Palermo and Surroundings

Easy guide of what to see and do in and around Sicily’s capital, Palermo.

A very walkable city famous for its street food, perfectly expressed in any of the busy food markets, the peculiar architecture and the fact it has always been the meeting point of different cultures and traditions

getting there:

Palermo and Catania host the two international airports of Sicily, so getting there is pretty easy. The Airport is located about 30kms west of the city, and it is easily connected with it by busses and trains, both leaving more or less every hour.

the ticket fare is 6,00 € one way or 10 € round trip for the bus, and 5,90 € each way for the train. In both cases the travel will take about 40 minutes

You can also reach Palermo from pretty much every part of Italy by train or bus, depending on where you are, and also with a quite long ferry journey from Genova or Salerno

Many places located inside and just out of the metropolitan area can be reached taking the urban busses for a pretty cheap fare. Go to any ticket counter or news stand to get an 1,40 € single ride ticket or the 3,50 € daily one.

The first one is valid for 90 minutes on an unlimited number of busses, while the other is pretty convenient if you are willing to visit different places during the same day.

In case you forget to purchase your tickets before don’t worry! You can still get the single ride ones directly from the driver with just a 0,40 € fee!

What to do in and around Palermo:

in Palermo: Explore a food market

Around Palermo food markets here are a proper institution, other than the best place to explore the real life (and food) of the city. The three main historic markets are called BOQUERIA, VUCCIRIA and DEL CAPO. The last one is probably the most tourist-friendly and a bit tidier, but in also less authentic and slightly more expensive.

In all of them you can get a view of ingredients and products of the island’s foodie tradition, ranging from fresh fish and vegetables to sweets, cheese and quick eats. They are also home of the very unique “Meusa”, a sandwich filling you won’t even find in other parts of Sicily.

I suggest to visit the markets first in the morning or around lunchtime, even if they are on from about 8 am to 7 pm. After that time they leave space to pubs, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, especially in the Vucciria’s area.

Enjoy the Architecture

Other than foodies, Palermo is pure heaven for all the Architecture lovers, with its mixture of Liberty, Baroque, Gothic and Norman-Arabic styles.

Wander around the city streets to admire plenty of churches and other historical buildings. Visit the Norman Palace and the huge Cathedral, just to name few. Or walk along Maqueda street from the Quattro Canti square to the beautiful Massimo Theater.

around Palermo: Head to Monreale

located only 7 kilometres inland of palermo, Monreale is the perfect place to get small town vibes and relaxing for a while. And also to enjoy the nice view above the city from this post cover picture.

Roam around its tiny but peculiar streets, and take a look inside the impressive Norman church and its beautiful mosaics. For a fee it is also possible to visit a Museum and the Benedictine cloister, both located inside the cathedral.
Adventure seekers can hike to the “Castellaccio”, a fortified monastery built on top of the Caputo Mountain, to ensure even better views.

Getting to Monreale is just too easy: Take the urban bus 389P from Indipendence Square, right behind the Normal Palace. It will leave you at the entrance of the small town, after a panoramic climb overlooking Palermo and its valley. The ride will take about half an hour, but plan your trip ahead, as the bus doesn’t run too often. You can also decide to walk back, pretty easily as it will be downhill

Beach vibes around the city

Another way to escape the urban bustle for a while is heading to the beach. Pretty much all around the island, Sicily really has the best ones! The closer place is the well known Mondello, reachable with a couple of urban busses.

Willing to go a bit further other options are Isola delle femmine, Sferracavallo and the Capo Gallo marine reserve. All of them can be reached taking a few euros train towards the airport. To get to the Marine reserve you will have to also hike, from Sferracavallo or Mondello

Daytrip to Cefalù, Pearl of the Mediterran

Cefalù is a picturesque small town really worth the visit. It is located less than one hour train ride east of Palermo, for 6,20 € ticket.

Explore it walking around the cobblestone streets between nice buildings, the Medieval Laudry until reaching the Pier and its charming beach. Don’t forget to take a look on your left side to admire Porta Pescara’s arch and its romantic view. From Marine Plaza head back on the other main road to reach the Cathedral and the big plaza.

Not afraid of getting tired? Take an hike to the Temple of Diana and the top of the rock overlooking the town, for a 4,00 € entry fee.

Other attractions are a museum and the beautiful beaches. Like around Palermo city, you will find several choices, from the sandy main beach to the rocky Caldura. If you’re more a Mountain lover, the near by Madonie Nature reserve is the palce to go! Even if it getting there without a car can be difficult.

Taste the amazing food

Palermo is really well known for its street food, and you will find plenty of sweets and salty choices. What I can briefly suggest now, is to don’t miss out a Meusa or Panelle sandwich, some Arancini balls, Martorana fruits, Sardines and fennel pasta, octopus salad and a Cannolo filled with fresh ricotta cream!

I have to admit those are not exactly my favourites among the huge variety of sicilian delicacies. But if you are about to travel all around the region and try out everything in its accurate birthplace, definitely go with them here.