Responsible travel is the best way to make sure your money supports the local economy and does not finance organized crime.
🛏 A selection of hotels, B&Bs and apartments in the ethic movement that have commited to not paying protection money to the mafia.
This guide includes:
🔍 An overview of how Palermo is laid out
📍An explanation of the main cultural and historic spots you can find in each district to make sure it suits your vibe
🛏 An interactive map with 8 accommodation options for all budgets in Palermo's historic center organized by district
✍️ My notes for each recommendation
🎁 BONUS! 2 extra recommendations in the countryside and at the beach for those who want to stay outside the city, but close to it
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The historic center of Palermo is divided into four large districts, called "mandamenti", that correspond with the four historic neighborhoods:
📍Albergheria-Palazzo Reale
📍Kalsa
📍Castellamare
📍Monte di Pietà
These districts emerge from the two main streets that cut through the city, Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda, which intersect at Quattro Canti, the central point of Palermo.
Albergheria-Palazzo Reale
📍 In this district you can find some of the best examples of Arab-Norman architecture, like the Palazzo Reale (Palazzo dei Normanni) with the astonishing Palatine Chapel and San Giovanni degli Eremiti church. Don't miss the vibrant open air market, the Mercato Ballarò.
[ENG] Sopra ("Upstairs") is the guest house run by this multicultural organization and restaurant Moltivolti. Double or triple rooms and great views of the city from the terrace. Breakfast included!
[ESP] Sopra ("Arriba") es el B&B que ha creado la organización multicultural Moltivolti. Habitaciones dobles o triples y magníficas vistas de la ciudad desde la terraza. Desayuno incluido.
[ENG] A unique opportunity to stay in a former 17th-century convent renovated with a contemporary taste. The original layout of the rooms has been maintained, like the monks' quarters with their characteristic vaulted roofs.
[ESP] Una oportunidad única de alojarse en un antiguo convento del siglo XVII renovado con un gusto contemporáneo. Se ha mantenido la distribución original de las habitaciones, tal y como eran las antiguas dependencias de los monjes con sus característicos techos abovedados.
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Kalsa
📍Also called the Arab quarter, it extends from the city center until the Foro Italico, the city's seafront promenade. In Kalsa you can admire beautiful churches as Martorana and Santa Caterina, see the traces of the bombings of the II WW or pass a fresh evening in the Botanic Garden.
[ENG] Colorful accommodation with spacious rooms decorated with artists' works. Close to the Botanical Garden and a stone's throw from the promenade.
[ESP] Alojamiento muy colorido con habitaciones amplias decoradas con obras de artistas. Cerca del Jardín Botánico y a un paso del paseo marítimo.
[ENG] A cozy B&B with elegant rooms with private bathroom. In addition, guests can use communal areas such as the living room or kitchen free of charge.
[ESP] Acogedor B&B con elegantes habitaciones con baño privado. Además, los huéspedes pueden utilizar gratuitamente zonas comunes como el salón o la cocina.
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Castellamare
📍 From the lively historical market of La Vucciria to the La Cala port, in this district you can also visit the Archeological Museum, the beautiful cloister of San Domenico and take long walks along Via Roma.
[ENG] Very centrally located accommodation with big rooms with original features. There is also a beautiful terrace and a kitchen for free use by guests.
[ESP] Alojamiento muy céntrico con grandes habitaciones con decoración original. También tiene una bonita terraza y una cocina de uso gratuito para los huéspedes.
[ENG] A two-story apartment in the heart of the Vucciria district. Beautiful decoration and views of the rooftops of Palermo from the terrace.
[ESP] Apartamento de dos plantas en el corazón del barrio de la Vucciria. Bonita decoración y vistas sobre los tejados de Palermo desde la terraza.
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Monte di Pietà
📍Apart from being the district where the Cathedral is, most of the charm of this district is due to the historic Capo Market, an open air market where you can try Sicilian specialities. Don't miss the chance to visit Teatro Massimo, the opera house.
[ENG] Located in a historic building with high ceilings and modern rooms. You can also try its famous breakfast with local produce.
[ESP] Situado en un edificio histórico de techos altos y habitaciones modernas. También puedes probar su famoso desayuno con productos locales.
[ENG] Comfortable rooms in a renovated building a few meters from the Teatro Massimo with a shared kitchen for guests.
[ESP] Cómodas habitaciones en un edificio renovado a pocos metros del Teatro Massimo con cocina compartida para los huéspedes.
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🎁 Bonus: Outside of Palermo
If you are looking for a more relaxed holiday outside the city, here you have two options in the countryside or by the sea, at around 30 min from Palermo by car.
[ENG] Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Sicilian countryside, with the option of having your own room or a private apartment. It offers vegan and organic meals in its own restaurant.
[ESP] Una estupenda opción para sumergirte en la tranquilidad de la Sicilia rural. Tienes la opción de tener o una habitación o un apartamento privado. Ofrece comidas veganas y ecológicas en su propio restaurante.
[ENG] A beachfront hotel with an outdoor pool in the summer months and a restaurant.
[ESP] Hotel en primera línea de playa con piscina al aire libre (en los meses de verano) y con restaurante.
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FYI: if you reserve any of the accommodation above through this app, Thatch sends creators a small commission after your stay.
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Want more?
Then my guide “Palermo for responsible travelers” is for you.
You can find lunch and dinner spots, cocktail bars and wineries, and local shopping recommendations. This way, you can confidently eat, drink, and shop while supporting the local community.
Guides for curious travelers who want to go deeper.
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🇮🇹 Ciao! I'm Maura, a Spaniard who fell in love with Palermo.
After traveling to Sicily every summer since 2017, living in the countryside of Syracuse for a few months and eventually working for a Sicilian winery, I decided to make Palermo my home.
🍝 As a Cultural manager with a background in Food Culture studies, my guides and services are always enriched by both perspectives, so expect tasty stories crafted to feed your mind and body.
I don't believe in the idea of "must-see places" (don’t you find it bossy?) or that traveling is about checking off a list of bullet points.
Instead, I advocate for intentional and responsible travel that prioritizes meaningful connections with a place and its people.
✨ If you are a curious traveler who wants to go deeper, then this is the place for you!
