Palermo

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Palermo

Set sail for Palermo and soak up the sunshine with a Sicilian twist!

5 good reasons to go to Palermo

Kick back on idyllic beaches
Kick back on idyllic beaches
Sicily is fringed with gorgeous sandy beaches. Our top tip is to venture a few miles away from Palermo: Mondello Cefalù and Sferracavallo are some of the coast's most stunning beaches and home to gorgeous crystal-clear waters. Within striking distance is the heavenly little island of Isola delle Femmine, too.
Heritage and history
Heritage and history
Keep your eyes peeled: incredible buildings are everywhere you look in Palermo. Castles, palaces and mansions abound here. Check out the Norman palace, Zisa, Comitini, Mirto, Gangi, and more. The city is crammed full of churches, too, including Chiesa del Gesù, Martorana and the cathedral. Just around the corner, the Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale deserve a visit.
Lose yourself in jaw-dropping nature
Lose yourself in jaw-dropping nature
When you need to get away from it all, Palermo's botanical garden is a welcome break. This beautiful setting is home to exotic species from around the world. Next to the orto botanico, the Villa Giulia's gardens are just as delightful. The offshore Isola Ustica is a protected island where a huge variety of flora and fauna thrive. Not to be missed!
Tour fascinating museums
Tour fascinating museums
Palermo's museums are simply captivating. The modern and regional art galleries and the Majolica and contemporary art museums will have art lovers hooked. History buffs will appreciate a trip to the Mafia (CIDMA), archaeology and Inquisition museums. The puppetry museum is well worth a look, too.
Fall in love with Sicilian delights
Fall in love with Sicilian delights
Food is central to Sicilian culture, which means your trip to Palermo will be packed full of gourmet experiences. Get your taste buds working over-time with arancini and sfinciona, Palermo's own take on pizza. Naturally, pasta and antipasti feature heavily here. For dessert, cannoli and torta savoia will have you begging for more.

Offres de vols aller-retour

To see / do

Culture and history

The Palace of the Normans and its chapel

The Palace of the Normans is one of Palermo's most iconic crown jewels. This royal residence was built over Arab foundations in the 12th century. Its Torre Pisana, Room of King Roger and treasure chamber are sumptuous, and the palace is also home to the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece embellished with mosaics and gilding.

Palermo's cathedral

Palermo's cathedral

Built in the 12th century over the site of a former mosque, the cathedral is home to the tombs of kings Henry VI, Frederick II and Roger II and is a majestic example of Arab-Norman, Gothic and Baroque styles as a result of centuries of alterations. The pared-back nave gives onto opulently-embellished chapels and a choir area decorated with precious stones and materials.

Lose yourself in the catacombs' maze

Lose yourself in the catacombs' maze

Between Monreale (make sure you visit the cathedral and its cloisters) and Palermo, a dark, unsettling experience awaits. This underground adventure is not for the faint-hearted! The Capuchin Catacombs enclose nearly 8,000 mummies, with the oldest dating back to the 17th century. The bodies of Palermo's noble men and women are preserved here, hung on the walls and laid down in alcoves.

Outings

A night at the theatre

A night at the theatre

The Massimo theatre is one of Palermo's most impressive buildings. Built in the late 19th century, this is one of Europe's largest theatres and can seat up to 1,500 audience members. Climb the sweeping staircase and step into the opulent rooms here during a tour or get tickets to see a show.

Dazzle your senses at the market

The Mercator di Ballard market is a treat for the senses in the heart of Palermo's old town. Colours and smells ride the breeze here as stall-holders lay out their wares in a warm, lively atmosphere. Fruit, vegetables, cheese, fish, meat and pastries are on hand to give you a real taste of authentic Sicily.

Gastronomy

Sfincione, pizza Palermo-style

Sfincione, pizza Palermo-style

Here in the spiritual home of pizza, you'll be able to grab a slice at every street corner. Palermo has its own regional take on the delicacy, called sfincione. The dough base is extremely light and fluffy, and slathered in tomato sauce, onions, anchovies and caciocavallo, a delicious local cheese. Tuck into a slice at a trattoria or grab pizza to go from a food truck.

Torta savoia, Sicilian cake

Nobody does dessert quite like Sicily, and torta savoia is unbeatable. This cake features alternating layers of sponge drenched in rum-flavoured syrup, chocolate cream and hazelnut cream. The torta is finished off with a chocolate coating.

Practical information

Flight duration

2h15

Time difference

0h

Currency

Euro

Distance

1375 km

Average temperature

Spring

20°C (max 28°C)

Summer

26°C (max 31°C)

Autumn

18°C (max 26°C)

Winter

13°C (max 18°C)

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* All the information on this page is provided for information purposes only. Changes to the programme, flight offers and schedules may be made at any time and without notice. Check with airlines or travel agencies for more information.