Palermo Cathedral entrance

It would be fair to say that when you think of three cities that you must visit, it’s doubtful that Catania, Palermo and Naples immediately come to mind? However they are each cities with enormous character and personality. Each enjoys a reputation of being dark, dirty, unruly and not safe.

The words of warning are appropriate but so are the reasons to visit!

We took the opportunity to visit all three on our last trip to Italy.

While we had visited Palermo twice before, we had steered clear of Catania and Naples previously, due to the general commentary around safety. So  as I said, on our last visit to Italy we decided to visit both Catania and Naples as well as revisiting Palermo. Infact, we enjoyed each of them so much that we made a return trip to Catania while we were in Sicily and extended our stay in Naples. We also wished we’d allowed a little more time for Palermo.

Each of these cities have their own personalities. Catania influenced by the backdrop of Mt Etna, Palermo by North Africa and Naples by its seemingly shabby unloved look. Each have similarities that go beyond the negative connotations that I opened with. For starters, there is centuries of history, stunning architecture and distinctive food.

Another is that each city grows on you. When you arrive you feel apprehensive after all you’ve read  so much about these places; “Will I be carjacked?”, “Where is safe to walk?” “Would it to better to visit somewhere else?” Quickly you realize that you need to take the sensible precautions you take in any city, be aware, ask your hotel where you should and shouldn’t go etc. In our case, the nearest we got to trouble in Catania was seeing a spray painted wall referencing the Ultras as we walked from the bus station to our hotel in the early evening. We were also glad we took the advice from a taxi driver to not walk from the Opera Theatre in Palermo to the Capuchin Monks (Visiting the Capuchin Monks in Palermo is definitely one of the most unusual experiences, I’ve ever had!).  It was also suggested to us not to wander around the Naples railway station in the evening. So the message is, be sensible.

For a little of our experiences, I have attached links to my posts on each of these wonderful cities. I hope you take the time to read them and if you get the chance – just  GO!

Palermo – take it slowly It can be quite confronting at first glance.  Take it slowly and enjoy the rhythm. At the ‘Paris end”, there are some of the world’s best brands, in the older part of the city there is street food that rivals anywhere in the world and a North African influence that gives the city a unique feel.

Palermo – North African influence

Catania  – Does it really deserve the bad press and Walking the Streets of Catania. It’s architecture is special, the black volcanic stone makes it quite dour and distinctive all the same, and the fish market something to behold!

Fish market – Catania

Naples – It’s the Pizza, well there’s actually a lot more, but the pizza is the best you’ll ever eat!! Take the funicular, enjoy the view to Mt Vesuvius, stroll along the coast and gaze across the bay, walk through the castles, go to the galleries and enjoy the pizza!

Naples – harbour across to Mt Vesuvius