PALERMO & WESTERN SICILY
Most Popular Attractions
Palermo City Core & Sacred Spaces:
Palermo Cathedral: A magnificent architectural hybrid reflecting Norman, Moorish, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles.
Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace) & Cappella Palatina: Europe’s oldest royal residence, housing the stunning Byzantine-Norman-Arab Palatine Chapel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Teatro Massimo: Italy’s largest opera house, known for its neoclassical architecture and rich history.
Quattro Canti (Four Corners): An ornate Baroque square at the intersection of the two main historic streets.
Fontana Pretoria (Fountain of Shame): A monumental Renaissance fountain located near the Quattro Canti.
Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (La Martorana): Famous for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics, part of Palermo’s Arab-Norman UNESCO sites.
Capuchin Catacombs: An eerie and fascinating burial site containing thousands of mummified bodies.
Mercato di Ballarò: The oldest and most atmospheric of Palermo’s historic, chaotic street markets.
La Vucciria Market: Once a vibrant open-air market, now famous for its lively nightlife and street food.
Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti: Known for its striking red domes, a classic example of Arab-Norman architecture.
Western Sicily – UNESCO & Ancient History:
Duomo di Monreale: A magnificent Norman cathedral renowned for its vast, glittering gold Byzantine mosaics and beautiful cloister, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Valley of the Temples (Agrigento): One of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, with several well-preserved Doric temples.
Segesta Archaeological Park: Home to a remarkably preserved Doric temple and a Greek amphitheater with incredible views.
Selinunte Archaeological Park: The largest archaeological park in Europe, featuring the ruins of several ancient Greek temples overlooking the sea.
Western Sicily – Coastal Towns & Natural Wonders:
Erice: A fortified medieval hilltop town, reachable by cable car from Trapani, known for its views and historic streets.
Trapani Salt Pans & Salt Road (Saline di Trapani e Paceco): Historic salt flats with windmills and mountains of white salt, stunning at sunset.
Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro: A pristine coastal nature reserve perfect for hiking to secluded coves and clear turquoise beaches.
San Vito Lo Capo: Famous for its stunning white-sand beach and the annual Couscous Fest.
Scala dei Turchi (Stairs of the Turks): A spectacular, blindingly white marl rock cliff formation on the coast near Agrigento.
Marsala: A historic city famous for its namesake fortified wine and the beautiful historic centro.
Favignana Island (Egadi Islands): The largest of the islands, known for its clear blue waters, ideal for swimming and cycling.
Cefalù: A charming coastal town with a stunning Norman cathedral, a beautiful beach, and a massive rock (La Rocca) towering over the town.
Activities & Experiences
Go on a Palermo Street Food Tour: Dive into the heart of the capital with a guided tasting of renowned street foods like panelle (chickpea fritters), arancine (fried rice balls), and sfincione (thick-crust pizza).
Visit the Valley of the Temples (Agrigento): Explore the stunningly preserved ruins of several ancient Greek temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a profound glimpse into history.
Hike the Zingaro Nature Reserve: Discover the dramatic, undeveloped coastline between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, walking trails that lead to secluded coves with pristine turquoise water.
Explore the Markets of Palermo: Immerse yourself in the bustling, souk-like atmosphere of historic markets like Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria for fresh produce, spices, and an authentic local experience.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic Sicilian dishes, such as homemade pasta alla Norma or the island’s famous desserts like cannoli and cassata.
Visit the Monreale Cathedral: Travel to the hilltop town just outside Palermo to marvel at the magnificent Norman cathedral, renowned for its extensive, shimmering Byzantine mosaics.
Wander the Medieval Hilltop Town of Erice: Take the cable car (funivia) up from Trapani to this atmospheric stone town, explore its cobblestone streets, and taste the famous Genovese pastries.
Go Wine Tasting in Marsala: Tour one of the historic Marsala wine cellars (cantine) in the Trapani province to learn about the fortified wine production and enjoy a guided tasting.
