Choosing one of our villas near Palermo Sicily for your holiday will allow you to move easily and visit Palermo and its main attractions.
Palermo is the capital of Sicily, which is the largest island in Italy.
At the beginning of Palermo’s history, the first group that ruled Sicily land was represented by Sicani or Sicanian.
In the VII century, Phoenicians arrived in Palermo and called it “Zyz” (which in their language meant flower). At that time Palermo was densely populated thanks also to the fact that people took advantage of the annual mild climates and fertile soil.
Zyz gained importance for its strategic location and became a popular destination for Greeks. They renamed Zyz to Panormos (“all-port”) which refers to the natural harbor that was built by the crossing of the two rivers.
Then the Phoenicians arrived in Palermo and controlled it until the First Punic War happened (264 and 241 B.C.). Palermo was at the center of the dispute between the Romans and the Phoenicians from Carthage.
Palermo was then invaded by Romans, who ruled Sicily from 258 B.C., when Palermo was conquered, until 491 A.D. During this period of barbarians, Ostrogoths arrived in the city and conquered it.
The city of Palermo, under Roman control, did not undergo many changes in the appearance or autonomy of Palermo.
Then, in 535 A.D. Palermo was freed by the Byzantines. They brought a period of peace to the city that lasted until 831. At that time, indeed, Arabs took over and made Palermo the capital of their Sicilian emirate.
At this point in its history, Palermo was called Balarm and this was a prosperous period for the city in terms of trade.
From 827 to 1061, Arabs brought important social, economic, and cultural advancements that are still reflected in traditional Sicilian practices and habits.
The Arab domination was one of the most important and longest eras in Sicily and it had a crucial impact on Sicily. Arabs built buildings, mosques, churches, gardens, and so on. Moreover, they played an important role in Sicily’s cuisine.
In 1702, Arabs lost control of Palermo to the Normans and “The Expedition of the Thousand”. Thanks to them, an official kingdom was created, and Palermo was named the Capital of Sicily. During this period, a great number of churches and other buildings were built, such as the Cappella Palatina.
At the beginning of the XX century, Palermo flourished thanks to important economic and cultural growth. When the Great War began, Fascism soon arrived in Sicily and in 1946 the city was officially named the Capital of the Island.
Today, Palermo is experiencing another prosperous time thanks to its year-round mild climate, deep history, artistic heritage, and so on. Tourist tours are the best way to get to know Palermo and the life and customs of its inhabitants.
What are the features of our Villas near Palermo Sicily?
Our collection of villas near Palermo Sicily is the ideal choice for those who are looking for a fun yet peaceful holiday. Palermo is a great holiday destination all our villas are easily accessible by all means of transport offering the best compromise between modern amenities and traditional Sicilian charm: elegant interiors, spacious outdoor areas, private swimming pools, and lush green gardens. The villas are also a great base for exploring Palermo’s main sights, including its stunning architecture and lively local markets. Also, Palermo is a vibrant city and the nightlife is truly intense! And if you can’t wait to take a swim in the crystal clear sea don’t worry, you’ll find a selection of villas near Palermo located just a few meters from Palermo’s sandy shores!
Living in Palermo and around
If you want to get to know Palermo and the traditions of its local people, we advise you to visit the typical places frequented by them, such as markets, bars, and many other places that you can visit during your stay in one of our villas near Palermo, Sicily!
We recommend you have breakfast in the small streets of the historic center and take a tour of its historic markets such as the Capo, the Vucciria, and Ballarò, by tasting the famous street food.
Moreover, you could visit at night the small streets leading up and down Via Libertà which are full of pubs and restaurants.
In addition, we advise you to pass through the beautiful Mondello beach throughout the year, only 5 minutes away from the city center. Mondello is a charming seaside resort located just a few kilometers from Palermo. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beach, which is surrounded by elegant Art Nouveau villas. Mondello is the perfect destination for those who love water sports, such as windsurfing, sailing, and paddleboarding. The beach is also equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas – the Lido – for those who prefer to relax and soak up the sun.
Trapani is a beautiful coastal town located on the western tip of Sicily. It is famous for its historic center, which is characterized by narrow streets, charming squares, and ancient buildings. Trapani is also known for its salt pans, where salt is still harvested using traditional methods. From Trapani, you can take a boat trip to the nearby Egadi Islands, which are famous for their crystal-clear waters and unspoiled nature.
Marsala is a historic town located on the western coast of Sicily. It is famous for its wine, which is produced using grapes grown in the surrounding countryside. Marsala is also home to many ancient ruins, such as the Phoenician settlement of Mozia and the Roman villa of Casale. The town is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Lido Signorino and Spiaggia di San Teodoro.
Favignana is a small island located off the western coast of Sicily. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning caves, such as the Grotta Azzurra and the Grotta Perciata. Favignana is also known for its tuna fishing tradition, which dates back to ancient times. The island is the perfect destination for those who love snorkeling, diving, and swimming in unspoiled waters.
However, if you are a couple and you prefer a more proportionate accommodation, our catalog also offers apartments in Palermo city center and luxury apartments in Sicily.
Tourist tour in Palermo
Palermo is a city full of history, art, and culture. Indeed, it was titled “European Capital of Culture” in 2018. Thanks to its strategic position in the Middle Eastern Mediterranean, a mixture of cultures stepped into this fantastic city and left an extraordinary art inheritance, which you can visit if you stay in one of our villas near Palermo, Sicily!
So, if you are a lover of cultural tourism, we highly suggest you visit the 8 Unesco World Heritage Sites of Palermo, which are: the Cathedral of Palermo, the Royal Norman Palace, the Palatine Chapel, the Church of San Giovanni Degli Eremiti, Church of Martorana, Church of San Cataldo, the Admiral’s Bridge and the Zisa.
However, there are many other places worth visiting such as the botanical garden, Piazza Marina, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and its small streets leading up and down, Palazzo Chiaramonte, Quattro Canti, and so on.
So, what are you waiting for? Look now at our Villas near Palermo Sicily catalog and choose your favorite!
