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Description
Hi everyone!
We are Marco and Rossana, living in the heart of Palermo with our little dog West, a sweet and lively companion who loves company. Our home is nestled in the historic center, just a short walk from the harbor and surrounded by the charm of Palermo’s daily life.
From here, you can easily reach some of the city’s most iconic places: the Politeama Theatre (about 8 minutes on foot), the Teatro Massimo (around 15 minutes away), and the Foro Italico, a beautiful seaside promenade where locals relax, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch the sunset. Just nearby you’ll also find the Molo Trapezoidale, a scenic pier stretching into the sea, perfect for a peaceful stroll and for admiring the view of boats and the sparkling water.
The neighborhood is full of life, with the typical “passìo” palermitano—a walk where locals gather, chat, and enjoy the city atmosphere.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Events & social
Culture
Pets
Self development
Movies & TV
History
Music
Cooking & food
Languages
DIY & crafts
Books
Writing
Animals
Cycling
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Mountain
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Staying with us is also a chance to experience Sicilian culture from the inside. We live right in the heart of Palermo, so you’ll be surrounded by local life—from street markets full of colors and flavors, to traditional cafés, to evening walks along the seafront.
At home, we are happy to share with you our everyday life, Sicilian traditions, and our food. We’ll gladly give you tips on what to see and do in the city, from famous landmarks to hidden gems that only locals know. If you’re interested, we can also help you practice some Italian and teach you a few useful phrases.
On our side, we’d love to practice English with you—so the exchange goes both ways!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Both of us work for most of the day: Rossana is a teacher and is usually busy in the mornings, while Marco comes home in the early afternoon (except on Wednesdays, when he’s back later in the evening). Because of our schedules, we are looking for someone who can spend time with West, keeping him company and making sure he’s happy while we’re away.
The help we ask for is taking West out for 20/30 minutes walks 3–4 times a day for his needs, bringing him to the villa or nearby areas one time per day to walk, play, and explore, and in general giving him time, affection, and cuddles. West is a sweet and an lively dog, but at first can be scared and or anxious around new people. He may sometimes show signs of nervousness or react if he feels threatened. For this reason, we are looking for someone who has experience with dogs, is confident around them, and understands how to earn a dog’s trust.
When you approach him, gently gaining his trust and make him understand you are not afraid of him and you are not a threat, he quickly warms up and loves play and cuddles.
! Ideally we are looking for someone with a lot of experience with dogs as a dog trainer or as a dog sitter
Occasionally, we might also ask for a little help with cooking—maybe preparing a simple meal now and then—but this would be only once in a while.
Since Rossana is an English teacher, it would be lovely to help her practicing the language!
Languages
Languages spoken
Italian: Fluent
English: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You will have your own private room with a double bed and a desk, but you are welcome to use the shared areas of the house: two bathrooms, the living room, the kitchen, two balconies where you can enjoy some fresh air or a morning coffee, a study room, where Rossana usually works or reads, but which you are welcome to use when it’s free.
You are warmly welcome to join us for shared lunches and dinners—we enjoy eating together and it’s a nice way to connect. If you’d like to prepare extra meals just for yourself outside of those times, we kindly ask that you cover the cost of those ingredients.
What else ...
Your weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are completely free to explore—no help is required on those days—so you’ll have plenty of time to discover Palermo and beyond.
Palermo itself is full of treasures within walking distance from our home. Even just getting lost in the old streets, visiting the colorful markets like Ballarò or Vucciria..
But if you’d like to explore nature as well, there are wonderful places just a short trip away:
Monte Pellegrino (30 minutes by bus): a scenic mountain overlooking the city, with hiking trails and breathtaking views of the bay, Mondello beach (30–40 minutes by bus): a famous sandy beach with turquoise water ( and in spring and autumn is less crowded so it would be ideal to visit and if the weather is good, have a swim), Capo Gallo natural reserve and Barcarello (about 30 minutes by bus + walk): a protected coastal area ideal for hiking and enjoying the sea in a wilder, quieter setting
For day trips, you can also reach other fascinating places like Cefalù (about 1 hour by train): a picturesque seaside town with a medieval center, sandy beaches, and the iconic Rocca di Cefalù to hike, Monreale (30 minutes by bus): famous for its stunning cathedral and golden mosaics, Segesta (about 1.5 hours by car or bus): an ancient Greek temple and theater surrounded by hills and countryside.
We’ll be happy to give you suggestions and tips to make the most of your free time—you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy both the vibrant city life and the natural beauty of Sicily!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
West (4 years)
Lively and sweet dog, loves attention, playing with his ball (over everything), food (no ok maybe this over eveything), walks in nature, running and scratching his back on the grass, belly rubs, being chased
Photos
