My Top Palermo Tips
It is a vibrant city rich in history, culture, art, music and food. Numerous tourists are attracted to the city for its good Mediterranean year round weather, its renowned gastronomy and restaurants, its Arabic, Norman, Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque churches, palaces and historic buildings, its culture, music and nightlife. In fact, for cultural, artistic and economic reasons, Palermo is one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean and is now among one of the top tourist destinations in both Italy and Europe. The city is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the beauty of its Arab/Norman architecture and for the nearby Cathedral of Monreale. Palermo is also widely well known for its colourful and lively fruit, vegetable and fish markets in the heart of the city, known as Vucciria, Ballaro and Capo. Palermo also provides access to many great beaches.
The city was founded by the Phoenicians as Ziz meaning 'flower'. Palermo then became a possession of Carthage before becoming part of the Roman Empire and eventually part of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years. The Greeks named the city Panormus meaning 'complete port'. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule when it first became a Capital. After the Norman conquest and rule, in 1266 they left the island endowed with splendid buildings, works of art and an exotic culture that harmoniously blended Arab and western influences which still exists to this day.
Today the ancient and the modern worlds stand side by side and visitors to the city are richly rewarded by an intriguing city with graceful palazzos and villas from a by gone time which contrast dramatically with modern flats and apartments.
Palermo is served by an international airport making it an ideal gateway to explore Sicily. It is a perfect place to start your Sicilian adventure for a couple of days or perfect for a multi-centred holiday, a weekend away or city break. Unlike some European cities Palermo can offer year round great weather due to its mild winters.
One day excursions are also available to the city from other parts of the island with some combined with a stop in Monreale or the seaside resort of Cefalu.
A visit to this wonderful city is sure to induce 'Insta-envy' with your Instagram followers. So what is there to see and do in this stunning Sicilian destination?
Last month we spent a wonderful afternoon in Palermo with our dog Daisy following the Arab-Norman tourist trail but there is so much more to see in the city and beyond so therefore here are my tips for things to see & do in Palermo and its Surroundings ......
Arab/Norman Palermo
Norman rule of Sicily only lasted a century, but it left a rich legacy of law, culture and architecture. Their early monuments are grouped around a fortified site in the heart of Palermo. The top sights to see are the Cathedral which boasts both a stunning interior and exterior, the Norman palace which is home to the Palatine Chapel and the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti.
Quattro Canti
The heart of Palermo is known as the Quattro Canti, also known as the 'Theatre of the Sun' as on any part of the day the sun shines on one of the four corners which divide the city into quadrants. Each beautiful corner is swathed in sculptural decoration with the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily and the four patron saints of Sicily.
Piazza Pretoria
This square is just steps away from the Quattro Canti and more commonly referred to as the square of shame due to the nude statues perched around the edge of the elaborate fountain.
Piazza Bellini
Piazza Bellini is home to the two splendid churches of La Martorana and San Cataldo. Both photo perfect, San Cataldo has three typical Arabic red domes and La Martorana has an original Byzantine mosaic decoration inside with an image of the Norman King Roger being personally crowned by Christ.
Teatro Massimo
Palermo's beautiful opera house opened in 1897 as a grand symbol of post-unification Sicily by Neo-classical architects Giovanni Battista and his son Ernesto. This majestic venue set the scene for one of the most memorable moments in movie history in The Godfather Part III.
Piazza San Domenica & La Vucciria
The church of San Domenico is the burial place of notable Sicilians including the anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone. The little streets around Piazza Domenica are home to La Vucciria market which has a colourful atmosphere with lively stalls selling fruit, vegetables and fish. In the evening it is a great place to mingle with the locals and indulge in Palermo's famous street food culture.
Museums
In the Museo Archeologico Regionale "Antonino Salinas" you can see objects recovered from sites throughout Western Sicily showing the development of art and culture from prehistoric eras to the Roman period. Galleria Regionale di Sicilia housed in Palazzo Abatellis, a Catalan/Gothic Palace, holds paintings and sculptures by Sicilian masters spanning the 13th to 16th Century, there is also a collection of fine works by Italian and Flemish artists. Museo Internazionale delle Marionette Antonio Pasqualino has an extensive collection of puppets from all over the world including the famous Sicilian pupi.
