I am an Italophile and go there to paint often, at least yearly, usually Rome or south (speak the language to get by), and plan to leave for Palermo and western Sicily in a week for 10 days to paint, primarily, but also to visit, etc. My college son said he heard Palermo is the most dangerous city, etc., etc., and is worried about me I won't be in Palermo proper, but outside Trapani (even more mafia central)but hey, as woman, I should feel pretty safe, right? Any thoughts, suggestions? I'm practicing saying "go away," already know "help."

Topping.

Anyone have info on whether Palermo dangerous for woman traveling alone?

Thanks,
Dee -- leaving this Friday.

Hi Dee,

I've been to Palermo alone for a few days, and personally, I never felt I was in any danger at all. In fact, all the shopkeepers were very friendly and welcoming towards me.

I, too, have heard about the dangers there, etc. and heed the warnings. But all in all, if my experience proves me right, you should be pretty safe. Just keep in mind that street smarts need to rule your time there.

Have a good time!

me too. was in Palermo fpr several days solo and had no problems- just used my common sense and bypassed darke alleys of there were no other people around.

sorry about my typing, which is a disaster as usual...

I spent a few days in Palermo solo 2 or 3 years ago. No problems, but then I was back in the hotel by dark. The only time I felt uncomfortable was when I was walking in broad daylight in the Kalsa (I think that's the quarter, too tired to pull out my map) around 2 in the afternoon. Absolutely nobody was around. Then a very unsavory looking man turned the corner and was heading toward me. I met his eyes briefly with that very ugly stare that I practice in the mirror for such encounters, and he stared at my purse as we passed. I'll never know for sure, but I think he probably would've parted that purse from me if it had been hanging off my shoulder instead of being worn across my torso.

DD (age 22) was there by herself a year ago and had no problems at all (well, guys tried to hit on her, but that's all over Italy and she knows how to swear in Italian, so it's not problem for her.) If you speak some Italian and are fairly streetwise, you'll have no trouble at all.

The poster is not going to Palermo. Just take normal precautions and you will be fine. Palermo itself is a great city but incidents do happen..take extra care if you go into the city.

Thanks, guys, that's what I hoped to hear. I've traveled alone a lot, though never there, and there are always a few moments, but... Now I can reassure son before I leave. (By the way, I know that kind of stare -- have it down too, and also wear everything around my waist -- acting crazy is also useful in a pinch, which comes pretty easiy to me).

Dee

whatever you do, don't say "cornuto" to a sicilian man.

Yeah, that crazy stuff can guarantee a wide berth real fast. Have a great trip, and I hope you'll post some thoughts on Tripani upon your return.