Palermo - History, Culture, Architecture and Gastronomy

With the Mediterranean warm sun still shining in Palermo in early October, Huw from Just Sicily enjoyed an unexpected 4-day visit to this charming Sicilian city. The primary mission was to train our reservation staff on a new system, but Palermo is a delightful place to combine work and leisure.

Savouring October in Sicily:

Palermo in October is a hidden treasure for visitors, ideal for a long weekend or a few days sightseeing before combining with a relaxing hotel holiday. The average temperature is in the late 20s during the day with sunny skies but the nights are cooler, making it an ideal time to explore without the summer heat. Additionally, there's a noticeable decrease in the tourist crowds, although the city is still alive with Sicilian life, history, culture and gastronomy. Low season also offers visitors more affordable flights and accommodations!

A Taste of Notarbatolo:

The city centre of Palermo offers a wide range of historical points of interest such as the cathedral, Palace of the Normans, Massimo theatre, Politeama theatre and Pretoria Square. However on this occasion, Huw stayed in the vibrant Notarbatolo neighbourhood, conveniently located near the Just Sicily office. During the evenings, Notarbatolo bursts into life, mirroring the vivacity of the centre of Palermo. Locals, after a day's work, fill the streets and head to the charming café bars offering the beloved traditional Italian 'aperitivo' to stimulate the appetite!

A Night to Remember:

One evening, Huw found himself perched at a corner bar ‘Treska’ https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCEG5J8R3GECdBmi6?g_st=iw that is legendary among the locals for its tantalizing antipasti. The enticing selection included deep-fried chickpeas, mouthwatering slices of pizza with fresh aubergine, homemade potato croquettes oozing with cheese, and a myriad of other delights that paired beautifully with an Aperol Spritz or a crisp local white wine.

Dining Delights Await:

The local recommendation was none other than the renowned Archestrato di Gela, a hidden gem in this corner of Palermo. The website, http://www.archestratodigela.it/, had me intrigued even before I arrived. Surprisingly, there were plenty of tables, however before long 

it quickly became apparent that the popularity of this establishment was no secret. By 8pm every table was filled and it was clear that Archestrato was a place much loved by locals and visitors alike. Huw was captivated by the creativity of their designer pizzas, where each pizza felt like a work of art and was treated to an amazing Sicilian gastronomic experience and one of the best pizza’s in all of Sicily, a true reflection of the culinary traditions and innovations that define this region.

Huw’s experience of Notarbatolo, is just one area of Palermo, yet this city has a lot more to offer, both gastronomically and culturally.

Just Sicily have two Sicilian reservation staff, Aurora and Roberto, who will be happy to extend their personal recommendations to anyone wishing to stay in their wonderful city for either a short break or to combine with another area of Sicily.