club.
If you're visiting between October and May, consider a night at the opera atTeatro Massimo, the third largest opera house in Europe.
Further afield (but equally feasible for day trips) are the Greek cities ofSegestaandSelinunte,the Roman site atSolunto,the Phoenecian island ofMozia,the ancient city ofErice,theEgadi islands, the salt pans atTrapani,the wineries atMarsalaand - last but not least - the coastal paths and crystal bays ofLo Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Lo Zingaro Nature Reservewas created in 1981 and is part of the rugged, rocky and spectacular coastline in the west of Palermo, just after Castellammare del Golfo. Stretching along the coast for 7km between the little village of Scopello in the east to near San Vito Lo Capo in the west, this park and its surrounding areas are one of the most beautiful parts of western Sicily. The park attracts both walkers and bathers alike and, in the summer, when many beaches are overcrowded, it is a good idea to head for Lo Zingaro, walk for half an hour and spend the rest of the day in relative isolation on a virtually deserted beach. The Nature Reserve is also a magnet for ornithologists who come to study the local bird population, which includes eagles, peregrine falcons, partridges, kestrels and various kinds of owl. On the animal front you may well cross paths with weasels, hedgehogs, foxes, lizards and even the occasional, harmlessvipers.
A day out visiting the twin sites ofSegestaandEriceis another "must": the former is the site of an immaculate Elymian-Greek temple and a stunningly positioned theatre, while the second is a mediaeval hill-top town whose history dates back to Phoenician times and whose views take in over half of Sicily.
If you’ve been wondering how tocook "alla Siciliana", you can book a cooking experience with a member of the Tasca family. The Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School has been running for over 24 years. After shopping for ingredients in Palermo’s historic markets, you’ll learn how to create some Sicilian specialties, have a tour of this fascinating home and lunch on the fruits of your labors.
The Tasca family are alsowine producerspar excellence. Their family has been cultivating the land and producing some of Sicily’s finest wines for generations. Therefore, during your stay you must visit one of their wineries in the centre of Sicily for a guided tour, tasting and lunch. This trip is also a good excuse to see some of the island’s most stunning countryside, the Madonie Mountains, a totally different Sicily, a far cry to life in the big city or down by the coast.
Top-Tip: the 14th of July in Palermo is theFestino di Santa Rosalia, a celebration of the city's much loved and venerated patron saint, who is paraded through the old town centre from the Cathedral to the sea. As the procession finishes, the fireworks begin.
One of the best places to enjoy the special atmosphere of the Festino is Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, down on the sea-front in Palermo. You will be in the best possible vantage point from which to admire the stunning firework display that rounds off the evening's events.
