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28 Palermo trips. Compare tour itineraries from 15 tour companies. 118 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.
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Palermo Attractions & Landmarks Guide
What is Palermo known for?
This over 2,700 years old city has a significant historical and cultural importance. The place is home to various artifacts and culturally and historically important items. Historians regard this city as the world's most conquered city.
The amazing food with fresh ingredients, rich history, stunning views, and sunny weather makes the place an ideal vacation destination. People come here from all around the world to enjoy the sunny beaches, explore art history, and to try the delicious food.
Top activities in Palermo
The thriving city of Palermo has gone through huge development in the past few decades. The economy of Sicily capital depends largely on tourism and services. Therefore, there is a huge number of well-maintained tourist attractions like historical buildings, ancient attractions and beautiful coastline with magnificent beaches.
If you are planning a one day trip it is not possible to take in all of the places. Here is a list of top activities and destinations that are a must during the Palermo tours:
1. Palermo Cathedral
Due to being conquered several times the city has an impact on various cultures. The same goes for the city cathedral. The fascinating building has a myriad of various styles from multiple rulers at different times. The church was originally constructed in 1185.
The exterior reflects a Moorish influence with a classic central basilica and the huge renaissance tower clock. Inside the cathedral, there is a treasure chamber with various artifacts from all periods. The portico entrance is lined with multiple ornate columns. There is also a triangular pediment and a detailed fresco.
2. Capella Palatina
Originally built in 1132 as a part of the palace, this chapel is one of the best-preserved samples of Byzantine architecture in Europe. Located near the Palazzo dei Normanni, the building is a true depicting of artistic ingenuity and creation. The walls and ceiling s are covered with stunning mosaics with stunning color and details and are packed with historical and religious iconography. Every corner holds some interesting depiction to offer.
3. Palazzo dei Normanni
With huge Moorish and Norman influence, the building is important to be the seat of the King of Sicily in old times. It dates back to the 9th century when the Emir of Palermo created it for the first time, which makes it Europe's one of the oldest royal palaces.
There is a central courtyard just outside the palace that has beautiful decorations and stone arches. The building contains several artworks and mosaics from hundreds of years ago. This royal residence is a must-visit if you want to get a true essence of the region's history.
4. Palermo Archaeological Museum
The fascinating museum is full of various artifacts of the region as well as the ancient collection of Greek art. The museum has been split into various sections like Roman artifacts, Phoenician artifacts, underwater artifacts and much more.
The place is heaven for history and art lovers. Important items of the place include the marble statue of Satyr, some decorated Greek ceramics, the Palermo Stone with the list of Egyptian rulers, and the lion statues from Selinunte.
5. Quattro Canti
This open square is a simple but beautiful attraction in Palermo. The square was built in 1608 to serve as a crossroads for Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda. The architecture of the place, design and symmetry will make you feel like wandering in Renaissance Italy. Every corner of the square has a semicircular face that has inscriptions, marble columns and statues of historically important rulers of citizens of Italy.
6. Fontana Pretoria
Built originally in 1544 by a Florentine architect, the monumental fountain was transferred to Palermo in 1574. Now it is situated at the center of Piazza Pretoria. On the fountain, there are marble statues of the twelve Greek Olympians including Ares, Zeus, Apollo, and Poseidon.
Every statue is sculpted and decorated with high perfection. There are also some other statues representing the rivers of Palermo and some animals.
7. Monte Pellegrino
The huge mountain lies right next to Palermo, offering extensive views of the Mediterranean and the city of Palermo. The place gives you an escape towards a natural destination and a chance to mingle with locals that come here to spend their afternoons. You can either take a bus from Politeama to reach the mountain or go hiking to the top if you want to have some adventure.
8. Palermo Food Market
There are various food markets in Palermo that operate daily. The street vendors and front shops have a variety of delicious vegetables, fruits, cakes, pastries and a lot more. Go to the heart of the city to explore the actual local life.
Though your senses are going to get assaulted by different kinds of smells this is a part of Palermo that you should not miss. Taking a specialized food tour can take you through the best spots while guiding you about it all.
