Live like a local and enjoy a variety of activities with like minded people in Palermo.
Craving a taste of la dolce vita, with a dash of fiery Mediterranean passion? Immerse yourself in Palermo, Italy! Explore ancient alleys whispering stories of Phoenicians, Arabs, and Normans. Savor sun-kissed beaches, vibrant street markets, and mouthwatering feasts. Wander baroque palaces, climb Mount Pellegrino for breathtaking views, and lose yourself in the city’s infectious rhythm. Live like a local, learn Italian over espresso, and soak up the warm Sicilian spirit.
Your experiences always includes
Live in a sumptuous mid-eighteenth century palace located near the Port of Palermo. Relax in the palazzo's internal courtyard with a fountain in the style of a rocaille, or walk 20 minutes to the famous Teatro Politeama.
Your Sicilian host who organizes community activities, and can connect you to local events that you might be interested in. Whether you want to study Italian, volunteer, or just connect with locals, our Community Manager can guide you.
Wander through bustling markets, haggling for vibrant spices and seasonal delights, your senses alive with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cannoli. Your Community Manager curates the best local events and experiences and can connect you to happenings particularly suited to you.
Palermo's sunshine begs for exploration! Embrace your inner local by exploring hidden piazzas and soaking up the Mediterranean breeze. Sign up for optional yoga or a gym membership. Travel medical insurance included in program fee.
Your Home in Palermo
Step into a storybook setting and live amongst opulence at a majestic 18th-century palace that overlooks the bustling port of Palermo. All members live in recently renovated modern apartments, but can explore the original grand rooms adorned with restored frescoes, a serene internal courtyard with a cascading fountain, and a breathtaking terrace promising panoramic cityscapes. This is more than just accommodation; it’s a curated experience, transforming you and your fellow members into a resident of a historic palace, living la dolce vita at its finest. Discover Palazzo Degregorio.
The palazzo is about a 25 minute walk from the commercial center of the city, in front of a historic shipbuilding yard, and around the corner from a typical working class neighborhood.
All apartments are located within a restored historical palazzo, and include the following:
- One-bedroom and studio apartments
- Premium linens
- Elevator to upper floor
- Weekly cleaning
- Utilities
- Common room with washer & dryer
- Coffee maker
- Smart TV
- High speed wi-fi
- Fully equipped kitchen
Experiences
Immerse yourself in Palermo’s soul through authentic experiences beyond tourist traps. Dive into the cacophony of a centuries-old market while haggling for fresh fish. Witness the magic of “Opera dei Pupi,” traditional marionette shows breathing life into epic tales. Unearth hidden mosaics tucked away in ancient churches, whispers of past empires. This is a foodie’s paradise, and our Tuesday Lunch Club will have you sampling everything from its famous street food, to learning the secrets of pasta-making from a generations-old nonna, savoring the fruits of your labor with laughter and local wine.
Some of the experiences you'll enjoy living abroad in Palermo, Sicily include:
- Welcome reception & farewell party
- Weekly “Tuesday Lunch Club”
- Introduction to Sicilian street food
- Lecture on Sicilian art by local art historian
- Wine tasting
- Basic Italian crash course
- Traditional Sicilian cooking workshop
- Lecture on Sicilian history
- Walking architectural tour
- Day trip to the coastal town of Cefalù
- Weekly “Happy (to be 55+) Hour”
Additional Experience Options:
Unique personal experiences that can be arranged at an additional cost with your Community Manager
- Yoga studio or gym membership
- Private tours to other towns
- Italian language lessons
Getaway with Day & Weekend Trips
Settle in Palermo as your home base and explore the charm of nearby Sicilian towns and coastal cities, all within 1-2 hours by car or train. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll find endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and flavors of Sicily.
Palermo Community Manager
Federica was born and raised in Palermo by a tribe of restaurant keepers, but fell in love with travel through her grandfather’s stories. After graduating from university with a degree in Foreign Languages, she set off for a decade of travel around Europe. During this time, she worked in a variety of roles in the hospitality industry, including a stint at Hilton. Eventually, she returned to Sicily to work as a guide and has been leading tours across the island, and enjoying being close to her family. Besides sharing her hometown with visitors, Federica also loves jazz, cats, and the Eolian Islands.
Your Month-Long Palermo Experience
More than just a vacation, immerse yourself in Italian culture and experience firsthand the Italian way of life. You’ll learn to speak Italian, make new friends, and discover new passions.
Your Tailored Experience Includes:
- 30 Nights Stay
- Furnished Exclusive Apartment
- Weekly ‘Tuesday Lunch Club’
- Weekly Happy Hour
- Weekly Walking Tour or Workshop
Included Extras
- Sicilian Cooking Class
- Wines of Sicily Tasting
- Sicilian History Lecture
- Italian Crash Course
Get Palermo Details
Request a digital brochure with dates, prices, housing, and activities for our experience in Palermo, Sicily.
