The top things to do (and eat!) in Palermo

You might think you know about Palermo Italy from watching “The Godfather”, but the capital city of Sicily has so much more to offer!

Founded by the Phoenicians in the seventh century. B.C., Palermo was initially called “Ziz”, meaning flower. The name “Palermo” came from the Romans, who renamed it to Panormus (from the ancient Greek word Πάνορμος, or all-port). The city was also ruled by different Spanish Kingdoms for centuries, and its Spanish influences are clear, including in the dialect. For example, the word “spoon” in Spanish is “cuchara” – in Sicilian Italian, it’s “cucchiara”. 

Palermo may seem a chaotic place at times, but you will be astonished by the abundance of remarkable architecture, sandy beaches with crystal blue water, and incomparable Italian cuisine. 

Things to do in Palermo

Unesco World Heritage sites: the Palermo Cathedral

The Cathedral, which was named a Unesco World Heritage site in 2015, stands near to the ancient walls that surrounded the site of the first Phoenician settlement. Transformed into a mosque at the time of Islamic rule, the basilica became a Christian place of worship again in 1072.

You can visit the royal tomb of Frederick the II, the relic of Santa Rosalia(the patron Saint of Palermo), plus a treasury with a precious medieval crown and a crypt from the VII century.

The church is free to enter, but you’ll need to buy a ticket to access the full site, including the treasury and crypt. Make sure to make it to the roof, which features a magnificent view of the whole city.

After visiting the church, explore the streets around it. Palermo’s old quarters are full of countless other stunning sites and historical monuments, such as the Pretorian Fountain, Theatre Massimo, Theatre Politeama, Chapel Palatina and Quattro Canti(Four Corners).

Discover the best beaches near Palermo

Sunbathe at Mondello Beach

Ready for some relaxation? Just outside the city centre you’ll find Mondello Beach, one of the most beautiful white sand beaches of the Mediterranean. You can reach the beach easily by cab or by public transport (Bus 808 from Theatre Politeama). 

Enjoy the views at Capo Gallo Nature Reserve

A short 10-minute walk from the sandy dunes and crystalline turquoise water of Mondello Beach sits the Nature Reserve of Capo Gallo. You’ll be blown away by the stunning, rocky landscape and water in every imaginable shade of blue. You can also pick yourself some wild Sicilian prickly pears (a fig-like fruit typical of Sicily).

Take a day trip from Palermo

Discover Byzantine art in Monreale

Monreale is a beautiful town, just a 45 minute bus ride from Piazza Indipendenza in the center of Palermo. As Monreale is situated on a hilltop about 8km away from Palermo, you can enjoy a stunning, panoramic view over the city of Palermo from the Belvedere Villa.

The cathedral of Santa Maria Nuova dates back to 1174. Its interior has been recognized by Unesco as a world heritage site, within the Arab-Norman itinerary of Palermo, Cefalù and Monreale.

Make sure to also visit the interesting Diocesan Museum, where you can marvel at collections of paintings, sacred vestments and liturgical objects.

Explore the pretty town of Cefalù

Cefalù is a historic town 35 minutes by train from the Palermo central station. The town center’s narrow streets are full of medieval charm, and are paved with pebbles from the beach and limestone from the Rock of Cefalu.  

Take a stroll around the city center, visit its beautiful cathedral (which is also a Unesco World Heritage site), and spend the rest of the day on the beach relaxing.

What to eat in Palermo

Culinary specialties: Discover Palermo’s street food

Italy’s cuisine ranks among the world’s finest, and Sicily is no exception! Among Sicily´s favourite snacks are the infamous arancini, fried balls of rice that can be easily found anywhere that serves food or coffee. The most common flavour is tomato and meat, but you can also find them with cheese and ham, or ricotta cheese and spinach for a vegetarian option.

Palermo also takes the Italian Gelato experience to the next level: When you order a “Brioche” you will get ice cream served in a piece of sweet bread, like a sweet sandwich. You can find the city’s best gelato  at Brioscia.

Pro Tip: Try the pistachio gelato! Sicily is home to the world’s most-prized type of pistachio- the pistacchio verde di Bronte.

Visit the famous Ballarò market

If you’re looking for variety, make sure to visit the biggest food market of Palermo: The Ballarò.

The origins of this market are traced back to the 10th century, during the Arab domination in Sicily. The name derives from the Arabic term Balhara, which was the name of the village of Arab traders who sold spices and various products at the market. It was called the Suq Al-Balhara, which gave birth to the modern name “Ballarò”.

During the day you’ll find a very lively atmosphere, with boisterous vendors offering fresh local fish, vegetables and meat until 6 pm.

But the life of the market doesn’t stop there- Ballarò is a central point for Palermo nightlife. The fruit crates become stools and the alleys become streets where you can relax, have a drink, and spend a fun evening with friends.

Restaurants in Palermo

Looking for a sit-down meal? Most of the small restaurants in the city center of Palermo are family businesses where you will find the whole family working together in order to deliver a warm welcome and a delicious, fresh meal. 

One of the best places when it comes to traditional dishes and fish is the Osteria al Ferro di Cavallo, which opened its doors in 1944.

The small trattoria has a nice terrace out front where you can dine al fresco. Try the typical Sicilian starter “Caponata” with fried aubergine, and the tasty swordfish pasta with tomato and fresh mint. The osteria’s high food quality and fairly low prices make it very popular, so try to arrive right at 7 pm(when the restaurant opens) to find a table for dinner.

Written by Alexandra Wernhard, EU Claim Specialist at Vrbo