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.
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Must-See Attractions in Palermo
Palermo Cathedral
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Originally built in 1185 by the Normans, the cathedral stands on a site with a deep religious past, including a former mosque. The exterior features a mix of Norman, Gothic, and Arabic influences, while the interior houses royal tombs, including that of Emperor Frederick II. One of the highlights is the rooftop tour, offering panoramic views of Palermo, its surrounding mountains, and the sea. Additionally, the cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Norman Palace
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Palazzo dei Normanni (Palace of the Normans) is a historic palace originally built in the 9th century by the Arab rulers and later expanded by the Normans in the 11th century. It showcases a blend of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine architectural styles. Today, it houses the Sicilian Regional Assembly. Inside the palace is the Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel), commissioned by Roger II in 1132. The chapel is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, Arab-inspired muqarnas ceiling, and a remarkable mix of Byzantine, Islamic, and Western art. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting Sicily’s rich, multicultural history.
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Teatro Massimo
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The Teatro Massimo is one of the largest and most famous opera houses in Italy. It opened in 1897. The theater is known for its grand neoclassical style, great acoustics, and beautiful interiors. It is a cultural icon in Palermo, hosting operas, ballets, and concerts, also famous for being in the final scenes of The Godfather Part III.
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Quattro Canti
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Quattro Canti, also known as Piazza Vigliena, is located at the intersection of two main streets, Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, it forms the heart of the city. Each corner of the square features a Baroque-style façade with fountains and statues. The facades represent the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the four patron saints of Palermo’s four historic districts. The square is octagonal, with the facades creating a harmonious, symmetrical design that epitomizes Baroque urban planning. Quattro Canti is often called the “theater of the sun” because, at different times of the day, the sun illuminates each of the four corners.
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Ballarò mercato storico
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Vibrant traditional market, known for fresh produce, seafood, and meats.
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Vucciria market
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Famous for its lively nightlife, street food, and late-night energy
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Piazza Pretoria
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Piazza Pretoria is famous for its grand Fontana Pretoria, a large and ornate fountain featuring statues of nymphs, tritons, and mythological figures. Locally is known as the “Fountain of Shame” (Fontana della Vergogna) due to its nude statues. Surrounding the piazza are significant buildings, including the Palazzo Pretorio (City Hall) and the historic church of Santa Caterina.
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Food recommendations
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I Segreti del Chiostro
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The nuns make the pastry as part of their effort to revive the ancient traditions of conventual baking
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Citysea
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Michelin plate restaurant, a bit expensive, but a great place. Aperol spritz 15€, sushi from 16-18€
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Day trips from Palermo
Mondello Beach
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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.
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Cefalù
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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.
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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.
Stair of the Turks
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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.
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Agrigento
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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.
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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.
I hope you’ve gathered all the details you need for your upcoming trip! If you still have any questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out via email at thecreationofus2@gmail.com or send me a message on Instagram or Facebook. I’m happy to help!
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