Palermo & Cefalu, Sicily, Italy · by Crackly

---

Sicily may as well be its own country. People here are Sicilian first and Italian second. They are fiercely proud of their culture, food and traditions. If you say to them that you love Sicily, thay arent the least surprised as they love it too. However, if you are after an experience that is unforgettable, head to Palermo, Sicily. **** Have you ever been in Italy in the summer months of June, July or August?? For those who have, including me, you will know that it is full of tourists. Places such as Florence, Rome, Venice and the Amalfi coast are just packed. Dont get me wrong, its impossible to not enjoy Italy, but there are a lot of people sharing the country with you!! Thats what great about Sicily. Yes, its still busier than usual in summer, but here you can beat the rush and actually do what you are supposed to on a holiday - relax!! ****What I loved about Palermo is the way of life seems so unchanged from centuries ago. You will find that Palermo is a mix of old cobblestone streets and buildings that look like they have been standing for hundreds of years. The one thing you simply must do in Palermo is walk. The streets are full of colour, there are markets, churches, town squares and everyone it seems, is riding a Vespa. The place has a buzz about it. And seeing the locals sitting on their balconies and kids riding their bicycles all over the place is a real experience. The food is magnificent. Try everything as the standard is exceptional. Like always, follow the locals and they will take you to the good places. **** I was on the Eurail and came down from Florence on the overnight train. The train backs onto a ferry that takes you to Sicily. Once at Messina, the first stop in Sicily, its a coastal ride all the way to Palermo Centrale station. At the station it pays to take time to stop at the tourist info shop and get your accomodation sorted. The office here is helpful and in Palermo, its a bit hard to find English speaking people. Grab your brochures and also book your departing train (if you know when you are leaving) because the queues move slowly. If you have that done, then you wont have to worry when you leave that only one ticket window is open, and your train is leaving!! People arent in a rush around here. Be nice to the train staff and they are nice to you!! **** I stayed at the youth hostel in Palermo (called Baia del Corallo - highly recommended) . I have to say the view from the room was spectacular. For 36 Euros , I stayed waterfront with a private dcek outside the room. From Palermo Centrale head to Tomasso Natale station, the walk about 1oo metres and jump on bus 628 to get there. This is where the tourists AREN'T. This is where you see men rowing into shore selling the 4 fish they caught the night before, this is where the Sicilian boys play cards under the shopfronts, this is where if you want to go shopping there is no supermarket. There is a shop for cakes, a shop for fruit and veg a shop for bread, a shop that sells only mozzerella cheese. Its like the old days. Going to the shops is an experience and pointing is very handy. No English spoken. **** Also if you get a chance, check out Cefalu. This is about a 45 minute train ride from Palermo. Its a beautful stretch of coast with a beach safe for swimming. Its packed in summer. (See photo). On Sicily there is so much culture, tradition and beauty. You can also see Mt. Etna (an active volcano), Catania, Syracuse(siracusa) or the absolute jewel of Sciacca on the south west of Sicily. For a great website visit http://www.bestofsicily.com I found this website excellent. **** The siesta in Sicily is officially 3 hours (1pm - 4pm) but it can go on for as long as the shop owner feels like. Stock up on supplies early in the day and dont be surprised if the siesta drags on for 4 hour sor more. They're a pretty laid back bunch!! 'Til next time Crackly. **** Blogs available on Andorra, Lichtenstein, Sloevnia and Zermatt, Switzerland****

---

Photos

View from our Accomodation
Fantastic view from the Youth Hostel. 36 Euros a night for a twin room and private balcony. Looking over the bay around to Capo Gallo.

Cefalu Beach
You really have to love the European beaches in summer!! The colour and the history. Cefalu is about 45 minutes by train from Palermo station.

Capo Gallo National Park -Sicily
If in Palermo, walk around the point to Capo Gallo N.P. The water is beautiful for swimming and diving.

Comments

[Alpan]

I foud beatiful house for rent here
I foud beatiful house in cefalu for rent here http://www.cefalurent.com

[Milazzo]

Good trip
Glad you had a nice trip. Interesting find at Tomasso Natale and thank you for sharing it with us. www.esplora.co.uk/