One Week Sicily Itinerary - Palermo & the West
Affiliate disclosure: some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you book using one of them, we’ll earn a small commission. All of our info is free to read and free of ads, so we appreciate it!
Sicily is undoubtedly one of the most interesting regions of Italy thanks to its historical and cultural legacy. Because of its position in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, the island has been at the crossroads (and in the crosshairs) of civilizations and empires for centuries. These varied peoples, from the Normans to the Arabs, each influenced Sicily in their own ways, and traces of this heritages can be felt all over the region.
Despite its relatively small size, Sicily has a lot to offer and you can’t see everything in just a week. So, it’s best to choose a 7-day itinerary covering one portion of the island at a time. For simplicity’s sake, we split it by east and west.
By focusing on just one side of the island, you’ll have the chance to discover its many wonders without rushing and you’ll have time to find hidden gems and get a bit off the beaten path.
But alas, how to choose between western or eastern Sicily? Don’t! Pick one for now, and then simply resolve to visit the other on a return trip!
That said, this itinerary is for Western Sicily and it’ll help you discover the essentials of the west coast. The journey starts in gorgeous Palermo, the capital and largest city in Sicily, a metropolis teeming with life. From there, you’ll explore the shoreline as you make your way to the coastal town of Cefalù.
Heading further west, you’ll be enchanted by the magnificent Doric temple in Segesta, can follow a marvelous hiking trail in the Lo Zingaro nature reserve, and then relax on a Caribbean-like beach in San Vito Lo Capo.
Not to be outdone by what you’ve already seen, hilltop Erice will fascinate you with its fairytale spirit and you’ll fall in love with Favignana, the largest of the Aegadian Islands just in front of Trapani. Next, shoot over to Marsala to discover its salt pans and charming town. Nearby Selinunte, one of the largest archaeological sites in Europe, is always a pleasure.
Round out your adventure by wandering among the red stone buildings of Sciacca where you can also discover its ceramic and coral manufacturing tradition. In Agrigento, you can perceive the city’s past power as you gaze over the majestic Greek temples that dot its countryside.
Your trip will finish where it started – back in Palermo, where you’ll spend another wonderful day exploring bustling markets and quirky museums.
Intrigued? Then read on for a day-by-day plan.
More Sicily travel info:
If you could use some one-on-one help planning your Sicily itinerary, consider scheduling a Sicily travel consultation with one of our Local Experts!
Table of Contents
Day 1 - Palermo city center
Day 2 - Cefalù day trip
Day 3 - Segesta, Scopello, Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, San Vito Lo Capo, and Erice
Day 4 - Favignana and Trapani
Day 5 - Marsala, Selinunte, and Sciacca
Day 6 - Valley of the Temples and Agrigento
Day 7 - Palermo markets and museums
Plan your itinerary with local help
If you could use some help coming up with the ideal plan for your Sicily visit, schedule a Sicily travel consultation with Giorgio, our Palermo-based local expert!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you’ll get to chat with Giorgio about the trip you’re planning and he’ll share his tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
Day 1: Palermo
Palermo, Sicily’s capital city of almost 700,000, is a lively Mediterranean center and a place full of contrasts and surprises. Let it steal your heart as you wander its markets, explore its noble palaces, and discover stunning churches.
The Norman Cathedral in Palermo
Morning
Start your first day by exploring Palermo’s historic core.
Begin your exploration by walking along the central Via Vittorio Emanuele, an ancient street also called Càssaro by locals. Start from the intersection with Via Roma and expect about 1.5 km of walking.
As you wander, you’ll get to see the heart of noble Palermo unfold before you. Stop at the so-called Piazza della Vergogna (Square of Shame) with its Baroque Pretoria fountain adorned by nude and semi-nude statues and, a few steps ahead, the renowned intersection officially called Piazza Vigilena, but colloquially known as Quattro Canti. The theatrical square is surrounded by four fountains.
A little further on, admire the imposing Cathedral and do not miss a climb up its roof. From there, you will have a great view of the city center. Afterward, visit the Palazzo dei Normanni found at the end of the same street. This stunning building was the royal palace during the Norman’s reign in Sicily.
Visiting the palace takes about an hour, and the chance to marvel at the Palatine Chapel is reason enough to enter. The chapel is covered in stunning golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
Once you’ve finished exploring the Palace, continue down Vittorio Emanuele for another 15 minutes or so until you reach Vuccira Market, a bustling outdoor market with vendors selling everything from produce to meat, and little stalls preparing meals.
