Palermo -- yes or no??
 

We are planning a trip to Italy in the summer and have thought about 2 days in Palermo. Does anyone have any thoughts yea or nay? <BR>Thanks jwg

We were there about a year ago and enjoyed Palermo very much ... assuming you are including other parts of Sicily in your trip count one vote for yea. However, it's a long trip for 2 days if this is the only time you'll spend in Sicily.

Palermo is a fantastic city. There is lots to see - I loved just walking around. Skip the catacombs if you're squeamish. But anna is right - Palermo is about a 12-hour trip from Naples.

We were on Sicily for eight nights as part of an extended trip in Italy. We spent three nights in Palermo and enjoyed it. We did a day trip to Erice and Trapani, and another to MontRoyale, which was beautiful. We enjoyed the city of Palermo itself, but not as much as our three nights in Taormina, our night in Siracusa, or our night in Agrigento. I agree with the above poster if you are planning on going to Sicily just for Palermo, I'd rethink it. But if you have a few more days to see more of Sicily, then definitely go for it.

Jan another great side trip from Palermo is Cefalu - about 30-40 minutes by car and really charming little place. The movie Cinema Paradiso was filmed here and the duomo is not to be missed.

I spent two weeks in Sicily last September. Just a recommendation re: Cefalu...There are a limited number of small hotels in town..would definitely make a reservation before you go. We did not have a reservation and it took a while to locate a place to stay. BTW it was very hot in Sicily during September..

Keep in mind that Cefalu Duomo is closed for restoration until some time 2002. Actually the most important part of the cathedral is closed. We couldn't see any mosaics and this was a reason why we stoped there. Like someone mentioned if you go to Sicily then Palermo should be one of the stops. We liked many things about Palermo but wouldn't go to Sicily just to visit Palermo. If I had to make a choice I would rather go to Agrigento for two days. Personally I wouldn't even think about going to Sicily for two days. So much to see.

Thanks to all of you for your input. Can't wait to go. jwg