Solo Adventures in Malta & Sicily
Hotels I stayed In
On my solo adventure to Malta and Sicily, I tried a new way of booking hotels – and I like it!! I used Booking.com which made everything so easy. I was very pleased with all my chosen hotels. In fact, I even went and looked at some of the “second choices” I’d considered, and in every case I realised – rather smugly – that I’d picked the right one.
Stop 1: Valletta, Malta – Grand Harbour Hotel
I flew into Malta from London, and treated myself to a taxi from the airport to The Grand Harbour Hotel in Valletta, Why this hotel? It was in my price range, had gorgeous views over the Grand Harbour, and most importantly – the taxi could pull up right at the front door. A lot of hotels in Valletta involve wrestling your suitcase up, or down, flights of steep, uneven stone steps. Romantic when you’re in a painting. Not so much when you’re the one puffing and dragging luggage, its just……complicated.
Once I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by the lovely staff, checked in, then whisked up to level 6 in the lift – the views did not disappoint, I was mesmerised, I could see across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities, past the Saluting Battery, and in the other direction, out to sea. They were setting up for Regatta Day, so there was lots of activity out there. The roof top terrace was up one flight of stairs from my room, with even better views than from my room!
Time tear myself away from the views to go out exploring Valletta. Leaving the hotel is not for the faint hearted – you have a choice of steep long uneven steps, or steeper and longer uneven steps to get up to Valletta, or a short downhill through Victoria Gates to harbour. No matter which choice you make, once you get there, there is so much to explore, just don’t forget anything, you don’t want to have to go back to the hotel for it!!
The Grand Harbour Hotel was a fantastic place to call home for my 10 days in Malta, comfortable bed, great shower, there was a desk so I could catch up on some work, the only negative was the marble floor, it was freezing to put your feet down when you get out of bed, there were no slippers so I kept a pair of socks handy, or stepped straight into my sneakers. Breakfast was served in the dining room, both hot and Continental was available, fruit, juices, tea and coffee. All delicious, so it was easy to get fuelled up for the day – and I would usually take another coffee back up to my room to drink while I got ready for the day.
There is a bar downstairs, so after a hard day exploring I would collect a glass of wine in the evening, go up to the roof top terrace at the end of the day and sip my wine while watching over the Grand Harbour.
The hotel staff were very helpful with directions and restaurant recommendations, and organising my taxi at 5am (urrrgggghhh!!) to get me to the ferry when I was leaving Malta to continue my solo adventure in Sicily.
Stop 2: Syracuse, Sicily – Hotel Piccolo Casa Mia
I found out on the ferry from Valletta to Pozzallo in Sicily, if they booked the taxi for you to get from the ferry port up to Pozzallo station, it costs less than half what the rip-off taxi companies in Pozzallo want to charge!! So, I booked with them and sent a message to cancel my expensive booking. It is a tight turn around getting from the ferry to the station, if you miss the train, the next one is not for 6 hours. It is in the interests of the Pozzallo taxi companies to make sure you miss the train, because you are then likely to fork out for them to drive you to Syracuse rather than wait 6 hours for the next train, whereas it is in the interests of the taxi the ferry staff booked to get you to the train on time, so the ferry staff keep booking you. If you wanted to go to Syracuse or Catania, or wherever you are going by taxi, the ferry staff can help you with that too.
After a short relaxing train trip to Syracuse, I headed off in search of my hotel. For my 3 nights in Syracuse I chose to stay at Hotel Piccolo Casa Mia, a small boutique hotel, walking distance from the train station. It would have been nice to stay on Ortigia Island, but it was further to wheel my luggage, and only a short walk from the hotel anyway, which was also handy for exploring in the other direction, up the coast and to the Archaeological Park. After leaving Valletta so early, it was only about 10am when I arrived at Hotel Piccolo Casa Mia and my room wasn’t ready, so I was able to leave my luggage with them and go out to see what happens in Syracuse.