In the Museo Archeologico Regionale "Antonino Salinas" you can see objects recovered from sites throughout Western Sicily showing the development of art and culture from prehistoric eras to the Roman period. Galleria Regionale di Sicilia housed in Palazzo Abatellis, a Catalan/Gothic Palace, holds paintings and sculptures by Sicilian masters spanning the 13th to 16th Century, there is also a collection of fine works by Italian and Flemish artists. Museo Internazionale delle Marionette Antonio Pasqualino has an extensive collection of puppets from all over the world including the famous Sicilian pupi.
La Kalsa
The Arabs established their government in the narrow and winding streets in this area. Highlights include the Baroque churches of Santa Teresa and Santa Maria dello Spasimo, the Norman church of La Magione and the Catalan/Gothic Palazzo Aiutamicristo.
The Arabs established their government in the narrow and winding streets in this area. Highlights include the Baroque churches of Santa Teresa and Santa Maria dello Spasimo, the Norman church of La Magione and the Catalan/Gothic Palazzo Aiutamicristo.
La Cala & Piazza Marina
After exploring the historic city centre a waterside walk along Piazza Marina and La Cala is a must, where you will find yachts and sail boats bobbing in the marina and small seafood restaurants where the locals eat. Here you will find lovely gardens with a statue of Garibaldi.
After exploring the historic city centre a waterside walk along Piazza Marina and La Cala is a must, where you will find yachts and sail boats bobbing in the marina and small seafood restaurants where the locals eat. Here you will find lovely gardens with a statue of Garibaldi.
La Albergheria & Ballaro Market
The heart of the La Albergheria quarter is the Ballaro market where you can weave your way through heaving market stalls. A must visit is to Chiesa del Gesu to peruse its beautiful Baroque decoration of its interior and the Chiesa del Carmine with its elaborate stuccoed interior and colourful dome.
The heart of the La Albergheria quarter is the Ballaro market where you can weave your way through heaving market stalls. A must visit is to Chiesa del Gesu to peruse its beautiful Baroque decoration of its interior and the Chiesa del Carmine with its elaborate stuccoed interior and colourful dome.
Castello della Zisa
From the Arabic word al-Aziz meaning Splendid this palace lives up to its name. Arab craftsmen incorporated stalactite ceilings, interior fountains, mosaic decoration and an ingenious ventilation system.
From the Arabic word al-Aziz meaning Splendid this palace lives up to its name. Arab craftsmen incorporated stalactite ceilings, interior fountains, mosaic decoration and an ingenious ventilation system.
Capuchin Catacombs
The burial catacombs of Palermo provide a somewhat macabre tourist attraction as well as an extraordinary historical record of the cities upper classes between 1599-1881. The niches still contain the well preserved skeletons and embalmed mummies. The catacombs were originally intended for dead friars, however, it became a status symbol to be entombed there wearing your finest clothing.
The burial catacombs of Palermo provide a somewhat macabre tourist attraction as well as an extraordinary historical record of the cities upper classes between 1599-1881. The niches still contain the well preserved skeletons and embalmed mummies. The catacombs were originally intended for dead friars, however, it became a status symbol to be entombed there wearing your finest clothing.
Palazzina Cinese
The Chinese palace is a former royal residence of the House of Bourbon and was designed in the style of Chinoiserie with a unique design unusual for a palace in Sicily, with each room decorated differently in an oriental style. The palace also has an interesting garden.
The Chinese palace is a former royal residence of the House of Bourbon and was designed in the style of Chinoiserie with a unique design unusual for a palace in Sicily, with each room decorated differently in an oriental style. The palace also has an interesting garden.
Explore Gardens
The Arabs, who knew the joys of a green space, were the ones who introduced gardens to Palermo. Ones to visit are Villa Bonanno behind the Norman Palace, the Garibaldi Garden in Piazza Marina, the Botanical Garden with Villa Giulia Gardens next to it, the Parco della Favorita where the Palazzina is located and the English Gardens.