Be sure to sample the best street food in town: pani ca meusa (a spleen sandwich loved by locals), sfincione (a spongy bread topped with tomatoes, onions, anchovies, and oregano), and pane e panelle (chickpea fritters held in a sesame-seed bun).
Afternoon
In the afternoon, visit the churches of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (or La Martorana), San Cataldo, and Santa Caterina. For average visitors, expect it to take less than 1 hour to visit all three churches as they are all located on the same square, Piazza Bellini. It’s worth going inside each, as they offer quite different experiences.
The austere San Cataldo is built in Arabian-Norman style and has red domes; the sumptuous Martorana boasts opulent Baroque interiors; Santa Caterina offers a pleasant stop in its cloister garden while you taste sweet delights prepared by the nuns (do not miss their cannolo filled with ricotta).
After your sweet stop, get lost in the charming multi-ethnic neighborhood of Kalsa, among the most authentic in town (it’s just a few minutes walk away in the direction of the harbor).
Here you can discover an unfinished 16th-century church called Santa Maria dello Spasimo and some interesting street art like “Bakhita” by Rosk and Loste, witnessing Palermo’s cultural syncretism behind its identity, or “Federico II as a child” by Camilla Falsini, a tribute to the most loved king of Sicily (both the murals are on Via dello Spasimo).
During the day, the neighborhood still retains its popular appearance, while in the late afternoon it becomes a trendy and alternative area attracting locals eager to partake in Palermo’s nightlife. You could spend an hour here, or more if you want to join the local nightlife.
Evening
Have your dinner at the trattoria Ferro di Cavallo, about a 10-minute walk from Kalsa. And to really put the perfect end to a perfect day, wrap up your visit to Palermo with by enjoying a performance at the Teatro Massimo, less than 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Teatro Massimo is a gilded theatre dating back to the Art Nouveau period, and it now hosts concerts and operas (which have English subtitles, too). You can find the schedule here, and can also purchase tickets online in advance or at the ticket office on-site.
Before going to bed, enjoy a night walk in Palermo sparkling with lights. You can explore the area around the theatre and reach Piazza Olivella, just 3 minutes away. There, you will find a number of bars offering drinks and live music for a nightcap.
Overnight in Palermo
Palermo’s neighborhoods have quite different vibes and suit different travelers. To figure out where you should stay, you should first choose your mood! A few neighborhoods to consider are Ballarò, Kalsa, il Capo, and Castellammare. Here are some hotels I like:
Grand Hotel et Des Palmes - Rooms in high season cost around €300 a night.
Porta di Castro Boutique Hotel - A double room costs about €180.
Vossia Luxury Rooms & Sicilian Living - A room for two typically costs €180.
Bastione Spasimo Boutique Hotel - You can usually find a room for €170 per night.
Day 2: Day trip to Cefalù
Today, take a day trip to the pretty town of Cefalù.
Once a fishing village and today a pleasant holiday resort sitting between the sea and a craggy rock, the city offers a hilltop castle with great views over the sea, a stunning 12th-century cathedral with Byzantine mosaics, and an excellent city beach.
Cefalù seen from the top of La Rocca
Morning
Get an early start this morning as the trip to Cefalù takes about 1 hour by train or car. If you take the train, there are multiple departures every hour starting from the early morning. If you drive, save yourself some hassle on arrival and park along Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina.
Also, keep in mind that while having the car for your day trip may sound tempting, it won’t save you much time and your return to Palermo could become a bit stressful as you’ll have to navigate the city center and park…
If you want to have a guide with you while visiting, our favorite local guide Gaetano offers a half-day Palermo to Cefalù day trip. For a full-day out from Palermo, local driver-guide Giorgio combines Cefalù with a visit to hilltop Castelbuono.
No matter how you get to Cefalù, start your visit with a walk along the beach admiring the postcard-perfect seaside town nestled under the imposing mastic, La Rocca, which rises directly behind the town.
From the beach, make your way to the trailhead which leads to the top of La Rocca. Expect to walk for about 40 minutes, enjoying the shoreline (you can also take a dip!).
Climb the rock to explore the ruins of a Norman castle and the Temple of Diana, dating back to Sicanian-Greek times. The short hike, starting from the end of the seafront, is 3,5 km long (round trip) and offers great views over Cefalù and the coast. Remember to bring water and sunscreen as the path has no shade.
Head back down from La Rocca and make your way to the town’s central square, Piazza Duomo, where you can visit the beautiful cathedral, an authentic Arab-Norman jewel dating back to 1131. If you’re tired after your hike, you can take a small electric shuttle bus (€5) to the old city center.