It turns out, quite a lot happens in Syracuse!! Across the bridge to Ortigia, there were markets, a bustling fish market, forts, castles and importantly, nice places to get a coffee and something to eat.
I got back to the hotel in the early afternoon, my room was lovely, again with the scary cold marble floor and no slippers – must remember to take my own slippers, hotels in northern Italy all provide them, but it is clearly not a Sicilian or Maltese thing! I had sun streaming in my windows that looked over the courtyard, it was nice and quiet, and very comfortable, with a big desk and good bathroom.
A delicious Continental breakfast was served in the dining room, and there is a big loungeroom if you wanted to sit and read, or just sit and plan your day. While I was in Syracuse I explored every inch of Ortigia, I walked up to the Archaeological Park and back down the coast, and one day I caught the train back to Noto, a small city we passed through on the way into Syracuse, that was well worth spending time in.
All too quickly it came time to catch my train from Syracuse to Taormina-Giardini.
Stop 3: Beautiful Taormina, Sicily – Hotel Isabella
The train ride north gave me my first glimpse of Mount Etna, puffing away in the distance. From Taormina-Giardini station, I caught the bus up the hill to Taormina. I should have caught a taxi, but I was led to believe the bus goes all the way up the hill and you can get off at the stop near Porta Messina, from there it is just a short flat walk down Corso Umberto to Hotel Isabella. But the bus goes straight to the bus terminal which is 350mtrs down the hill from Porta Messina……I had several stops along the way, pushing my suitcase up the hill, at least the views were good. That hill was pretty hard going even without a suitcase!
Arriving at Porta Messina and walking along Corso Umberto, I thought Taormina was the prettiest place I had ever been to – it was all decked out with flowers everywhere for the Spring Festival. I chose to stay at Hotel Isabella because it is on Corso Umberto which is the main pedestrian street, easy to walk to various sites, lots of lovely restaurants nearby, and lots to see as you amble up and down the street. I booked a room with sea views with a little balcony, and there was also a roof top deck, with amazing views of Mt Etna, down to the sea, out to the Ancient Roman/Greek theatre and further up the hill behind Taormina to Castelmola.
My room was very comfortable for my 5 nights in Taormina, even with the teeny-tiny shower, luckily I’m not very big!! The bed was comfortable, the balcony with the views was amazing, I had a bit of work to catch up on so the desk was perfect. Delicious breakfast was served in the dining room downstairs, the staff were all very helpful and attentive. While I was there I developed a tooth ache, I found a great dentist and later mentioned to the man working in reception that I had been to the dentist, he said he would have helped me find a dentist if I had spoken to him first, and every day he checked on how I was doing to make sure I was recovering. Everyone in Taormina is so helpful and friendly, the hotel staff were always ready with directions, etc. The pharmacist next door to the dentist, contacted the dentist and made my appointment with him as he wasn’t there at the time I was looking for him. The dentist then sent me messages everyday to check I was OK. The young man at the bus terminal who works for the hop-on hop-off bus company was very good at advising where to visit and when was the best time. All the people I met would smile and wave if they saw me in the streets as if we’d known each other for years – that’s customer service!
My only dilemma in Taormina was the cable car from the town down to the sea was closed for maintenance!! I was counting on it – but at least that forced me to walk down to Isola Bella, the views were all worth it, then from down near the beach the bus does go all the way back up the hill to Porta Messina.
We did have a small earthquake, measuring 4.7 one morning at 3.30am, even though my room had a good shake, and my glass of water on the bed side table splashed everywhere, as soon as the shaking stopped (and I cleaned up the water!) there was no sign that anything had happened. Hotel Isabella is built above a Roman Naumachie, that has been surviving earthquakes since the 2nd Century, so all was quite safe.
The hotel reception arranged for a taxi to get me back down to the station when I left to catch the train to Palermo. I would love to go back to Taormina one day and wouldn’t consider staying anywhere other than Hotel Isabella.
