opinions about Bagheria and Villa Palagonia?
 

I will only be in Palermo for a few days. Aside from Palazzo dei Normanni/Palatine Chapel and Monreale, are Bagheria and Villa Palagonia must-sees? It sounds like a pretty intriguing area. Can one wander around town once there or do you need a car or bus to get around Bagheria? THANKS!

Some friends who live in Palermo took us to a great restaurant in Bagheria, I believe it was called Don Ciccio's. If you click on my screen name you will find my trip report for Sicily with the exact address and everything.

Dear AP6380,

Did you get to explore the villas in Bagheria? What did you think of the town itself?

I personally found Villa Palagonia very interesting to visit, but I must state impartially that you should not go there at the expense of Palermo proper. Only after you've immersed yourself in Palermo and Monreale should you consider venturing out to Villa Palagonia and the Roman Ruins of Solunto, next door to Bagheria.

The hourly AST bus from Palermo to Porticello (it runs along Via Roma to the Central Train Station, then beyond) stops in the square in front of Villa Palagonia, and is therefore much more convenient than the train, which stops nearly 2 kilometers away. The bus ride is long (1 hour), but fairly interesting and scenic. There are a couple of other villas in Bagheria, but they may not be open to the public except upon prior arrangement. Villa Palagonia itself is very, very run down, marvellous in its splendid state of decay and ruin. BTW, the coastline of nearby Capo Zafferano is very beautiful, as is the site of Solunto, on the hill overlooking the sea.

Last month, I stayed at Porticello for one week. There are hourly trains from Palermo (takes 1/2 hour)stop at S.Flavia. I have enjoyed visiting Solunto (a short walk from train station) more than Bagheria. Besides,Porticello is an nice fishing village too.

I would suggest visiting Cefalu (1 hour train from Palermo)if your time is limited,much more interesting.

I was only there after dark for dinner. We did a "drive by" of one of the villas, that's about it!