As the former capital of the Kingdom of Sicily, Palermo has long been regarded as one of the most important and dynamic cities in the Mediterranean. The Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Greeks, Arabs and Normans all left their mark on the city making it a fascinating place to discover. And with United Airlines announcement of a new direct flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Palermo starting May 20, 2020 (the only daily nonstop flight from the US to Sicily) there’s even more reason to explore this vibrant city.

Day 1

First things first: breakfast! Make like the locals and keep cool with a granita and brioche. It may seem like an unlikely morning meal, but Sicilians swear by this icy treat which sees fruits and nut pastes churned into a frozen sweet similar to gelato. One of the best places to enjoy this treat in the city is the inconspicuous Caffetteria del Corso, where friendly owner Pino makes a handful of flavors from scratch on a daily basis. Topped with freshly whipped cream, they are an indulgent and refreshing way to start your day.