The Arabs, who knew the joys of a green space, were the ones who introduced gardens to Palermo. Ones to visit are Villa Bonanno behind the Norman Palace, the Garibaldi Garden in Piazza Marina, the Botanical Garden with Villa Giulia Gardens next to it, the Parco della Favorita where the Palazzina is located and the English Gardens.
Historic Hotels
You will be spoiled for choice of accommodation in Palermo. From boutique hotels, cute bed and breakfasts to luxury historic hotels. Two of the most notable are the Grand Hotel et des Palmes which had its heyday in the 19th century and is steeped in aristocratic history and scandal and has hosted many a famous guest. The Grand Hotel Villa Igiea is a classic Art Nouveau building which was originally the home of the Florio family, the hotel proudly looks out over the marina.
You will be spoiled for choice of accommodation in Palermo. From boutique hotels, cute bed and breakfasts to luxury historic hotels. Two of the most notable are the Grand Hotel et des Palmes which had its heyday in the 19th century and is steeped in aristocratic history and scandal and has hosted many a famous guest. The Grand Hotel Villa Igiea is a classic Art Nouveau building which was originally the home of the Florio family, the hotel proudly looks out over the marina.
Book a Street Food Tour
Palermo is famous for its delicious street food. Why not book a Street Food Tour where you will not only learn the history of the city but get to taste it as well in its colourful markets. Taste delights such as panelle, arancini, frittula, stigghiole, sfincione and beccafico ... confused by these names? Then book a tour and get a certificate to say you ate everything.
Palermo is famous for its delicious street food. Why not book a Street Food Tour where you will not only learn the history of the city but get to taste it as well in its colourful markets. Taste delights such as panelle, arancini, frittula, stigghiole, sfincione and beccafico ... confused by these names? Then book a tour and get a certificate to say you ate everything.
Go Shopping
From markets and boutiques, to designer shops and department stores, Palermo is a great place for a shopaholic. Up-scale Italian chains and designer shops line the Via della Liberta and the department stores Rinascente and Coin are worth a visit. The best food shopping happens at the three markets.
From markets and boutiques, to designer shops and department stores, Palermo is a great place for a shopaholic. Up-scale Italian chains and designer shops line the Via della Liberta and the department stores Rinascente and Coin are worth a visit. The best food shopping happens at the three markets.
Take a Cooking Class
Being a gastronomic destination what could be better than having a cooking class in Palermo? How about with a Duchess at Palazzo Tomasi the home of Giuseppe Tomasi Lampedusa author of the famous novel The Leopard. An offer you cannot refuse.
Being a gastronomic destination what could be better than having a cooking class in Palermo? How about with a Duchess at Palazzo Tomasi the home of Giuseppe Tomasi Lampedusa author of the famous novel The Leopard. An offer you cannot refuse.
A Boat Trip
A boat trip is always a good idea in Sicily. Whether your choice of voyage is a traditional brightly coloured fishing boat, a speed boat or a sailing boat, the coast of Palermo is lined with small beaches and the water glistens with the colours of bright blue and green. A ferry can be taken to Ustica a small island just off the coast which is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, it has attractive scenery, a rocky shoreline and a laidback atmosphere.
A boat trip is always a good idea in Sicily. Whether your choice of voyage is a traditional brightly coloured fishing boat, a speed boat or a sailing boat, the coast of Palermo is lined with small beaches and the water glistens with the colours of bright blue and green. A ferry can be taken to Ustica a small island just off the coast which is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, it has attractive scenery, a rocky shoreline and a laidback atmosphere.
Sicilian Cart
A great and romantic way to explore Palermo is on a Sicilian cart, but be warned that you should agree on a price, time scale and itinerary with the driver before entering the carriage.
A great and romantic way to explore Palermo is on a Sicilian cart, but be warned that you should agree on a price, time scale and itinerary with the driver before entering the carriage.
Open Top Tour Bus
City Sight Seeing Palermo is an opened top bus tour where a one day ticket permits you to Hop on and Hop off the bus at designated stops allowing complete freedom of movement and each bus provides a multilingual commentary of places of interest and historical references.
