Visit Palermo: Instead of Lisbon

When people think about traveling to Europe, they often want to visit Lisbon because it’s pretty and full of life. But there’s another city that’s just as interesting as Lisbon, and it’s called Palermo in Italy. Palermo is a special place on the island of Sicily. It has a lot of history, different kinds of art and buildings, and really good food. It’s a great place to visit instead of the usual tourist spots like Lisbon.

The Heart of Sicily

Palermo is the main city on the island of Sicily. It’s a place full of stories. When you walk around, you can see and feel the history of all the different people who have lived there. There’s a big, old building called the Norman Palace that has beautiful art on the walls, and there are markets where people sell things and shout out to buyers. Palermo has lots of things to see, hear, and taste that make it exciting to visit.

Cultural Melting Pot

Palermo’s history is like a big mix of different cultures. People from places like the Arab countries, Northern Europe, and the old Byzantine Empire have all lived in Palermo and left their mark. You can see this mix when you look at the buildings, especially the big church called the Palermo Cathedral. It shows how the city has many different sides to its history.

Natural Beauty

Palermo isn’t just a city with pretty buildings and streets. It’s also the place to start exploring the beautiful nature of Sicily. Mondello Beach is a beautiful spot with blue water and soft sand where you can relax.

Mondello Beach, a peaceful place away from the busy city. The blue water and the soft sand was nice to walk on. When the sunset and the sky turned pink and orange, it felt like a perfect place.

Arriving in Palermo

• By Plane: Palermo’s airport is Falcone Borsellino (PMO). It’s a big airport with planes coming from many places. This means you can get to Palermo easily from lots of cities.
• By Boat: If you’re in Italy, you can take a boat to Palermo. It’s a fun trip because you can see the water and maybe even spot dolphins on the way!

Places to Stay

• Hotels: There are all kinds of hotels in Palermo. Some are very fancy with many things to do, and some are small and special, making you feel welcome.
• B&Bs: For a warm place to stay, try a bed and breakfast. You can get to know the people who live there and it feels like you’re at home.
• In the City: It’s smart to stay somewhere in the middle of the city. Then you can walk to lots of cool places and shops.

Moving Around

• Walking: You can see a lot in Palermo just by walking. Many pretty spots are close to each other.
• Buses and Trains: If you want to go further, there are buses and trains that can take you around.
• Bikes: You can also rent a bike. It’s a good way to move around, stop whenever you find something fun, and it helps keep the air clean.

Foods for vegetarians in Palermo

As a vegetarian due to my spiritual beliefs, I always find it exciting to find vegetarian food options during my travels. If you’re looking for good vegetarian food in Palermo, there are plenty of delicious choices. Here’s what I recommend:

• Veggie Dishes: You have to try the caponata, which is a mix of eggplant and other vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce. There’s also pasta alla norma, which is pasta with eggplant and a yummy tomato sauce.
• Street Food: For something quick, panelle and crocchè are perfect. They’re fried snacks made from chickpeas and potatoes.
• Pizza: Lots of places make vegetarian pizza with fresh vegetables and cheese on top.
• Eating Out: There are special places that only serve vegetarian and vegan food. They have all kinds of dishes, from soups to big plates of food.
• Desserts: For dessert, you can find ice cream without milk or cannoli with a vegan filling instead of ricotta cheese.

So, if you’re in Palermo and want vegetarian food, you’ll find many delicious options to enjoy!

Top 15 Things to Do in Palermo

Here’s a list of fun places to visit in Palermo:

1. The Big Church (Cathedral): It has a really old and pretty side with lots of designs.
2. The Old Palace (Norman Palace): It’s famous for its pretty wall pictures and long history.
3. Beautiful Chapel (Cappella Palatina): Inside the Old Palace, this chapel has amazing wall pictures and a cool ceiling.
4. La Martorana Church: This church has nice wall pictures and a fancy inside.
5. Museum of Old Things (Antonino Salinas Regional Archeological Museum): A place full of old stuff that tells you about Sicily’s history.
6. Underground Cemetery (Catacombe dei Cappuccini): A spooky place under the ground where you can learn about history.
7. Big Theater (Teatro Massimo): The biggest place for opera in Italy, where you can watch shows or look behind the scenes.
8. Art Palace (Palazzo Abatellis and Galleria Regionale della Sicilia): A house full of old art from Sicily.
9. Four Corners (Quattro Canti): A square with pretty fountains and statues where two main streets cross.
10. Red Dome Church (San Giovanni degli Eremiti): A church with red roofs and a peaceful garden.
11. San Cataldo Church: This church has three red roofs and is very old.
12. Santa Maria di Gesù Church: Another church with a lot of history and nice design.
13. Santo Spirito Church: An old church with a story that goes back to when the Normans came to Sicily.
14. Old House (Palazzo Chiaramonte): A building that used to be a house, then a court.
15. Big Garden (Foro Umberto I and the Botanic Garden): A nice place to relax and see plants and trees in the city.

These are some of the best spots in Palermo that show the city’s history and culture.

Tips for Travelers

• Getting There: The airport in Palermo, Falcone Borsellino (PMO), is easy to get to. Or you can take a boat from Italy and maybe see dolphins!
• Places to Stay: There are many hotels in Palermo. Some are big and fancy, and some are small and friendly. I stayed at a nice B&B where the owner told me stories about Palermo while we had breakfast.
• Exploring: It’s best to walk around the city. You can find hidden spots in the small streets. If you want a little adventure, you can rent a bike and ride around.
• When to Visit: The weather is nice in spring and fall, and it’s not too crowded. But if you want to go to the beach, summer is the time to enjoy the warm sun.

If you don’t like it when places are too busy and you want to save some money, spring, and fall might be the best times to visit. In the summer, there are lots of fun things to do outside, like concerts, but it can also mean more people and higher prices for hotels and flights. So, think about what kind of trip you want, and choose the best time for you.

---

Palermo is more than just another city to visit instead of Lisbon. It’s full of life, history, and lots of things to see, hear, and taste. The streets of Palermo are like a book, telling stories about kings and everyday people. It’s a place that asks you to come and find its secrets and try its tasty food. When you’re thinking about where to go in Europe, think about Palermo. It has many surprises waiting for you.

Go to Palermo and let it show you its beauty, just like Lisbon shows its beauty to so many people. Palermo is a place where you can have special experiences that you will remember even after you go back home.