Mondello is a popular destination with the holiday makers of nearby Palermo. With an elaborate pier and Baroque lodges, the town has long been a trendy and relaxing haven for the affluent urban dwellers of Sicily. Join Palermitani locals and embrace the cheerful atmosphere along the beach.
Enjoy the hot, dry summers by sunbathing on a long stretch of sand. Snap photos of the jagged coastline and the sparkling, blue-green sea. Note that many of the beaches that line the coast here are private, charging for deck chairs and umbrellas. You can also find public beaches, with an array of water sports options. Arrive early at these busy beaches to see the sublime sunrise and miss the crowds.
Get changed in one of the traditional, colourful cabins lining the wooden platforms of the beaches. Rent a paddle boat to take out on the water and go for a swim to cool down after sunbathing. Most beaches here are patrolled by lifeguards. Purchase jewellery, refreshments and clothing items from vendors along the beach.
Wander along the coastal strand in winter, which is generally mild, with little rain. Gaze up at the picturesque mountains that dwarf the beaches. Gather at the central beachside piazza and inspect the small fishing boats in the harbour. The town’s emblem is the art nouveau Charleston building on the pier. Dine on seafood here with a backdrop of the Mediterranean.
The town initially consisted of malaria-ridden marshes. Admire the impressive improvement, after affluent 19th-century Palermitanis bought stunning Liberty-style villas.
Find the resort area in the northern outskirts of Palermo in northwestern Sicily. Arrive at the Falcone Borsellino Airport and drive east for 14 miles (22 kilometres), which should take about 20 minutes. You can also take a bus from the heart of Palermo to this district.
With its many beaches and upbeat ambiance, Mondello serves as an idyllic break.