Stop 4: Palermo – Hotel Politeama
The train trip from Taormina to Palermo was long, with a bonus few hours of delay near Cefalù, I then caught the bus #101 from Palermo station to Hotel Politeama, prior research told me this was the easiest way to get there. The hotel is next to Teatro Politeama Garibaldi, easy to get to, walking distance from all the sites in Palermo, and easy to get to other places from. It’s big claim to fame is the fabulous views over the theatre from the roof top bar – all looked good on paper!
But… the staff. Let’s just say, warmth was not their strong suit. Except for the concierge, who was so helpful he almost single-handedly saved my stay.
I was fortunate enough to have arrived at a time when all the unhelpful ones were on a break so the Concierge handled the check-in, as I was very hungry after the long train delay, he called up to the roof top bar to let them know I was coming up, as the restaurant was not yet open they could only give me snacks and a drink – that was OK. I put my luggage in my room and headed up to the roof top.
Once I got to the roof top bar the staff treated me like I was an inconvenience, plonked me in a back corner, and when I asked to move to an empty table by the view (booked, but not for an hour), they grudgingly agreed….. They took so long to make the Gin & Tonic I ordered, that I would have still been waiting when the people who had booked arrived (and they weren’t busy!) so I asked to change my order, I would just have the ‘Welcome Drink’ offered on my check-in letter. See the photo of the quarter of a glass of Prosecco they gave me. No, I haven’t even had a sip of it when I took that photo!! That made me feel even more unwelcome…..I finished my drink and left in search of a friendlier restaurant to have dinner, fortunately there are many close by.
The next day when the Concierge asked me about my visit to the roof top, I told him how disgusted I was, he gave me a full glass of Prosecco by way of an apology while he booked an excursion for me and said he would speak to them. That evening he told me that if I go back to the roof top they would give me a complimentary Gin & Tonic, I thanked him, but never went back to the roof top. The damage was done.
Generally the hotel was fine, it was comfortable, the breakfast was excellent, it was easy to get around from there, but I think the general lack of friendliness of the staff has made sure that Palermo is on my list of never to return to cities. Just saying “Good morning”, or “How was your day?” goes a long way. Sometimes all it takes is a smile to make a guest feel welcome.
I was in Palermo for 6 days, but I spent most of them on day trips to other parts of Sicily, like Cefalu, Agrigento, Trapani, Erice and Monreal. I did cover a lot of ground in Palermo too, but it’s not my favourite place in Sicily, and I think the roof top bar had a lot to do with me forming that view.
The best thing about Hotel Politeama is the bus to the airport stops right out the front of the hotel!!
Final Thoughts
Every hotel had its quirks, but overall I was really happy with my choices. From the stunning harbour views in Valletta, to the cosy boutique feel in Syracuse, the flower-filled magic of Taormina, and even the location perks of Palermo – my hotels were part of what made this solo adventure special.
And yes, I paid for all my stays myself – so these reviews are as honest as they come. (I did become a Booking.com affiliate, so if you book using the links on this page, I will earn a small commission, and it won’t cost you anything extra!!)
Packing Tip: Next time, slippers are coming with me.
See my Trip Planning tips.
To read about The Art of Train Travel in Italy The Art of Train Travel in Italy between Venice, Florence, Siena, Pisa, La Spezia and Cinque Terre – all possible on your own, with luggage!
For ideas on places to visit in Florence and Venice, and more to come!!
Itinerary for my Trip Over to Malta & Sicily
Flew from Sydney to London Heathrow via Singapore, with Qantas on QF1, then QF2 to come home.
Stayed at the Royal Overseas League in St James’s.
Flew from London to Malta on British Airways.
Travelled by Virtu ferry from Valletta, Malta to Pozzallo, Sicily .
All travel in Sicily was by train.
Flew back to London from Palermo, Sicily on British Airways.
After visiting the Easter Markets at Schonbrunn Palace , I went for a walk up through the gardens, all the way up to the `Gloriette` at the top of the hill way off in the distance.