Witness the Salt Pans of Trapani: Drive or cycle along the “Salt Road” (Via del Sale) between Trapani and Marsala to see the historic windmills, white salt pyramids, and the sunset over the saline.
Visit the Ancient Ruins of Segesta: Discover the remarkable, unfinished Doric Temple and the well-preserved Greek Theater set dramatically on a hillside overlooking the valley.
Relax on the Beach at San Vito Lo Capo: Enjoy one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches, famous for its white sands and crystal-clear water, and perhaps try the local seafood couscous, a regional specialty.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Recommended for Western Sicily: While Palermo is walkable, a rental car offers the best flexibility to explore the region’s diverse sites, including Agrigento, Erice, Segesta, and the remote beaches/reserves. Be prepared for challenging, narrow city driving and limited street parking (look for paid garages).
Driving & ZTLs: Be extremely cautious of ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) in city centers like Palermo and Trapani. These zones are monitored by cameras, and unauthorized entry results in heavy fines. If you are staying in a ZTL, confirm your hotel will register your license plate.
Public Transport:
Buses: A network of private and public bus companies (e.g., AST, Interbus/Segesta) offers connections between major cities and towns. This is often more direct and sometimes quicker than the train for intercity travel. Always check the Sunday and holiday schedule carefully, as service is very limited.
Trains (Trenitalia): The train system connects major cities like Palermo, Trapani, and Agrigento, but routes can be slow, especially on regional lines. Services are generally reliable but less comprehensive than the bus network for reaching smaller inland towns or coastal resorts.
Ferries/Hydrofoils: From the port of Trapani, frequent high-speed hydrofoils (Liberty Lines) connect to the Aegadian Islands (Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo), making for an excellent day trip.
Late Dining Culture: Just like in Spain, dining times are late. Lunch is typically between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM in local establishments. Early seating (6:30 PM-7:30 PM) will be largely limited to tourist-focused restaurants.
Embrace the Street Food: Palermo is the undisputed capital of Sicilian street food. Don’t be shy; order from the busy stalls in the markets. A simple plastic chair or standing by the vendor is the authentic way to enjoy your panelle or a slice of sfincione.
The Anti-Mafia Movement: While Sicily is safe for tourists, the fight against the Mafia is an important, ongoing part of the island’s modern history. Consider visiting the No Mafia Memorial in Palermo or taking a tour to the town of Corleone to visit its anti-Mafia museum (CIDMA) to understand the courageous efforts of the local people.
Hidden Gems:
Palazzo Conte Federico (Palermo): A magnificent private, inhabited palace in the heart of the old city, offering guided tours by the owners.
Tonnara di Scopello: A beautifully preserved, historic tuna fishery and bathing spot with dramatic sea stacks (faraglioni). It’s an iconic photo location and a great place to swim (there is usually an entry fee).
La Vucciria by Night: While once a major market, the Vucciria district now comes alive at night as a lively spot for drinks and socialising, contrasting with its quieter daytime feel.
The Genovese Pastry in Erice: Seek out a local pasticceria (like Maria Grammatico) for this shell-shaped shortcrust pastry filled with a creamy custard, a specialty of the town.
Be Prepared for the Chaos: Sicilian city life, particularly in Palermo, can feel chaotic and intense—traffic is aggressive, and infrastructure is often imperfect. Embrace it as part of the authentic, vibrant character of the island, but keep your wits about you, especially in crowded markets.
Top Restaurants
Trattoria A’ Cala [] – A friendly, traditional spot near the Cala marina in Palermo, serving classic Palermitan seafood and pasta dishes with generous portions.
Trattoria del Mercato da Nino ‘u Ballerino’ [] – An iconic street food stall/trattoria near the Ballarò market in Palermo, famous for its pani ca’ meusa (spleen sandwich) and other authentic, no-frills local delicacies.
Antica Focacceria San Francesco [] – A historic Palermo institution that has been serving traditional street food like sfincione and pani ca’ meusa in a grand, atmospheric setting since 1834.
