Page 141 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

BARS

Bar Malox Piazzetta della Canna; map. Hidden away off an old-town alley near the
Quattro Canto, this convivial student bar has plenty of tables outside where the
drinking continues till late. Tues–Sun evenings only; closed every other Sun.

Caffè Letterario Malavoglia Piazzetta Pietro Speciale; map. You could easily
miss this small, backstreet “literary café” near Corso Vittorio Emanuele, but it’s a

good find, with sofas, books, occasional exhibitions and live music, cheap drinks from
6–9pm, and late hours. Daily 5.30pm–2am

Cama Enoteca Via Alloro 105; map. This cosy candle-lit wine bar has an
excellent choice of wines and nibbles. The bar staff are welcoming and
knowledgeable, and the variety of wines almost overwhelming. Sept–June Tues–Sun
7pm–2am.

Champagneria del Massimo Via Salvatore Spinuzza 59; map. Charming wine bar
with outdoor seating near the Teatro Massimo; along with the neighbouring bars, it’s a
lively spot on summer nights, and stays open till the early hours. Closed Sun.

Kursaal Kalhesa Foro Italico 21 091 616 2282, kursaalkalhesa.it; map. Set
deep in the echoing stone vaults of the ancient fortifications of Arabic Palermo, this
impressive café and wine bar is furnished with traditional Sicilian furniture, has a
huge fire in winter and is a great place for a Sunday brunch. In summer, the Palermo

address closes and the bar shifts to the seaside town of Vergine Maria. Tues–Sat
noon–3pm & 7pm–1.30am, Sun noon–1.30am.

Il Kursaal Tonnara Tonnara di Bordonaro, Via Bordornaro 9, Vergine Maria 091
637 2267, kursaaltonnara.it; bus #731; map. Evocative place set in an atmospheric
former tuna-fishing station at the foot of Monte Pellegrino. There are indoor and
outdoor bars, a jasmine-scented courtyard, a fancy sea-facing restaurant and frequent

concerts. Daily, usually 7pm–late; closed winter.

CLUBS

Palermo’s clubs are almost exclusively found in the northern part of the city,
especially on and around Viale della Regione Siciliana, a bus- or taxi-ride from the
centre. They’re mostly expensive dance clubs, rarely worth the long journey – note
also that you may have to pay to “join” the club before they’ll let you in. In summer,

the scene switches to the coastal resorts of Mondello and Isola delle Fémmine, while
the beach at Capo Gallo, between Mondello and Sferracavallo (about 30min north of
the city), is popular with students for ad hoc weekend parties until dawn.

Cafè 442 Piazza Don Bosco 1 cafe442.it; map. Lounge bar near Viale Lazio and La