Abuzzing confluence of cultures and colours, the vibrancy of Palermo dazzles travellers of all ages. Easily reached from Villa Igiea, the streets and squares of the city offer ancient architecture, enthralling shows and charming museums.
Further out, white sand beaches and quaint fishing villages wait to be explored. Read on for our family-friendly recommendations or let our Concierge curate an itinerary tailored to your wishes.
Orto Botanico
Covering some 100,000 square metres, Palermo’s botanical gardens are not only scenic, serene and safe, but offer more than enough space for children to burn off any excess energy. Wander the palm grove, pick oranges in the orchard, spot foreign flora in the greenhouse and identify medical plants in the flowerbeds. During your visit, be sure to stop at the central pond, where children can spot lazy turtles sunbathing amidst the waterlilies.
Mondello
Escape the hubbub of the historic centre and let us arrange a transfer to the former fishing village, Modello, easily reached from the city. Enjoy a day of relaxation, paddling, swimming and sand-castle making on its idyllic white sand beaches, with public and private stretches available, and enjoy al fresco dining at one of many waterside restaurants before a tasty ice-cream topped brioche.
Museo Internazionale delle Marionette
Family-run businesses that honour the art of centuries-old crafts flourish in Sicily, as evidenced at this whimsical museum-meets-puppet theatre. Join generations of artisans in their workshop amidst 4000 colourful marionettes, puppets, glove puppets and shadow figures bound to fascinate your little ones. Together, witness the masters at work bringing puppets to life from scratch or enjoy a show in the charming theatre to a soundtrack of hand-cranked music machines.
Santa Cita
Renowned for its 17th century stuccos, which depict the ‘Joyful mysteries’, the ‘Painful mysteries’ and the ‘Glorious mysteries’, the Baroque Oratory of the Rosary of Santa Cita is both ornate and awe-inspiring. Pick up a brochure or audio guide to discover the stories behind them and see if your little ones can point out the corresponding scenes around the walls.
Museo del Giocattolo (Petro Piraino)
A historically significant collection, Palermo’s toy and waxwork museum is set in a striking palazzo and showcases hundreds of valuable playthings from across Europe and spanning a century. From vintage train sets to quaint rocking horses to refined doll houses furnished in fine fabrics, there’s plenty to keep children’s attention, and even a small collection of waxworks.
Our Concierge at Villa Igiea is delighted to help curate childrens' itineraries, call us on +39 0632888590 or email reservations.villaigiea@roccofortehotels.com.
Vivacious, glamorous, powerful. Few figures encapsulate the effortless grandeur of the Belle Époque quite like Donna Franca, our Sicilian muse. Famed for her petite frame, thick dark hair and an exquisite fashion sense that has endured for over a century, Franca was the epitome of an era that placed beauty and high fashion at its forefront.
The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
In a time when beauty shaped every facet of life — from the curve of a staircase to the vivid bloom of a painted iris — Italy’s Stile Liberty captured the optimism of a new century. Across Europe in the late 19th century, the Belle Époque blurred the line between art and the everyday, celebrating craftsmanship, elegance, and expressive freedom. Now, a new cultural itinerary, From Mucha to Florio, traces that movement between Hotel de la Ville in Rome and Villa Igiea in Palermo, two different cities, two glorious expressions of the same artistic impulse.