Once in town, grab lunch and be sure to try the local pasta a taianu, a dish traditionally served in an earthenware pot that is filled with fried eggplant, meat, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, and sultanas (a sort of raisin). A good spot to try it is Tinchité.
Afternoon
After lunch, check out the Mandralisca Museum, a small private museum displaying the lifelong collection of Baron Mandralisca, including the famous “Portrait of an Unknown Man” by Antonello da Messina.
Afterwards, enjoy a stroll through the narrow alleyways of the old town (while munching on a gelato of course: grab it at the Gelateria Squagghiò), and be sure to make a stop at the Lavatoio, a medieval washhouse carved into the rock and built atop the Cefalino River, which runs through the city. Being so compact, your walk around the old city center will only take about 30-40 minutes, without rushing.
Having explored the town, now it’s time to head to the beach! Walk along Lungomare Giardina to Cefalù’s city beach. Chill out and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
Evening
End your time in Cefalù walking along Porto Vecchio, the city’s old port: it's a great photo spot at sunset.
Whenever you’re ready to leave the town, it’s time to return to Palermo. Either catch the train (the last one is at 9 pm) or hop in the car and make the hour drive back.
If you’re looking for a lively evening, I’d suggest heading to Piazza Bellini, as the area around the square is filled with bars and restaurants and it stays busy until well into the night. If you’re looking for a late dinner, stop at U Babbio.
Overnight in Palermo
For hotel ideas, see my recommendations provided in day 1.
Day 3: Segesta, Scopello, Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, San Vito Lo Capo, and Erice
Get ready for a full day and a fair bit of driving. On your 3rd day in Sicily, you’ll be road-tripping from Palermo to Trapani, making a series of stops along the way.
Explore temples and a theater lost in meadows at Segesta, an old tuna fishery in Scopello, Lo Zingaro nature reserve, a Caribbean beach in San Vito, and the medieval town of Erice: what a day!
You’ll be overnighting in Trapani.
Segesta’s Greek amphitheater
Morning
Early in the morning, head to the Segesta archaeological park, about a 1-hour drive from Palermo. Segesta is home to a stunning Doric temple surrounded by meadows and a majestic theater perched on a hilltop, which dates back to the 5th century BC and has stood there for more than 2,500 years.
Leaving Segesta in your rear-view, head to Scopello, 35 minutes away. This seaside village is small (a visit takes less than 30 minutes), but it has an ancient tuna fishery and an open-air museum (you should book in advance here).
After your quick stop, continue on to Lo Zingaro nature reserve (open 7 am – 7 pm) where you’ll spend the rest of the morning in a protected area ringed by mountains on one side and a sparkling sea on the other.
A 7 km path (each way, 14 km if you do the whole thing out and back) traces the entire nature reserve, but you could choose to walk just a part of it and then descend at some point towards hidden coves for a refreshing dip here and there. Alternatively, you could skip the path altogether and just spend the morning relaxing on the beach!
Whether you decide to spend your time at Lo Zingaro actively or leisurely (no judgement here!), you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time - the reserve is a little slice of paradise on earth. Seriously, imagine verdant growth all around, dramatic cliffs jutting into the sea, endless views over the water, and a string of fabulous beaches.
For lunch, if you plan ahead you could have a picnic right in the reserve. There are two “picnic-equipped” areas (at Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo and Cala Capreria), with benches and tables sitting in the shade of a typical cannucciato, a kind of a canopy made of woven reeds.
Afternoon
If you prefer to have a proper lunch, make your way to San Vito Lo Capo to taste the local couscous influenced by Tunisian cuisine. Stop at Ristorante Rais to taste an authentic one.
After lunch, set aside an hour to laze on the town’s fabulous Caribbean-looking beach.
Whenever you’re able to tear yourself away from San Vito’s beach, hop back in the car and make the 50-minute drive over to the hilltop town of Erice.
Here, you’ll be amazed by the fairytale medieval alleys and the atmospheric setting. The best way to explore Erice is to plan nothing in advance, instead letting yourself be guided by curiosity. As you wander, you’ll stumble upon small yet fascinating medieval churches and an unfinished fort built during Spanish rule.
If you're lucky, you'll visit while the town is veiled in its typical thick fog, which locals call “Venus' embrace”. Do make sure to stop by the Castello di Venere, a Norman castle built on a former temple of Venus (from which the name of the fog derives!).
