Travel Guide of Palermo in Italy by Influencers and Travelers
Palermo is a city of Southern Italy, the capital of both the autonomous region of Sicily and the Metropolitan City of Palermo. The city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,700 years old.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Palermo
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Quattro Canti
Quattro Canti, officially known as Piazza Vigliena, is a Baroque square in Palermo, Sicily, Southern Italy. It was laid out on the orders of the Viceroys between 1608-1620 by Giulio Lasso and Mariano Smiriglio at the crossing of the two principal streets in Palermo, the Via Maqueda and the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
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2 - Palazzo Abatellis
Palazzo Abatellis is a palace in Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy, located in the Kalsa quarter. It is home to the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, the Gallery of Art for the Sicilian region.
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3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Palermo City Tours
Step back in time at Sicily's Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace), a historic royal palace in Palermo. With over 800 years of history, it witnessed the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. Join a guided tour that leads you through time. Explore the palace's intriguing past, from its 9th-century Islamic origins to its Norman transformation in 1072. Today, the palace is home to the Sicilian Parliament, blending historical grandeur with modern governance. On the second floor, you'll discover the hidden treasure - the Cappella Palatina. Built in 1140, this chapel may not have the global fame of Rome's Sistine Chapel or Milan's Santa Maria delle Grazie, but it offers a fascinating sight. Admire the mix of Islamic designs, Byzantine mosaics, and golden ornaments, providing an interesting glimpse into the worlds of art, science, and philosophy.
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4 - Cappella Palatina
The Palatine Chapel, is the royal chapel of the Norman palace in Palermo, Sicily. This building is a mixture of Byzantine, Norman and Fatimid architectural styles, showing the tricultural state of Sicily during the 12th century after Roger II's father and uncle conquered the island.
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5 - Cattedrale di Monreale
8 km away
The Cathedral of Monreale is a church in Monreale, Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy. One of the greatest existent examples of Norman architecture, it was begun in 1174 by William II of Sicily.
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6 - Paragliding in Palermo
Have you ever closed your eyes and dreamed about flying free as a bird? It's time to open them and experience paragliding: your dream will come true! During this tandem paragliding flight, you will find yourself hovering above the clouds and enj...
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7 - Fontana Pretoria
The Praetorian Fountain is a monumental fountain of Palermo. It is located in the heart of the historic centre and represents the most important landmark of Piazza Pretoria.
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8 - Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas
The Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas is a museum in Palermo, Italy. It possesses one of the richest collections of Punic and Ancient Greek art in Italy, as well as many items related to the history of Sicily.
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9 - Snorkeling in Aeolian Islands
Discover this phenomenal snorkeling adventure in the Aeolian Islands, Sicily, swimming in the turquoise waters around the isles of Lipari, Salina, and Vulcano! You will be picked up at your accommodation in Palermo (and its surrounding...
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10 - Church of San Cataldo
The Church of San Cataldo is a Catholic church located at Piazza Bellini in central Palermo, Sicily, Italy. Erected in 1154 as a notable example of the Arab-Norman architecture which flourished in Sicily under Norman rule on the island, the church is annexed to that of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio.
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11 - Palazzo Sclafani
The Palazzo Sclafani is a palace in Palermo, southern Italy, situated near the city's cathedral and the Palazzo dei Normanni. Constructed in 1330 by lord Matteo Sclafani, Count of Adernò, its design was in competition with his brother-in-law's contemporary Palazzo Chiaramonte.
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12 - Cooking | Palermo Cooking Classes
Prepare for a flavorful adventure in Palermo, where pizza-making is not just an art but a family tradition. With guidance from an experienced pizzaiolo, you'll learn the ins and outs of kneading, stretching, and crafting the perfect dough. Top it off with fresh tomato and mozzarella, and you're in for a treat. While the dough rests, enjoy a delicious sideshow. Adults can taste local wines, taking a leisurely dip into Italian culture. Italy's beloved pie might be a global favorite, but there's more to the country's culinary repertoire. There's a sweet detour into the world of Italian gelato for everyone, guided by the chef's insights and the history of this creamy delight. The afternoon promises a delicious experience for the whole family, offering an understanding of Italian culinary heritage and the pure pleasure of creating and eating these iconic treats.
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13 - Mount Pellegrino
6 km away
Mount Pellegrino is a hill facing east on the bay of Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy, located north of the city. It is 606 metres high with panorama views of the city, its surrounding mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
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14 - Piazza Pretoria
Piazza Pretoria, also known as square of Shame, is at the limits of the district of Kalsa, near the corner of Cassaro with Via Maqueda, just a few meters from the Quattro Canti, the exact center of the historic city of Palermo.
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15 - Boat Tours in Palermo
Explore Palermo's coastline and sail through the transparent waters of Sicily with this boat tour to Mondello! Open to explorers of all ages! If you are travelling to Palermo this year, you cannot miss a relaxing boat tour around the coastline. Known...
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16 - Terrasini
25 km away
Terrasini is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Palermo on the island of Sicily in Italy.
