Palermo

Travel & Getting Around

Palermo was the second half of our Sicily trip, we spent the first half in Cefalù and then ended here. From Cefalù, we took a train directly into the center of Palermo. There is also a train from the center of Palermo to Aeroporto di Palermo which is quick and convenient, we did this when we left. During our stay, we walked everywhere, except for one day we rented a car to visit San Vito Lo Capo.  

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Where We Stayed

We spent 3 nights in Palermo, which was enough for us. We stayed in an Airbnb in the historic center, which worked out very well. We could easily walk from the train station and to all of the things we wanted to see. Depending on where you want to stay, there are a lot of affordable Airbnb options, and of course many hotels. 

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Where & What We Ate

Palermo's food culture is something almost unexplainable. The city is filled with open markets offering various Sicilian dishes. You could get lost walking in these markets, consumed by the sounds, smells and sights. Take time to slow down and savor the experience. Apart from the markets, there are also some incredible restaurant choices. If you walk down Via Roma or Via Vittorio Emanuele, two main streets that intersect, you'll be overwhelmed by all of the choices. 

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Restaurants

Buatta Cucina Popolana--probably our favorite meal in Palermo, this spot has some great food. We got sfincione (a type of Sicilian pizza) anelletti alla siciliana (ring shaped pasta baked in sauce) and sarde e beccafico (sardines stuffed and baked with raisins, pine nuts and breadcrumbs). 

Salumeria Alcolica--we had a huge tagliere (charcuterie board) here, and everything on it was delicious. 

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Quick Bites

KePalle- Arancine d’Autore--a large selection of arancine*, this place is great for a stop while exploring the city. 

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Aperitivo

Castigamatti Dischi e Bar--beautiful outdoor space to enjoy a cocktail and good company, we went before dinner, but this place was alive at night.  

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Markets 

Mercato di Ballarò 

Mercato del Capo

 

Cannolis 

I Segreti del Chiostro--located inside a convent, this may be the best cannoli I've ever had. They're made to order and you can choose if you want pistachio, chocolate chips, etc. on it. They have other sweets if cannolis aren't your thing. 

Tastalo - Sapori di Piana-- located near the marina, this quaint spot had a delicious cannoli. 

 

*Arancino vs. arancina! Catania uses the masculine form of the word (1 arancino, 2+ arancini) while Palermo uses the feminine form of the word (1 arancina, 2+ arancine). 

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What We Did 

We visited Palermo in July, and it was hot. Like, really hot. We did a lot of walking around and admiring mostly the exteriors of all the hot spots (we did not visit any museums but there are some great ones). We did visit the Cattedrale di Palermo, which is stunning inside and worth a visit. 

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Things to see:

Cattedrale di Palermo

Teatro Massimo

Teatro Politeama

I Quattro Canti

Fontana Pretoria - Piazza Pretoria

Palazzo dei Normanni

Catacombe dei Cappuccini 

Murales Falcone e Borsellino

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We also rented a car for a day to go to la spiaggia (the beach) San Vito lo Capo in Trapani. It was about an hour and a half drive, and when we arrived we were not disappointed, the water there is crystal clear. We thought about visiting Mondello as well, which is supposedly another beautiful beach but we spent too much time swimming and didn't have time for both. 

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Festino di Santa Rosalia

We happened to be in Palermo for one of their biggest yearly celebrations, Festino di Santa Rosalia, which happens every July 14th. The entire city comes together to celebrate Santa Rosalia, dear to the people of Palermo for eradicating the plague epidemic of 1624. In a parade like event, a large caravan-type float carries a statue of Santa Rosalia from the cathedral to Palermo's seafront. Thousands of people follow the float and parade the path. Outside the cathedral there was an incredible light display and orchestra. We had no idea this festival was going on, but were so happy to have been apart of it. To see a city come together for their Saint was so, so special.