Unique stays like Pietro's are why I use Airbnb. "This house has been in my family for 200 years," he said while giving me a tour of the area. And they still live next door, beyond the orange trees in the backyard, where his grandfather's horses used to be.
The house is simple, vintage, and spacious, just steps from the sea. Though I've been to Palermo many times, this was a first for the Via Messina Marine area, popular with local families. A very different feel from the heavily touristed Centro Storico, this has its own charm. Highly recommended! Pietro was v helpful showing me the airport tram and good restaurant etc.