Amazing Adventures.

February 2024

Let me start by saying this trip really surprised me. I am an island girl, and although I love Rome and Florence, If I had to choose where to return, I would choose to go back to Sicily. This was a trip my husband and I took during low season (Mid- February). Weather was great, a little bit windy in the evenings but when the sun was out it was warm enough that a light jacket should be good.  Sicily although it is an island, it is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. So, you would be unable to see all of Sicily in 3 days.

We decided to base our stay in Palermo and explore surrounding cities. We arrived at Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO). Now let me tell you that was the most stunning view when landing I have ever experienced.

How did we move around in Sicily?

We rented a car right there in the airport for the 3 days we were visiting (This is a MOST) public transportation is not as reliable as it is in Europe. We used a European car rental company .We recommend when renting a car in Sicily get the insurance full coverage they offer you will need it. I love you Italians but, Oh my! You must be an expert to be able to drive in Italy specially the area we stayed at Palermo, Sicily. PMO airport is about a 35–40-minute drive to the city of Palermo, depending on traffic and your driving skills. Ha!

Where did we stay?

We stayed at the hotel NH Palermo (Foro Italico Umberto I, 22/B, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy) in the Superior Room with a view and terrace. Wonderful view, rooms are remodeled and modern. Nothing beats watching the sunrise and sunset here.

What did our days look like?

Day 1– We checked in to the Hotel at around 1430 (2:30 pm). I was aware of the siesta time typically 1500-1900 (3-7 pm). Sicilians take this seriously, so we made sure to eat before boarding the plane. However we found a place called Fud Bocs within walking distance that was open selling food, because some are still open but only sell wine, drinks beers and antipasti. We walked to the Porto di Palermo to see the view, breath the fresh air close to the sea and watch friends, and couples drinking wine and talking for hours while appreciating the view.

Right by the Porto di Palermo was Fud Bocs where we decided to have a bite and a drink. I tried the Fisc Burgher and Fud Cips. Both were really good.

For dinner we decided to explore the center of the city of Palermo. Where I am not going to lie, driving in is insane. This will not be the last time you will read about it. We originally asked the hotel bartender for recommendations on where to eat pizza since that was what me and my husband were craving at the time. After a few recommendations we decided to wing it (just pick one and drive) we spent 35 minutes driving thru the same streets (very small by the way) and got lost looking for the one pizza place I had picked.

Now to have an idea how we felt at that moment, picture this – Its 2000 (8pm), pitch dark, in a country you do not know, speak little Italian, GPS signal is not the greatest, narrow streets, a abundance of people walking thru the streets as you are driving with no care in the world, and at this time you have passed by the same group of angry Italians arguing for a parking slot for the third time. That was the moment when my husband said either we stop at the first place we see, or we return to the hotel.  I was starving and determine to eat pizza, and right when I was about to give up and head back to the hotel, we found Pizzeria Frida at (Piazza Sant’Onofrio, 37/38 Palermo – Italia)

You can’t eat here just once. BEST PIZZA I HAVE EVER TRIED was at this place. We were lucky to find a table, we recommended to make reservations if you ever plan to visit.

The pizza that looks like a square was the best one we tried. It’s a Quadrii (Square shaped pizza) We ordered the Fuoco e fiamme (Crust has ricotta, spicy salami and peperonata, the center has tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, ‘nduja, peperoneta, sausage and grana.) The picture in the right was a tiramisu.

Day 2– Took a day trip to Agrigento Sicily to visit the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) We took the SS624 and SS115and enjoyed all the mountain views and the olive tree farms. It was about a 2- 2 ½ hour drive from Palermo.We purchased the entrance tickets there at the ticket office, it was about 12 Euros a person. It takes about 2-3 hours to walk the Valley and appreciate the ruins a little more if you stop to eat something or take breaks in between ruins. We got there around 1200 (12:00pm) and left around 1500 (3:00 pm). I believe it was a perfect time to visit, not crowed and weather was nice.

Valle dei Templi is an archeological site in Agrigento Sicily, it is one of the most preserved sites for the ancient Greek civilization. It is also an UNESCO World Heritage site.  To learn more, click on  https://www.parcovalledeitempli.it/

We drove back to Palermo but took a different route for a change of scenery. To drive back to Palermo, we took SS189 and SS121. Made it back to the Hotel at around 1700 (5:00 pm) and just relaxed an ordered some drinks in the lobby until it was time for dinner. We decided to visit Frida one las time since it was so good.

Day 3- It was time to return to Rome, but before leaving we decided to drive by Mondello, wich is only about 15-20 minutes from the city of Palermo. Its a more upscale area, with a beach, clear blue water, restaurants and bars sitting right in front of the beach.

This was a great place to see however I suggest visit Mondello during a warmer month. The water was cold still for un to swim. This is definitely on my list of summer travel destinations.

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Now until next time . Where to next? 📍🌎✈️