Palermo holidays

Palermo’s ancient architecture is majestic, and perhaps none more so than its Arab-Norman Cathedral, erected in 1185 by archbishop Walter Ophamil. Like the nearby Cappella Palatina, it’s one of the city’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. And don’t miss a concert at Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s grandest opera houses.

Sicily draws culinary influences from its North African and European neighbours. During your holiday in Palermo, try ‘stigghiola’ (seasoned offal skewered over fire) or ‘panelle’ (chickpea flour fritters). Palermo is perhaps best known for its pastries, and cannoli reigns supreme. Join a street food tour to sample the wide variety of cuisines. 

Palermo has four ancient markets: Ballaro, Capo, Vucciria and Borgo Vecchio. If you visit one on your Palermo holiday, don’t forget that bargaining is expected. Locals are known to haggle over textiles, food and crafts. The largest market, Ballaro, is lively with the sound of vendors hawking produce and fresh fish. Go early to avoid the crowds.

This is the best area to stay in Palermo to be in the heart of the action. You’ll be surrounded by Baroque churches, Gothic palaces and bustling street markets. Its main streets, Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele, are mostly pedestrianised, which makes it easy to get around the neighbourhood on foot.

Good for: Architecture, historic landmarks, markets

La Kalsa’s history goes back hundreds of years as one of Europe’s first Arab settlements. The neighbourhood’s medieval architecture, narrow streets and local restaurants offer a view into the lives of its early North African settlers. The area was heavily bombed in World War II, but the ruined buildings have been artfully restored and are now fashionable shops and restaurants.

Good for: Medieval architecture, boutiques, dining

A little north of Palermo is Mondello, the most famous beach in the region and the best area to stay in Palermo if you like a little distance from city life. You’ll find pristine sands, crystal-clear waters and glorious vistas on nearby hill walks. Lively beach bars and good bus connections to Palermo make this a popular summer destination.

Good for: Beaches, waterfront bars, nature

Byzantines, Greeks and Arabs have all contributed to the city’s mouthwatering food scene. Find some of the best food in Palermo at the open-air markets like Ballaro and Vucciria, where you can try ‘arancini’ (fried rice balls) and ‘limoncello’ (lemon liquor). Enjoy relaxed Mediterranean lunches at a restaurant in the town square.

Sicily boasts more than 400 km of beaches along its glorious coastline. Mondello is the most popular area, known for its stretch of clean sands and surrounding turquoise waters. Famous Cefalu beach is about an hour away and offers a pristine sandy beach backed by a historic old town. It gets busy in summer, so arrive early.

Nightlife in Palermo often begins with a post-work ‘aperitivo’ (pre-dinner drinks and snacks), usually an Aperol, served somewhere classic like Il Siciliano. Later in the evening, you’ll want to visit the city’s oldest pub, Taverna Azzurra, for some well-priced drinks. Find live, local music and dancing until dawn in the historic centre.

Shopping in Palermo varies from high-street fashion outlets to the colourful fish, fruit and vegetables at its markets. First, head for Via Ruggiero Settimo or Via della Liberta for classic Italian boutiques and well-loved brands. Then take a trip to one of the city’s famous outdoor markets, La Vucciria, which is open every day but Sunday.

With its ancient churches, palaces and theatres, Sicily’s capital can feel like one big museum. Take in a full panorama of the city’s elegance at Piazza Vigliena, where four curved facades form a perfect circle that lights up at different times during the day. Nearby, check out the nude statues at Fontana Pretoria, nicknamed the ‘Fountain of Shame’ by Sicilian churchgoers in the 1500s.

Not all kids enjoy touring ancient architecture. Thankfully, there are plenty of other things to do with the family in Palermo. Explore the Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum or catch a performance of puppet theatre at Opera dei Pupi. Mondello Beach is a great place to spend the day and grab some gelato.