Dear travelers,
Our Sicily adventure began in Catania, and after spending three days there, we made our way to Palermo. We opted for a bus ride, which took about 2.5 hours and cost 14 euros.
If you’re planning a similar route, you’ll quickly notice the distinct change in atmosphere as you arrive in Palermo—it’s more energetic, bustling, and a bit more chaotic than Catania.
–Sant’Agostino Boutique Rooms
MARIANO APARTMENT – We stayed in this apartment. The location was great, and it was clean, but I wouldn’t recommend it due to an odd, old odor.
–Dietro la Cattedrale
–Casa Miqvà – Rooms & breakfast
–Ballarò’s Vibe
Where to stay?
Must-See Attractions in Palermo
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Palermo Cathedral
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Palazzo dei Normanni (Palace of the Normans) and Cappella Palatina
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Teatro Massimo

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Quattro Canti
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Vucciria and Ballarò Markets
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Piazza Pretoria
Palermo food recommendations
Sweet: Sciampagna (try the pistachio croissants), I Segreti del Chiostro (the nuns make the pastry as part of their effort to revive the ancient traditions of conventual baking), Cannoli & Co (the best cannoli in Palermo). Great for lunch or dinner: Focacceria dei Mercanti (the best focaccia sandwiches), Citysea (Michelin plate restaurant, a bit expensive, but a great place. Aperol spritz 15€, sushi from 16-18€), Tara – Bottega e Cucina (cold cuts and cheese boards).Day trips from Palermo
Mondello Beach
Clear blue waters, soft white sand, and beautiful views. The beach is mostly privatized (though there is still some public space available), and in the morning you might need to wait in line for 30 minutes to get sunbeds. The sunbeds cost 32 € for two people and there is an extra 5€ deposit for the bracelet, which you get back when you return it. After 2 pm, the sunbeds cost 16 €, but keep in mind that you can only stay until 7 pm. There aren’t any beach bars directly on the beach, so you are free to bring your food and drinks.Cefalù
While we didn’t visit Cefalù ourselves, a friend highly recommended it as a must-see destination. Just an hour by train from Palermo, Cefalù is ideal for a day trip. The town’s standout attraction is the beautiful Norman Cathedral, famous for its mosaics. For those seeking adventure, a hike up La Rocca offers spectacular panoramic views and ancient ruins. After exploring, you can relax on the town’s sandy beach, making it a perfect blend of culture and relaxation.Scala dei Turchi and Agrigento
This isn’t the easiest day trip from Palermo, especially if you’re traveling without a car. It’s actually a recommendation from the friend I mentioned earlier. The journey takes around 3 hours, involving both a train and bus transfer to reach Agrigento. Once there, the best way to explore Scala dei Turchi and the Valley of the Temples is by using the hop-on, hop-off bus service. If you’re visiting during the summer, consider going in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat. Scala dei Turchi is one of Sicily’s most visually stunning natural landmarks. This white cliff is made of soft marl, a sedimentary rock that’s smooth and sculpted into natural terraces. The name “Scala dei Turchi” translates to “Stair of the Turks,” referring to the legend that Saracen pirates, often mistaken for Turks in local history, once used these natural steps as a landing point for their raids. Just a short drive away is Agrigento, home to the famous Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), one of the most significant archaeological sites in Sicily. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, including the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno.Palermo Airport
We flew back to Venice from Palermo and took the train from Palermo’s main station to the airport. Interestingly, this was the only time we ended up using a train during our trip, even though we initially thought we’d rely on them more—it really depends on which places you plan to visit in Sicily. The journey takes around 30 minutes and a ticket costs €6. Once you arrive at the airport, signs make it easy to find the terminal. The airport also offers a stunning view of the sea, so if you have time, grab a coffee on the terrace on the upper floor and take it all in before your flight.Tips for Your Sicilian Adventure
- Transportation: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring both Catania and Palermo, especially if you plan to visit the surrounding areas. Be sure to opt for full insurance coverage—after all, you’re driving in Italy! In Palermo, if you’re not using a car, I highly recommend getting daily public transport tickets. They cost around 3-4€ and are great value, as you can use them for unlimited travel within the city, including trips to Mondello Beach.
- Weather: Sicily enjoys a Mediterranean climate, so pack accordingly. Summers can be hot, while winters are mild.
- Cultural Sites: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be sure to check opening hours for museums and attractions.
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