Description Garden of Palermo: Palermo

In the heart of Palermo, this ground-floor apartment opens directly onto a walled garden that feels more like a secret than an amenity – banana palms, stone paths, and fragrant planting folded into the city. A glass-enclosed winter garden means you can linger over breakfast outside whatever the season. Indoors, the rooms pair historic character and contemporary comforts, while the Palazzo dei Normanni – Sicily's extraordinary Arab-Norman royal palace – is just a short walk away.

Home truths:
* You won't find an oven here – though there is a hob. We think the kitchen is better suited to prepping lighter bites than large meals.
* The apartment is in central Palermo, where street noise and the bustle of city life are part of the package. The walled garden does provide a real retreat, but if you're a light sleeper it's worth packing earplugs for quieter nights.
* Parking in Palermo can be tricky, but you shouldn't need a car here as shops, restaurants, and local landmarks are all within easy walking distance.