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Have a good summer? Well, it doesn’t have to be over!
September is an odd month. Some places still feel summery, while others begin to see a complete fall transformation.
In other words, despite the kids going back to school and vacation days being maxed out, it’s still a great time to plan your next getaway.
One such place is the European icon of Italy, where you shouldn’t feel forced to join the crowds in Rome, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast in order to have a splendid vacation.
Italy is brimming with hidden gems up and down the coast, but one Sicilian seaside town may top them off all.
Boasting warm blue water in autumn, along with a vast array of savory cuisine, set your sights for Sicily’s capital of Palermo for the ultimate fall escape.
The ‘Kingdom of the Sun: Italy’s Literal Hotspot
Some coastal towns may be pretty, but they can be a real snoozer.
While it’s great to chill out and unwind, maybe catch up on a book you’ve been meaning to finish, at some point, you’ll want to see the sites.
Palermo, being the capital, has plenty to discover both day and night. But the real draw this time of year is the immaculate weather.
While many travelers can’t wait to order a pumpkin concoction and snap fall photos until their thumbs are sore, the rest of us are still in search of sun and sand wherever we can find it.
Palermo is just the place. There’s no need to pack your wetsuit, as the waters offer a consistent summer feel through November.
Best of all, you won’t need to pack extra clothes either like you would in summer since exploring the city is much more enjoyable without sweat-staining all your clothes, living up to the name ‘Kingdom of the Sun’.
Summers can see highs of 98 degrees while fall is much more tolerable ranging anywhere from high 60’s to mid-80’s.
Tip: Check out Magaggiari Beach for some for the bluest waters and best resorts.
Rich In History And Beauty
Italy’s fascinating history and architecture aren’t exclusive to Rome, Florence, and Venice. Palermo boasts an incredible amount of captivating sites.
In fact, Palermo proudly showcases their Arabian roots through art, architecture, and even local markets.
Once under Arab rule for around 200 years, what remains are eye-popping marvels influenced by the Norman takeover in 1061.
The Palermo Cathedral, the Palace of the Normans, and the Capella Palatina, among others, have stood the test of time and now make for an amazing backdrop as you explore the city.
Let’s remember this is Italy, however, not a country stuck in time from the Arab world.
Brimming with charming piazzas, in most of the city you’ll feel as if you’re in Italy.
Although, you can definitely find places to appreciate their past, but centrally-located Piazza Pretoria is without a doubt the most popular, drawing a crowd to see the Fontana Pretoria masterpiece.
Roaming the numerous piazzas is a must, and where there’s piazzas, there’s gotta be pizzas!
Tip: To take a deeper dive in the region’s history, check out the ancient Valley of the Temples site (UNESCO-protected).
One Of Italy’s Most Underrated Foodie Destinations
Beaches and seafood go hand in hand, and lucky for you, you’re in the right spot!
Sicily offers decadent cuisine straight from the sea, paired perfectly with the region’s white wine.
One of the best places to enjoy the best of both worlds where you can step off the beach and enjoy a nice meal is Sferracavallo Beach.
To be honest, you can’t go wrong no matter what you order on the menu here, but you gotta start your day with a freshly brewed cappuccino at a delightful cafe.
From there, you gotta have a pizza at some point, right? I mean it’s Italy after all!
Here, Sicilian Pizza is a bit different than traditional pizza you may have in Rome or other cities.
Often fluffier and topped with sardines, locals and tourists agree it’s an odd couple that works!
One of the most popular Palermo restaurants to grab a slice is Tredicisette, where one recent patron raved, ‘Very lovely and tasty food. Cocktails were perfect, good amounts of alcohol and nice tasting’.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.