Palermo-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Palermo

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old City

  • Morning: Arrive at Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) or take a train from nearby cities.
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in to B&B La Kalsa, a charming place to stay in the heart of Palermo’s old town.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit Piazza del Popolo, a beautiful square surrounded by impressive palaces and churches.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Caffè Cimino, a historic café serving traditional Sicilian cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Norman Palace of Palermo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at La Cambusa, a cozy restaurant serving fresh seafood.

Day 2: Markets and Street Food

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the bustling Vucciria Market, a historic marketplace filled with local vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to souvenirs.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Da Gemma, a popular street food stall serving delicious arancini (stuffed rice balls).
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Ballarò Market, another historic marketplace offering a wide range of goods.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Ristorante La Taverna del Leone, a traditional Sicilian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

Day 3: Beach and Sea

  • 9:00 AM: Head to Monreale Beach, a beautiful beach located about 15 minutes from Palermo’s city center.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at La Piazzetta, a beachside restaurant serving fresh seafood and traditional Sicilian cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: Relax on the beach or take a leisurely walk along the coastal promenade.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Ristorante La Grotta, another beachside restaurant serving delicious seafood.

Day 4: Archaeological Sites

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the ancient Segesta Temple, a well-preserved Greek temple located about an hour from Palermo.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at La Grotta del Gigante, a restaurant serving traditional Sicilian cuisine near the Segesta Temple.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the nearby Egusa Ruins, ancient Greek and Roman ruins.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Ristorante La Taverna del Corso, a traditional Sicilian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

Day 5: Palermo’s Markets (Again!)

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the historic Capo Market, a bustling marketplace offering everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Caffè del Genio, a cozy café serving traditional Sicilian cuisine near the Capo Market.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the nearby Palazzo dei Normanni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former palace of the Norman kings.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Ristorante La Cambusa, a cozy restaurant serving fresh seafood.

Day 6: Street Art and Local Life

  • 9:00 AM: Explore Palermo’s vibrant street art scene, particularly in the Kalsa neighborhood.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Caffè Cimino, a historic café serving traditional Sicilian cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the local Festa dei Noantri, a lively street festival featuring music, food, and drinks.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Ristorante La Taverna del Leone, a traditional Sicilian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

Day 7: Last Day in Palermo

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Da Gemma, a popular street food stall serving delicious arancini (stuffed rice balls).
  • 2:00 PM: Return to B&B La Kalsa to collect your belongings and check-out.
  • 5:00 PM: Depart for the airport or train station, bringing back memories of your wonderful time in Palermo.

Things to Know

  • Language: Italian is the official language, but many locals speak Sicilian dialects. English is not widely spoken, so it’s a good idea to learn basic Italian phrases.
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Weather: Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
  • Transportation: Public transportation is efficient, but taxis are also available.

Tips

  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting churches or mosques.
  • Bargain at markets: Haggling is a common practice in Sicilian markets.
  • Try street food: Arancini, panelle, and cannoli are must-try snacks.
  • Explore beyond Palermo: Visit nearby towns like Monreale and Cefalù.

Additional Information

  • Palermo’s neighborhoods: Kalsa, Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria are must-explore areas.
  • Sicilian cuisine: Try traditional dishes like couscous, cannoli, and granita.
  • Beaches: Monreale Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

I hope you enjoy your time in Palermo!