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 - Trapani, Scopello

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!