If you're stuck in Palermo twiddling your thumbs, which is rather unlikely given how exciting the city is, then consider a visit out to the ancient ruins at Solunto and the 17th Century retreat of Bagheria. If you're not twiddling your thumbs, it's still a good trip and a great way to see some of the countryside near the capital. Both places can be reached easily from Palermo via regular buses or trains, in fact they are only a train stop apart.

Solunto

Ancient Solus was a Phoenician settlement founded in the eight century BC. It was later Hellenized and finally Romanised when its name changed to Solentum.The Greco-Roman town of Solunto is 20km east of Palermo. It is beautifully, if rather dramatically, located on top of Monte Catalfano Feriale. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views towards the sea, you might need some sustenance anyway after trudging your way up to get here.

How to get to Solunto

To get to Solunto board a train for Santa Flavia-Solunto-Porticello. From the station it's a rather steep 30 minute walk to the top of Monte Catalfano. But it's worth it! Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST) buses run from Palermo's Piazza Lolli to Solunto.

Things to do and see in Solunto

Solunto contains all the remnants of a working town - streets, houses with mosaic floors, a gymnasium, theatre, agora, water cistern and even a public toilet! Most of these all date from the Roman period, in fact little remains of the Greek or Phoenician period. Some of these ruins with their columns and mosaics give you an idea of just how wealthy the residents were and what a wonderful spot they lived in.

Hike up to the wooded summit above Solunto for even better views over the Gulf of Palermo. Go to the museum on site for specific finds like hair pins, ceramics and marble statues.

Accomodation and restaurants in Solunto

Most people visit Solunto on a day trip from Palermo and the city contains a plethora of eating and sleeping places. If you don't fancy staying in the capital you could stay at Porticello on the coast or Bargheria further inland (detailed below).

Bagheria

In the 18th Century anyone who was anyone from Palermo had a country retreat in Bagheria. Here they kept their Baroque mansions and villas, many of which date back to the 1700s; all relatively new by Sicilian standards. Bagheria was still a popular retreat into the 19th Century. So head out and see why.

How to get to Bagheria

Bagheria is 14km east of Palermo on the way to Solunto, and is on the train line. Alternatively Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST) buses run from Palermo's Piazza Lolli to Bagheria.

Things to do and see in Bagheria

While some of the villas in Bagheria have fallen into decay or can’t be visited, the renowned Villa Palagonia has not – although some elements are in need of repair. For a small fee you can visit this impressive villa that was known as the "Villa of Monsters" for its numerous statues of deformed monsters. It was designed by Tommaso Maria Napoli in 1705 and also features an external staircase, curved facades and a ceiling covered with mirrors.

Other villas worth checking out include Villa Butera, Villa Cattolica and Villa Valguarnera.

Film buffs and those who love Giuseppe Tornatore's 1988 masterpiece, 'Cinema Paradiso' (Nuovo Cinema Paradiso), will be pleased to know the director comes from Bagheria. Perhaps all the stately villas around him inspired him in his films that also includes 'Everybody's Fine' in 1990.

Bagheria also became known as a location for Mafia activities as well in the late 20th Century.