Palermo on a Budget: 5 Days of Adventure

Discover the beauty of Palermo without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Palermo is a charming city located in the heart of Sicily that is perfect for a budget-friendly trip. The city's rich history and culture can be explored through free walking tours and visits to its historic monuments, such as the Cathedral of Palermo and the Palazzo dei Normanni. Palermo's diverse food scene also offers affordable street food options that offer a taste of the city's authentic cuisine.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach Day

  • Check in to Hotel Joli, located in the historic center of Palermo, a great budget option with friendly staff.
  • Take the bus to Mondello beach, a stunning stretch of sand with clear water perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Enjoy lunch at Il Gabbiano, a restaurant right on the beach that serves delicious seafood and pasta dishes.
  • Rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the coast and nearby caves.
  • Sip on a cocktail at one of the beachfront bars and soak up the stunning sunset view.
  • Head back to the hotel for a good night's sleep in a clean and comfortable room.
Day 2

Palermo's Street Markets

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Antico Caffè Spinnato, a historic café located in the heart of the city.
  • Explore the vibrant street markets of Capo and Ballarò, where you can find fresh produce, clothing, and local crafts.
  • Indulge in some street food such as arancini (fried rice balls) or panelle (chickpea fritters) from one of the many vendors.
  • Visit the stunning Palermo Cathedral and admire the architecture and Caravaggio paintings inside.
  • Relax in the evening at the hotel and enjoy a glass of wine on the rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
Day 3

Sicilian Wine Tasting

  • Take a day trip to the nearby winery of Feudo di Santa Tresa and learn about the history and production of traditional Sicilian wines.
  • Explore the vineyards and enjoy a tasting of some of the winery's best offerings, including the Nero d'Avola.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at the winery's restaurant, featuring traditional Sicilian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening, or explore the nearby Politeama neighborhood for some late-night entertainment.
Day 4

Art and History

  • Visit the stunning Palazzo dei Normanni, the oldest royal palace in Europe still in use, and see the ornate Byzantine mosaic decoration of the Cappella Palatina.
  • Take a stroll through the picturesque gardens of Villa Giulia, where you can see sculptures and other works of art.
  • Visit the Palazzo Abatellis, a museum containing an impressive collection of medieval and modern artwork, including pieces by Sicilian artists.
  • Enjoy dinner at Osteria Ballarò, a cozy and welcoming restaurant with a focus on traditional Sicilian cuisine.
  • Head back to the hotel for a peaceful night's rest.
Day 5

Active Adventures

  • Take a trip to the nearby Monte Pellegrino and hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the city and sea.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at the top before descending through the nature reserve.
  • Visit the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, an eerie but fascinating display of mummified remains from the Capuchin friars.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Trattoria Casa Trinacria, a family-run restaurant with an emphasis on fresh seafood and homemade pasta.
  • Say goodbye to Palermo in style, with a nightcap at one of the city's many rooftop bars or lively nightclubs.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Palermo

Welcome to the city that's so chaotic, it makes rush hour traffic look like a stroll through the park. Get ready for scooters, street food and more gelato than you can possibly handle!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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