Palermo
Palermo
⭐ Ranked #20 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
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Latest page update: 2 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Situated on Sicily's north-west coast, Palermo is at once the island's capital, its most populous city with around 675,000 inhabitants, an important maritime port and a UNESCO World Heritage site with an enviable collection of treasures from the Arab-Norman period.
As with so many cities throughout Italy, Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians, in the year 734 BC. The Carthaginians then came in the 5th century BC before falling into the hands of the Romans for over a thousand years. |
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What People Ask About Palermo
What is Palermo known for?
Is Palermo worth visiting?
What food is typical in Palermo?
Does Palermo have beaches?
How do I get from Palermo Airport to the city?
Related links
Overview
Overview
Palermo's Glory Days
Palermo's most glorious period started with the Arab conquest in 831 AD, leading to the city establishing itself as an important Islamic centre of culture and trade. The city continued to flourish on all fronts after the Norman conquest in 1072, eventually becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily.
More recent history saw a period of decline for Palermo with much of the city devastated by Allied bombing raids during world war two while the intervening years saw the dark shadow of the Mafia cast its negative influence on development and progress.
Palermo's most glorious period started with the Arab conquest in 831 AD, leading to the city establishing itself as an important Islamic centre of culture and trade. The city continued to flourish on all fronts after the Norman conquest in 1072, eventually becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily.
More recent history saw a period of decline for Palermo with much of the city devastated by Allied bombing raids during world war two while the intervening years saw the dark shadow of the Mafia cast its negative influence on development and progress.
Palermo today: Sicily's bustling capital
Modern-day Palermo is a bustling port city, stunningly beautiful in places while poverty-stricken in others yet never dull. Perhaps the best place to truly understand the city is its Ballarò market where you'll find sounds, smells and tastes to awaken the senses.
Palermo is famous throughout the world for its street-food, the most famous being the "arancini", balls of rice coated in breadcrumbs and typically filled with meat, cheese and vegetables.
Modern-day Palermo is a bustling port city, stunningly beautiful in places while poverty-stricken in others yet never dull. Perhaps the best place to truly understand the city is its Ballarò market where you'll find sounds, smells and tastes to awaken the senses.
Palermo is famous throughout the world for its street-food, the most famous being the "arancini", balls of rice coated in breadcrumbs and typically filled with meat, cheese and vegetables.
Things to Do
Things to Do
The dazzling hidden treasures of Palermo
Palermo is also home to one of Italy's greatest treasures and in my opinion, one of the most underrated sights in Italy. Housed in the Palazzo Reale (otherwise known as the Palazzo dei Normanni), the Palatine Chapel contains an extraordinary display of mosaics, predominantly gold in colour that positively glows.
The artwork in the chapel is a combination of Arab, Norman, Greek and Byzantine work whose overall effect is truly remarkable and worthy of a visit to Palermo by itself. In fact, Palermo partly owes its UNESCO inscription to the chapel along with similarly-styled work at Monreale Cathedral on the outskirts of Palermo and the Cathedral of Cefalù, further to the east of Palermo along the same stretch of coastline.
The inscription is fully-entitled "Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalu and Monreale", and also includes Castello della Zisa, Palermo Cathedral, Chiesa San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (also known simply as "La Marmorata"), Chiesa di San Cataldo and the Ponte dell'Ammiraglio bridge, all of which are worthy of a visit in their own right.
Palermo is also home to one of Italy's greatest treasures and in my opinion, one of the most underrated sights in Italy. Housed in the Palazzo Reale (otherwise known as the Palazzo dei Normanni), the Palatine Chapel contains an extraordinary display of mosaics, predominantly gold in colour that positively glows.
The artwork in the chapel is a combination of Arab, Norman, Greek and Byzantine work whose overall effect is truly remarkable and worthy of a visit to Palermo by itself. In fact, Palermo partly owes its UNESCO inscription to the chapel along with similarly-styled work at Monreale Cathedral on the outskirts of Palermo and the Cathedral of Cefalù, further to the east of Palermo along the same stretch of coastline.
The inscription is fully-entitled "Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalu and Monreale", and also includes Castello della Zisa, Palermo Cathedral, Chiesa San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (also known simply as "La Marmorata"), Chiesa di San Cataldo and the Ponte dell'Ammiraglio bridge, all of which are worthy of a visit in their own right.
Sightseeing in Palermo away from the Arab-Norman treasures
Another of Palermo's most famous sights is the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, a unique, if rather macabre location; a burial ground used by monks where the dead bodies have been preserved using various methods. The result is at once fascinating but perhaps terrifying to the faint-hearted so caution is advised before undertaking such a visit.
Away from the grisly catacombs, Palermo itself is a vibrant, bright city where you'll find palm-tree-lined pavements, beautiful Neo-classical theatres such as Teatro Massimo (the steps of which are of particular interest to fans of the Godfather Part 3) and Teatro Politeama. There are also some grand piazzas including the historic Piazza Pretoria with its famous fountain (Fontana Pretoria).
Away from the grisly catacombs, Palermo itself is a vibrant, bright city where you'll find palm-tree-lined pavements, beautiful Neo-classical theatres such as Teatro Massimo (the steps of which are of particular interest to fans of the Godfather Part 3) and Teatro Politeama. There are also some grand piazzas including the historic Piazza Pretoria with its famous fountain (Fontana Pretoria).
