Description Cala Solstice: Palermo

That rooftop terrace – with its mountain views stretching beyond Palermo's rooftops – is reason enough to book this apartment near La Cala. Below it, the interior holds its own – whitewashed beams arch over the mezzanine bedroom, where a carved Moorish headboard nods to the city's layered Arab-Norman heritage. Slate-blue tiles line the bathroom walls, giving the whole place a considered, unhurried feel. Step outside and Ballarò Market, the Cathedral, and the historic waterfront are all within a short walk – Palermo at its most vivid, right on your doorstep.

Home truths:
* You're in one of Palermo's most walkable spots – restaurants sit directly below the apartment, the port is an eight-minute walk away, and a bus stop is practically on the doorstep. You can get around the city's main sights without needing a car.
* The apartment has a split-level layout with a mezzanine bedroom, so expect some internal stairs between levels as part of daily life here.