The world of Mondello
Mondello Beach
As the weather gets warmer – Palermo’s chaos, traffic and heat just gets too much! At the first opportunity locals and tourists alike will head to the beach of Mondello, a short drive or a 30min max bus ride from the centre!
A stunning, concave in shape, beach with soft yellow sand, clear Caribbean water and a mountainous backdrop that for me gives Ipanema beach and Sugar Loaf mountain in Rio de Janeiro a run for their money. On a quiet spring day you sometimes feel like you have the beach all to yourself. The beach stretches for 1.5km – follow it round and you come close to the entrance of Capo Gallo –a lovely nature reserve perfect for a bit of hiking and with incredible views to boot. You can also find secluded little bays and coves to take a dip or sunbathe on the flat rocks. You will pay a small entrance charge of a few Euros if you are on foot. If you have a rented a car you can drive inside.
Capo Gallo Nature Reserve
Back to Mondello and the beach is lined with gorgeous villas and number of bars where you can grab something to eat or a brioche ice cream. My favourite ice cream is from Baretto – few flavours but they offer you a massive dollop of nutella on top which for me is always a winner! Bar Scimone is also good for fresh arancine, pasta al forno or pannini. Towards the small town centre is where you will find a number of quality restaurants – seafood dishes being the specialty. A picturesque little port and views across Mondello bay and mount Pellegrino make it extra special.
Mondello Town Centre
Mondello Harbour and Mount Pellegrino
Mondello completely transforms in the summer months. During the quiet seasons, the beach is completely free – but at the start of May, the beach begins to be cordoned off for sun loungers and paid for services – which for me is a bit of a shame. BUT the atmosphere is fantastic! Yes it is completely busy, noisy, squashed – but it is also the best way to watch the locals in their natural habitat. The strutting, flirting, family squabbles and gaggles of youths alongside amorous couples – boring it certainly isn’t! I spent hours just people watching and taking everything in!
But my favourite, favourite, favourite thing about Mondello beach are what I call the ‘Queen Bee’s’ – these are the Nonna’s of Mondello. Loud, perma-tanned, smoking and unashamed of their very Sicilian physique. An absolute joy to watch!
Queen Bee of Mondello
To avoid the weekend mayhem I would opt for a bit of luxury and set up base at Solarium Biondo on Via Piano di Gallo. Very rarely busy and with a peaceful chilled vibe, amazing views, lots of comfy loungers and a floating construction on the water with bean bags for ultimate relaxation. They also have an amazing food menu prepared at the adjacent Al Gabbiano restaurant. It costs Euros 10 to use the facilities for the whole day and is worthwhile for a bit of pampering and tranquillity.
Relaxation with a view at Biondo
In the evening, Mondello transforms into a cool night spot with a handful of trendy beach bars which host aperitivo’s as the sun goes down and live music/dancing well into the early hours. My favourite is Mida Lounge and they do a mean Aperol Spritz.
Nightlife in Mondello at Bar Mida
Mondello beach really has something for everyone and will keep kids and adults entertained in what is a safe and friendly beach resort – and in my opinion one of the best and most authentic beaches in Sicily.
Getting to Mondello
From Politeama take the 806 – bus tickets need to be bought in advance from any Tabaccheria (Euro 1.40)
Alternatively take a taxi – you should not pay more than Euro 20.
no more humdrum 