Tours & Activities
Comune di Palermo
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Province: Metropolitan City of Palermo
Region: capital of Sicily Population: 628,894 (in 2024 - source) Size: 159 km² Top sights: Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral, Royal Palace Close by: Sferracavallo, Mondello, Santa Flavia, Caccamo |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale
Year: 2015
Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale
Year: 2015
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
- Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa Located in the historic centre of Palermo, this elegant hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a wellness centre, a rooftop terrace with views of the city, and a restaurant serving traditional Sicilian cuisine. Guests appreciate the central location, excellent service, and proximity to Palermo’s main attractions, including the Palermo Cathedral and the Quattro Canti. €€€ (high-end)
- B&B Massimo Inn Set just outside the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the easy access to Palermo’s historical sites, including the Teatro Massimo and the Piazza Politeama. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Palazzo Sitano Situated near the historic centre of Palermo, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with scenic views of the city, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving local dishes. Guests enjoy the friendly service, good value for money, and the short walk to Palermo’s cultural sites, including the Cappella Palatina and the Norman Palace. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo Sant'Agata Located a short drive from Palermo, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the peaceful rural setting, the authentic Sicilian experience, and the short drive to both Palermo’s attractions and nearby nature reserves. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Villa Igiea Set in a tranquil location with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, a private beach, a full-service spa, and a restaurant serving high-quality Sicilian cuisine. Guests enjoy the luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and the short drive to Palermo’s cultural landmarks, including the Teatro Massimo and the Palermo Cathedral. €€€ (high-end)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat
- Antica Focacceria San Francesco: A historic Palermo institution, Antica Focacceria San Francesco has been serving traditional Sicilian street food since 1834. Located in the heart of the city, it’s famous for its arancini (fried rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), and sfincione (Sicilian pizza). The vibrant atmosphere and classic dishes make it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Palermo cuisine. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Osteria dei Vespri: Situated near the picturesque Piazza Croce dei Vespri, Osteria dei Vespri offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere and a menu that blends traditional Sicilian flavours with a modern touch. The restaurant specialises in fresh seafood, pasta, and locally sourced produce, with dishes like spaghetti with sea urchins and fish couscous. It’s a great choice for an elegant dining experience in a charming setting. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria Al Cancelletto Verde: Known for its traditional Sicilian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, Trattoria Al Cancelletto Verde offers a variety of local dishes, including pasta alla Norma, caponata, and grilled fish. Located near the Teatro Massimo, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The restaurant’s friendly service and focus on fresh, local ingredients make it an ideal place for a casual, authentic meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Ristorante Bye Bye Blues: For a more contemporary dining experience, Ristorante Bye Bye Blues combines fine dining with a focus on Sicilian ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant interior and innovative menu showcase dishes like tuna tartare and pistachio-crusted lamb. Located in the Mondello district, it offers a sophisticated setting with exceptional service, making it perfect for special occasions. Price Guide: €€€€ (High-end)
- La Galleria: Located near Palermo’s Teatro Politeama, La Galleria offers a modern take on Sicilian cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and creative presentations. The menu includes dishes like risotto with local seafood and traditional Sicilian desserts like cannoli. With a sleek, contemporary atmosphere and a focus on quality, La Galleria is a great spot for a memorable meal in the city. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Nearby Places
Nearby Places
Palermitani (residents of Palermo) are lucky enough to live in an area of particular natural beauty with the beach of Mondello a favourite weekend spot and just a 20 minute drive from the city centre, while slightly further away in the opposite direction is the beautiful seaside town of Santa Flavia with its famous Porticello fish market and beaches.
Palermo's port can be used to take a hydrofoil to the remote island of Ustica, renowned for its clear blue water and popular amongst divers, while a 2 hour drive will take you to the stunning beach location of La Tonnara di Scopello, the seaside resort of San Vito Lo Capo and the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro where you'll find some of Sicily's prettiest beaches.
Palermo's port can be used to take a hydrofoil to the remote island of Ustica, renowned for its clear blue water and popular amongst divers, while a 2 hour drive will take you to the stunning beach location of La Tonnara di Scopello, the seaside resort of San Vito Lo Capo and the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro where you'll find some of Sicily's prettiest beaches.
Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Mount Etna
3. Syracuse
4. Aeolian Islands
5. Palermo
6. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
7. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
8. Aegadian Islands
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Mount Etna
3. Syracuse
4. Aeolian Islands
5. Palermo
6. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
7. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
8. Aegadian Islands
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
Getting There
Getting There
From Palermo's Falcone Borsellino Airport you can easily make your way to the city from numerous international destinations while the city's port is connected to Naples, Civitavecchia, Genoa and Salerno on the Italian mainland. Aside from the aforementioned day-trips to Ustica you can also visit the the tiny Aeolian Islands of Alicudi and Filicudi.
Getting around Palermo itself is easy enough on foot as it doesn't cover a huge area but there are buses and trams available as well if you need to reach further-out locations around the city.
Getting around Palermo itself is easy enough on foot as it doesn't cover a huge area but there are buses and trams available as well if you need to reach further-out locations around the city.
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Fly to: Palermo Airport - 34 minutes by car (33 km)
By train: Catania - 3 hours 4 minutes Main train station: Palermo Centrale |