Osteria Vineria a Casa Mia [] – A cozy and authentic trattoria in Trapani’s old Jewish quarter, beloved by locals for its traditional Trapanese dishes, especially seafood couscous and fresh pasta.
Trattoria Da Pino [] – An old-school, no-frills Palermo trattoria known for its simple, traditional comfort food and big portions, often with a menu described verbally by the owner.
Trattoria Al Cancelletto [] – A hidden, family-run gem in a narrow Palermo alley, praised for its authentic Sicilian pastas and dishes like caciocavallo all’argentiera.
Buatta Cucina Popolana [] – Located in a historic 19th-century shop in Palermo, this trattoria offers refined, traditional Sicilian cooking with a focus on local ingredients.
Osteria Alivàru da Carlo Napoli [] – A highly-rated, local favorite in Palermo offering authentic Sicilian cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Trattoria La Vucciria [] – Situated within the Vucciria market in Palermo, this spot is perfect for trying fresh, market-driven Sicilian specialties in a vibrant, rustic setting.
Cantina Siciliana [] – A traditional restaurant in Trapani, widely recognized for its excellent couscous di pesce (fish couscous), a regional specialty.
Assud – cibo da strada [] – A Marsala street food landmark that offers a huge assortment of arancine (rice balls) with creative fillings, along with other fried snacks and sandwiches.
Ristorante La Galleria [] – A rustic trattoria tucked away near Palermo’s Norman Cathedral, known for its hearty portions of traditional seafood pasta and meat dishes.
Trattoria La Rusticana [] – A simple, well-regarded trattoria in Cefalù, a popular spot outside Palermo, serving fresh seafood and classic Sicilian flavors.
Nni Franco U Vastiddaru [] – A famous street food counter in Palermo, a late-night favorite for pani ca’ meusa, panelle, and incredible, cheap arancine.
Trattoria Da Bartolo [] – A noted spot in Palermo’s Vucciria district, highly recommended for its traditional pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines).
Ristorante Ai Fari [] – Located in Marsala, this traditional seafood restaurant is known for its fresh catch and classic Sicilian preparations near the sea.
Antichi Sapori [] – A popular, highly-rated Trapani restaurant with outdoor seating, praised for its fresh seafood and excellent traditional dishes like ravioli with shrimp and fish couscous.
Osteria Il Gallo e L’innamorata [] – A beloved local spot in Trapani known for its authentic, cozy atmosphere and traditional Sicilian cooking.
Pizzeria Calvino [] – A no-frills, traditional Trapani institution famous for its unique Sicilian-style pizza (rianata), which has a slightly thicker crust and often includes pecorino and anchovies.
A’ Cialoma [] – A well-regarded spot in Castellammare del Golfo (near Trapani) offering fresh seafood dishes with a pleasant outdoor terrace.
L’Ottava Nota [] – Set in a minimalist Palermo ambiance, this restaurant offers an artful and innovative take on traditional Sicilian cuisine with an excellent wine list.
Osteria Mercede [] – A popular Palermo spot that has gained a reputation for its contemporary approach to Sicilian ingredients and refined, delicious dishes.
Caponata Cucina&Pizza [] – Blending culinary tradition with innovation in Palermo’s old town, this place offers fresh seafood and Sicilian specialties with modern flair, and great pizza.
La Pêche à Marsala [] – A wine bar/restaurant in Marsala, owned by winemakers, offering informal Sicilian cuisine like creative arancina and caponata with almonds and chocolate, paired with a superb wine list.
Busiate [] – A Marsala eatery focusing on a street food version of the typical Trapanese pasta, busiate, allowing you to “compose” your dish with creative toppings in a quick, modern format.
Ristorante Rais [] – Located near the beach in San Vito Lo Capo, this restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine, blending tradition with creative presentation, and offering three versions of couscous.
Trattoria da Salvo [] – A popular restaurant in Mondello, Palermo’s beach suburb, offering excellent, high-quality seafood in a modern setting.