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17 - Caccamo
28 km away
Caccamo is a town and comune located on the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily in the Metropolitan City of Palermo.
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18 - Castellammare del Golfo
43 km away
Castellammare del Golfo is a town and municipality in the Trapani Province of Sicily. The name can be translated as "Sea Fortress on the Gulf", stemming from the medieval fortress in the harbor.
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19 - Poggioreale
48 km away
Poggioreale is a ghost town and comune in the province of Trapani, western Sicily, southern Italy, located in the Belice valley. The Economy was mostly based on agriculture and fruit cultivation. Earthquake: The Belice Valley earthquake destroyed the entire town of Poggioreale and killed 200 people in 1968. Eventually the town was rebuilt in a safer place a few kilometers south. Some of the families moved to the USA, according to a CNN article. Mayor Girolamo Cangelosi wants to bring Poggioreale back to its former glory. Some of the former residents and their families have been on organized tours of Poggioreale. They reunited using social media and the internet. According to the New York Post, Sicilians call it their modern Pompeii. Unfortunately Mayor Girolamo Cangelosi was seriously injured in an auto accident. It remains unclear what effect this may have upon his reconstruction efforts.
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Pictures and Stories of Palermo from Influencers
7 pictures of Palermo from Who’s Denilo ?, Cristina Gottardi, Zuka Kitiashvili and other travelers
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Why should you visit Palermo ?
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🏘️ Town 🏖️ Ocean 🏊 Swimming poolHow to visit Palermo ?
Why traveling to Palermo?
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a vibrant city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. It offers a unique blend of cultures, thanks to its past as a crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. From exploring ancient ruins to relaxing on picturesque beaches, Palermo has something for every type of traveler.
How to get there?
Palermo is well connected by various means of transportation. By air, Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) is the main international airport serving the city. It is located approximately 35 kilometers from the city center and is easily reachable by bus, train, or taxi.
For those traveling by train, Palermo Centrale is the main railway station, with connections to major cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples. If you prefer traveling by sea, Palermo has a bustling port with ferry services to mainland Italy and other Mediterranean destinations.
What to book in advance?
To ensure a smooth trip, it's advisable to book accommodation, transportation, and tickets to popular attractions in advance. Some must-see sights requiring advanced booking include the Palazzo dei Normanni, which houses the magnificent Cappella Palatina, and Teatro Massimo, one of Europe's largest opera houses.
What are the costs?
Palermo is considered an affordable destination compared to other major Italian cities. You can expect to pay around €40-50 per night for budget accommodations, while mid-range hotels may cost between €80-120. Dining at local trattorias or pizzerias can cost around €10-15 per person, and public transportation is reasonably priced, with a single bus ticket costing €1.40.
Best things to do
Palermo offers numerous attractions to suit a variety of interests. Visit the magnificent Cathedral of Palermo, explore the bustling markets of Ballarò and Vucciria, and admire the Byzantine mosaics at the Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio. Don't miss the beautiful Mondello Beach, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear water.
Where to eat?
1. Antica Focacceria San Francesco: Known for its delicious street food and traditional Sicilian dishes, this popular eatery has been serving locals and tourists since 1834.
2. Osteria Ballarò: Offering an authentic Sicilian dining experience, this cozy restaurant serves mouthwatering seafood dishes and regional specialties.
3. Ferro di Cavallo: This historic trattoria, located near the Teatro Massimo, is famous for its arancini, pasta, and other Sicilian favorites.
Where to stay?
1. Eurostars Centrale Palace: Located in a historic building in the heart of Palermo, this 4-star hotel offers elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a convenient location for exploring the city.
2. B&B Palazzo Reale: This charming bed and breakfast is situated near the Palazzo dei Normanni and offers comfortable rooms with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
3. Quattro Canti Suites: These modern, stylish suites are located near the iconic Quattro Canti square, making them an ideal base for exploring Palermo's historic center.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, venture to the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, a series of underground catacombs housing thousands of mummified bodies. This macabre but fascinating attraction offers a unique insight into Palermo's past and the preservation techniques used by the Capuchin friars. It may not be for the faint-hearted, but it's undoubtedly an unforgettable experience.
Learn More about Palermo
Palermo is a city in Italy. It is the capital of the island of Sicily, and has a population of about 675,000 people. The city is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture.
1. Palermo is the capital of Sicily and is known for its vibrant culture and history.
2. The city is home to a number of historical sites, including the Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace.
3. Palermo is also known for its delicious food, which includes a variety of seafood dishes.
4. When visiting Palermo, be sure to dress appropriately for the heat as the city can be quite warm during the summer months.
5. If you're looking to experience the nightlife in Palermo, head to one of the city's many bars or nightclubs.
One of the best travel experiences in Palermo, Italy is definitely visiting the city's historic center. This area is full of amazing architecture, including the Palermo Cathedral and the Church of Sant'Anna. Additionally, there are plenty of great shops and restaurants to enjoy while in this area.
Where to Stay in Palermo
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Palermo
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Explore popular touristic places around Palermo
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