Palermo 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Morning

  • Arrive at Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) and take a taxi or bus to your accommodation in the city center
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as Hotel Plaza Opera or B&B Palermo Centro

Afternoon

  • Visit the Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral), a beautiful example of Norman architecture
  • Explore the nearby Piazza della Vittoria, a vibrant square surrounded by cafes and historic buildings
  • Wander through the bustling streets of the Historic Center, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the city

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Kalsa, a popular restaurant serving traditional Sicilian cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the waterfront, known as the Foro Italico, and enjoy the sea views

Things to Know

  • Palermo is a bustling city, be prepared for crowds and traffic
  • Learn some basic Italian phrases, such as “grazie” (thank you) and “per favore” (please)

Transportation

  • Taxi: available at the airport or in the city center
  • Bus: bus number 101 connects the airport to the city center

Day 2: Markets and Street Food

Morning

  • Visit the Mercato di Ballarò, a bustling marketplace offering fresh produce, seafood, and souvenirs
  • Try some traditional Sicilian street food, such as panelle (chickpea fritters) or sfincione (thick, rectangular pizza)

Afternoon

  • Explore the Quattro Canti, a historic intersection of four streets lined with baroque buildings
  • Visit the Palazzo dei Normanni, a stunning example of Norman architecture and home to the Sicilian Regional Assembly

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Focacceria Manzone, a popular spot for traditional Sicilian dishes like arancini (stuffed rice balls) and cannoli
  • Take in the lively atmosphere of the Piazza del Carmine, a vibrant square surrounded by bars and restaurants

Tips

  • Be prepared to haggle at markets, it’s part of the fun!
  • Try to avoid eating at touristy places, instead opt for local eateries and street food stalls

Transportation

  • On foot: Palermo is a walkable city, explore on foot to discover hidden gems
  • Bus: bus number 103 connects the Mercato di Ballarò to the city center

Day 3: Beach Day

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Mondello, a picturesque beach town just outside of Palermo ( approx. 30 minutes by car)
  • Relax on the beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants

Afternoon

  • Visit the Grotta dell’Addaura, a stunning sea cave accessible by boat or swimming
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Mondello waterfront, enjoying the views and sea air

Evening

  • Return to Palermo and enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Bougainville, a seafood restaurant with stunning views of the bay
  • Take in the romantic atmosphere of the Piazza Marina, a charming square surrounded by historic buildings and cafes

Things to Know

  • Mondello can get crowded in summer, consider visiting in shoulder season (April-May or September-October)
  • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun

Transportation

  • Car: rent a car for the day to drive to Mondello ( approx. 30 minutes)
  • Bus: bus number 806 connects Palermo to Mondello (approx. 45 minutes)

Day 4: Monreale and Wine Tasting

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Monreale, a charming hilltop town famous for its stunning cathedral and beautiful views ( approx. 30 minutes by car)
  • Visit the Cattedrale di Monreale, a breathtaking example of Norman architecture with impressive mosaics

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at Ristorante Il Baglio, a local eatery serving traditional Sicilian dishes
  • Take part in a wine tasting tour at Cantina Fondo Filara, learning about Sicily’s rich wine production and sampling some of the best vintages

Evening

  • Return to Palermo and enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Rusticana, a cozy spot serving traditional Sicilian cuisine
  • Take in the lively atmosphere of the Piazza San Domenico, a charming square surrounded by bars, restaurants, and cafes

Tips

  • Monreale can get crowded, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening
  • Don’t drink and drive, instead opt for a guided wine tasting tour with transportation included

Transportation

  • Car: rent a car for the day to drive to Monreale ( approx. 30 minutes)
  • Bus: bus number 389 connects Palermo to Monreale (approx. 45 minutes)

Day 5: Palermo’s Coastal Towns

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Sferracavallo, a charming coastal town just outside of Palermo ( approx. 20 minutes by car)
  • Explore the picturesque harbor, take in the sea views, and enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants

Afternoon

  • Visit Isola delle Femmine, a small island off the coast of Sferracavallo, accessible by boat or swimming
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Sferracavallo waterfront, enjoying the views and sea air

Evening

  • Return to Palermo and enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Mattanza, a popular spot for seafood dishes
  • Take in the lively atmosphere of the Piazza della Kalsa, a charming square surrounded by bars, restaurants, and cafes

Things to Know

  • Sferracavallo can get crowded in summer, consider visiting in shoulder season (April-May or September-October)
  • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun

Transportation

  • Car: rent a car for the day to drive to Sferracavallo ( approx. 20 minutes)
  • Bus: bus number 806 connects Palermo to Sferracavallo (approx. 30 minutes)

Day 6: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Check-out of your accommodation and head to Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) for your departure flight

Tips

  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Sicilian pastries, such as cannoli or cassata, before departing
  • Consider purchasing a souvenir, such as a handmade ceramic vase or a bottle of Sicilian olive oil, to remember your trip by