Belle Arti - Case Vacanza

These apartments are in Palermo’s historic center, between the Capo market and the cathedral, right at the edge of the limited traffic zone. That makes it handy if you have a car and want to look for street parking nearby. The two-room layout includes a double bedroom with a TV, a living room and kitchenette, a fridge, air conditioning and heating, a small balcony, and a full bathroom.

Parking took some luck. The entrance is down an alley, with street parking about 200 meters away and a busy lot around 100 meters from the door. Inside, the apartment was comfortable: a good-sized, nicely furnished room where everything worked, plus a spacious, clean bathroom. You can dry towels on the little balcony. Bring coffee, paper towels, and kitchen towels, and plan on buying toilet paper too, since there was only one roll and no paper towels. Teatro Massimo and central Palermo are both an easy walk away.

We came for the April 25th long weekend with family and a couple of friends. Marco, the owner, was particularly friendly and helpful. The rooms felt brand new, were clean and comfortable, and put us just steps from everything in the historic center.

The price didn’t feel right, and parking was absolutely impossible. The place is about 100 meters from the Capo market, surrounded by the lively everyday bustle of this picturesque, poor and very popular neighborhood. It’s very central in Palermo, and I’d suggest it only if you want to experience the city’s old working-class area, formerly the Judecca.