5-Day Adventure: Palermo, Italy & Beyond

Discover the captivating blend of history, culture, and cuisine in Palermo, Italy.

22 April 2023

Palermo, Italy offers a unique blend of historic and modern attractions. Highlights include visits to Cattedrale di Palermo, Palazzo dei Normanni, and the Quattro Canti. Tourists can also indulge in traditional Sicilian cuisine, including delicious street food and gelato.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in Palermo

  • Check into Hotel Casa Nostra, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Stroll through the bustling local markets and sample traditional Palermitan street food, like Panelle (chickpea fritters) and Arancine (rice balls).
  • Visit Teatro Massimo, one of the largest and most iconic opera houses in Europe.
  • Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque alleys of the historic district of La Kalsa.
  • Sip on a refreshing Limoncello at Bar Garibaldi, a legendary café with a retro feel.
Day 2

Exploring Palermo

  • Marvel at the ornate mosaics of the Norman Palace, once the seat of Sicily’s Kings.
  • Catch a glimpse of the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, a macabre underground cemetery that houses over 8,000 mummies.
  • Wander around the lush and colorful gardens of Villa Giulia, a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city.
  • Taste some of the best gelato in town at Caffè del Corso.
  • Soak up the stunning views of the city from the rooftop terrace of the Hotel Ambasciatori.
Day 3

Day Trip to Monreale

  • Take a short bus ride to the picturesque town of Monreale, perched on a hill overlooking the Conca d'Oro valley.
  • Admire the grandiose Cattedrale di Monreale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricate Byzantine mosaics.
  • Visit the Chiostro dei Benedettini, a peaceful cloister with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch at Trattoria Da Salvo, a cozy family-run restaurant with excellent reviews.
  • Sip on a glass of local wine while enjoying intimate live music at the charming bar, Zsa Zsa.
Day 4

Beach Day at Mondello

  • Spend a lazy day soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters of Mondello Beach, located just a few miles north of Palermo.
  • Take a stroll along the quaint promenade and sample some refreshing granite, a typical Sicilian crushed ice dessert.
  • Get a taste of the vibrant Palermo nightlife at one of the trendy beach bars, like Brio or Sui Pali.
Day 5

A Taste of Sicilian History

  • Venture out of the city to the well-preserved ancient Greek ruins of Segesta.
  • Visit the impressive Doric temple and the well-preserved amphitheater that dates back to the 5th century BC.
  • Enjoy a traditional lunch at Trattoria Corvo dei Beati Paoli, a rustic restaurant with exceptional regional cuisine.
  • Head back to Palermo and indulge in a decadent cannolo (ricotta-filled pastry) at Pasticceria Cappello.
  • Sip on a crisp and fruity Grillo wine while enjoying a post-dinner espresso at the trendy Cafè Ruggeri.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Palermo, Italy by plane is to fly directly to Falcone-Borsellino Airport which is located 35 kilometers west of the city centre. There are many international and domestic airlines that operate flights to and from Palermo including Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet.

Car

If you are driving to Palermo, Italy it is best to take the A19 motorway which connects the city with the national road network. The journey time from Naples is about 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Train

You can take a train to Palermo, Italy and the best way to do so is to arrive at Palermo Centrale railway station, which is the main train station in the city. The station is served by many national and international trains, and has connections to all major Italian cities.

Boat

The best way to get to Palermo, Italy by boat is to take a ferry from Naples. The journey takes about 10 hours and there are several companies that operate this route including Grimaldi Lines and Tirrenia. The ferry arrives at the port of Palermo which is located in the city centre.

Bus

The best way to get to Palermo, Italy by bus is to take the bus from the central bus station in Naples. The bus ride takes about 12 hours and there are several bus companies that operate this route including Autolinee Federico, Sicilbus, and Sais Autolinee.

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