Grano Granis Trattoria [] – A recommended spot in Palermo for modern Sicilian pasta dishes and a fresh take on traditional trattoria dining.
STUZZICANDO [] – A Palermo restaurant noted for its innovative dishes and high ratings, offering a creative twist on local flavors.
Mounir – La Cucina Araba [] – A unique spot in San Vito Lo Capo focusing on the strong North African/Arab influences in Trapanese cooking, especially excellent and traditional couscous.
MEC Restaurant [] – Palermo’s Michelin-starred restaurant, located in a stunning 16th-century palazzo, offering a high-end, contemporary Sicilian dining experience by Chef Carmelo Trentacosti.
Gagini Restaurant [] – A highly-regarded, modern fine-dining restaurant in Palermo, known for its creative tasting menus that showcase high-quality Sicilian ingredients.
Osteria dei Vespri [] – A historic Palermo restaurant housed in an old palazzo, offering a refined dining experience with a focus on innovative Sicilian cuisine and an excellent wine cellar.
Līmū [] – Located in Bagheria, near Palermo, this Michelin-recognized spot offers a creative tasting menu experience.
Ristorante Quattroventi [] – A slick and sophisticated Palermo fine dining restaurant near the port, offering a high-quality menu of refined Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes.
Le Lumie [] – Located on a hillside in Marsala with a beautiful sunset view over the Egadi Islands, this elegant restaurant offers refined local seafood and contemporary Sicilian dishes.
Divino Rosso [] – A Marsala restaurant known for its quality ingredients, excellent wine pairing, and more upscale dining experience.
Odori e sapori al vecchio monte [] – A popular Palermo restaurant known for its exquisite seafood and a menu that elevates Mediterranean flavors.
Mercato del Capo & Ballarò [] – Not single restaurants, but Palermo’s vibrant street markets are essential for cheap, authentic street food like panelle (chickpea fritters), cazzilli (potato croquettes), and sfincione.
L’Angolo DiVino [] – A Sicilian tapas and wine bar in San Vito Lo Capo, offering small plates and local wines in a convivial atmosphere.
La Corte dei Mangioni [] – A Trapani restaurant that focuses on Sicilian gourmet burgers and sandwiches made with high-quality local produce, a modern take on casual dining.
Bisso Bistrot [] – Located next to the Quattro Canti in Palermo, this bistrot is known for its cool, youthful vibe, incredibly cheap, yet delicious, traditional Sicilian food, and being an anti-mafia venue.
Ke Palle [] – A popular Palermo spot that specializes in a wide variety of arancine (fried rice balls) with different, creative fillings.
FUD – Bottega Sicula [] – A modern “Sicilian deli” with a location near Teatro Massimo in Palermo, serving delicious burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs made exclusively with top-quality local Sicilian ingredients.
La Loggia – Marsala Fish Market [] – Located in Marsala’s historic fish market, this is a fantastic place to taste fresh, simply-cooked seafood right from the morning’s catch in an authentic environment.
Panificio Ragona [] – A highly-recommended artisanal bakery in Marsala with what many consider to be the best and most diverse selection of arancine in the area.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Botteghe Colletti: Tucked away in the lively Kalsa district of Palermo, this tiny bar offers an opulent, 1920s-style interior. It’s famous for its expertly crafted cocktails, with a fun contrast to the crowds who spill out onto the street to enjoy their drinks and the neighborhood’s street art.
Vespa Café: A chic and popular cocktail bar located on a narrow, cobbled street not far from Teatro Massimo in Palermo. It’s renowned for its signature cocktails and excellent aperitivo platters, drawing a trendy crowd.
Seven Restaurant & Rooftop Cocktail Bar: Perched on the 7th floor of a hotel on Via Roma in Palermo, this bar offers stunning panoramic views of the city, especially the sunset over the rugged mountains. It features an enticing cocktail menu in a sophisticated setting.
