The cruise ship docks in the port of Palermo. The sun is shining, the deep blue of the October sky. And in the legs, it is itchy after exercise. The perfect conditions for our days planning a bike trip to Mondello Beach, a fashionable health resort at the gates of the city. Let us in this enchanted place-kidnap!
Do you also belong to the cruise travelers, the deal I'd love to advance with the country gears? To be honest: we browse through the various offers the first deed after the actual cruise booking. We compare the trips, research portals, read in trip reports. And we also belong to the type of tourist that would be a little movement in his country of course. It was with hikes through stunning national parks. Or in the case of extensive Bicycle tours: There must be like to be sporty. Therefore, the cruise was for our Italy-on the MSC Grandiosa in October 2020 at the stop in Palermo immediately clear: For us, it's on a bike tour to Mondello.
You know the but also: it Often comes out a bit different. Instead of performing this experience together as a father-daughter Team, enjoy, I had to abandon my bike partner. Because my father had broken a few weeks before the cruise, in the context of a sailing trip in the shoulder. To be on foot, on the go, no obstacle was. To spend several hours in a half-bent position on the handlebar of a Bicycle, an impossibility, however. After some Consideration, it was, therefore, once a repost, please! While I remained at the original trip to Mondello, had the very nice staff in the MSC as soon as possible with a shoulder-friendly Alternative. For my father it was, therefore, to Cefalù, a charming Sicilian town.
The coast road to Mondello Beach offers vantage points
From the port of Palermo to Mondello there are several Routes by Bicycle. You can take the direct road inland. With 11 miles, this is also the shortest route. About 2 kilometres longer and with spectacular Views of the glittering waves blessed, is on the coast road SS113. And who asks for a height of meters, can also take the mountain stage on Monte Pellegrino in the attack.
The weather could not have been better. Mild 20 degrees, a deep blue, almost cloudless sky and little Wind. There is no question: our Buike Guides of the MSC Grand and decisive, that it should be the coastal road. Through some of the small Sicilian streets the first kilometers were completed quickly. Accompanied by the encouraging Clap Italian Signoras who sat in the house of clothes on one of the benches in front of their homes, it went over to a full wash linen and fish sellers further and further North.
As soon as the houses scan something, the first photo stop. Right on the coastal road is the Tonnara Bordonaro from the 14th century. Century, a former Big tuna. Unfortunately, the whole building is complex for many years. The tuna-fishing plays no role any more. The Location is now used, and for festivals and events.
If you look at this vantage point inland, collect in front of the rocks of the historic Monte Pellegrino. The mountain has a long history as a place of pilgrimage (hence the Name "pilgrim's mountain"). Is to venerate the Saint Rosalia, who was supposed to have appeared in ibid 1625. The details regarding the recipient of this phenomenon differ depending on the source. The result of the discovery of the well-to-non-West corpse in a cave near the summit. The canonization read Pink some time later, based on the Overlap of two consecutive events: The Release of this Remains in the Cathedral in Palermo and the end of a plague epidemic in the Italian city. Today, you can visit the site of the discovery, a place of pilgrimage, attracting even Goethe. Our way leads directly to the Church, since this is a number of meters above us.
Other caves have obtained in the Monte Pellegrino celebrity. In the Addaura Caves have been rock carvings found Dating back to prehistoric times. Due to the fragility of the walls this may not be visited. Replicas are to be found in the Archaeological Museum Antonio Salinas, Palermo. More caves to see with the naked eye, from our point of view, provide refuge for rare bats.
Turquoise blue water in the Bay of Mondello
After this stop, and all sorts of exciting stories of our two guides, we were now a few kilometres rapidly in the pedals. Only a few cars are met us and we were able to enjoy the way perfectly.
And suddenly the beautiful views of the Bay of Mondello on fact: the turquoise water as far as the eye can see. All in the group, were raptured. The sight is reminiscent, in fact, largely on the Caribbean bays, and is not without reason one of the best photo opportunities in Sicily.
On hot summer days, the beach is the most popular swimming spot Palermo is. Then screen to screen, and the sun are here and lying on the sun lounger. Because the palermitans appreciate the proximity of this resort to the city, finally, Mondello and Palermo is just a few kilometers away. On this day in October, only a few people in the soft Sand, however, are to see. The perfect opportunity to take off her shoes and a few meters along the beach walk.
Mondello is a former seaside resort and exclusive Spa
You can reach the beach promenade on stilts in the water built Kurhaus the sophisticated charm of this art Nouveau building on. There are no guests more to be found here. Instead, Locals and international guests of the party in the vaults from the beginning of the 20th century. Century. The in-house Restaurant is also true palate, friends can be enjoyed.
Around the Bay, some of the more impressive buildings. Through strong investments had developed around 1900 Mondello from the fishing village to the resort. Some of the historical villas were built as Prime examples of the Belle époque, famous architects, and over the decades of effort in full.
Charming traces of the old fishing village
Authentic Italian charm is not remote. Because directly behind the Kurhaus of the old centre of the village begins. Still colorfully painted fishing boats moored in the water, and seem to be waiting for their next mission. The freshly caught fish and all kinds of delicious food in the Restaurants here at the harbour to enjoy. And for the obligatory Espresso, the small Bars on offer, nestling around the village square close to each other. They fail not, therefore, at the village fountain, settle down and enjoy the sight.
A trip to Palermo
After the buffs, the return trip was via the coastal road very quickly. The time bonus, we were also able, thanks to the tailwind develop, allowed us to stop in the city centre of Palermo. Some roads are not with the bike passable (bans). Nevertheless, we were able to have a short stop at the Cathedral of Palermo and the Fontana Pretoria loading, a beautiful fountain from the 16th century. Century.
Conclusion: Mondello Beach is a wonderful destination for the next season
Mondello is of exceptional charm, especially in the off-season. Then you miss the bathers masses and the sea turns into a Caribbean turquoise. Furthermore, the climate is ideal for an extended Bicycle tour. A further advantage of The trip to Palermo can be also scheduled by bike. In the main season is to travel by bike in the city because of the many visitors rather discouraged. We were able to awaken your in the mood for a trip to Mondello? Then you can write us your impressions.
Arrival of cruise ship
Would you like to explore Mondello also by bike? Your shipping company can help you safely in the Organisation of the trip to help. We were grateful for the competent Bike Guides have guided us expertly through the many narrow streets. The road to Mondello starts directly at the port and the village can be reached in about 1.5 hours (Bicycle) or 1 hour (E-Bike) with photo stops.
Those who prefer to arrive by car, you can book a private driver. This can also instruct on Monte Pellegrino and the grotto of Santa Rosalia, in order to enjoy a perfect tour with other views.
But the journey by Bus is possible. Bus 603 goes on the coastal road along which we have used. All other buses run road over the country. Here, a transition in Palermo is usually necessary, the nearest bus stop is located directly on the main road at the port.
Photo sources: title image + post image 2 + post image Of 4 + post image 9 elesi/Shutterstock.com | post image 1 Mario_K/Shutterstock.com | post image 3 of Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock.com | post image 5 rosarioscalia/Shutterstock.com