9. Teatro Massimo
Started in 1897, this huge sized theatre in the Piazza Giuseppe Verdi towers over the smaller buildings in the surrounding. The building is the largest Opera House in entire Italy and is most famous for its unique architecture. The opulent building has a royal exterior that makes it look like a palace and the interior is also very lavishing. You can take a guided tour to explore the building with its actual boxes and auditoriums.
10. Parasailing in Palermo
When you are in the beautiful water surrounded region why not try some water sports for adventure and fun? The calm waters of Palermo and its ideal location in the Mediterranean Sea make it ideal for parasailing. There are various tour operators found at the harbor and beaches to provide the service at a reasonable price. Fly over the beautiful water and vast city and have a lifetime memorable experience.
Best time to visit Palermo
As most of the Palermo tours are planned during summertime, this is the peak season of the region. Especially Palermo in July becomes most packed with tourists. The warm weather allows the tourists to swim through the turquoise water and have hours of sunbathing while relaxing on the beach.
However, if you are more to explore the region than just staying at the beach, the shoulder season might be the most suitable time to travel to Palermo Italy. Spring and autumn have moderate temperatures, with lesser tourist crowds and various activities to enjoy, from exploring the beach to visiting historical sites, hiking up the mountain to cycling through the natural beauty.
How far is Sicily from Palermo?
The distance to Palermo from Sicily is about 84 kilometers/52 miles. If you travel through an airplane, which travels at a speed of 560 miles/hour, it will take about 0.09 hours to reach Palermo from Sicily.
Weather in Palermo
Overall the area has a mild temperature. The high temperatures start from May and last through October. November and December are low seasons with fewer tourist crowds but the weather is still pleasant, not extremely cold. This makes these 2 months the most appropriate to visit and you might also get some discount deals.
Be sure to book in advance as many places start to shut down for winter break. Many outdoor activities like climbing up the volcano, relaxing on the beach and exploring the natural treasures are still possible. January and February are very cold and the temperature may fall below zero. The resorts, hotels, and restaurants are all closed until the end of March.
April brings some spring bloom with colorful wildflowers and warm sun. The ripening citrus fruits, vibrant hues of almond and the beautiful cherry blossoms fill the scene with their colors and scents. Till the end of May temperatures are a bit cooler but this is an ideal time to travel to Palermo Italy, especially if you are up to exploration of some historical sites. The scenic beauty of the region is at its peak during this time.
Summertime is the most popular time and most of the Palermo tours are planned from June to onwards. Swim in the beautiful water, relax on the beach, or set out to explore the traditional villages. Palermo in July gets the most crowded so it is better to make a reservation to avoid any kind of inconvenience.
The moderate temperature during the fall means you can enjoy a walk around the city without the burning heat, and can also set out to the beach to enjoy the scenery or have some water fun. The crowds begin to move back to their homes and you will have a huge variety of local seasonal cuisine to taste and cherish.
Food in Palermo
Vacation time is for sure the time to enjoy the most out of your days. It must not be bound by restrictions like eating healthy food, because such restrictions may cause you a lot of discomfort at a place full of delicious smelling food, like Palermo.
Roaming about in the streets of Palermo you will find simple but the most exotic street food you have ever had in your life. The food is cooked fresh in front of your eyes right on the spot. You will find plenty of food stalls in almost every street.
1. Arancina
These are the fried ricotta rice balls, about 9 cm in size and filled with a delicious filling. You cannot figure out the ingredients but they are going to provide your stomach with ultimate satisfaction. Many varieties of Arancina are found throughout the city but almost all of them contain some kind of meat and cheese mixture in it. They are either served with a Bolognese meat-based sauce or with Béchamel sauce.
2. Sfincione
Missing pizza while roaming on the streets of Italy? Well, Palermo has a variety of pizza that is no less addictive. The spongy Sicilian type pizza is topped with tomato sauce, caciocavallo cheese, anchovies, and onions.
3. Panelle
The delicious chickpea square fitters are one of the most abundantly found street food of Palermo and are served usually on sesame seed bread. You can also get them with fish or meat at some point. No compulsion, they taste delicious even on their own.
4. Pane Con La Milza
Looking just like an American hamburger, this sumptuous sandwich has quite some different ingredients. The sandwich has been stuffed with the spleen, trachea, and lung of a veal. You might not like the sound of these ingredients but the taste is something worth trying. All three ingredients when cooked together at low heat with the addition of lard, you just can't imagine the taste. Ignore the recipe and just give it a try.