Il Bar at Rinascente: Situated on the 4th floor of the Rinascente department store on Via Roma in Palermo, this elegant bar boasts amazing views over Piazza San Domenico. It’s known for its relaxing atmosphere and great cocktail and wine selection.
Mazzini 30 Taverna: Found in the Politeama neighbourhood of Palermo, this spot is a temple of modern mixology. The welcoming lounge bar setting is known for its original, high-quality cocktails, satisfying even the most discerning palates.
La Terrazze del Sole: Located in Palermo’s historic center, this esteemed rooftop terrace offers unbeatable vistas of the Quattro Canti and surrounding Baroque architecture, providing an upscale yet welcoming ambiance for sunset drinks.
Osservatorio Rooftop: A sophisticated bar and restaurant located near the Teatro Politeama Garibaldi in Palermo. It offers sweeping panoramas of the mountains encircling the city, perfect for savoring a classic cocktail.
Dal Barone: Found next door to Botteghe Colletti in Palermo, this popular spot is technically a wine bar but is highly recommended for its knowledgeable staff and selection of natural wines, with the scene spilling out onto the street alongside its neighbor.
Goccio – L’Arte del Miscelare: Right next to Botteghe Colletti in Palermo’s Kalsa district, this beautifully designed spot focuses on the art of mixology, with a highly-rated menu of creative and classic cocktails.
Cantavespri: Located in the historic center of Palermo, within the Lucchesi Palli Palace, this spot is a modern wine bar and night club. It offers carefully crafted contemporary cocktails using exceptional raw materials.
Divino Rosso 43: One of the standout lounge bars in the historic center of Trapani, this spot is known for its outside tables set on a charming stairway, offering a great selection of wine and food for a relaxed evening.
Enoteca Versi di Rosso: A little gem in the heart of old Trapani, situated on the main street Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This wine bar is perfect for a wine tasting or aperitif, with knowledgeable staff and a relaxing jazz soundtrack.
Rakija Cocktail Bar: Located in Trapani, this ultimate spot for a night out features live DJ sets and a selection of cold beers, providing a lively party atmosphere.
Bar Duomo: An unpretentious, modern bar in the heart of Cefalù (often included in Western Sicily travels), offering a stunning view overlooking the Norman towers of the cathedral square.
Juparanà Drink Cafè: One of the main bars in Marsala, open all day but excellent for an evening aperitif or cocktail.
La Giuditta: Located in the heart of Trapani’s historic center, this concept drink establishment offers a vibrant atmosphere and sophisticated experience for nightlife lovers.
Discoteca Pay One (Cuba Libre): A major reference point for clubbers, both young and older, in Palermo. It is one of the city’s key dance clubs for a classic night out.
I Candelai: Housed in a converted furniture warehouse in Palermo, this venue is a popular spot for live music, a pub, and a discotheque, boasting a superb high-tech sound system and a cool atmosphere.
Country Disco Club: A symbol for night entertainment in Palermo, this club is dedicated to disco-lovers and is a historical name in the city’s nightlife scene.
Addaura Reef: A decadent cocktail bar and lively nightclub rolled into one, this spot offers a fantastic seaside location on the northern coast of Palermo, ideal for a night of dancing by the water.
Tonnara Florio: Located in the historical setting of the oldest structure in Palermo, this venue often hosts events, turning its stunning surroundings into a unique night club experience.
Sky and Sand Club: A popular beach club on the north Sicilian coast, near Cefalù, famous for being one of Sicily’s best spots for beach parties, where you can dance under the sunset by the waves.
Kalokairi Beach Club: Situated on the north coast of Sicily near Termini Imerese (Palermo Province), this venue transforms into a beach club at night, offering great cocktails and views of the ocean.
Sea Club Terrasini: Located in a picturesque bay west of Palermo, this restaurant turns into a disco on Friday and Saturday nights, making it a key destination for clubbers in the area.
Waikiki Disco Privé: A club near Trapani, immersed in green, known for hosting special themed events every Saturday night, offering a vibrant disco experience outside the main cities.