Sicily's capital: the gold mosaics of the Palatine Chapel and Monreale cathedral, Arab-Norman churches (UNESCO), the Ballarò and Vucciria markets, and some of Italy's best street food (arancine, panelle, cannoli). Mondello beach is 30 minutes away and Cefalù an hour. Flights from Rome and Milan take 1-2 hours; overnight ferries come from Naples and Civitavecchia, and the Intercity Notte sleeper from Rome crosses the Strait of Messina on a train ferry.
Highlights
- Palatine Chapel mosaics
- Monreale Cathedral
- Street-food tour of Ballarò
- Mondello beach
- Day trip to Cefalù
- Segesta's Greek temple
Things to do
- Palatine Chapel and Norman PalaceMorning · 2h 30m
- Street-food walk through Ballarò marketMorning · 3h
- Monreale Cathedral half-dayAfternoon · 3h
- Day trip to CefalùMorning · 7h
- Mondello beach afternoonAfternoon · 4h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – June, September – October
Heads up
Ferragosto: Cities Half-Closed in August
Around Ferragosto (15 August, a national holiday) and for much of August, Italians take their holidays: many family restaurants, bakeries and small shops in the cities close for one to three weeks, and Sunday-style hours spread across the week. Museums and the main sights stay open. Book restaurants and check opening days before you go.
Heads up
Summer Heat
July and August regularly bring heatwaves of 35-40 °C to Rome, Florence, the south and Sicily. Sightsee early and late, rest in the afternoon, carry water (Rome's street fountains are drinkable), and book rooms with air-conditioning. Churches still require covered shoulders and knees, so carry a light scarf.
- Festino di Santa Rosalia — Palermo's patron saint's festival: on the night of 14 July a huge triumphal cart carries her statue down the Cassaro to the sea, followed by fireworks over the harbour; the next day a procession with her relics. The old town is closed to traffic.
- Ferragosto — The Assumption holiday and the peak of the Italian summer holiday: beaches, lakes and islands are at their fullest and dearest, many city shops and restaurants close for the week either side, and there are fireworks and beach parties on the coast. Book everything well ahead.