Mondello

Beyond the hulking elevation of Monte Pellegrino, this seaside resort offers a refreshing break from the heat and crowds of Palermo in the summer months. With its long, sandy beach and parade of bars and ice-cream parlors, at its best it's a fun getaway for an evening of carefree entertainment, while at its worst it teeters on the tacky, with a blitz of stalls, hot dog and burger bars, and noisy revving scooters sometimes feeling oppressive. Avoid the weekend if you want a quieter time. In winter, it's positively serene, though you'll find some of the hotels and restaurants are closed.