Top 10 Day Trips from Palermo
Top 10 Day Trips from Palermo
Palermo's sun-soaked piazzas and fragrant markets are great to visit, but there is a lot more to see just beyond the city limits. You can find many enchanting day trips, each one worth exploring.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK DAY TRIPS FROM PALERMO
1. Cefalù:
An ancient fishing port Cefalu, in relatively recent years, has become the beachside break of choice for those seeking sun and sand along the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily. Cefalù is notable for beautiful sunsets and sandy beaches and is a picturesque historic town.
The sandy beach is gorgeous but be prepared that it can get very busy in the high summer season.
Cefalù's other tourist attraction is the town's Duomo, a handsome and imposing two-towered Norman cathedral. The building's interior is decorated with amazing mosaics created by twelfth-century Byzantine artists.
Above the Duomo is the massive crag called the Rocca. It's a steep climb to the top of the hill but it's well worth the effort. Near the top, you'll reach the fascinating ruins of the so-called 'Tempio di Diana' (temple of Diana), an ancient megalithic stone structure.
Get to the top of the Rocca and you are treated to fabulous views of the town and lovely scenery all around. When you explore the town itself visitors can admire the picturesque harbour, alleys, museum and many medieval buildings.
Established as a nature reserve in 1981, Zingaro is Sicily‘s first protected area. In the past, it was home to small farming villages as well as smugglers and traffickers who used its many caves to store their goods.
The reserve today is one of the most popular places in Sicily to admire superb panoramic views.
You can access it by 2 entrances:
- The North entrance, 12 km from San Vito Lo Capo
- The South entrance is 1 km away from Scopello.
There is a 5€ per person entrance fee to the nature reserve.
For this, you will also be given a map showing the different trails and points of interest of the Zingaro, such as the coves and small museums.
At the South entrance, you will find a small snack bar but after that you are alone, so make sure you carry plenty of water or other snacks if you're going on a hike.
The higher the trekking path leads, the more spectacular are the views.
The lowest trail runs along all the 10 beaches. and the further you go from the start, the fewer people you will meet along the way. So it may be worth walking a bit more before taking your first swim break in the lovely waters.
3. Monreale:
Tucked away on a hillside overlooking the golden Conca d'Oro valley, this is a town that is fabulous with its blend of history, art, and stunning scenery.
A must-visit is the Duomo, see the amazing colours through the stained glass windows, illuminating shimmering gold mosaics that cover every inch of the walls and ceilings.
You can climb the winding staircase to the rooftop of the Duomo for stunning views of the surrounding area.
While the Duomo dominates the town you will also find charming piazzas lined with cafes and souvenir shops in hidden alleyways. You will also see the elegant 12th-century Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti, with its mesmerizing mosaics and Arabic influences.
4. Erice:
Perched high atop Mount San Giuliano, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Erice is a wonderfully preserved Mediaeval town.
The first stop can be the Venere Placida Temple, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty. Built by the Elymians, a mysterious pre-Greek people, the temple's ruins still fascinate to this day.
Amongst the most visited sites are the two castles, Pepoli Castle and Venus Castle. The former was built by the Arabs while the latter was a Norman construction with imposing towers.
Other attractions include the amazing amount of churches, 60 in total! including the Gothic Chiesa Madre (1314) and the Mediaeval Church of Saint John the Baptist.
A favourite way to get up to Erice is by the cable car from Trapani down below.
5. Segesta:
The ancient Greek temple and Roman amphitheatre at Segesta are simply breathtaking. Segesta is considered one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. This amazingly preserved Doric temple was abandoned before it was ever completed.
The steep walk up to the temple from the parking lot may be a bit much for some people, but fortunately, there is a shuttle bus.
6. Mount Etna:
You must do a trip to Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano. Hike or take a cable car to the summit, witnessing the awe-inspiring lunar landscape of craters and steaming fumaroles.
You can also explore the lava fields at the foot of the volcano, stark reminders of past eruptions that transformed the landscape. A stunning almost alien landscape you will never forget.
7. Taormina:
In this lovely place there are plenty of things to do and explore. The centre is mostly car-free which makes it a very relaxing place to stroll around. Plus, its clifftop location means there are stunning views on every corner.
Explore the Teatro Antico (historical centre), the heart of the town where the main walking street of Corso Umberto leads you to most of the interesting landmarks and dramatic viewpoints.
Porta Messina is one among 2 of the once-fortified town’s ports, the other being Porta Catania that’s around 800 metres on the southwestern end of the Corso. The blue Interbus coach from the train station can take you up to Porta Messina.
Palazzo Corvaja an impressive 10th Century structure now functions as a museum and art gallery, frequently holding painting and multimedia exhibitions.
Halfway down Corso Umberto, you’ll come across Piazza IX Aprilethis, a spacious and beautifully chequered-tiled piazza. It also provides a great view of the Ionian Sea.
A great way to enjoy an overview of the town and its seascape is from the air – by Taormina’s funivia (cable car). It connects the town’s historical hub to the coastal area of neighbouring Mazzarò.
8. Madonie Regional Park:
A superb place for nature lovers, and it is considered the second nature reserve to be founded in Sicily.
Madonie Park offers an incredible environment which is suitable for those who want to relax and enjoy the calm of nature. Thanks to the many routes varying in difficulty and length, walking and hiking are recommended to get the best from the park.
Close to the park, you can discover incredible medieval villages such as Pollina a small and charming place thanks to its narrow streets and ancient buildings.
Many come here to do walking, trekking, rafting, birdwatching, horse riding, mountain biking, climbing and much more to enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
9. Agrigento & the Valley of the Temples:
The Valley of the Temples near Agrigento is a breathtaking archaeological site where you can visit the Temple of Concordia, its pristine columns defying time, and wander through the remains of ancient cities.
Valle dei Templi – The Valley of the Temples – is undoubtedly the most important vestige of ancient classical culture in Sicily.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the largest and most marvellous testimonies of the ancient world to be found on Italian soil along with the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The park setting, the exploring and the museum are all exceptional and a not to be missed. You just have to try and avoid very significant crowds at certain times of the year.
10. Syracuse:
Syracuse is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient Greek ruins seamlessly blend with vibrant piazzas and bustling markets.
This beautiful coastal city is well known for its remarkable historical heritage and its charming old town: Ortigia Island. The island is mostly pedestrian-only, with only some parking spaces reserved for residents only.
You can start at the Apollo temple at the entrance of Ortigia Island. Nearby, you will find the fantastic Syracuse Market, which is held every morning.
Located close to the market is Syracuse Harbour is the ideal place to people watch and see Sicilian life, especially the fishermen and their many small boats.
As you can see, Palermo's magic spills far beyond the city limits. There are many day trips you can do and explore away from the main city.
