My first impression of Palermo
From all the cities of Italy, Palermo isn’t the cleanest, and if you ever been to Genova you will understand what I am talking about; but don’t let this stop you from visiting it, Palermo is full of surprises and its Italian delights will win you over.
I had a full contract of 6 months to know Palermo, it was our home once a week. Unfortunately, from the ship, my view didn’t seem so inviting and many times my choice was a refreshing afternoon nap after long hours of working. I did go out a few times, for coffee, but didn’t visit the city center.
Missing just a week to finish my contract, I realize I had to see Palermo, it could be my last time here, as we normally do different ships and itineraries per contract. Well, my first thoughts while discovering Palermo was of regrets for not going out more often and I was already wishing a redemption round, a do-over.
Location and characteristics
Located in southern Italy, in the northwest of the island of Sicily, Palermo is well known for its history, culture, architecture, and gastronomy, playing an important role in its existence throughout the years.
Cruise ships dock at the dated but functional Stazione Marittima north of the city center. The port of Palermo is one of the main ports for passenger traffic in the Mediterranean, It is usually a very crowded place, with a lot of people transiting.
Outside the port, many parked taxis, tour agency workers offering you different tours, and a busy traffic street. Once you get past that, you are ready to see Palermo.
I can say Palermo is worth the sightseeing, as a city full of personality with its own identity.
Main Points to see
Piazza Pretoria
You can start by seeing Piazza Pretoria, planned in the 16th century by Francesco camilliani as the site of a fountain. It is a nice place to get some lovely pictures, feel the city vibes and soul, as often in this Piazza you will find musicians playing.
Maximo Teatre
Include a visit to the Maximo Teatre, the biggest in Italy with 8,000 m2, 86,000 sq ft, opened in 1897 and one of the largest of Europe, it has been restored and has an active schedule now.
Palermo Cathedral
The Palermo Cathedral is a bit further, It was a more than 30 minutes walk to get there, but an amazing sight to see, being one of the main architectural monuments of Sicily, It was built in 1184 by the Normans.
Here you can find a bigger concentration of tourists and the inside of the Cathedral is beautiful, you can look in different angles and each of them will bring you a different perspective. It is entrance free to visit the Cathedral and you are allowed to take as many pictures you desire, it`s indeed one not to miss.
Palermo Narrow Streets
As a claimed fan of narrow streets, I couldn’t let to mention how cute they are here, in Palermo.
Gastronomy
For those who are fans of Italian gastronomy, Palermo is a good place to indulge yourself in some traditional pastries, pasta, among other favorites.
The pistachio plays a big part in the culture, on restaurant menus you will see pistachio cannelloni, pistachio croissants, pistachio ice creams… you name it. I love pistachio, and therefore I had no hard time choosing my treats.
My wish of a do-over became true on my following contract. This time Palermo became my ‘’go out day.’’
My favorite meals are breakfast and being a coffee lover, by all means, Italian coffee has my name on it! I would often seat at a coffee bar, enjoy some pistachio croissant along with a cappuccino, after, I would go around take more and more pictures, do some shopping and go back to the ship with batteries recharged.
Shopping for leather shoes
Palermo is the place for leather shoes.
I fell in love with their local leather shoes, they are in every store and they are so authentic that I had to buy them.
A store called Bata was my place to go for beautiful leather shoes, although that shop is not originally from Italy, I was able to find a bigger variety of styles, many of them to my liking, so I can recommend you to stop buy.
Many stores have them and they are gorgeous, it is also a great chance to show some recognition to local products and acquire unique stylish shoes.
Buying local ingredients
On some of my visits, my husband and I discovered some liquor stores. They had many types of liquors, but the pistachio and almond-flavored liquor really called my attention.
I tried some samples and I simply loved the pistachio one. (of course) I also really like baileys but the pistachio flavor was so cool, I haven’t tried it before. They sell different size bottles, small ones, big ones… The small ones are so cute, we bought many to give as gifts.
At the same store, they sell local extra virgin Olive oil, authentic Italian pasta, and many other local cuisine elements. It is no bad thing to bring something local home, cook your Italian Pasta, enjoy your liquor after returning from your trip and share great memories with friends and family.
Overall experience
Discovering Palermo was a very pleasant experience for me over and over again, this city grew on me and I will of course tell you from my point of view, that, if your chance to see Palermo comes by don’t waste it, go and see.
Immerse yourself in the culture, eat well, make great memories, buy some souvenirs and come back full of stories to tell.
