Palermo 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Historic Center

  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Palazzo Natoli or similar, centrally located in the historic center.
  • Breakfast: Grab a quick breakfast at Caffè Sicilia (Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 196) known for its cannolis and gelato.
  • Morning: Visit the Quattro Canti, a baroque-style square and one of Palermo’s most iconic sights. Then, explore the nearby Piazza Pretoria with its ornate fountain.
  • Lunch: Head to Antica Focacceria San Francesco (V via Sant’Onofrio, 7) for traditional Sicilian street food.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Palermo Cathedral and the Royal Palace, both located near Piazza Pretoria. Then, explore the Capella Palatina, a stunning example of Norman architecture.
  • Dinner: Dine at Trattoria A Zara (Via Maqueda, 367) for Sicilian cuisine.
  • Evening: Take a leisurely stroll in the vibrant Ballarò market or head to the Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele to catch an opera performance if available.

Day 2: Monreale & Capaci

  • Transportation: Rent a car or take a bus to Monreale (Linea 350 from Piazza Giulio Cesare).
  • Morning: Visit the Monreale Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its golden mosaics. Don’t miss the nearby Cloister and the nearby church of Santa Maria Nuova.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Ristorante Trattoria Antica (Piazza Duomo, 17) in Monreale.
  • Afternoon: Head to Capaci to visit the Villa Malfitano di Capaci, an impressive Baroque villa with beautiful gardens.
  • Dinner: Return to Palermo and dine at Ai Borgheri (Via Paolo Borromeo, 34) for Sicilian seafood.
  • Evening: Enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar of Grand Hotel Wagner or another central location with views over the city.

Day 3: Beach Day & Marina di Raimoniera

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend the day relaxing on the beach at Mondello, Palermo’s most famous beach. There are several beach clubs to choose from, such as Bagno Antico or Bagno Onda.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at one of the beachside restaurants in Mondello.
  • Afternoon: Take a bus (Linea 385) or drive to Marina di Raimoniera for a quieter beach experience.
  • Dinner: Return to Palermo and dine at Lo Sfizio (Via Vittorio Emanuele, 419) for traditional Sicilian dishes.
  • Evening: Stroll along the seafront promenade or head to the nearby Teatro Politeama Genovese to catch a concert if available.

Day 4: Day Trip to Cefalù

  • Transportation: Rent a car or take a train (Regional Train from Palermo Centrale) to Cefalù, a charming coastal town about an hour away.
  • Morning: Visit the Duomo di Cefalù, a stunning Norman cathedral overlooking the sea. Then, explore the historic center and its narrow streets filled with artisan shops.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Ristorante Antica Trattoria (Via V. Emanuele III, 250) in Cefalù.
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beach or hike up to the Rocca di Cefalù for panoramic views of the town and sea.
  • Dinner: Return to Palermo and dine at Ristorante Pasticceria Corrado (Via Maqueda, 309) for Sicilian pastries and more.
  • Evening: Take a leisurely stroll in the historic center or head to a local bar for an evening drink.

Day 5: Market Day & Cooking Class

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Ballarò market, one of Palermo’s largest markets, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Sicilian street life. Then, head to the nearby Vucciria market for more local experiences.
  • Lunch: Grab a quick lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Gangi (Via Vittorio Emanuele, 109) or similar.
  • Afternoon: Join a cooking class in Palermo to learn about Sicilian cuisine and enjoy the fruits of your labor for dinner.
  • Dinner: Dine at the cooking school or return to one of your favorite restaurants from earlier in the trip.
  • Evening: Head to a local bar for an evening drink or enjoy a nightcap at the rooftop bar of Grand Hotel Wagner.

Day 6: Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy one last breakfast at Caffè Sicilia before checking out of your hotel.
  • Departure: Head to Palermo Airport (PMO) or Train Station for your departure.