Palermo holidays

Since it was founded by Phonecian traders in the eighth century, Palermo has long been a melting pot of cultures. It swiftly became a centre of trade with North Africa, and Greek, Arab and Jewish people eventually settled here. A holiday in Palermo is a blend of remarkable architecture, traditional markets and historic squares.

Palermo holiday highlights

Ancient architecture

Palermo’s ancient architecture is majestic, and perhaps none more so than its Arab-Norman Cathedral, erected in 1185 by archbishop Walter Ophamil. Like the nearby Cappella Palatina, it’s one of the city’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. And don’t miss a concert at Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s grandest opera houses.

Street food

Sicily draws culinary influences from its North African and European neighbours. During your holiday in Palermo, try ‘stigghiola’ (seasoned offal skewered over fire) or ‘panelle’ (chickpea flour fritters). Palermo is perhaps best known for its pastries, and cannoli reigns supreme. Join a street food tour to sample the wide variety of cuisines. 

Market life

Palermo has four ancient markets: Ballaro, Capo, Vucciria and Borgo Vecchio. If you visit one on your Palermo holiday, don’t forget that bargaining is expected. Locals are known to haggle over textiles, food and crafts. The largest market, Ballaro, is lively with the sound of vendors hawking produce and fresh fish. Go early to avoid the crowds.

Palermo: Know before you go

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

July – August

Low season

December – February

Find the best time to go to Palermo

Weather in Palermo

March – May: Spring can bring unpredictable rains, but the mild days are perfect for exploring the city sights.

June – August: This is when Palermo is at its hottest. Temperatures tend to peak in August, and everyone makes for the nearby beaches. For maximum comfort, book accommodation with air-conditioning.

September – November: It’s not unusual to see locals heading for a swim all through autumn. The days are pleasantly warm and perfect for wandering.

December – February: Palermo does get cold and drizzly over winter. Pack warm, waterproof clothes and brave the weather because Christmas here means a sea of markets and festivities.

Events in Palermo

Sagra del Cannolo di Ricotta (April or May): Chow down in this festival dedicated solely to Sicily’s iconic sweet—the cannolo. Fresh, ricotta-filled cannoli multiply in bakeries across Piana degli Albanesi, 40 minutes south of the city.

World Festival on the Beach (May): An ancient city that celebrates… 1980s beach nostalgia? That’s exactly what you’ll find at thewindsurfer world championshipin Mondello, a multi-day party of neon proportions.

Festino di Santa Rosalia (July): Every year, Palermo honours its patron saint for saving the city from a devastating plague. Religious processions, holy masses, fireworks displays and street feasts round out the fun.

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The best neighbourhoods in Palermo

Palermo City Centre

This is the best area to stay in Palermo to be in the heart of the action. You’ll be surrounded by Baroque churches, Gothic palaces and bustling street markets. Its main streets, Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele, are mostly pedestrianised, which makes it easy to get around the neighbourhood on foot.

Good for: Architecture, historic landmarks, markets

La Kalsa

La Kalsa’s history goes back hundreds of years as one of Europe’s first Arab settlements. The neighbourhood’s medieval architecture, narrow streets and local restaurants offer a view into the lives of its early North African settlers. The area was heavily bombed in World War II, but the ruined buildings have been artfully restored and are now fashionable shops and restaurants.

Good for: Medieval architecture, boutiques, dining

Mondello

A little north of Palermo is Mondello, the most famous beach in the region and the best area to stay in Palermo if you like a little distance from city life. You’ll find pristine sands, crystal-clear waters and glorious vistas on nearby hill walks. Lively beach bars and good bus connections to Palermo make this a popular summer destination.

Good for: Beaches, waterfront bars, nature

Things to do in Palermo

Palermo

Places to eat

Byzantines, Greeks and Arabs have all contributed to the city’s mouthwatering food scene. Find some of the best food in Palermo at the open-air markets like Ballaro and Vucciria, where you can try ‘arancini’ (fried rice balls) and ‘limoncello’ (lemon liquor). Enjoy relaxed Mediterranean lunches at a restaurant in the town square.

