Harboured on the northwestern coast of Sicily, Palermo is the capital and most densely populated city on the island. Palermo is a bold mixture of color, heat, noise and an unmistakable Sicilian dialect! (*confusion, a lot of choice swear words and catcalling in the form of “Ciao Bella”)

Sicily expresses and oozes an exotic mixture of lineages and cultures, from medieval Normandy, Aragon Spain, Moorish North Africa, and the grand civilizations of Greece, Phoenicia, and Rome (*oooohhh just saying it like that makes it sound soooo romantic).

But Cannoli and great weather aren’t the only attractions in this beautiful and diverse island! Palermo is a treasure trove of hidden art museums, baroque oratories, breathtaking theaters and lively outdoor markets – perfect for an enticing adventure. (*those cannoli though … yum yum yum)

Walking, the best way to get around, ensnares all your senses. Scooters brush alongside pedestrians in narrow alleys (*watch your back), street vendors hawk fruit and fish (*totally worth stopping for a mini Sicilian style wikipedia lesson), horse-drawn carriages wait in traffic queues (*be aware of horse dung), Indians, Arabs and Italians engage in conversation (*imagine an extremely busy market place) and laundry hanging from balconies billows in the wind (*new spin on hanging one’s dirty laundry out).

Wandering around the city brings splendid discoveries from Baroque cathedrals to hidden gardens, fine art museums, cozy cafes and doors framed with maiolica (*maiolica are hand painted ceramic tiles typical from the region and known for their bright colours).

The nightlife comes to life in the form of BBQ aromas and dimly lit streets (*those kebabs though yummm). Music and chatter fill the air and the labyrinth of small alleys invites you to stay (*this is the moment the wine takes over all your decision making).

A truly unique and colourful experience!