What to see outside of Palermo?

If you looking for something to see and do then we strongly recommend Monreale. So many people miss this fantastic place as most have not heard of it before. If architecture is your thing then a visit to the cathedral is an absolute must. The exterior is imposing, balancing on a hillside at the bottom of the little town. If the exterior impresses you then the interior will take your breathe away. It has a stunning interior with almost every surface ornately decorated, in deep blue, gold and other colours of a mosaic, depicting the main stories of the Old and New Testaments.

Once you have finished in the cathedral be sure to visit the cloisters, where each pillar is unique, and wander the streets for the magnificent views of Palermo and its bay. For an even better view of the area then you can even climb up the steps to the cathedral roof - if you are brave enough. To escape the ferocity of the mid day sun you can visit one of several bars and tavernas, and a few interesting shops. If you’re here in the evening when most of the tourists have left you’ll find it a friendly unpretentious town in which to experience a sense of the real Sicily. And if you’d like to read more about this great little town, do visit my Monreale page.