Evening
At sunset, enjoy the sweeping views over the Tyrrhenian coast, the salt pans near Trapani, and the Aegadian (Egadi) Islands. The best spot to take great photos is the Giardino del Balio, next to the castle.
End your day (and your time in Erice) tasting sweet delights at the island’s most famous pastry shop, Maria Grammatico. Do not miss the ricotta-filled genovese, the almond-based lingua di suocera, and the biscuits belli e brutti.
Your accommodation tonight will be in Trapani, so drive straight to the city. The journey takes 30 minutes, but be cautious as it is a winding, narrow mountain road.
If you're still hungry even after Maria Grammatico's desserts, stop for dinner at Osteria La Dolce Vita in Trapani (and order spaghetti with cuttlefish ink) before getting a much-deserved good night’s rest.
Overnight in Trapani
Trapani is small so you don’t have to think too hard about where to stay. Just pick somewhere you like in the city center! The city is significantly cheaper than most other popular destinations in Sicily, so it’s a very affordable place to stay too.
Just remember, the historic center is mainly closed to traffic, so if you travel here by car, ask your accommodation if they offer a reserved parking space.
Room of Andrea - A double room costs €200.
Central Gallery Rooms - Nightly rates are around €150.
Residence La Gancia - €150 per night.
Giardini Mon Plaisir - Rooms can sometimes be found for less than €100 a night.
Day 4: Favignana and Trapani
Leave mainland Sicily behind and visit the beautiful island of Favignana, the largest of 5 that comprise the Aegadian islands. Here, you can swim in stunning turquoise waters and relax on excellent beaches.
In the evening, you have time to discover Trapani, a port city with a relaxed atmosphere and an interesting city center that is closer to Africa than mainland Italy.
The stunning waters at Bue Marino beach on Favignana
Morning
Trapani’s proximity to the Aegadian Islands (also called the Egadi islands) makes it simple to hop on a boat and enjoy a day trip to Favignana. The butterfly-shaped island lies just in front of the city, only 30 minutes away by hydrofoil.
Swim in its turquoise waters at Cala Rossa or Cala Bue Marino, on the east coast, about 5 km from the city center where the hydrofoil lands. Relax on the beach the whole morning or travel the island far and wide by bike (rent one next to the port) and discover more hidden coves such as Lido Burrone and Cala Rotonda.
Before leaving the island, hike up to the 15th-century Santa Caterina fort. It’s a short hike, about 2,5 km from the city center. From the top, you have a great view of the sea.
After the climb, you deserve a hearty late lunch before catching the hydrofoil back to Trapani. Your best choice is the Osteria del Sotto Sale.
Afternoon
Back in Trapani, dedicate the late afternoon to exploring the city’s honey-hued center. The city is quite compact. So strolling through its labyrinth of winding alleys lined with noble palaces will take you no more than a couple of hours.
I suggest that you start by walking along the central Corso Vittorio Emanuele, leading to the town hall, Palazzo Senatorio. Then, continue on Via Garibaldi and visit the imposing cathedral of San Lorenzo. Reach Piazza del Mercato del Pesce, a good viewpoint over the city that juts into the sea.
Evening
As the sun sets, grab the best gelato in town at Gelateria Gino and walk along the promenade that leads to the Tower of Ligny, a 17th-century tower built to protect the coastline. You can also climb up it to enjoy a better view of the sea.
If by evening you find that you’ve already had your fill of Trapani, instead head to the coastal salt pans at the nature reserve Lo Stagnone (25 25-minute drive).
Here, you can sip a drink by the water at Mamma Caura while watching the sun dip into the lagoon. You can also dine at the restaurant. If you do, order busiate alla trapanese, a long-spiraled pasta seasoned with pesto alla trapanese (pine nuts and almonds mixed with crushed tomatoes).
Overnight in Trapani
For hotel options, see the info provided in day 3.
Connect with Giorgio in Palermo for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips!
Day 5: Marsala, Selinunte, and Sciacca
Your journey through western Sicily now moves to Marsala where you’ll explore the city, taste local wine, and see the ruins of a Phoenician ship. Next, you’ll continue on to ancient Greek ruins in Selinunte, before finishing the day in Sciacca, a coastal town known for its tradition of ceramic and coral manufacturing.
You’ll reach the city of Agrigento, where you’ll be spending your next two nights, late in the evening.
The Marsala salt pants
Morning
Pack up your bags and hit the road for Marsala, about 35 minutes away. Marsala has a lovely city center and you should expect to spend about 2 hours visiting, including time at the archaeological museum.
