Hotels Palermo
Geography of Palermo
    
Palermo extends on a fertile plain called the Conca d'Oro (Golden Horn), along
a bay between the Pellegrino Mount and Capo Zafferano, the latter being a headland
separating Palermo's bay from that of Termini Imerese. Bathed by the Tyrrenian
Sea, the coastline has plenty of lovely swimming spots that are crowded in summer
months.
The climate here is typically Mediterranean, with hot but not torrid summers,
short mild winters, and moderate rainfall from October to March. The annual average
of clear days is: 98 in Palermo; 110 in Messina; 130 in Taormina; and 133 in Syracuse.
The annual average temperature along the coast is between 17C and 18.7C; July
is the hottest month.
The olive-tree and the vine were introduced in ancient times (from the Near
East), as were the almond tree, the pistachio, the pomegranate and the hazel
(imported from Campania).
Other species imported from the East include the carob, the sumac, the palm
tree (though its fruit rarely ripens), the mulberry, the lemon tree and the
bitter orange. The sweet orange (Portogallo) was brought from China by the Portuguese
in the 16th century, while the tangerine was imported from Madura (Sonda) about
two centuries ago. The Holm oak is especially widespread at altitudes between
300m and 600m, and cork woods are also present.
Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain. To the ancient
Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, god of fire, and the home of the
one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. At approximately 3,350m, it is Europe's
highest active volcano. The height of its summit changes with each eruption,
and over the centuries a few lava flows have reached the coast.
Over 1,200 square metres of Etna's surface is covered with solidified lava.
Etna offers skiing in the winter months and breathtaking hikes in the woods
during the summer. There are also a number of smaller peaks on the slopes of
Etna, and some interesting caverns.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Cristal Palace | | Holiday Inn Palermo | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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