Palermo, Mondello and Monreale
the capital of Sicily
Sicily
the most beautiful island of Mediterraneo
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and one of the most beautiful lands on the planet. In this region, as perhaps in no other, art, history and culture blend seamlessly with the landscape and give rise to a universe that is worth to discover. In recent years, Sicily has started to exploit its enormous natural, historic and artistic resources, becoming one of the most visited destinations in Italy. From east to west Sicily is a succession of magical scenery perfectly integrated in the architectural landscape that surrounds them. A Mediterranean climate and wild nature, wonderful islands and inlets, active volcanoes, mountains and plains, and the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean …
Palermo
Palermo, 750,000 inhabitants, capital of Sicily and seat of regional government, is beautifully situated on the bottom of a small bay from Capo Zafferano and Mount Pellegrino. An amphitheater of mountains surrounding the Conca d'Oro, within which lies the city. Surrounded by vineyards, palm groves and orange groves, favored by the mild climate, Palermo, built for the delight of kings, gave the impression that once a city of dreams. Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians, which was later Roman, Arabic, French, German and Spanish, has suffered much from the struggles that have torn through the centuries. However, it has miraculously preserved examples of Norman and Arab eras as well as several baroque buildings.
Four days, at a minimum, you need to visit Palermo and its surroundings. Given the large number of ancient monuments scattered throughout the city, you can not help but see the main monuments: the Church of 5. Cataldo, the Church of Martorana, the Cathedral, the Norman Palace, the Palatine Chapel, the Church of St. John deglli Hermits, the National Gallery of Sicillia, the National Museum of Archaeology and around, Monreale.
Mondello
Mondello (there Km from Palermo), an ancient fishing village, has become the favorite beach of Palermo and one of the most popular seaside resort in Sicily, due to its exceptional location on the bottom of a beautiful bay between Monte Pellegrino and Capo Gallo. Its long beach of fine sand stretches along the banks of a clear sea of iridescent colors. Thanks to the mild climate, Mondello is also very busy during the winter.
Monreale
Monreale (8 km), the main tourist center on the outskirts of Palermo, best known for its beautiful cloister and the Cathedral. It is an excursion not to be missed, however: "Those who go to Palermo, Monreale without seeing, you ass party animal and returns" (Sicilian Proverb). Monreale, 310 m. sea level, on a terrace overlooking the valley and dell'Oreto Conca d'Oro, is a city of 23,000 inhabitants. The Duomo is magnificent building of 173, is the culmination of Arab-Norman. It is enclosed by two massive towers between which opens with an elegant portico Marabitti of round arches and Doric columns added in the eighteenth century.The mosaics covering the top of the wall must have less than 6340 m2, the largest surface area after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. They were performed between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries by anonymous artists.
Scacciapensieri - Castellammare del Golfo
Bed&Breakfast between Trapani and Palermo, nice furnished, swimming pool, friendly atmosphere
The B&B SchiacciaPensieri is an old house restored in Mediterranean style and run by a young and friendly Sicilian couple: Antonio and Valentina. The B&B is situated on the hill of Casellammare del Golfo, but just 4 km from the city and the beach, and 500 metres from the highway to Scopello, Palermo, Trapani, Segesta, Selinunte and all the major attractions of West Sicily!Wonderful atmosphere with its cosy lounge area where in the evening is idyllic to relax with soft chill out music, on the big sofa under the white porch. The big tree of mulberry in the middle of the garden, several hammocks, the little swimming pool, candles light: all the outside is set to relax.The interiors are made perfect Mediterranean style: colourfully furnished with really nice taste. A big table outside the garden is where the breakfast is served, all together with other guests: the best way to socialize and breathe the Sicilian warm welcoming!Antonio’s brother owns also a lovely sailing boat for your special daily excursion at Riserva dello Zingaro!