What Our Community is Saying
Sharon A. From Redondo Beach, CA
Mary M. from Pittsburgh, PA
“As a solo traveler, I expected to explore venues and dine alone, trying to connect with people around me. However, having this group with us was so unexpected and the best part about it. It felt like a built-in community.”
Nada S. Experienced Florence, Italy
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Palermo, Sicily
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Known as a melting pot of cultures, the city is famous for its diverse architecture, vibrant street markets, and delicious Sicilian cuisine. Whether you're exploring the grand Teatro Massimo, relaxing at Mondello Beach, or discovering hidden gems like Quattro Canti, Palermo offers something for every traveler.
With a month-long stay in Palermo, you’ll have plenty of time to truly immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and history. Spend your first week visiting iconic sites like Palermo Cathedral and the Palatine Chapel, then take time to relax at Mondello Beach. Dedicate time to exploring local markets, trying Sicilian wines, and indulging in the city's famous street food. Throughout the month, you can mix cultural activities, like an opera at Teatro Massimo, with leisurely strolls through historic neighborhoods such as Piazza Marina.
Palermo is home to many breathtaking historical sites, including the Capuchin Catacombs, where you can see mummified remains dating back centuries. Don't miss Santa Caterina, a stunning Baroque church, or the iconic Palatine Chapel, which boasts incredible mosaics. The city’s rich history is reflected in its architecture, from Vittorio Emanuele street to the diverse styles seen throughout Palermo Cathedral.
Palermo's food scene is a highlight of any visit. The city is renowned for its authentic Sicilian cuisine, including dishes like arancini, panelle, and fresh seafood. Don't forget to try the iconic Sicilian wines during your stay. For a deeper dive into Palermo’s culinary delights, explore its bustling markets or join a local cooking class.
Palermo is welcoming and safe, though it’s wise to stay cautious in busy markets and tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and enjoy exploring the city’s vibrant culture.
Cefalù and Monreale are fantastic options, offering historic architecture and scenic charm. Both are easily accessible by train or bus.
The best way to experience Palermo’s culture is by taking a mix of guided tours and independent exploration. Start with a visit to Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, or join a walking tour to discover the rich architectural heritage, including the beautiful Quattro Canti. If you're staying longer, build a personalized itinerary that includes both famous landmarks and lesser-known treasures.
Your best life awaits you.
Your dream of international living is within reach.
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Reviews & Reflections
Alumni Experience in Palermo
What’s it really like to spend a month living in Palermo with The Good Life Abroad?
I already completed this survey but forgot to talk about how wonderful Susie was as our host. She was so patient with all of our questions and fumbling! She recommended so many great places and was always fun to be with.
Better orientation at apartment
Love the community manager and the idea of really getting to know a place.
Very active city with lots to see and do. I found the Palazzo too far away from everything and the shipyard was very loud.
There were many good things about it, but also challenging things such as the home site which was difficult to get around as far from things to do.
Great experience living with others who value travel-having a competent local guide - having an apartment with a kitchenette
There is much fun stuff, such as the pottery class, some trips etc. but more diversity needs to be added.
Palazzo is too far away from main attractions.
The GLA wouldn’t need shuttle bus if closer to main attractions.
We were the third group to visit Palermo. We had a positive experience overall. The main things that need to be improved are: 1) Setting expectations, early on, regarding the location of the accommodations and Palermo in general. I did a lot of research ahead of time so I was generally fine with everything;but not everybody does that. 2) Providing more sponsored transportation to and from the city center. One shuttle a day is not enough. A taxi ride costs about 20-25€ one way, no matter where you go, except to the airport or other more remote location, which is more. If you spend all day walking in the city center, walking back home is not a good option for most participants in this age group. 3) Better equipping the kitchens of the units for people who want to visit the markets and then cook. (I will send Federica a list of suggestions in that regard.). 4) There was confusion about what was covered under the insurance that came with the program. Once I received the policy, the insurance from Trawick look med like it was pretty comprehensive, and had I known that, I might not have spent money to purchase additional insurance. In addition, when I called Trawick about purchasing supplemental insurance, they didn’t seem to have anything special offered, even though the info I had received from your company seemed to suggest there was something special just for supplementing TGLA participants.
TGLA has figured out how to make a month’s stay in an interesting European locale both affordable and delightful- with the best community managers, scheduled activities, and free time to explore on our own. It’s an ideal scenario!
The built-in community, the community manager, Frederica, lots of fun and interesting activities
The program is exactly what it says it is. The Community Mgr. is key to its success and invaluable in helping members get adjusted to the location and culture. Having someone from GLA on the ground/in country was invaluable. Our apartment key card quit working late one night shortly after we arrived and we were locked out. Being able to call Frederica was a life saver. It was nice too to have some regular scheduled social activities on the calendar and a HUGE plus to have the shuttle services which were really needed due to Palazzo location. We also appreciated the weekly housekeeping and the beds and apartment were comfortable and clean. Having an onsite laundry room w/washers, dryers, and iron & ironing board was a plus. Having all participants (apartments) in the same building/Palazzo was a big plus.
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