Palermo Travel Guide
The port city of Palermo is beautifully situated on a wide bay under the bulk of Monte Pellegrino, on the north coast of Sicily. Founded in 734 BC, it has enjoyed a position as one of the greatest cities of Europe, first under the Carthaginians and the Romans, and then under Arab and Norman domination in the Middle Ages. The legacy of its past is evident today in its treasure-trove of Byzantine, Baroque and Norman historic buildings, and relics in its many museums.
After years of post-war neglect and mafia corruption, Palermo is becoming an increasingly popular stop for tourists and many fall in love with the city's chaotic streets and faded glory. The rescue of Sicily's capital has been aided by European Union funds and the wane in Mafia influence. Its crumbling roads are being repaved and the historic landmarks are being restored.
The most famous sights include the Royal Palace, the seat of the Norman kings of Sicily, and the Cathedral of Monreale, which is one of the greatest surviving examples of Norman architecture in the world.
Today the pulse of the city beats fast and furious in its vibrant street markets, cobbled squares and narrow alleyways. Old, historic quarters like Kalsa are being restored and restaurants, galleries and cafes are opening to cater for the growing tourist trade. The historic wealth, and even the down-to-earth chaos of Palermo, make it an interesting Italian city and several days may be required to appreciate the sights before moving on to explore the rest of the island.
Things to do in Palermo
Getting Around
Palermo is served every weekday by a fleet of about 350 orange buses on more than 100 routes; day passes are generally the best value for money. Bus travel can be slow, especially as traffic congestion is common in Palermo. Hiring a car can be troublesome for the same reason and is only really worthwhile if used to explore the surrounding region. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Luckily, although Palermo is a fairly large city, most of the major tourist attractions are close together in the city centre and can be easily explored on foot.
Palermo Climate and Weather
Palermo has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In the winter months, between December and February, temperatures average between 50°F (10°C) and 60°F (16°C). Snow is rare but not impossible. In the summer months, between June and August, temperatures average between 67°F (19°C) and 83°F (28°C). Summer is the driest season, with very little rainfall, and winter is the wettest, with rainfall heaviest between October and February.
Italy travel info
Electricity
Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.
Money
The euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain euros through any bank, ATM or bureau de change. ATMs are widespread; credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends but tend to have better rates than foreign exchange houses.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Italy and 10 to 15 percent of the bill is acceptable in restaurants, unless a 15 percent service charge has already been added to the bill. Hotels add a service charge of 15 to 18 percent, but it is customary to tip the service staff extra. Italians rarely tip taxi drivers but a 5 to 10 percent tip is always appreciated.
Health
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy and visitors should be able to travel without special vaccinations and medications. Medical facilities in Italy are good but travel insurance is still recommended for non-EU citizens, as medical attention can be expensive. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), with UK citizens using their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC replaced the EHIC for UK citizens and allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Although it should be possible to get most medication in Italy, travel authorities always suggest taking any prescribed medication in its original packaging with a signed and dated letter from a doctor.
Safety
Tourists are vulnerable to pickpocketing in the bigger cities, particularly on public transport, in crowded areas and around tourist sites. It's advisable to be careful when carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. Travellers should be particularly careful around Termini, which is the main train station in Rome. Visitors should be wary of groups of children, some of whom will distract attention while the others try to steal what they can. Strikes by transport workers take place regularly throughout Italy and delays are possible.
Local customs
In Italy, it's an offence to sit on steps and in courtyards near public buildings, including the main churches in Florence; eating and drinking in the vicinity should also be avoided. Shorts, vests or any other immodest clothing should not be worn inside churches.
Doing business
Italians can be very formal and old fashioned, but are also warm and welcoming. Face to face communication is best and often a third party introduction can speed initial negotiations. Business attire is formal and stylish, and handshakes are the norm, with first impressions counting a lot in Italy. Business cards are used. Visiting business people should also expect plenty of gesticulating, interruptions or people talking over each other. Unfortunately the bureaucracy in Italy can slow down deal-making. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, but can vary according to season and region.
Duty free
Travellers over 17 years from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Nor do they have to pay duty on 4 litres of wine, 16 lires of beer or 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent volume, or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22 percent volume. Other goods up to the value of €430 are also permitted (reduced to €175 for children under 15).
Travellers from EU countries travelling within the EU are limited to 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, 10 litres of fortified wine, 10 litres of spirits and 1kg of tobacco, 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 400 cigarellos. Prohibited items include narcotic drugs, medicinal products, arms and weapons, explosives and protected animal and plant species.
Communications
The international access code for Italy is +39. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available; as international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Passport & Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All foreign passengers to Italy must also hold visible proof of financial means to support themselves while in the country, return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visitors may be refused entry, either for public security, tranquillity, order or health reasons. Extensions of stay in Italy are possible by applying to local authorities. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond their intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Italy.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Italy. No visa is required.
New Zealand citizens must have a passports valid for three months beyond period of intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Useful contacts
www.enit.it
112 (General Emergencies), 113 (Police), 118 (Ambulance)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Italian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 612 4400.
Italian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7312 2200.
Italian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 2401.
Italian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3333.
Italian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 423 000.
Italian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 1744.
Italian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 5339.
Embassies / consulates in Italy
United States Embassy, Rome: +39 06 46741.
British Embassy, Rome: +39 06 4220 0001/ 4220.
Canadian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 85444 2911.
Australian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 721.
South African Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 541.
Irish Embassy, Rome: +39 06 585 2381.
New Zealand Embassy, Rome: +39 06 853 7501.