City Sight Seeing Palermo is an opened top bus tour where a one day ticket permits you to Hop on and Hop off the bus at designated stops allowing complete freedom of movement and each bus provides a multilingual commentary of places of interest and historical references.
Vespa Tour
Take a back seat on a vespa or scooter for a scenic three hour tour of Palermo going into the alleyways and lesser known areas outside of a traditional tour. Your driver will take you to explore the city from a different point of view making it possible for you to enjoy the atmosphere and beauty.
Take a back seat on a vespa or scooter for a scenic three hour tour of Palermo going into the alleyways and lesser known areas outside of a traditional tour. Your driver will take you to explore the city from a different point of view making it possible for you to enjoy the atmosphere and beauty.
Walking Tour
If a vespa is not quite your thing then book a walking tour with a local guide exploring the heart of Palermo, its monuments, UNESCO sites, intriguing alleys and hidden gems.
Pedal Bike Tour
On a bike tour, hop onto the saddle and escape with your lead cyclist guide, spin along peaceful back streets, the cities pretty squares and along the waterside stopping for a delicious seaside lunch.
On a bike tour, hop onto the saddle and escape with your lead cyclist guide, spin along peaceful back streets, the cities pretty squares and along the waterside stopping for a delicious seaside lunch.
Renato Guttuso Artwork
Perhaps the most famous painting in Palermo "La Vucciria" is a piece of art not to be missed. The painting grasps the essence of the feeling that you experience whilst exploring this thriving Sicilian market. Featuring himself in the picture, it is said that the woman behind Renato Guttuso is his wife and the woman in front his mistress. You can view this piece of art in Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri.
Perhaps the most famous painting in Palermo "La Vucciria" is a piece of art not to be missed. The painting grasps the essence of the feeling that you experience whilst exploring this thriving Sicilian market. Featuring himself in the picture, it is said that the woman behind Renato Guttuso is his wife and the woman in front his mistress. You can view this piece of art in Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri.
Anti-Mafia Tour
See the sights of Palermo on a 3 hour tour learning more about the grassroots of the anti-mafia movement and the rebellion against bullying in the city. Ideal for those with an interest in the history of the mafia.
Wine Tasting
Further afield into the Palermo countryside are to be found some wonderful vineyards producing top class Sicilian wines offering great hospitality and wine tasting experiences. Recommended wineries include Baglio di Pianetto and Tenuta Regaleali.
Eat Marzipan
See the sights of Palermo on a 3 hour tour learning more about the grassroots of the anti-mafia movement and the rebellion against bullying in the city. Ideal for those with an interest in the history of the mafia.
Wine Tasting
Further afield into the Palermo countryside are to be found some wonderful vineyards producing top class Sicilian wines offering great hospitality and wine tasting experiences. Recommended wineries include Baglio di Pianetto and Tenuta Regaleali.
Eat Marzipan
On your trip to Palermo treat yourself to some Frutta di Martorana and you will never forget the taste and texture of these traditional sweets which are moulded into realistic looking fruit and other shapes using almonds grown on the islands volcanic soil. It is said that the nuns from the Martorana Convent shaped and decorated marzipan to resemble fruit, then hung them from dormant fruit trees to impress a bishop visiting one Easter.
Monte Pellegrino
Mount Pellegrino is a hill facing east of Palermo with panoramic views of the city, its surrounding mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was here that Saint Rosalia the patron saint of Palermo chose to live her life as a hermit and you can visit her sanctuary on the hill that forms part of the annual festival celebrating her saint day in July which lasts several days.
Monreale
The Cathedral at Monreale sits high above Palermo. King William II founded the Cathedral and the Benedictine monastery and a village soon grew around them. The interior of the Cathedral is one of the wonders of the medieval world with decoration of the most extensive and important mosaic cycle of its kind anywhere.
The Cathedral at Monreale sits high above Palermo. King William II founded the Cathedral and the Benedictine monastery and a village soon grew around them. The interior of the Cathedral is one of the wonders of the medieval world with decoration of the most extensive and important mosaic cycle of its kind anywhere.