Beaches

Sicily boasts more than 400 km of beaches along its glorious coastline. Mondello is the most popular area, known for its stretch of clean sands and surrounding turquoise waters. Famous Cefalu beach is about an hour away and offers a pristine sandy beach backed by a historic old town. It gets busy in summer, so arrive early.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Palermo often begins with a post-work ‘aperitivo’ (pre-dinner drinks and snacks), usually an Aperol, served somewhere classic like Il Siciliano. Later in the evening, you’ll want to visit the city’s oldest pub, Taverna Azzurra, for some well-priced drinks. Find live, local music and dancing until dawn in the historic centre.

Shopping

Shopping in Palermo varies from high-street fashion outlets to the colourful fish, fruit and vegetables at its markets. First, head for Via Ruggiero Settimo or Via della Liberta for classic Italian boutiques and well-loved brands. Then take a trip to one of the city’s famous outdoor markets, La Vucciria, which is open every day but Sunday.

Take in the culture

With its ancient churches, palaces and theatres, Sicily’s capital can feel like one big museum. Take in a full panorama of the city’s elegance at Piazza Vigliena, where four curved facades form a perfect circle that lights up at different times during the day. Nearby, check out the nude statues at Fontana Pretoria, nicknamed the ‘Fountain of Shame’ by Sicilian churchgoers in the 1500s.

Family-friendly things to do

Not all kids enjoy touring ancient architecture. Thankfully, there are plenty of other things to do with the family in Palermo. Explore the Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum or catch a performance of puppet theatre at Opera dei Pupi. Mondello Beach is a great place to spend the day and grab some gelato.

Plan your holiday to Palermo

Budget

The secret to a cheap holiday in Palermo in the summer is to book early. Prices tend to settle across the shoulder seasons. Feast on cheap snacks like arancini and panini for just a couple of euros (€). A morning cappuccino costs around €2, and a beer will set you back about €5. Enjoy a meal at an inexpensive trattoria for around €12.

Day trips from Palermo

History buffs won’t want to miss the 2,500-year-old Archaeological Park of Segesta, the Ancient City of Selinunte or the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. All three ruins of civilisations past are accessible by car or organised tours. To see a medieval castle perched on a mountain and eat the best Genovese pastry possible, look no further than the town of Erice.

Getting around Palermo

One of the first things you’ll notice about Palermo is the constant beeping of car horns. But don’t worry, you don’t need to drive here. The free shuttle bus connects major central squares and attractions. Local AMAT buses can take you further afield. Purchase tickets at newsstands or from the driver.

FAQs about Palermo holidays

Whether you're interested in food, shopping, or anything in between, there are countless things to do in Palermo. Statua di Giuseppe Garibaldi and Casa di Paolo are just a taste of what awaits in this holiday-worthy destination.
The official currency in Palermo is the euro (EUR). It's helpful to carry a small amount of cash during your trip to Palermo, but credit cards and digital payments usually work in most places.
The warmest month in Palermo is August, when temperatures hit a maximum of 32ºC (90ºF).
A cheap holiday to Palermo is possible and is regarded as a good value city break for families. You can keep costs down by shopping at its open-air bazaars and taking public transport.
Italian is mostly what you'll hear when chatting with locals. From casual greetings to playful local lingo, you're sure to pick up some new phrases during your city break in Palermo.
February is the coolest time of year to visit. Organise your Palermo holiday then and you can anticipate lows of 6ºC (43ºF).
Palermo is all about slowing down, so how long you stay is up to you. You could probably tick off the main attractions over a long weekend, but you could easily remain charmed over a full week. There’s also the option to include a short break in Palermo as part of a longer holiday in Sicily.
Palermo is generally safe to visit, but it's always good to exercise some caution wherever you're going. Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places, and keep your belongings within reach. Also use official transport options whenever possible during your holiday to Palermo.
Palermo is best visited in the shoulder seasons of April through May and September through October, when temperatures are warm and there are fewer crowds. You may also find cheaper hotel rates for your holiday to Palermo during the shoulder season.
With around 10 cm of rainfall, October is the wettest month. If you're taking your Palermo holiday then, you might want to plan for some indoor activities. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, relax in a local cafe, or indulge in some retail therapy.

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