Sicilian Escapade: A Day Trip to Palermo

Experience the scenic beauty and history of Palermo, Italy.

22 April 2023

A trip to Palermo, Italy as a tourist promises a vibrant and diverse cultural experience. From exploring the historic architecture and charming alleys of the Old City to indulging in delicious Sicilian cuisine and local wines, there is never a dull moment. Visitors can also take day trips to stunning coastal towns like Cefalù or go hiking in the nearby mountains for breathtaking views.

Day trip plan

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Day

Sicilian Delights

  • Start the day with a cappuccino and brioche at Pasticceria Cappello. A true Palermitan institution, it's the perfect spot to experience local breakfast culture.
  • Head towards the old town and visit the Cattedrale di Palermo. It's an impressive mix of architectural styles that perfectly sums up the city's diverse history.
  • Discover the colorful Capo market and try some street food such as sfincione, arancine or panelle. Don't be afraid to haggle with the vendors!
  • Walk towards the seafront and explore the Castello a Mare, a castle that dates back to the 10th century. It offers great views of the Gulf of Palermo.
  • End the day by treating yourself to a seafood dinner at Trattoria Altri Tempi. The restaurant has been serving traditional Sicilian dishes since the 1920s and the flavors will blow your mind. Don't forget to try the pasta con le sarde!
  • If you still have some energy left, go for a drink at Bar Garibaldi, a historic bar in the city center that serves excellent cocktails and has a lively atmosphere.

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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