Top 4 Itineraries in Palermo

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Palermo.

If you only have a few days, Palermo weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Palermo offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Palermo are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Palermo’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Palermo offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Italy's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Palermo offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Palermo truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Palermo belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Palermo are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Palermo and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Palermo itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Palermo for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of Palermo without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Palermo!

A scenic 5-day road trip through Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Taormina, and Cefalù is one of the best ways to experience Italy. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 5-day itinerary means that Palermo can easily be combined with other top destinations in Italy without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Taormina, and Cefalù by public transport, renting a car in Italy opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 5 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Palermo

• Arrival city: Palermo
• Accommodation: hotel in Palermo, e.g., Family Affair B&B
• Sightseeing: Foro Italico

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Palermo. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Palermo and Agrigento

• Destinations: Palermo and Agrigento
• Driving distance: 138.44 km, approx. 2 hours and 53 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Agrigento, e.g., Oneira Rooms
• Sightseeing: Orto Botanico di Palermo, Fontana Pretoria, Quattro Canti, Norman Palace, and Valley of the Temples
• Recommended tour: Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Entry Ticket & Audio Guide

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Orto Botanico di Palermo, Fontana Pretoria, Quattro Canti, Norman Palace, and Valley of the Temples. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Palermo and Agrigento, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Agrigento.

Day 3: Discover Piazza Armerina, Taormina, and Mazzarò

• Destinations: Piazza Armerina, Taormina, and Mazzarò
• Driving distance: 252.45 km, approx. 4 hours and 32 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Taormina, e.g., Villa Sara
• Sightseeing: Villa Comunale di Taormina, Porta Catania, Duomo di Taormina, Grotta Azzurra, and Villa Romana del Casale
• Recommended tour: Godfather vs Mafia Tour & Sicilian Light Lunch (Small Group)

Spend the day exploring Villa Comunale di Taormina, Porta Catania, Duomo di Taormina, Grotta Azzurra, and Villa Romana del Casale. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Taormina.

Day 4: Experience Cefalù and Siracusa

• Destinations: Cefalù and Siracusa
• Driving distance: 424.02 km, approx. 5 hours and 25 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Palermo, e.g., Family Affair B&B
• Sightseeing: Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino - Cefalù (pa), Cathedral of Cefalù, Ear of Dionysius, Temple of Apollo, and Neapolis Archaeological Park

Continue your journey through Cefalù and Siracusa, where you can explore Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino - Cefalù (pa), Cathedral of Cefalù, Ear of Dionysius, Temple of Apollo, and Neapolis Archaeological Park. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Palermo.

Day 5: Bid Farewell to Palermo

• Departure city: Palermo
• Driving distance: 3.16 km, approx. 9 minutes
• Sightseeing: Catacombe dei Cappuccini

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Palermo. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 395 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Palermo.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Palermo for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Palermo with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Palermo without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Palermo

Arrive in Palermo and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Fountain Garraffello.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Cotto e Bollito is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Palermo's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Palermo by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Church of St. Mary of the Admiral, Fontana Pretoria, Quattro Canti, Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas, and Norman Palace.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Palermo in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Palermo

Spend your last few hours in Palermo soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Palermo, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Palermo travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 14-day beach vacation in Palermo offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Palermo:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Mondello beach, Vergine Maria, and Romagnolo beach.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Family Affair B&B for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like sup-surfing, kayaking, and kiting or windsurfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Gast Haus, Cotto e Bollito, and A Putia, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Bar Serena | Pasticceria, Gelateria, Tavola Calda, Pasticceria Franco La Bella, and Caffè Svevia, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti, Norman Palace, Catacombe dei Cappuccini, Foro Italico, Orto Botanico di Palermo, Fontana Pretoria, and Santuario di Santa Rosalia, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 14-day beach vacation itinerary in Palermo, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Palermo

Arrive in Palermo, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 14 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Mondello beach or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Palermo.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Vergine Maria, a top beach in Palermo. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas, Il Palazzo Alliata di Pietratagliata, and Museo Palazzo Branciforte for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 6: Explore the Local Scene

Spend a sun-filled day at Mondello beach. In the afternoon, explore the local scene by visiting Villino Florio and Cattedrale di Monreale. As the day winds down, enjoy a meal and a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful views.

Day 7: Unwind by the Beach

Relax and rejuvenate with a beach day at Vergine Maria. Bring a book, lounge under an umbrella, and enjoy the day at Norman Palace, Porta Nuova, and Church of Saint John of the Hermits, with a refreshing drink in hand. As evening falls, enjoy a beachside dinner.

Day 8: Discover Local Culture and Sunset Views

Soak up the sun at Romagnolo beach. In the afternoon, dive into the local culture with visits to Real Albergo dei Poveri (Albergo delle Povere) and Catacombe dei Cappuccini. As the sun sets, have a picnic on the beach and create some amazing memories.

Day 10: Embrace Beach Serenity

Spend the day enjoying the inviting waters of Palermo beach. Enjoy the beach’s peaceful vibe and go out for a refreshing swim or a visit to Royal Palace of Ficuzza and Bosco della Ficuzza for a bit of activity. Cap off the evening with a sunset dinner on the shore or a trip to a local bar.

Day 11: Engage in Water Adventures

Spend an exciting day at Mondello beach, where water sports await to fill your day with fun. Dive into an adventure by exploring nearby attractions like Church of St. Mary of the Admiral, Fontana Pretoria, and Quattro Canti, making the most of your beach experience.

Day 12: Recharge with a Blend of Beach Relaxation and Cultural Exploration

Unwind and refresh with a relaxing day at Vergine Maria. If you're looking for a change of scenery, you can also explore Boom Zone and Santuario di Santa Rosalia. As the day comes to a close, indulge in a delicious dinner by the beach.

Day 14: Say Farewell to Palermo

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Palermo. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Palermo. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Palermo's coastline.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Palermo offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Palermo itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Palermo weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Palermo

Arrive in Palermo around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Fountain Garraffello, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Palermo’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Palermo with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Foro Italico early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Fontana Pretoria, stopping by Orto Botanico di Palermo for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Depart from Palermo

Make the most of your last few hours in Palermo before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Palermo. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Palermo itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Palermo, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Palermo for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Palermo in a way that feels truly unforgettable!