Although Palermo isn’t among the world’s earliest cities, it does have a storied past reaching back through time more than 2,700 years. Phoenician traders were the first to arrive at the stunningly scenic inlet on the northwest coast of present-day Sicily. A promontory extends seaward and has been described as the most beautiful in the world, and it’s not an exaggeration. Cruising in Palermo waters is your first exposure to the incredible beauty of the region. The port was strategically important to the many seafaring nations that occupied it because of its central location, allowing access to North Africa, France, Italy, Turkey, and Greece. The ancient Greeks called the inlet Panormus, meaning All Port. Over the centuries grand cathedrals, palaces, monuments, public squares, and parks were built within the embrace of the surrounding mountains. As the capital of Sicily, Palermo is a magnificent city well worth taking the time to explore.
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No moorings or yacht anchorage is available in this busy port. The Moorings base in Palermo is a modern, full-service marina with all amenities.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
The attractions of Palermo are extensive. You could literally spend three or four days exploring the city and not see everything. Not to be missed is the Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel), in the Palazzo del Normanni, where you can admire some of the most beautiful mosaics in the world. They focus on Biblical scenes. The church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiragilo is a Norman-style building constructed in 1142, just one of many historic edifices you’ll find all over the city. The Regional Archaeology Museum provides a detailed look at the history of the city and the region and contains exhibits of prehistoric art. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the displays in the International Marionettes Museum. It includes roughly 3,500 puppets, marionettes, and hand puppets from all over the globe. The Sicilian Regional Gallery has a wide variety of paintings dating back to 1000 A.D. And, of course, Palermo is a lively city for nightlife with all kinds of nightclubs featuring live music and dancing. Some of the best restaurants in Italy are in Palermo and shouldn’t be missed. Five-star hotels offer accommodations in complete luxury.
All facilities for yachts are available. All services for travelers are available, including car rentals, taxicabs, banking, and high-speed Internet access.
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