The Gloriette was built in 1775 for no other reason than the view - when the Habsburgs were sitting on the balcony of their summer Schloss, they wanted something nice to look at, so they had the Gloriette built along with a few ponds and fountains. The world became a better place!!
#schönbrunnpalace #schönbrunnschloss #solotravel #habsburgfamilyresidence #vienna
A morning walk through St James`s Park on Christmas Day✨️all rugged up and ready for anything 3 degrees throws at me. A beautiful blue sky day in London. Then we eat, drink and be merry....then, maybe, go for another walk.....
#stjamesspark #londonatchristmastime #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #blueskiesandsunshine
Back to Schonbrunn Palace to see the Imperial Apartments. Gold was definitely the order of the day ✨️ but I reckon I could live there quite comfortably with a few more mod cons!!
#schönbrunnpalace #imperialapartments #traveltheworldwithme #solotrip
As usual, when it cones to museums, I usually find the building more interesting than the exhibits!! Vienna Natural History Museum was no exception!!
#viennanaturalhistorymuseum #vienna #solotrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Budapest`s streets are full of art✨️ apparently there are mini sculptures scattered everywhere, and I`ve found one of them so far!!
The hunt continues.....
#artinthestreets #budapest #solotrip #neverstopexploring
At the top of Wenceslas Square stands the National Museum in Prague, an impressive building with breathtaking views from the Cupola.
#praguenationalmuseum #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Leaving Budapest from Keleti station, I found my ticket gave me access to the Business Lounge waiting room!!
Next stop on my solo adventure - Vienna🥂!!
#solotravel #budapest #keletistation #travelbytrain #traveltheworldwithme
Exploring Trapani Salt Pans on the west coast of Sicily with a day trip tour from Palermo - what a quirky spot! Windmills, old boats, and epic views. The last shot shows the hilltop medieval city of Erice, which I featured in my previous posts. The solo adventure continues.....
#trapani #trapanisaltpans #sicily #solotravelinsicily
Finally a sunny day in Budapest, strolling on Margrit Island, great weather, no complaints, perfect!
#margritisland #budapest #soloadventure #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Explored the stunning Belvedere Palace in Vienna, a former imperial residence that`s truly breathtaking. The gardens were gorgeous, especially with the ponds and fountains coming to life now that winter`s loosening its grip, slightly....!!
#belvedere #schlossbelvedere #vienna #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme
Memorial to the Jews who were rounded up during WWII, they were lined up on the edge of the Danube, forced to remove their shoes, then they were shot in the back and their bodies fell into the river.......
#shoesonthedanube #solotravel #busapest #traveltheworldwithme
Caught the train from Vienna to Bratislava for a day trip. Walking up the hill to visit the castle is not for the faint hearted!! And the walk back down 🥴 brutal on the dodgy knee!!! But I made it 😃!!!
#bratislava #daytripfromvienna #daytripfromviennatobratislava #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel
It was a lovely sunny London day to walk through Kensington Gardens from South Kensington to Baystwater Rd. Kensington Palace was all locked up for the Christmas break.
#kensingtonpalace #kensingtongardenslondon #london #solotravelinlondon #traveltheworldwithme
Vienna is magnificent to just wander around aimlessly, the buildings, the parks, everything, just perfect.
#vienna #solotravel #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme
Another short bus trip from Palermo in Sicily, up the coast to Mondello Beach✨️ lovely to walk along the promenade, but I have never had so many Indian market stall holders trying to sell me a sarong, and this was a quiet day in early spring, peak summer must be horrendous!!! I was hoping to have lunch at Alle Terrazze, a beautiful castle like restaurant just off the beach, but sadly they were closed for a private event, but further along I found a lovely seafood restaurant🥂
#solotravelinsicily #journeywoman #traveltheworldwithme #mondellobeach #sicily
The Design Museum over in South Kensington, the `Malta` paving stone was front and centre!!
