Corleone
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Latest page update: 4 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Corleone
Corleone, an inland town in the Province of Palermo, is surrounded by rolling countryside and known for its historic centre and waterfalls. Accommodation in the town is mainly small residences and agriturismi, so for established hotels the best choices are found in the wider area.
In Palermo, Grand Hotel Wagner offers elegant interiors, a bar and refined rooms in a historic setting, regularly praised for its character and comfort (€€€). Also in the city, Hotel Politeama provides modern accommodation in a central location, often noted for its convenience and service (€€). Another option is NH Palermo, which combines contemporary rooms with a pool and views over the Foro Italico, with consistently positive guest feedback (€€).
In Palermo, Grand Hotel Wagner offers elegant interiors, a bar and refined rooms in a historic setting, regularly praised for its character and comfort (€€€). Also in the city, Hotel Politeama provides modern accommodation in a central location, often noted for its convenience and service (€€). Another option is NH Palermo, which combines contemporary rooms with a pool and views over the Foro Italico, with consistently positive guest feedback (€€).
Where is
Where is Corleone?
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The historic town of Corleone is situated within the Metropolitan City of Palermo province and has a population of around 11,000.
Standing at an elevation of 600 metres above sea level, it's located a distance of 56 kilometres south of Palermo, the regional capital of Sicily. Places of interest nearby include Sambuca di Sicilia, Caltabellotta, Monreale and Palermo. |
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Corleone attracts visitors due to its connection with The Godfather series of films. In the film, the Corleone family hail from the town but it wasn't used as a backdrop in any of the films. The most famous locations in Sicily used in the Godfather are the villages of Savoca and Forza d'Agrò over on the eastern, Ionian coast of the island region.
Comune di Corleone
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Province: Metropolitan City of Palermo
Region: Sicily Population: 10,276 (in 2024 - source) Size: 229 km² Elevation: 600 metres Close by: Sambuca di Sicilia, Caltabellotta, Monreale, Palermo Recommended accommodation: Opera Boutique Rooms (52 km) |
What People Ask About Corleone
Is Corleone worth visiting?
How do I get to Corleone?
What are the main attractions in Corleone?
When is the best time to visit Corleone?
How long should I stay in Corleone?
Related links
Discover
Discover Corleone
On the Trail of The Godfather
Corleone is a historic inland town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, located in the hilly heart of western Sicily. Surrounded by fertile valleys, vineyards, and rocky ridges, it sits between the Rocca Busambra and the Bosco della Ficuzza nature reserve. The old town follows the contours of its elevated site, with steep lanes, stone houses, and small piazzas that reflect its medieval origins. Its position on the route between Palermo and the island’s southern interior has long made it an important agricultural and trading centre.
The town is also famous for its association with The Godfather films, as the fictional Corleone family in the series takes its name from this Sicilian town, even though the movies were filmed elsewhere. Among its main landmarks are the Chiesa Madre di San Martino, which preserves Renaissance artworks, and the Cascata delle Due Rocche, a natural waterfall set near the historic centre. With its layered history of Norman, Arab, and Spanish influences, Corleone remains one of the most recognisable names in Sicily, symbolically linked to both cinematic legend and the island’s complex past.
The town is also famous for its association with The Godfather films, as the fictional Corleone family in the series takes its name from this Sicilian town, even though the movies were filmed elsewhere. Among its main landmarks are the Chiesa Madre di San Martino, which preserves Renaissance artworks, and the Cascata delle Due Rocche, a natural waterfall set near the historic centre. With its layered history of Norman, Arab, and Spanish influences, Corleone remains one of the most recognisable names in Sicily, symbolically linked to both cinematic legend and the island’s complex past.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Corleone
- Museo Civico di Corleone is housed in the former Franciscan convent of Sant’Agostino and focuses on local history, archaeology and religious art. The museum includes ceramics, tools and documents related to the town’s rural past. A section is dedicated to the anti-mafia movement and prominent figures like Placido Rizzotto. Temporary exhibitions and cultural events are also hosted here.
- Chiesa Madre di San Martino is Corleone’s main church, built in the 14th century and later modified in Baroque style. The interior features a richly decorated nave, side chapels and an organ dating back several centuries. Located in the historic centre, it is used for daily services and religious festivals. Its bell tower overlooks Piazza Garibaldi and the surrounding streets.
- CIDMA – Centro Internazionale di Documentazione sulla Mafia e del Movimento Antimafia is a museum and archive dedicated to raising awareness about organised crime and promoting legal culture. It displays photographs, court documents and testimonies from anti-mafia trials, including the Maxi Trial. Guided tours offer insight into the lives of judges, victims and investigators. The centre attracts visitors from around the world.
- Cascata delle Due Rocche is a natural waterfall located just outside the town centre, where the San Leonardo river flows over a rocky ledge into a small gorge. Surrounded by greenery and accessed by footpath, it offers a quiet setting for short walks and photography. The site is especially scenic after rainfall. Local legends and historical anecdotes are tied to the waterfall.
- Centro Storico di Corleone features narrow lanes, historic palaces and small piazzas with a blend of medieval and Baroque architecture. Streets like Via Bentivegna and Via Cammarata reflect the town’s past as a feudal and religious centre. The area includes traditional bakeries, artisan shops and old churches. Guided walking tours are available to explore its layered history.
Tours and Activities
Corleone Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Corleone Photo Gallery
Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Corleone
By Rail: Corleone does not have a train station. The nearest major station is in Palermo, approximately 60 kilometres to the north, which is served by regional and long-distance Trenitalia services. From Palermo, trains connect to cities such as Cefalù, Catania, and Messina. Corleone can be reached from Palermo by bus or car.
By Road: Corleone is located in the hills of inland western Sicily, about 60 kilometres south of Palermo. The drive from Palermo takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SS624. From Agrigento, the journey is around 70 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS188 and SS189. Public parking is available near the historic centre and main town entrances.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Corleone is located in the hills of inland western Sicily, about 60 kilometres south of Palermo. The drive from Palermo takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SS624. From Agrigento, the journey is around 70 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS188 and SS189. Public parking is available near the historic centre and main town entrances.
Nearest International Airports:
- Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport: The closest airport, located about 70 kilometres from Corleone. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS624 and A29.
- Trapani Birgi Airport: Situated around 110 kilometres to the west, with a driving time of about 2 hours via the A29 and inland roads.
- Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Located approximately 190 kilometres to the east, the journey takes about 3 hours via the A19 and SS121.
Private Transfers
Corleone Private Transfers
A private transfer is a reliable and comfortable way to travel to or from Corleone, especially given its inland location and limited public transport options. You’ll be picked up from your chosen location and driven directly by a local driver—no changes, no delays, and no need to hire a car.
From Corleone, the journey to Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport takes about 1 hour 20 minutes (approx. 75 kilometres), while Palermo city centre can be reached in roughly 1 hour 10 minutes. Transfers to Monreale, Piana degli Albanesi, or Prizzi typically take between 30 and 50 minutes by car.
To request a personalised quote or check availability, simply fill out the short form below.
From Corleone, the journey to Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport takes about 1 hour 20 minutes (approx. 75 kilometres), while Palermo city centre can be reached in roughly 1 hour 10 minutes. Transfers to Monreale, Piana degli Albanesi, or Prizzi typically take between 30 and 50 minutes by car.
To request a personalised quote or check availability, simply fill out the short form below.