Beaches
Not far from Palermo you will find the beach of Mondello, this fishing village became a fashionable resort in the 19th Century. The beach is lined with seaside villas of Palermo's aristocracy and boasts lively gelaterie, restaurants and bars and is definitely a place for locals to be scene. The beaches of Gulfo di Castellammare are prettier and less populated with plenty of gorgeous coves with clear waters especially at Lo Zingaro and San Vito Lo Capo.
Not far from Palermo you will find the beach of Mondello, this fishing village became a fashionable resort in the 19th Century. The beach is lined with seaside villas of Palermo's aristocracy and boasts lively gelaterie, restaurants and bars and is definitely a place for locals to be scene. The beaches of Gulfo di Castellammare are prettier and less populated with plenty of gorgeous coves with clear waters especially at Lo Zingaro and San Vito Lo Capo.
Bagheria
In this village east of Palermo you can see elaborate Baroque villas built by Palermo's nobility when it was once all just citrus groves and orchards. The most notorious is Villa Palagonia (known as the "monster house") whose grounds boast an eccentric collection of grotesque gnomes, giants, gargoyles and other oddities. The villa was the work of the Prince of Palagonia, a hunchback who took revenge on his wife's lovers by having them caricatured in statues, now only 64 are left of the original 200.
Madonie Mountains
The Madonie mountain range feature the highest peaks on Sicily after Mount Etna. The park has spectacular countryside and once provided refuge for bandits on the run. It is the perfect getaway from the city for hiking, horse riding, cycling and in the winter skiing. You can also take the Piano Battaglia chair lift which gives you a stunning vista of the whole island.
The Madonie mountain range feature the highest peaks on Sicily after Mount Etna. The park has spectacular countryside and once provided refuge for bandits on the run. It is the perfect getaway from the city for hiking, horse riding, cycling and in the winter skiing. You can also take the Piano Battaglia chair lift which gives you a stunning vista of the whole island.
Best of the West
Whether self driving with a hired car, on a escorted excursion or with a private driver there are many notable towns and places reachable from Palermo including the city of Trapani, the seaside town of Marsala famous for its wine of the same name, the Arabic town of Erice with its Castle of Venus, the Greek temple ruins of Segesta and Selinunte and the stunning Egadi Islands with their crystal clear waters.
Watch the Sunset
The western side of Sicily benefits from the most spectacular sunsets which cast a vibrant orange glow over the city and is breathtakingly enjoyed from Palermo's coastal areas. Watch the sun as it plunges into the sea to the west and ponder on all the wonderful things you have seen and done in Sicily's memorable capital.
Whether self driving with a hired car, on a escorted excursion or with a private driver there are many notable towns and places reachable from Palermo including the city of Trapani, the seaside town of Marsala famous for its wine of the same name, the Arabic town of Erice with its Castle of Venus, the Greek temple ruins of Segesta and Selinunte and the stunning Egadi Islands with their crystal clear waters.
Watch the Sunset
The western side of Sicily benefits from the most spectacular sunsets which cast a vibrant orange glow over the city and is breathtakingly enjoyed from Palermo's coastal areas. Watch the sun as it plunges into the sea to the west and ponder on all the wonderful things you have seen and done in Sicily's memorable capital.
These travel tips are from my own opinions, experiences and from contacts I have met.
If you have enjoyed a place or experience on your visit to Palermo that I have not mentioned please do let me know, there is nothing I love more than hearing from fellow lovers of Sicily.
Photo Gallery
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| No 1 ... Cathedral |
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| No 1 ... The Norman Palace |
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| No 4 ... Piazza Bellini |
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| No 5 ... Teatro Massimo |
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| No 9 ... Waterside Walks |
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| No 9 ... La Cala |
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| No 16 ... La Vucciria |
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| No 25 ... Renato Guttuso Art |
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| No 16 ... Panelle |
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| No 17 ... Shopping |
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| No 11 ... Castello della Zisa |
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| No 13 ... Palazzina Cinese |
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| No 19 ... Boat Trip |
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| No 18 ... Cooking Class |
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| No 32 ... Bagheria |
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| No 31 ... Mondello Beach |
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| No 28 ... Marzipan Fruit |
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| 35 ... Sicilian Sunset |
If you enjoyed this Blog post then you might enjoy my previous post
"an afternoon in Palermo"
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