Grand Hotel Villa Igiea

Palermo

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What can you say about an art nouveau villa that was designed by Ernesto Basile for the Florio family (of tuna and Marsala-wine fame)? This is Palermo's top hotel, located around 3km north of the city centre and with its own private beach, swimming pool, tennis court, spa centre, gym and restaurants. The rooms are predictably elegant, with blissful beds and palatial bathrooms.

While the hotel is tricky to reach without a car/private chauffeur/taxi, it does offer a free shuttle-bus service to central Palermo from mid-April to mid-September.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • MONREALE, SICILY, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 28, 2018: Cloister of Roman Catholic Cathedral of Monreale (or Duomo di Monreale, 1267) near Palermo; one of the greatest extant examples of Norman architecture.; Cattedrale di Monreale Shutterstock ID 1421721263; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

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    Inspired by a vision of the Virgin and determined to outdo his grandfather Roger II, who was responsible for the cathedral in Cefalù and the Cappella…

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    Home to Sicily's regional parliament, this venerable palace dates back to the 9th century. However, it owes its current look (and name) to a major Norman…

  • Cattedrale di Vergine Assunta.

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  • Teatro Massimo at night.

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  • Small snail-like creatures for sale at Ballaro market.

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