It has been quite warm here in Palermo, with temperatures reaching the mid to high 30s every day. While the heat can make wandering around the city during the day a bit uncomfortable, it hasn’t dampened our spirits. Palermo is a great little city with so much to see and explore.
One of the unique spots we visited is the Quattro Canti (Four Corners), an octagonal square created where two of Palermo’s main roads, Via Vittorio and Via Maqueda, intersect. Each corner of the square is adorned with incredible statues, columns, or fountains, representing the primary districts of Palermo. It’s also a place where local musicians gather to entertain passersby.
We decided to venture to Mondello Beach, a famous beach in the area. To get there, we took our first trip here on public transport, opting for a bus ride. The journey ended up being a bit crowded, but after about 45 minutes, we arrived at the busy beach. Most of the beaches around the capital are private, with only small public strips. The private beach clubs are known as “lidos” where you can rent an umbrella and lounger for the day, and they offer showers, bathrooms, and restaurants.
We spent a few hours at Mondello Beach, but we didn’t fancy the food options, so we decided to head back into the city for a late lunch and a leisurely stroll. We had originally planned a boat trip as our last hoorah, but it didn’t work out, so we decided to take a train to Cefalù, about an hour and fifteen minutes from Palermo. it’s a charming fishing town with medieval roots, evident as you descend from the train station to the beach. The town also boasts a remarkable 12th-century cathedral perched high up on a cliff, as if it’s been molded into the landscape. We spent a lovely afternoon at the beach before taking the fast train, “Intercity,” back to Palermo. The name brought back childhood memories of the Intercity 125 trains of the ’70s.
Overall, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed the sights, sounds, and delicious food during our time here in Sicily. Palermo and its surroundings have been a great experience for us both.
Dream Chasers 