#londondesignmuseum #southkensington #seeeverythingdoeverything #londonlife
Sicily`s hidden gem! Strolling through Cefalu`s ancient rock arches, where the Mediterranean waves crash against the rocks on one side and calm awaits for a swim on the other.
#cefalu #cefalú #cefalubeach #cefalusicily #Sicily #sicilylife #historicsicily #soloadventure #solotrip #solotravelinsicily #traveltheworldwithme #exploretheworld
Had lunch in one of London`s oldest pubs yesterday, on Fleet St, not far from St Paul`s. Re-built in 1667 after the original Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub went up in flames in the great fire of London the previous year🔥
I`ve had better fish and chips in older London pubs - The Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower - but still very nice to sit by the fire, then explore the rabbit warren of areas in this pub, knowing people have been drinking here for nearly 400 years.
#yeoldecheshirecheese #londonpublunch #historiclondon #solotravelinlondon #londonlife
Just a short hop from Palermo, the markets in Monreale were getting ready for the day, filled with traditional Sicilian Moor`s Heads, or Testa di Moro.
#moorsheads #testadimoro #monreale #solotravelinsicily
The streets of Valletta, Malta. Endless hours of exploring this amazing place. A wonderful place for solo travellers, easy to get around and very safe. Something for everyone, especially for history buffs!!
#solotrip #traveltheworldwithme #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #solotravelinmalta
Sicily`s Palermo, where historic buildings meet sunshine and flowers in the Politeama area and down Via Maqueda, which was always good for an evening stroll.
#palermosicily #palermo #teatropoliteama #teatromassimopalermo #viamaqueda #sicily #soloadventureinsicily #solotravel #traveladdict #traveltheworldwithme
Inside Government House in Sydney, where Princess Anne is staying this weekend✨️ not sure what you do to get to stay there, but clearly she`s doing it....and I`m not!!
Open most weekends to walk through, definitily worth it, a magnificent historic buildingoverlooking the harbour, in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
#governmenthousesydney #princessanne #historicsydney #royalbotanicgardens #explorethecityyoulivein #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #myhometown
Vienna`s Easter markets are in full swing now, with beautifully decorated eggs and plenty of food and drink. Great to amble around in the sun, even though it was a bit chilly!!
#solotravel #vienna #eastermarkets #traveltheworldwithme
A crowd gathers every hour to watch the Astronomical Clock in Prague put on a show 😂 Then some people clap and cheer, and some people laugh in an `is that it` kind of way.
#prague #astronomicalclockprague🏰 #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
After catching the tram across the river, I strolled through Letna Park, there are stunning views of Prague`s Vltava river, the bridges and the castle, not to mention all the flowers in the park.
#flowerseverywhere #viewsfordays #praguelife #solotrip #walkinthepark
.....further to my previous post. I walked past Hochstrahlbrunne, a fountain built in 1873 to celebrate the opening of Vienna`s high pressure water system. Then once I arrived at Schloss Belvedere, I found that this was not the place to be at Easter. There was one long queue to buy a ticket to stand in one of 3 other long queues to get in!!! Even one of the staff on crowd control said he had never seen it like this - I`ll go back after the Easter weekend crowds have left.
#vienna #viennaeaster #soloteavel #changeofplans
The crowds were out in force in London on a gloomy Boxing Day so just a quick visit to Trafalgar Square, then back to Piccadilly area, through Princes Arcade, which drew me in with the tailoring/sewing/fashion decorations and up past Fortnums.
