TONNARA APARTMENT
Seaside, Palermo, Sicily
Sleeps 6, 95 sq. ft., air-conditioned; terrace, sea views
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A history of domination by a succession of Mediterranean powers has left the Sicilian people with a distinctly eclectic cuisine and richly varied architectural styles. Palermo has boulevards, ancient squares, open-air markets, churches, mosaics and proximity to the sea. The Tonnara Apartment is located right in a seaside village within the city limits of Palermo. Explore central Palermo (15 minutes by car) with its rich history, culture and cuisine from your home base above a small restaurant with good food and friendly service. Day trips are possible to Monreale, Cefalu', Agrigento, Segesta, Marsala, Erice, Trapani, Enna, Piazza Armerina, and a variety of beaches. Stroll around the harbor or relax on the beach next door. The apartment has sea views in the front and a nice terrace on the back. Grocery store, bar, bakery and restaurants are within walking distance, although you will need a car to explore Sicily. Palermo Airport is 25 minutes away.

The apartment, on the second floor of a building from the late 19th century, has been completely renovated into a loveable vacation apartment of about 95 sq. meters (approx. 900 sq. ft.), where it is possible to accommodate up to six people. There is a double living room with a sofa bed, a separate sofa and satellite-TV, as well as a dining area, fully-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, and a double bedroom with king-sized bed and en suite bathroom with tub. A second bedroom has a single bed downstairs and a loft over it with a double bed. There is also a double bedroom on a loft over one of the living rooms and a bathroom with a shower accessed from the hall. Because two of the bedrooms are lofts, they do not offer full privacy, and we do not recommend the lofts for anyone who has a problem with stairs.

The apartment is air-conditioned. In the back is a large terrace with tables, seats and an umbrella. The kitchen, dining area and living room face the sea and the coast of Palermo and an old charming tonnara building nearby where there is a very good restaurant and discothèque. Parking is on the street and it is recommended that you rent a car, but it is possible to stay at Tonnara without a car. There is a bus to the center of Palermo. Children under five are not permitted for safety reasons. The English-speaking owner will meet you on arrival. She teaches Art History at the Academy of Fine Arts and is a very special resource for information about the art and architecture of the area.

Arrival Day: Saturday
Minimum Stay: five nights
Price Range: $500-$2,500+/wk