Masseria Santagata - Palermo
Agriturismo near Palermo, swimming pool, restaurant, genuine atmospheer
Masseria Sant'Agata is a typican Sicilian Masseria, immersed in the wonderful scenario of Piana degli Alabnesi, between lakes and hill that remind a landscape of Switserland, but only 1 hour from Palermo. Suitable for couples, families and lovers of nature trails, Masseria Sant'Agata is an ideal place to spend relaxing time in an enchanting atmosphere.Filippo, the chef, prepares typical Sicilian dishes taking an eye at the quality and the origin of the food: mostly are Km 0, so from small producer in the offing. The rooms are nicely furnished and clean. There are available also family rooms, with 2 bedrooms and one shared bathroom, ideal for family or two couples.Nice swimming, enchanting panorma, Masseria Santagata is our best choise in the area of Palermo.
Masseria Aguglia - Ficuzza (Palermo)
Authentic Sicilian life in Ficuzza, apartments with 2/3 bedrooms, natural reserve, sustainable tourism
Masseria Aguglia is an Hotel Diffuso, which is one of the best way to make tourism in an historical centre. There are apartments spread around the village of Ficuzza, born due to the Bourbon king Ferdinand III of Sicily that in this prosperous area built a hunting lodge in 1799, called Real Casina di Caccia.All the team of Masseria Aguglia has prepared activities for families or individual that would love to spend days or weeks in this intact real Sicilian village, tasting the emotion of living as a Sicilian. Every apartment has from 1 to 3 bedrooms, ideal for couple or family, with a fully equipped kitchen, fridge and balcony on the main square of Ficuzza. The restaurant of Masseria Aguglia, that serves delicious Sicilian dishes, is about 1 km from the center, reachable with car or foot.For an holiday totally immersed in the nature, where lakes and waterfalls are reachable trough easy and interesting paths alongs the forest. Corleone and its fascinating historical centre is at 20 minute by car, Palermo at 35 minute.
Casa Degli Olivi - Terrasini (Palermo)
Wonderful Villa near Palermo, swimming pool, exotic garden, luxurious interior
The house suddenly appears as set in the middle of vegetation characterized by the scent of Mediterranean thicket. The Villa lies into one level, crossing a stretch of lush vegetation and passing trough the “Saracen olive trees” and palms, we reach the annex. From the verandas that open over the living room, the view runs to embrace the bright colors of the surrounding vegetation. The living room leads to a hallway that brings to the sleeping area that consists of the master bedroom and a single bedroom. The bathroom has a shower. The furniture denotes the good fancy and originality of the owner who has personally decorated the house. The kitchen is characterized by the ancient Sicilian majolica. It is equipped with appliances and tools, it isn’t habitable but it overlooks a spacious veranda which make it possible to the guests to dine comfortably in contact with the nature and close to the pool. The dependence had a double bedroom with en suite bathroom. The house is 5 km far from the A29 motorway that is an opportunity for guests to easily reach the places of tourist interest and also cities like Palermo.
Casa Maudí - Castellammare del Golfo
Wonderful villa in Castellammare del Golfo, huge swimming pool, garden, playground and billiard
Casa Maudí is an elegant property, located in the countryside of Castellammare del Golfo. The house is structured on two levels and surrounded by a wide cultivated land with olive and fruit trees.Every guests can also pick and eat the homegrown biologic vegetables. The house was built in harmony with the landscape in the rustic style. The use of the wood, majolica and terracotta make the rooms cosy and warm. You may access the house from a spacious living room characterized by a fireplace and sofas. On the ground floor there is also a double bedroom and a bathroom with shower. You can reach the first floor through an internal staircase. The first floor sleeping area is made up of three bedrooms: two double bedrooms and one with French bed. The master ensuite bedroom with double bed has a wonderful view over the surrounding countryside. From this room it is possible to reach a wooden loft where you can find two single beds. The other bedrooms overlook the swimming pool area. The furniture are sober and elegant. The property is surrounded by sheltered verandas equipped with external furniture where you can relax or enjoy a good meal. The swimming pool - 20mtx10mt, is located just in front of the house. The solarium area is equipped with sun beds and garden furniture. Just near the swimming pool there is a covered gazebo and the BBQ area. Casa Maudí is just 4 km from the city centre of Castellammare del Golfo where you can find all the main services like : restaurants, post office, bank, coffee bars ect… The sandy beach “La Playa” is 6.5 km from here. The old village of Scopello and the Natural Reserve “Lo Zingaro” are 14 km away from the house.