#trafalgarsquare #princesarcadepiccadilly #fortnums #londonatchristmastime #londoncalling
I woke up in Palermo and decided that today was the day for a spontaneous adventure to Cefalu ✨️ After breakfast, I booked my train ticket, rushed across town on the 101 bus to Palermo Station, and made my train just in the nick of time - next stop, the beautiful coastal town of Cefalu, here I come! 🌞This is the street I walked down from Cefalu Station into the town, so pretty, and quiet at 10am! I realised on the train that I had forgotten to pick up my hat and sunscreen in my rush to get going, fortunately the shops soon started opening so I could sort this out 👒
#cefalù
#cefalusicily #prettytown #siciliantown #soloadventureinsicily #solotrip #solotravelinsicily #seeeverythingdoeverything #seekandyoushallfind #traveladdict #sicilylife
In search of somewhere to have lunch, I walked down from Piazza del Duomo in the heart of Cefalu, there were many restaurants to choose from. I settled into a lovely place with a deck surrounded by the waves crashing over the rocks and a delicious meal, before continuing to explore the lovely town of Cefalu.
#cefalu #cefalucathedral #cefalusicily #piazzadelduomo #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme #tableforone #visitcefalu #crashingwaves #exploretheworld #solotravelinsicily #SoloTravelMagic
Beautiful day to have another amble around the gardens at Schonbrunn Palace after exploring the Imperial Apartments, in another month these gardens will be in full bloom☀️☀️☀️
#schönbrunnpalace #schönbrunnschloss #palacegardens #solotrip
In the London Bridge area on the south side of the Thames, after visiting the Versace exhibition at The Arches, I walked down past The Shipwrights Arms across to Hay`s Galleria....used to be Hay`s Wharf....now shops, restaurants, Christmas stalls, and a giant Christmas Tree.
Went to the stangest market in Vienna at Rathausplatz. Every one of the stalls sold wine, a few sold food, there were people everywhere in national dress, some holding, but no one playing, musical instruments......and Verstappen`s F1 car!!???
#traveltheworldwithme #eastermarkets #vienna #viennaeaster
Started off this morning heading to a market, but as I was passing St Stephen`s Basilica, the bells were ringing to signal a service was about to start. I figured that would be the way to get in without paying the hefty admission charge ✨️I took a few quick photos before things got underway! Then realised I was the only person there who didn`t know the words, or the actions, so when everyone stood up as part of their routine, as I was in the back row, I just backed out completely.....
#ststephensbasilica #budapest #solotravel #sundayinbudapest
Chilly morning in Vienna today, but apparently its going to warm up big time tomorrow! First stop Naschmarkt, then strolling past Karlskirche on my way to Schloss Belvedere.......
#naschmarkt #karlskirche #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
The best part of the day trip from Vienna to Bratislava was the boat trip back to Vienna on the Danube!! The hydofoiling catamaran was fast, about 90 minutes, the crew were great. It was freezing cold and windy outside, but I couldn`t help myself, I just had to keep going out to take photos, then running back in to sip my wine 🥂!!!
Great for solo travelers, I met so many other travellers onboard.
#cruisingonthedanube #twinliner #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
The largest synagogue in Europe, built in the 1850s, has been witness to unmentionable horrors during WWII including being bombed. It borders the ghetto where the Jews were left to die. In the garden cemetery there are tens of thousands of nameless bodies and a few that could be identified.
There us a very powerful museum housed here too.
#dohanystreetsynagogue #budapestarchitecture #budapest #soloadventure
On a chilly Budapest morning, but the blue sky was a nice touch ✨️. I was planning to visit the Hungarian Parliament Building today... but Saturday crowds got the best of me! The exterior of this building is stunning, can`t wait to explore the inside.
#solotravel #hungarianparliamentbuilding #budapest #budapestarchitecture
Exploring Erice ✨️ a medieval city perched high on a hill in western Sicily. It`s a beautiful spot to wander around for a few hours. The city has roots in the pre-Roman era, but most of the structures standing today date back to the Normans in 1148.
I was going to make my own way there on the train from Palermo to Trapani, then up to Erice on the cable car, but I found a small group tour that went to Erice, Trapani Salt Pans and Segesta so joined that instead. It meant I missed spending time in Trapani town centre, but I wouldn`t have been able to get to the Temple of Segesta by myself. You win some, you lose some!!
That just means one day I`ll have to go back to Sicily again 💖🥂!!
