Share the article
Last updated
Did you have a nice summer? Well, it doesn’t have to be over yet!
September is a strange month. Some places still feel summery, while others are starting to see a complete fall transformation.
In other words, even though the kids are back to school and the vacation days are up, it’s still a good time to plan your next vacation.
One such place is the European icon of Italywhere you don’t have to feel forced to join the crowds in Rome, Venice or the Amalfi Coast to have a wonderful holiday.
Italy is chock full of hidden gems along the coast, but one Sicilian seaside resort might top them all off.
With warm blue waters in the fall, along with a wide variety of savory dishes, set your sights on Sicily’s capital Palermo for the ultimate fall escape.
The ‘Kingdom of the Sun: The literal hotspot of Italy
Some coastal towns may be beautiful, but they can also be a real sleeper.
While it’s great to relax and unwind, maybe catch up on a book you’ve been meaning to finish, at some point you’ll still want to see the sites.
Palermo, the capital, has plenty to discover both day and night. But the real draw this time of year is the impeccable weather.
While many travelers can’t wait to order a pumpkin brew and take fall photos until their thumbs hurt, the rest of us are still looking for sun and sand wherever we can find it.
Palermo is the right place. There’s no need to pack your wetsuit as the waters offer consistent summer feels through November.
Best of all, you also don’t have to pack extra clothes like you would in the summer, because it’s much more fun to explore the city without getting all your clothes sweaty, which is what the name ‘Kingdom of the Sun ‘ does honor to.
Summer highs can reach 98 degrees, while fall is much more bearable, ranging from the late 60s to mid 80s.
Tip: take a look Magaggiari beach for some, for the bluest waters and the best resorts.
Rich in history and beauty
Italy’s fascinating history and architecture are not exclusive to Rome, Florence and Venice. Palermo has an incredible amount fascinating sites.
Palermo proudly showcases their Arab roots through art, architecture and even local markets.
The area was under Arab rule for around 200 years and what remains are dazzling wonders, influenced by the Norman takeover in 1061.
Palermo Cathedral, the Palace of the Normans and the Capella Palatina, among others, have stood the test of time and now provide a great backdrop as you explore the city.
Let’s not forget that this is Italy, and not a country stuck in time from the Arab world.
The city is bustling with charming squares and in most of the city you will feel like you are in Italy.
Although you can certainly find places to appreciate their past, but centrally located Piazza Pretoria is without a doubt the most popular and attracts a large audience to the Fontana Pretoria masterpiece.
Wandering around the many squares is a must, and where there are squares, there must be pizzas!
Tip: If you want to delve deeper into the history of the region, you can visit the centuries-old Valley of the Temples site (UNESCO protected).
One of Italy’s most underrated foodie destinations
Beaches and seafood go hand in hand, and luckily you’re in the right place!
Sicily offers decadent dishes straight from the sea, perfectly paired with the region’s white wine.
One of the best places to enjoy the best of both worlds, where you can step off the beach and enjoy a nice meal Sferracavallo Beach.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong no matter what you order on the menu here, but you should start your day with a freshly brewed cappuccino in a delicious café.
From there, you have to have a pizza at some point, right? I mean, it is Italy after all!
Here Sicilian pizza is a little different from the traditional pizza you can eat in Rome or other cities.
Often fluffier and topped with sardines, locals and tourists alike agree that this is an odd bunch that works!
One of the most popular restaurants in Palermo to grab a slice is Tredicisettewhere a recent patron raved: ‘Very nice and tasty food. Cocktails were perfect, good amounts of alcohol and nice tasting’.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
