Tag: Italy

Take a Break: The Best Day Trips from PALERMO by Public Transport

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There’s no question about it: Palermo is a very cool place with tons of things to see and to do. This being said, spending a couple of days in a row in such a busy city can quickly become a bit stressful. Fortunately, there are quieter places within reach, even by public transport, that are perfect for day trips away from the hustle and bustle of Palermo.

View of Cefalù.
Just one hour east of Palermo the sun bathes the coast at Cefalù in an unreal, beautiful light.

Hence, I’m introducing you to four amazing places that you can reach quickly and easily by train or bus. Whether you are looking for archeological remnants, Baroque architecture, Sicilian cuisine, a shopping spree, or relaxing hours on the beach: I promise you’ll find it in this post.

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Best Things to Do in PALERMO

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Particularly in recent years, Sicily has developed from an insider tip into a holiday destination for aficionados of history, passionate nature lovers, but also the rich and famous – and not just since the second season of The White Lotus, which is set primarily in the incredibly picturesque town of Taormina. However, while places like Cefalú, San Vito Lo Capo, and obviously Taormina are groaning under the influx of visitors, life in the capital Palermo continues largely unaffected by this development. Actually, that’s not a bad thing. On a two-day visit, it allows you and me to experience the real, authentic Sicily from up close.

Chiesa di San Domenico in Palermo.
View of the Chiesa di San Domenico, the resting place of many significant figures in Palermo’s history, and the mountain range on the city’s outskirts.

Hence, in this post, I’ll show you the best things you definitely shouldn’t miss – even those that are a bit off the beaten path.

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A Day Trip to Isola delle Femmine: Coastal Trails And Crystal Waters

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Considering how many trains stop at Isola delle Femmine station every day and how many people pass through, it is almost a miracle that this delightful little fishing village has managed to retain its authentic atmosphere and laid-back vibe.

Boat in Isola Delle Femmine.
Isola delle Femmine: A town in blue and white.

The surprisingly large number of passengers passing through Isola delle Femmine train station is due to the simple fact that this charming little coastal town lies on the railway line from Palermo’s city center to the airport. For very few is Isola delle Femmine their final destination. And that’s a good thing, because it suits this hidden gem very well.

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Sea, Salt, and Sunset: Experiencing the Best of TRAPANI

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Set on the western edge of Sicily, Trapani is a city where amazing views and history blend like a perfect aperitivo. Even in just one day, you can experience a compact yet unforgettable glimpse of authentic Sicilian life. Stroll through its baroque old town, taste the flavors of centuries-old culinary traditions, and end the day by watching the sun set over ancient salt pans.

View of Trapani, the city that's famous for Salt and Sunset.
From the former defense wall, you have an unobstructed view of Trapani’s entire northern coast.

With its easy-going pace, breathtaking coastal views, and proximity to other amazing places, Trapani is simply ideal for a short escape.

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From Clifftop Views to Gelato Scoops: A Guide to CEFALÙ

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On the picturesque north coast of Sicily, nestled between the emerald-green waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the imposing rock of La Rocca, lies the charming coastal town of Cefalù. However, Cefalù is far more than just a seaside resort.
While its golden sands and crystal-clear waters attract beach bums from all over the world every summer, a rich past lies hidden behind the postcard-perfect backdrop.
In fact, history, culture, and the Mediterranean dolce vita converge in a captivating fashion. Already from afar, the silhouette of the medieval old town is impressive, dominated by the majestic cathedral, which has watched over the labyrinth of narrow streets, colorful facades, and sun-drenched squares since the 12th century.

View of Cefalù.
The mesmerizing coast of Cefalù.
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Best Street Art in PALERMO

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While Palermo as such is very much underrated, the city’s best street art also thrives in the shadows. Very unjustly so!
In this post, I’m taking you on a tour of the city’s hotspots for urban art.
Prepare for some truly powerful murali!

Best Street Art Palermo: Portrait of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino
Immortalized in the heart of Palermo: Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.
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Comprehensive Guide to ROME – For First-Timers, Repeat Visitors, And Eternal Admirers

Posted onAuthorRenata102 Comments

Few cities can match Rome’s cultural wealth and fascinating variety. Hence, it is known as the Eternal City for a reason. There’s ancient history at every corner. Yet, this goes just fine with the modern, energetic, and sophisticated millennial metropolis. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you why mesmerizing Rome turns first-timers as well as repeat visitors into eternal admirers.

View of The Colosseum and Romolus and Remus drinking from the Capitoline Wolf - some of the Icons of Rome to be visited by first-timers.
View of the Ancient Roman Icons.
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Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan

Posted onAuthorRenata Green61 Comments

Of all Italian cities, Milan probably deems the least what we consider Italian. No jolly groups sipping Aperol Spritz while playing boccia. Instead, executives rush from their stately apartment houses to offices in glittering business centers. Hardly a narrow cobblestone alley. Rather big cars on broad avenues. Money makes the world Milan go round.

Piazza del Duomo - with the iconic cathedral.
Piazza del Duomo – with the iconic cathedral.

And yet, if you visit with an open mind, Milan will by no means disappoint: Get the big picture from the roof of the Duomo, and enjoy contemporary art at various industrial sites that were transformed into humongous art galleries. Window shop at the posh Brera district or the fabulous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Cenacolo, hence, the Last Supper. Oh, talking ’bout food: Finish a long day of sightseeing with a relaxed Milanese Aperitivo in one of the countless bars alongside the Navigli, the city’s old waterways.
Sounds like a plan? Mind you, these are only a few of the best things you should do in Milan on a long weekend!

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Comprehensive Guide to FLORENCE – Home of the Medici, Cradle of the Renaissance

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In this comprehensive guide to Florence, I’m taking you to the home of the Medici Family and all the paramount spots of the Italian Renaissance.

Looking up Giotto's Campanile, the free-standing tower right next to the Cathedral in FLORENCE - Home of the Medici, Cradle of the Renaissance
Looking up Giotto’s Campanile, the free-standing tower right next to the Cathedral.

To this date, there are so many art treasures that Florence deems rather an open-air museum than a North Italian city with ordinary people and everyday life.

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The Best Places to Visit in SICILY in One Week

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

Ma certo, one week is quite tight when it comes to a trip to Sicily, even if you limit your visit to the very best places. The island at the southern tip of mainland Italy has more to offer than you would find in many entire countries! Did you know that Sicily has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These excellent locations are so different that there is something for everyone. Whether it is the ancient archaeological sites in Syracuse, the artistic mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale near Armerina, the baroque center of Noto, or the Aeolian Islands – you will be amazed!

Palermo's Kalsa district
Palermo’s Kalsa district.

But in addition to these fantastic sites, you should, of course, also make time to laze on the beach in Taormina and enjoy a delicious aperitivo in the evening during the sunset. After all, the Dolce Vita is as much a part of Italy as pizza and pasta.
So that you don’t lose track of all these fantastic options, I have put together an itinerary for you with the best places that you should definitely visit in one week in Sicily.
If you have more time, even better – you won’t be bored for a second, believe me!

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