Palermo

The capital of Sicily, the famous city of Palermo, seemingly rises against the dramatic backdrop of Monte Pellegrino on the island’s northern coast. Shaped by no less than nine major civilizations and powers across close to three millennia, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards, the city reflects its fascinating history openly, and its recent renaissance, which saw Palermo crowned as Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2018, helped re-establish its presence among the country’s most rewarding yachting destinations. Home to a varying skyline of Arab domes, Norman palaces and Baroque churches, the city is framed by the sea on one side and a lush valley on the other. The ideal charter destination for history, culture and gastronomy lovers, Palermo has so much to offer. The 12th-century Palermo Cathedral, a key example of the island’s distinctive Arab-Norman style, houses the royal tombs and offers panoramic rooftop views, while the Palazzo dei Normanni conceals the Cappella Palatina, its interior shimmering with Byzantine gold mosaics. The Teatro Massimo, Europe’s third-largest opera house, anchors the city’s cultural calendar and is a must-see. The food scene in Palermo is equally celebrated, with the historic Ballarò and Vucciria markets serving authentic Sicilian flavours and wines mere minutes from the waterfront. Ideally located on the island, Palermo is a great starting point for a longer charter, either around the island to Taormina, Syracuse and the volcanic Aeolian islands, north to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, or west towards Sardinia and Corsica.