Yacht Charter in Palermo

Six things you need to know before embarking on a yacht charter in Palermo!

1. Street food capital of Europe

In 2015, Palermo proudly reigned as Europe’s street food capital and it’s not surprising! Having been founded by the Phoceans and subsequently passing under Arab, Norman and other regimes, Sicilian cuisine is indeed unique. If you’re a fan of Greek, Arab, Spanish or French cuisine, you’ll happily enjoy your food experiences here. Be sure to try the ‘arancini’ rice balls, ‘gelato’ – Italy is the birthplace of this delicious ice-cream desert, and ‘cannoli’ – a shell-shaped biscuit stuffed with ricotta.

2. One of the most visited cities in Europe

If you’re looking for a reason to charter a yacht in Palermo, here it is: The city derives its name from the Greek work ‘Panoremus’ which means ‘always fit for landing in’ – most likely called-so because of its strategic location in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Palermo’s metropolitan area is Italy’s fifth most populated, boasting approximately 1.2 million people. The locals speak Italian as well as a ‘Palermitan’ dialect of the Sicilian language.

2. Rich history

The story of Palermo dates to the 8th century BC, when the Phoceans founded the city. Today, it is Palermo’s diverse architecture that betrays its tempestuous past. In the city centre you can admire the Massimo Theatre, the largest opera theatre in the country, and the Politeama Garibaldi Theatre, a great architectural work created for the leisure and entertainment of the local people. In Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you can visit the Palermo Cathedral, in 2015 recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On that note, did you know that the Sicily region has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in all of Italy? A yacht charter in Palermo is the perfect way to drift back in time and explore Italy’s past!

3. Like Paris, Palermo has catacombs too!

Explore the Capuchin Catacombs; an eerie labyrinth under the city of Palermo. Here you’ll walk amongst 8,000 bodies, each one dressed in the attire of their respective era. Some corpses are still perfectly preserved… ready to test yourself? See if you’ve got what it takes to spend a morning or afternoon in Palermo’s catacombs!

4. Palermo’s musical supergroup

What better way to connect with the local culture of Palermo than through music? Take yourself to a Teatro Ditirammu concert and enjoy an evening full of folk songs and entertainment. This family-run company consists of an ensemble of around 12 musicians and singers who create a thoroughly entertaining environment. Sit back, relax with a glass of Marsala wine and enjoy the night.

5. A holy mountain that sounds like a popular bottled-water brand

Monte Pellegrino (not to be mistaken with San Pellegrino water!), a 606-metre-high mountain, was once the home of the patron saint of Italy. Rosalia di Sinibaldo lived here during the 12th century. Legend has it that Saint Rosalia banished the plague from Palermo in 1624. Apart from this interesting story, the mountain offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

How to get to Palermo, Sicily?

You’ll be able to start off your yacht charter in Palermo with ease as Palermo International Airport is in the north-west of Sicily – nearby several ports and marinas. Cast off from Palermo, Castellammare del Golfo, Trapani or even Marsala. Low-cost airline, Ryanair, operates weekly flights between Palermo and several other European cities. If travelling from North America, it’s best to first fly via a European hub such as Paris, France.