5. Frittola
This mysterious dish is kept in baskets on the stalls covered in a cloth. The major ingredient is the scraps left from the calf carcass that are boiled and then fried. The meaty mixture is chopped and sprinkled in pepper, then drenched in lemon juice before serving to the customers
6. Stigghiola
This light snacks has a delightful taste and is very popular during social gatherings. Resembling American tripe stew, this snack is, however, something entirely different. The main ingredient is the intestine of the veal or lamb that is seasoned with onion and parsley and then grilled till perfection.
7. Pezzi Di Rosticceria
With its hauntingly delicious flavor, this is one of the most popular street food in Palermo. Many eat it for breakfast but are also eaten as a midnight snack and it is available 24/7 on the streets. The brioche is stuffed with ham or mozzarella and then baked or fried.
8. Cazzilli
This delicious potato snack is found in almost every region of Italy with different names. Cazzilli in Palermo has an easy recipe. Peeled boiled potatoes are mixed with minced parsley and cornstarch to make the mixture consistent. Then the balls of the mixture are fried in seed oil till golden brown. This is a perfect snack or appetizer to be served at cocktail time.
Top 5 beaches in Palermo
The 150-kilometer coast of Palermo ranges from Balestrate to Pollina in northern Sicily. The pristine environment, natural landscapes, and cultural events attract thousands of tourists every year to enjoy the stunning beauty.
1. Balestrate
The beautiful is located on the westernmost side of the Palermo coast. The clean and clear water in this cold area makes a real paradise for the sand beach lovers. Even during the peak months, this large beach is not very crowded so that you can enjoy your sunbath without huge crowds. You might not find any big restaurants so it is better to bring some food and snacks with you.
2. Capaci
Just 20 km west of Palermo lies the long stretch of golden sand with its stunning views. The beach is well-equipped with an excellent restaurant that has options for both; demanding tourists and budget-minded ones.
The clear sea with the shallow shore for several meters provide a safe area for children to play. Though large the beach is always crowded with people. You can also opt. for a paid beach to play safely while enjoying yourself.
3. Cefalù
This beautiful Place is one of the most popular summer destinations in the region. The golden and clean beaches to relax during the day and delightful bars and restaurants to have a vibrant night-time make the destination most suitable.
The views are stunning but a bit different, interspersed and gravelly with rocks over clear blue waters. You can spend an entire day here happily and have a delightful night in any of the bars as you will always find something going on in there.
4. Mondello
Spread between Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo, this is one of the most attractive tourist destinations. Even with the huge crowds, you will still enjoy the stunning white sand beach reflecting hues of different colors from the deep turquoise water.
The small beach is divided into two parts by an old bathhouse. On one side there are warming cafes to get scrumptious food at economical cost. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in summer and then get in your sleeping bag on the sand and sleep out in the pleasantly warm area.
5. Capo Gallo
The crystal-clear water of the shore is dotted with turquoise and green jewels. The sunset from the unusual mountains cast a magnificent colorful effect with the magical sound of the soothing music created by seagulls and crashing waves.
The place has the most stunning and breathtaking views but you cannot spend an entire day here due to lack of clean water, restaurants, and cafes. But if you bring your food and water, this calm beach provides you an escape from the bustling city life.
Palermo Reviews & Ratings
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Great trip, fabulous gelato
This was a great, moderately-paced trip. There's lots to do, but plenty of free time to just sit in a café and watch the world go by... or if you like to keep mov...
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Treasures of Sicily
Well balanced holiday with a good guide as well as good local guides who had more detailed knowledge of the sites. Plenty of variety in the other activities, Seein...
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Classic Sicily
Wonderful trip. Varied, good hotels and the best trip leader. Francesca is kind, knowledgable, helpful. Probably would have prefered 2 less cities to visit. This...
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Great Trip
This was an excellent well planned tour. I found the pace busy but not overly strenuos or hectic. You have plenty of variety, Mt Etna seaside towns and harbours, q...
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Sicily in a week
My husband and I had a fabulous trip to Sicily - a place I knew I would adore and I was not wrong. In 8 days you can only scrape the surface of this wonderful isl...
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