early July 2016 travel to Palermo with wife and 3 teens. Renting car so can drive to Trabia and Prizzi to visit home of my grandparents. Would like to stay outside of crazy zones. would love to be able to walk for coffee, resturants and market.
Maybe staying in the Trabia area better. Can you recommend hotels.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6289 posts
We like the Hotel Ambasciatori in Palermo, on Via Roma. Very affordable (ask for Rick Steves rate) and convenient. It's a fairly easy walk from the train station, which is where the airport shuttle lets you off. There are cafes, restaurants, and markets in walking distance. Great staff, good breakfast, and a wonderful rooftop terrace where breakfast is served.
Posted by
Reston, VA, USA
809 posts
jabco, you have posted this question in the category "Best Walking Shoes" - I found it since I usually look in the All Topics listing, but you might want to edit your post to move it to the Italy section.
I have only been to eastern Sicily, so can't help with your specific question. But happy planning and have a wonderful trip; it's great that the teens will have a chance to see this family history!
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Are you planning on renting a car for the whole time? If yes, then do NOT stay in central Palermo!
If you decide on a couple of nights in Palermo, then you can start you car rental as you leave Palermo. Your visit to the area will be best done with a car, for the rest... as you've already figured.
Going in July, maybe consider a vacation rental near where the teens could go swimming/beaching. Try VRBO, Homeaway, booking,com, iha.com - use Google maps to look up where the listings are situated. I'd pick somewhere between Palermo and Trabia, off the SS113. Use public transportation to go sightseeing in Palermo itself (parking the car at a bus stop or train station on the way into Palermo - someone local could guide you on that).
Cefalù would also make a great daytrip or base for Trabia as well; especially if you would consider splitting your time.
Were you planning on visiting outside of the immediate Palermo area - i.e. to visit Selinunte? If so, then you can try to book a couple of days at an agriturismo near Prizzi or Contessa Entelina.