Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +39 for Italy
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +39 (0)91 591 688. Open from 8am-midnight seven days a week.
Airport Transfer :
Pre-book your door-to-door transfer with easyJet’s transfer partner, Holiday Taxis—from home to the airport and the airport to city or resort. Just log on to easyjet.holidaytaxis.com.
Coach :
Prestia e Comandé coaches departs every 30 minutes and stop at The Politeama and Central station. Tickets: €5.
Train :
The Trinacria Express reaches Central station in 45 minutes. Tickets: €4.50.
Taxi :
The journey takes about 35 minutes and costs from €50, with higher evening rates. Taxis wait on the ground level outside Arrivals.
(28 Via Emerico Amari. Tel. 091 320 667) Just steps away from the port, this eatery offers plenty of choice, whether you want a quick bite or a sit-down meal.
(32 Via Isidoro La Lumia. Tel. 091 586 460) Within centuries-old walls, this is a favourite with locals for its devotion to Sicilian cuisine. Imagine delicious gnocchi and pastas and divine stuffed squid. The excellent wine list complements the wonderful, authentic menu.
(6 Piazza Croce Dei Vespri. Tel. 091 617 1631) Critically acclaimed, this romantic restaurant, in the beautiful Piazza di Vespri, serves sophisticated, classic Italian favourites and seafood with a creative twist. It also boasts a formidable wine selection.
(15 Rua Formaggi. Tel. 091 331 418) For an authentic slice of Sicilian life, order a bottle of local wine and tuck into the buffet amid live jazz music and late-night DJ sets.
(21 Foro Umberto 1. Tel. 091 616 2111) Bookshop by day and trendy venue by night, the in-crowd convenes here for drinks, music, food and the chance to see and be seen.
On the ground
Shop
Vucciuria Market is the historic heart of Palermo's commerce and you'll find everything here from bric-a-brac to foodstuffs sold on its narrow streets. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and see the fishmongers set up their stalls.
Insider Tip
In shops, bars and restaurants, always ask for the scontrino (receipt) when paying your bill. It's required by law and the Finanza (revenue police) may ask to see it.
Key Area
Foro Umberto I was once a derelict area, but is now an immense green space overlooking the sea. Spend the day taking in the sunshine, having a picnic, or just admiring the glorious view of the bay.
This month
The Mondello World Festival on The Beach is a highly anticipated event with windsurfing and sailing competitions by day and live music and outdoor partying by night (10-18 May. Mondello Beach. www.wwfestival.com).
Day Tripping
Segesta
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About an hour south-west of Palermo, Segesta is home to the best-preserved limestone Doric temple in the world, as well as a still-functioning Greek theatre. You'll also have the chance to see excavation sites that bring forth new information about this ancient city.
No way!
Despite its name, Isola Delle Femmine—the tiny island off the western coast—has nothing to do with any female presence. Lying between two gulfs, its name derives from the Greek 'fainomai' and Arabic 'fimi' which, together, mean 'show oneself at the passage'.