Start your visit at the central Via XI Maggio street, which runs from Piazza Matteotti to Porta Nuova. From here, head to Via Garibaldi which is flanked on both sides by charming palaces, shops, bars, and restaurants.
There are few “must-see” sites in town, so the idea here is to just get lose in the narrow streets which are dotted by old monasteries, ornate balconies, and noble palaces. Do be sure, however, to stop in Piazza della Repubblica to admire the majestic Duomo.
Before you break for lunch, walk down to the seafront and visit the local archaeological museum, which houses an authentic Phoenician ship!
When it’s time for a little sustenance, I recommend a meal at Antica Trattoria da Pino, an old-style tavern offering a delicious pasta c’anciova (pasta with sardines). Don’t forget to ask for a glass of Marsala wine, a local specialty.
If you’re a wine lover, you can also visit one of Marsala’s historic cellars, such as Donnafugata or Florio, to learn about the local tradition of adding brandy to the local wine.
Afternoon
After lunch drive to Selinunte to visit the archaeological park. It’s a 55 minute drive. Once a wealthy Greek city in antiquity, the ruins of Selinunte including an acropolis, a necropolis, and Doric temples. The site is quite large, so you should budget 2-3 hours for a visit.
Once you’ve had your fill of ancient Greece, return to modern day and turn your attention to the town of Sciacca, a 40 minute ride from Selinunte. Sciacca has been a spa town since the 5th century, and it’s full of Renaissance palaces and ancient churches. Local artisans also have a strong tradition of producing quality ceramics and coral jewelry.
While here, be sure to admire the magnificent church of Santa Maria del Soccorso, enjoy the view from Piazza Scandaliato, and shop for local coral jewelry and handmade pottery along the central Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The old center is very compact, so you probably won’t need more than 30-40 minutes for a wander.
Evening
At sunset, walk along the majolica-decorated Scalinata Artistica (artistic staircase) to reach the port and enjoy a dinner of fresh fish at Ristorante Porto San Paolo, housed in a 15th-century tower with a terrace overlooking the sea. The setting is tough to beat!
While it might be tempting to end the day in Sciacca, resist the temptation and instead get the car and make the 1-hour drive to Agrigento. While an after-dinner drive may not sound ideal, tomorrow you’re visiting Valley of the Temples, and to maximize your time it really is best to sleep in Agrigento tonight.
Overnight in Agrigento
Agrigento has a few good hotel options in the city center and quite a few hotels in the countryside outside of town. The first two hotels below are in town while the second two are luxury properties that overlook the Valley of the Temples and provide a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Terrazze di Montelusa - $170 a night in summer.
Locanda degli Scrittori - Rooms from $120 per night.
Doric Eco Boutique - Rooms cost around $300 a night.
Villa Athena - Expect to spend from $600 and up.
Day 6: Agrigento and Valley of the Temples
Although Agrigento is best known for the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples (truly wonderful!), the city itself offers many surprises worth discovering.
Today, you’ll spend the morning at the Valley of the Temples (hopefully arriving before the tour buses do) and then enjoy an afternoon back in town checking out the city.
Morning
Get up as early as you can to enjoy the Valley of the Temples without crowds or sweltering heat. The valley is 3 km from Agrigento city and you can reach it by walking (with a view over the temples) or taking a local bus from Piazza Rosselli (departing every 30 minutes throughout the day). There is also a parking lot on site if you prefer to drive.
Visiting the ancient Akragas (as the city was called in ancient Greece), founded by the Greeks in 580 BC, is a fascinating dive into the distant past. A 2 km well-marked route runs through the valley, and you’ll pass by old necropolises, ancient sanctuaries, an Art Nouveau villa, and a “hypogeum”. You’re sure to be particularly amazed by the complexes start attractions: a huge temple of Zeus and the intact temple of Concordia.
Before going, know that there are two entrances: Porta Giunone is the eastern entrance and Porta V is the western one. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, but the path from Porta Giunone is downhill…
A visit lasts about 3-4 hours and you should expect to walk about 4-5 km (round trip), as at the end of your visit you’ll have to walk back to the car park. There is also a small electric shuttle, similar to a golf cart, that can take you back for € 3.
If you come by public transport, the bus stops at both entrances, so you can get off at one to start your visit and then exit at the other to catch the bus back to town, minimizing how much you’ll have to walk.
But before leaving the valley, have a look at the Kolymbetra garden, once a Greek pool, and now a lush garden full of citrus trees and exotic plants. You can see the garden in less than an hour, but for a very nice experience you can pack a picnic and have lunch among the trees.
