Palermo 7 Day Itinerary

Sicily 7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Palermo

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

  • Arrive at Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO).
  • Check-in at a centrally located hotel such as Grand Hotel et Des Palmes or Villa Igiea.
  • Familiarize yourself with the city: Quattro Canti, the city’s geographical center and a great starting point for sightseeing.
  • For dinner, try local street food at Ballarò Market.

Day 2: Historical Palermo

  • Visit the Palatine Chapel, a stunning example of Byzantine art.
  • Explore the Capella Palatina within the Palace of the Normans.
  • Head to the Cathedral of Palermo and its adjacent Cappella del Santo Rosario.
  • Enjoy lunch at Antica Focacceria San Francesco, a historic bakery.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Martorana Church.

Day 3: Monreale & Segesta

  • Take a day trip to Monreale and Segesta (best with a guided tour).
  • Marvel at the Duomo di Monreale, one of the highest expressions of Norman art.
  • Visit the ancient Greek Temple of Segesta.

Day 4: Modern Palermo

  • Spend the day exploring modern Palermo.
  • Stroll through Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy.
  • Visit the Capolineum, a contemporary art museum.
  • For lunch, try Panzarotto (a type of Sicilian calzone) at Verdura.
  • In the evening, unwind at Kalsa, Palermo’s bohemian district known for its vibrant nightlife.

Day 5: Giardini Naxos & Cefalù

  • Take a day trip to Giardini Naxos and Cefalù (best with a guided tour).
  • Relax at the beautiful beaches of Giardini Naxos.
  • Explore the medieval town of Cefalù, known for its Norman duomo.

Day 6: Food & Market Tour

  • Join a food and market tour to immerse yourself in Palermo’s culinary culture.
  • Visit Ballarò Market again, this time with an expert guide.
  • Try other local delicacies like Arancini, Cannoli, and Pani ca’ meusa.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs in the city center.
  • Depart from Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO).

Transportation: Palermo has a comprehensive bus network, and a metro line is currently under construction. Taxis are also readily available. Renting a car can be an option for day trips.

Tips: Sicily is famous for its mafia history; however, the city is safe for tourists. Be cautious in quiet streets at night. Always ask for the “menu del giorno” (daily menu) when dining out to get a taste of local dishes at affordable prices. Enjoy your trip to Palermo!