Sferracavallo
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Latest page update: 21 August 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Sferracavallo
Sferracavallo, a fishing village on the outskirts of Palermo, is known for its waterfront promenade and seafood restaurants. Accommodation in the village itself is mostly smaller residences, so for established hotels the best options are found in nearby Palermo.
In Palermo, Grand Hotel Wagner is a historic property with elegant interiors, a bar and refined guest rooms, regularly praised for its character and comfort (€€€). Also in the city, Hotel Politeama offers modern accommodation in a central location, often highlighted for its convenience and service (€€). Another choice is NH Palermo, which provides contemporary rooms, a pool and a position overlooking the Foro Italico, with positive feedback for both setting and facilities (€€).
In Palermo, Grand Hotel Wagner is a historic property with elegant interiors, a bar and refined guest rooms, regularly praised for its character and comfort (€€€). Also in the city, Hotel Politeama offers modern accommodation in a central location, often highlighted for its convenience and service (€€). Another choice is NH Palermo, which provides contemporary rooms, a pool and a position overlooking the Foro Italico, with positive feedback for both setting and facilities (€€).
Where is
Where is Sferracavallo?
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The beach resort of Sferracavallo is situated within the Metropolitan City of Palermo province, on the Tyrrhenian coast. It's part of the comune of Palermo, 16 kilometres away.
Places of interest nearby include Isola delle Femmine, Mondello, Monreale and Santa Flavia while Palermo Airport is 19 kilometres away and takes around twenty minutes to reach by car. |
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Sferracavallo - frazione di Palermo
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Comune: Palermo
Province: Metropolitan City of Palermo Region: Sicily Close by: Isola delle Femmine, Mondello, Monreale, Santa Flavia Fly to: Palermo Airport - 20 minutes by car (19 km) |
What People Ask About Sferracavallo
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Discover
Discover Sferracavallo
Sferracavallo is a seaside village in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, positioned on the northwestern edge of Sicily at the foot of Monte Gallo. Once a traditional fishing settlement, it now serves as one of Palermo’s coastal districts, combining narrow streets and historic houses with a lively waterfront atmosphere. The bay opens onto the Tyrrhenian Sea, bordered by rocky headlands and clear waters that are ideal for swimming and diving.
The village is known for its seafood restaurants and small harbour, where fishing boats still dock alongside leisure craft. Nearby lies the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, a protected area offering walking trails and panoramic coastal views. Sferracavallo’s location close to Palermo makes it an easy escape from the city while remaining part of its urban area, linking the local maritime traditions with the broader culture and landscape of Sicily’s northern coast.
The village is known for its seafood restaurants and small harbour, where fishing boats still dock alongside leisure craft. Nearby lies the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, a protected area offering walking trails and panoramic coastal views. Sferracavallo’s location close to Palermo makes it an easy escape from the city while remaining part of its urban area, linking the local maritime traditions with the broader culture and landscape of Sicily’s northern coast.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Sferracavallo
- Porticciolo di Sferracavallo is a small fishing harbour that remains active with traditional boats and daily seafood deliveries. The port is central to the village’s identity and is surrounded by restaurants known for serving freshly caught fish. It is also a pleasant spot for walking and observing local life. Sunsets over the harbour attract both residents and visitors throughout the year.
- Lungomare di Barcarello runs west of the harbour and leads into the Riserva Naturale di Capo Gallo, offering views of rocky coastline and deep blue water. The promenade includes benches, beach access and walking paths that become particularly popular at dusk. It serves as a starting point for hikes and snorkelling excursions in the nearby reserve. Local food stalls and ice cream shops add to the relaxed atmosphere.
- Riserva Naturale di Capo Gallo borders the western edge of Sferracavallo and protects a rugged stretch of coastline, cliffs and Mediterranean flora. The reserve is ideal for hiking, swimming and nature photography, with paths leading to quiet coves and panoramic viewpoints. Marine life is visible in the clear waters along the coast, attracting divers and snorkellers. Access is possible on foot or by bike from the village.
- Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano is the village’s main church, dedicated to its patron saints and located near the central square. The church features a modest façade and an interior with statues, altars and traditional religious decorations. It becomes the focal point during the annual feast in late September. Religious processions and music events accompany the celebrations.
- Piazza Beccadelli is the heart of social life in Sferracavallo, surrounded by restaurants, bars and small shops. The square opens towards the sea and provides space for local events, outdoor dining and evening gatherings. It is especially lively during summer weekends. From here, narrow streets lead into the older residential areas of the village.
Tours and Activities
Sferracavallo Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Sferracavallo 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 Sferracavallo
By Rail: Sferracavallo does not have its own train station, but the nearby Palermo Tommaso Natale station is located about 2 kilometres away. This station is on the Palermo–Punta Raisi line, served by Trenitalia, with regular trains to Palermo Centrale in about 15 minutes and to Palermo Airport in around 20 minutes. Sferracavallo can be reached from the station on foot or by local bus.
By Road: Sferracavallo is a coastal suburb of Palermo, located around 12 kilometres northwest of the city centre. The drive from central Palermo takes approximately 25 minutes via the Viale Regione Siciliana and local roads. From Trapani, the journey is about 95 kilometres and takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A29 motorway. Public parking is available near the waterfront and within walking distance of the main restaurants and beach.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Sferracavallo is a coastal suburb of Palermo, located around 12 kilometres northwest of the city centre. The drive from central Palermo takes approximately 25 minutes via the Viale Regione Siciliana and local roads. From Trapani, the journey is about 95 kilometres and takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A29 motorway. Public parking is available near the waterfront and within walking distance of the main restaurants and beach.
Nearest International Airports:
- Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport: The closest airport, located about 20 kilometres west of Sferracavallo. The drive takes around 20 to 25 minutes via the A29 motorway.
- Trapani Birgi Airport: Situated approximately 95 kilometres away, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Located roughly 220 kilometres to the southeast. The drive takes about 3 hours via the A19 and inland routes.
Private Transfers
Sferracavallo Private Transfers
A private transfer is a comfortable and reliable way to travel to or from Sferracavallo, a coastal suburb of Palermo. You’ll be picked up from your chosen location and driven directly by a local driver—no waiting, no train changes, and no need to hire a car.
From Sferracavallo, the journey to Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport takes about 20 minutes (approx. 20 kilometres), while Palermo city centre can be reached in around 25 minutes. Transfers to nearby destinations such as Mondello, Capaci, or Isola delle Femmine typically take between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the route.
To check availability or request a personalised quote, simply fill out the short form below.
From Sferracavallo, the journey to Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport takes about 20 minutes (approx. 20 kilometres), while Palermo city centre can be reached in around 25 minutes. Transfers to nearby destinations such as Mondello, Capaci, or Isola delle Femmine typically take between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the route.
To check availability or request a personalised quote, simply fill out the short form below.