If a picnic sounds like too much work (you’re on vacation after all!), head back to Agrigento and have lunch on Via Atenea, its central street. Cantina Granet is a very good choice to order a platter with a selection of charcuterie and local cheeses paired with a glass of wine (veg options available as well).
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon discovering modern Agrigento. Although many travelers skip the city altogether, just stopping at Valley of the Temples and then moving on, this is really a shame. Agrigento is full of artistic treasures such as old churches, noble palaces, and narrow stairways.
Do not miss the 11th-century cathedral of Saint Gerlando whose interiors boast a Roman sarcophagus and a painted wooden ceiling.
For a late afternoon snack, stop at the monastery of Santo Spirito to taste some delicacies prepared by the nuns. Their specialty is sweet couscous: such a treat!
Evening
At sunset, head to San Leone beach - 6 km from the city center - and join the locals for an aperitif by the sea. Oceanomare is the best spot to sip a good drink.
If somehow you’re still hungry, you could go wild and order an aperitivo rinforzato, usually a drink accompanied by a bunch of appetizers: cheeses, bread, cured meats, olives, and sometimes even pasta. For about € 10-15, you’ll get an affordable dinner option.
If you’re in the mood for a more formal dinner, sit at a restaurant with a view. Il Re di Girgenti offers tables overlooking the temples, all lit up at night – thank me later! To avoid disappointment, be sure to reserve in advance and ask for a table outdoors!
Overnight in Agrigento
For hotels, see my suggestions in day 5.
Day 7: Palermo markets and museums
On your final day of this ring route, you’re heading back to Palermo where you can deepen your knowledge of the city: participate in typical daily life by walking through a local market, visit some splendid noble palaces, and be surprised by a couple of truly special museums.
Central Palermo
Morning
The journey between Agrigento and Palermo takes about 2 hours, so an early start is ideal to make the most of your day. I’d also recommend dropping off your car on the way into the city so that you don’t have to deal with the hassle of parking (or driving in Palermo!).
Since you’ll have already seen many of Palermo’s “highlights”, start your day by perusing the atmospheric Il Capo market, which has been operating since Arab-Norman rule and is still the most authentic market in Palermo. Stop at the food stalls to taste fresh produce, cheese, and fruit that vendors offer to passers-by to persuade them to buy. Give yourself an hour to take it all in.
Afterwards, check out some aristocratic palaces such as Palazzo Mirto with its opulent interiors, the 14th-century Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri (which became the seat of the Inquisition during the 17th century), and the Baroque Palazzo Butera with a long facade built atop a stretch of former walls now called Passeggiata delle Cattive.
The palaces are all a few steps from each other, so visiting them all together is a breeze. If you visit all 3, figure it’ll take you around 3 hours, by which point it’ll be time for lunch!
For a good and quick meal, Ssop at Nni Francu u Vastiddaru (15 minutes from the palaces), where you can choose from ready dishes, sandwiches, and street food. Be sure to try one of their very good arancina (fried and stuffed rice ball).
Afternoon
In the afternoon, especially if the sun is beating down, give a chance to two very unique museums. These are not remotely similar to the usual museums and they are something that you can only find in Palermo.
My recommendation is to visit the marvelous Camera delle Meraviglie (chamber of wonders), a cobalt blue room covered in silver Arab inscriptions that was discovered in a private apartment during renovation works. The visit takes no more than 20 minutes.
Next, marvel at the Stanze al Genio, about 15 minutes away. It is a bizarre private museum displaying a vast collection of 2,500 majolica pieces dating from the late 16th to early 20th century. Expect to spend about an hour here.
As an alternative, you could also visit Monreale and its stunning Cathedral this afternoon. A public bus runs between Palermo and Monreale with departures every 40 minutes until fairly late in the evening. So if it’s on your list, you could certainly make time to see Monreale today.
Evening
Tonight, bid Sicily farewell with a memorable dinner. Book a table at the restaurant Ciccio in Pentola, located in the heart of the Kalsa neighborhood. It is beloved by local foodies and worth a stop to taste creative fish dishes and Sicilian delicacies.
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. And so to with your exploration of Sicily; but perhaps we’ll see you next your for a visit to island’s East! Arrivederci ed alla prossima!
Overnight in Palermo
For recommendations on where to stay, see my hotel suggestions from day 1.
- Chat with a local expert
- 1 hour planning session
- Get pro tips & hidden gems
- Personalized to you
Connect with Giorgio
