Despites its close proximity to Rome via plane, Sicily stands apart with its unique characteristics. Similar to the Catalans in Spain and the Québécois in France, Sicilians hold a strong regional identity due to living on an island and speaking a dialect that even mainlanders struggle to understand. These significant differences make Sicily an ideal destination for adventurous travelers in search of a place that is believed to no longer exist. Where else can one ski down a volcano and enjoy a white-sand beach in a single day?
To begin your journey, the first decision you'll need to make is which airport to fly into. Palermo's Falcone Borsellino Airport makes the most sense for a trip of this duration, especially if you plan to spend all three days in the island's capital city.
Once you have arrived, it's advisable to avoid the taxis in the Arrivals area, as they are likely to overcharge you. Instead, consider taking the Trinacria Express train to the city center. It departs every 30 minutes and only costs € 5.80 as you travel to Palermo.
Friday
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First agenda: trying out the local cuisine that you've been admiring on Instagram, which is even more impressive than the filters can capture. While Vucciria is a popular food market, it has become a victim of its own success, attracting more tourists than locals. Opt for Ballarò instead, which is just as fulfilling and easier to navigate. It's conveniently located near the train station and offers a bustling atmosphere with fresh fish.
During your stay in Palermo, it's essential to try pani câ meusa, a street food consisting of soft, sesame-flavored bread filled with veal and ricotta. Make sure to buy it from a vendor on your way to the hotel and resist the temptation to have seconds. Take some time to relax and prepare yourself for an unexpected experience.
Sicily has a rich history, although not all of it's pleasant. One example is the Capuchin Catacombs, which houses the world's largest collection of mummies. It may sound eerie, but it's definitely worth the € 3,00 entrance fee to witness the intertwining of life, death, and faith in such a unique way.
Despite this slightly unsettling visit, Palermo's inherent allure will soon make you hungry again. For dinner, head to Ristorante Pizzeria 131, which may seem like a casual name but exudes a refined elegance that perfectly represents Sicily. While they have more than just pizza on the menu, indulge in the sfincione bagherese to savor the authentic flavors of the region.
Saturday
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In spite of our love for sleeping in during vacations, this particular vacation is deserving of an early rise. Having already familiarized yourself with Palermo, it's time to venture beyond the city limits and discover the unique experience that Sicily has to offer: a blend of old-world charm, breathtaking views, and, of course, delectable seafood. Although the concept may appear outdated in this era of ridesharing, renting a car from Europcar remains the most efficient means of transportation.
Mondello, situated just a 10-minute drive along the coastline, presents its white-sand beaches that are so captivating they would be worth visiting even if they were located on the opposite side of the island. At L'angolo di Mondello, indulge in a delightful lunch featuring their renowned sardine meatballs (which are not as intimidating as they may sound!) and mussel soup. There's nothing quite like leisurely lounging after a satisfying meal in Sicily, savoring a glass of wine. However, be mindful not to linger for too long – Corleone is beckoning.
The name Corleone may ring a bell, as it's nestled among the mountains an hour south. This quaint town holds an ancestral connection to one of Sicily's infamous mafia families. Fear not, though, as Corleone, with its population of less than 12,000, also boasts the intriguing Mafia and Anti-Mafia Museum. This museum doesn't require one to be a fan of "The Godfather" or "Goodfellas" to appreciate. What sets it apart is that all the guides are locals who share their personal experiences and insights with visitors, providing a genuine understanding of the Mafia.
After gaining knowledge that goes beyond what even the finest Martin Scorsese film could teach, savor a delicious meal amidst the starlit sky at Gennaro, before embarking on a scenic drive back to your hotel.
Sunday
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The final day of a trip always poses a dilemma: should one exhaust themselves by completing a checklist or begin mentally preparing for the journey home? In Sicily, it's advisable to choose the latter, considering the logistical challenges of checking out of the hotel and catching a flight.
However, there is no need to feel too disheartened, as there are still ample gastronomic delights to be savored. One delicacy not to be missed is the arancina bomba, a deep-fried rice ball filled with various savory ingredients substantial enough to serve as a meal on its own.
Although you may not feel hungry for quite some time after consuming this treat, those with a fondness for sweets will regret not indulging in cassata. This delectable dessert consists of a sponge cake infused with fruit juice and/or liqueur, layered with candied fruit and ricotta.
No one relishes the inevitable journey to the airport at the conclusion of a vacation; however, at least you can console yourself with the knowledge that you will be concluding your trip on a delectable and memorable note.
Where to stay
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The Massimo Plaza Hotel stands out among centrally located hotels. Positioned just steps away from the Teatro Massimo opera house, it also offers the convenience of a brief 10-minute walk to the renowned Palermo Cathedral. This magnificent cathedral, much like Sicily, truly lives up to its outstanding reputation.
Easier airport parking starts here: ParkingNearAirports.io!
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You might be surprised about this fact because most people are confident that on-site parking is the best choice when you're traveling by air. But, actually, it's not true, and we'll explain why.
People who prefer to get to the airport by car think that it's the most convenient option since on-site parking is the nearest place to the airport where it's possible to park a vehicle safely for the period of a trip. However, they make a huge mistake, as there is a big chance to face many following difficulties:
- You will need to find a spot in a crowded lot,
- You will need to carry the luggage all the way through the parking lot,
- You must pay expensive fees without great service, and much more.
Sounds not so good, right? But there is one great solution in this situation – an off-site parking option!
The off-site parking service has many advantages, which will definitely convince you to change your choice during the next trip:
- First of all, it's much cheaper. On-site parking can become too costly for you, as the price for such a parking type might equal half the value of the whole trip. The cost of the off-site parking, in turn, will be not so high, offering alongside free shuttles going back and forth between the parking lot and the airport.
- Secondly, it's much faster. By choosing an on-site parking option, you'll be needed to find a free spot in a crowded lot, which takes a lot of time. However, by selecting an off-site parking option, you'll be able to drive directly to the entrance, where staff members will help you to pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle, as well as park your car securely for you. Finally, a free shuttle will bring you and your bags to the airport.
- Thirdly, it's much more convenient. No more worries about being late to the airport and your flight – the off-site parking is a hassle-free option that is usually faster. Since you use the services of a private company, people want to be sure you're satisfied with the quality and comfort of the services provided, so you don't need to wrack your brain about the quick path to the airport anymore.
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As for the companies that provide the best off-site parking services, we've prepared an ideal option for you. Our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, built excellent relationships with many parking lot operators to leave customers satisfied and their cars – safe. Furthermore, it doesn't matter what the airport you're flying from is – on our easy-to-navigate website, https://parkingnearairports.io/, you'll find the best deals for all the major airports and cruise ports in the United States and Canada.
To understand it better, we can give you an example. Let's imagine that you live in Nashville, Tennessee, USA and plan to visit Sicily, Italy. Then, you can use the services of affordable BNA valet parking. If you're flying from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the situation is the same – choose cheap parking near PIT Airport. So, as you can understand, everything works simply.
By the way, on our website, you can find all the required information about the advantages of off-site parking, domestic airport parking charges, and others. So travel profitably and enjoy your following trip together with us!
