The Sicily is a beautiful island, a source of pride for all Italy and a popular destination for summer holidays but not only: you can enjoy its beauty in autumn and organize a holiday away from summer tourism and away from the hot temperatures typical of July and August.
Autumn holidays in Sicily to discover Palermo
Going to Sicily and not visiting Palermo would be a great shame! Palermo is a city rich in history, art and culture and it is here that you can taste the typical Sicilian food and try the experience of Palermo street food.
What to see in Palermo, the capital city of Sicily
Palermo is really all to admire but there are some attractions that are not to be missed, let’s see which ones.
The Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel
We start our tour of Palermo with the Palazzo dei Normanni (or Royal Palace of Palermo). The palace is located in Piazza Indipendenza and is considered an emblem of the cultural mix that characterizes this city of Sicily: built to accommodate the Arab emirs, then occupied by the Normans and, later, the Spanish. Today it is the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly.
All the peoples who have alternated inside the Royal Palace have left an architectural trace that the monument has preserved to this day and this is what makes it so special. Inside, then, we can find the Palatine Chapel, an architectural masterpiece. Majestic and refined, the chapel inside is decorated with gold mosaics that adorn the walls and ceiling. A chapel truly worthy of note, considered by many to be the most beautiful church of the whole Sicily.
The Cathedral of Palermo
Once you visit the Norman Palace, you won’t be hard to reach the nearby Cathedral and admire a real art show. Outside it shows an exciting beauty and inside it will give you the opportunity to visit the crypts of kings and queens of the past, including that of King Roger II. In the Sicilian cathedral there is also a collection of royal jewels dating back to the 12th century.
Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri
A palace that dates back to the early 1300s, built at the behest of Manfredi I and belonging to the Chiaramonte, symbol of one of the most influential families at the political and military level with regard to the western part of Sicily. Today Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri is the seat of the Rectorate of the University of Palermo but over the years has changed many times its use: from the residence of the Spanish Viceroy to the seat of the Customs Offices, from shelter for the poor to the seat of the Court of the Holy Inquisition.
To visit to admire especially the Sala Magna and the Sala delle Capriate: the first is on the first floor and has a wooden ceiling that depicts scenes of chivalric adventures; the second is used today for conferences and is located on the second floor.
Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti
This monument is also a symbol of the Sicilian city, built in Norman times under the reign of Roger II between 1130 and 1148 but then restored by Giuseppe Patricolo in 1882. A majestic and elegant church with adjoining the cloister that should date back to the 13th century.
These are some of the monuments and attractions of Palermo but this city will make you fall in love even with a walk through its alleys that tell ancient stories. And, if you have the time, just leave Palermo to admire the wonderful Borgo Parrini, a village entirely inspired by the art of Antoni Gaudì.
The sea of Sicily, the ideal also in autumn
There are those who love the sea only in summer, those who love it always and those who, instead, love the sea only in autumn and winter, when the beaches are empty and the silence allows them to relax with the crashing of the waves. It must be said that Sicily is also famous for its off-season baths: the very mild climate even in autumn in fact gives many the opportunity to dive and swim even in the autumn months and those who live there know it well! But what are the most recommended beaches for an autumn holiday in Sicily?
Surely, the beach of San Vito Lo Capo: is in the province of Trapani but will not be difficult to reach even if you are in Palermo. A cove of three kilometers with fine white sand and a turquoise sea postcard.
Moving away from the capital of Sicily we find other beautiful beaches: Marina di Ragusa, for example, famous thanks to Inspector Montalbano, is a beach surrounded by palm trees that sway to the rhythm of the wind, strong and always present in this area (for this is a beach much appreciated by lovers of kitesurfing).
And if you are looking for peace and tranquility, the Riviera dei Limoni is the place for you: a succession of beaches that alternate between sandy and rocky in the stretch of coast that is located between Aci Castello (in the province of Catania) and Taormina.
Sicily and its inimitable street food
In Sicily food is good everywhere but if what you are looking for is a taste itinerary under the banner of street food typical of the place, then Palermo is the perfect destination.
Thestreet food of Palermo , is an alternative way to visit this beautiful city, or let yourself be guided by good local food. Among oranges, bread and panelle and the legendary cannoli, your will be a journey to discover the traditional and inimitable tastes of Sicily.
At this point, you just have to organize your autumn stay to discover the beautiful Sicily: have a nice trip!
Copertina: sicilia-etna
