Santa Flavia

Santa Flavia sits just 17 kilometers from Palermo and is part of the city's metro area, but feels like another world. With a seafront marina village and a hill town, there is much to enjoy. The town has ancient roots, that can actually be seen at the archeology area. The Greek settlement of Solanto shows off the history with its ruins and its accompanying museum, filled with ceramics, paintings, statues, steles, capitals and coins. Some say the history dates to the Phoenicians.

It is located between Capo Zafferano and Casteldaccia. There are several districts to Santa Flavia: the centro on the hill, the Porticello and Sant'Elia and Borgo Santa Nicolicchia districts on the sea, and the Solanto (also spelled Solunto) zone. Look for patrician villas and impressive churches, as well as old fishing village charm. Pastel houses are stacked on rocks hanging over the water and coves. In the centro, the tree-lined Corso Filingeri is lined with shops and bustling with activity. It is practically attached to the town of Bagheria. At the top is Castello San Marco, still owned by a noble family who reside there. It's gardens are impressive and they have a winery. Visits can be reserved.

Down at the Porticello, there are restaurants, caffes and fishmongers clustered around the port, still a working fishing town. NIcolicchia is utterly charming (there is no other word for it!) with its knot of homes on the cove, small boats pulled up on the beach, and a handful of seafood restaurants about. But then, Sant'Elia is a seaside gem, with homes jumbled up, swimming holes, super-blue water -it looks like paradise.

There are coves and beaches, both free and those equipped with umbrellas for rent.