#erice #ericesicily #sicily #solotravelinsicily #medievalsicily
After visiting the Design Museum I strolled up Kensington High St doing a bit of window shopping, and came across St Mary Abbots Church and Kensington War Memorial on the corner of Kensington Church St. There has been a church on this site since 1262, but this one is quite modern - dating back to 1872.
#stmaryabbotschurch #kensingtonwarmemorial #kensingtonhighstreetlondon #london #solotravelinlondon
Wandering the streets of Cefalu, I stumbled upon the museum with incredible art, right near the Duomo.
#cefalù #cefalusicily #cefalumuseum #artworks #historicalsicily #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel #soloadventure #seeeverythingdoeverything
Budapest Central Market Hall built in the late 1800s, extensively damaged in WWll, left in ruins until the late 1900s when it was returned to it`s former glory.....only to now be mainly selling tourist trash.
#budapestcentralmarket #budapest #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel
After visiting the Duomo di Cefalu, I followed the path behind the Duomo, which leads to the path to walk up Rocca di Cefalu. The giant rocky headland that promises amazing views and remains of old castles. By the time I was at the half way point, my knees were saying `nope, we`re good, here is enough`!! No need to go further up, I went back down to sea level and continued to explore the beautiful town of Cefalu.
#cefalù #cefalucathedral #roccadicefalù #amazingviews #oceanviews #historicsicily #solotravelinsicily #solotrip #traveltheworldworldwithme #seeeverythingdoeverything #exploretheworld #traveladdict
On my solo adventure in Palermo, Quattro Canti became a familiar spot I visited almost daily ✨️ This iconic intersection of Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the center of the city`s historic quarters - Kalsa, Seralcadi, Albergaria, and Castellammare all meet here.
In the evenings, it`s the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere and plan a night out at one of the many restaurants on Via Maqueda.
#solotravelinsicily #palermo #traveltheworldwithme #solotrip #quattrocantipalermo
As promised, a beautiful sunny Easter Sunday in Vienna ☀️☀️☀️ After being in Palermo last Easter, where it was underwhelming, Vienna really knows how to take Easter to the extreme!!!
#easterinvienna #eastermarkets #soloadventure #vienna
A day trip from Palermo to Sicily`s south coast took me to Agrigento, to visit the Valley of the Temples, an ancient Greek archeological park ✨️The Temple of Concordia is the most complete of these ancient ruins, with it`s very own Fallen Angel!!
#agrigento #valleyofthetemples #templeofconcordia #solotravelinsicily #daytripfrompalermo
Quattro Canti, or Piazza Vigliena, is a stunning Baroque square at the heart of Palermo`s historic centre. Located where Via Maqueda meets Corso Vittorio Emanuele, each corner symbolises one of the city`s ancient districts, built in 1620. Via Maqueda is now a pedestrian zone, bustling with restaurants, ranging from great spots to tourist traps, and it`s the perfect place to stroll around in the evenings.
#palermo #quattrocantipalermo #viamaquedapalermo #solotravelinsicily
Stepping inside Government House reveals a treasure trove of polished wood, just look at that amazing dining table ✨️ leather furniture, and glittering chandeliers, every bit as magnificent as its exterior.
#governmenthousesydney #polishedwood #amazingplace #historicsydney #explorethecityyoulivein #chandliers #sydney #sydneyaustralia
After visiting Monreale Cathedral and marveling at all the gold✨️ I enjoyed a serene walk around town. With most people still attending the service, I had the place almost to myself.
#monreale #monrealecathedral #solotravelinsicily #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring
Walking from Bratislava train station to the town centre takes 15 minutes, passing through a park and by the parliament buildings before reaching the historic cobblestone streets.
This is where the touristification of the town kicks in, every shop is a restaurant or souvenier shop.
Even the castle is a remake of what they think tourists want to see....we actually want to see the original castle!!
#bratislava #streetsofbratislava #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
