15 Must-See Purchases in Palermo

Shopping is a delightful experience on any Dinogo European cruise, and it’s particularly enjoyable when you cruise to Palermo! This Sicilian city offers unique finds that you won’t easily come across elsewhere. From fashion and accessories to home decor, Palermo has something for everyone. Many of these products also carry rich historical significance.

1. Stunning Coffa Bags

These decorative straw bags were traditionally utilized by Sicilian farmers to transport goods to and from the market. Nowadays, coffa bags are becoming a global fashion sensation.

Adorned with painted patterns, mirrors, metal accents, pom-poms, and intricate embroidery, these bags are sure to attract attention wherever your travels take you. They come in various styles, including spacious tote bags, beach bags, and petite evening purses.

2. Gray and Black Lava Stones

Lava stones, available in neutral shades, complement nearly any color palette in your wardrobe or home. These dark gray stones have been sourced from Sicily's volcanoes for centuries and are commonly used for paving roads and crafting bricks for construction.

In Sicilian boutiques, you can find smaller gray lava stones transformed into a variety of products, including magnets, bracelets, bowls, and vases.

Should you encounter any shiny black stone trinkets, they are likely made of obsidian, a type of lava rock that is still prevalent on Lipari Island, located just off Sicily's coast. Archaeologists have discovered obsidian tools in Sicily dating back to the Stone Age.

3. Stylish Coppola Caps

If you prefer a coppola to a coffa, you'll want to grab one of these hats. These traditional beret-style caps are enjoying a resurgence on fashion runways and in street style. Not only are coppola hats incredibly fashionable, but they are also practical and come in various materials.

A lightweight coppola provides protection from the hot summer sun, while a wool version will keep you cozy in winter. Consider picking up several during your cruise to Palermo, either for yourself or as stylish gifts for loved ones.

4. Coral in Various Colors

The waters around Sicily are abundant with coral, and you'll find numerous coral items in the shops and markets of Palermo.

Jewelry is just the beginning; you’ll also discover beautiful decorative pieces for your home. The coral found off the coast showcases a range of warm shades, from soft pink to rich red.

5. Enchanting Caltagirone Pottery

Caltagirone pottery offers a fantastic way to beautify your home and is easily found in Palermo. This craft has been a cherished tradition in the Sicilian town of Caltagirone since prehistoric times.

The Greeks perfected these techniques—introducing the pottery wheel to Palermo in the eighth century B.C.—and subsequent cultures enhanced the glazing methods over time.

Today, the vibrant and striking pottery of Caltagirone continues to flourish. Acquiring a piece of Caltagirone pottery, even if it's just a coffee cup, is essential on any cruise to Italy.

6. Stylish Silk Scarves and Ties

Palermo remains an excellent destination for purchasing exquisite Italian silk scarves and ties during your European cruise. Look for a variety of options, including silk squares, long scarves, and extra-long ties, with some pieces even being hand-painted.

7. Renowned Puppets

The Puppet Theater, known as Opera del Pupi, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century in Sicilian cities like Palermo and Catania. As a result, travelers in Palermo will find numerous marionettes available in local shops and markets.

The marionettes in Palermo are considerably smaller than those found in Catania, making them easier to bring home. You'll find a variety ranging from intricately crafted puppets to simpler, more affordable options that children will enjoy just as much.

8. Heat-Resistant Chocolate

While enjoying your shopping adventure in Palermo, you might feel a bit peckish. Fortunately, Sicily offers unique chocolate bars that won’t melt all over you or your shopping bag, even in the summer heat.

Inspired by ancient Aztec recipes, this Modica-style chocolate is crafted by grinding cocoa beans with sugar to achieve a fine texture. Confectioners often enhance this delightful treat with flavors such as coffee, cinnamon, or citrus. It’s considered one of the must-try foods in Palermo. Plus, the chocolate bars are beautifully wrapped, making them perfect gifts. Just remember that any food you bring back to your cruise ship should be unopened and sealed in its original packaging.

9. Wonderful Marmalades

Sicily’s rich farmlands produce exceptional fruits year-round. While you can’t take fresh produce on your Dinogo cruise ship, Sicilian artisans have mastered the art of preserving fruit as delicious marmalades and spreads for centuries.

In Sicily, you’ll discover marmalades made with orange and ginger or orange and pistachio, all prepared using traditional recipes. There are also compotes featuring figs and walnuts, along with sweet crème spreads made from pistachio or cocoa. Additionally, Sicilian pharmacies offer a lighter range of products made with honey or rice syrup instead of sugar.

10. Delectable Liqueurs

Enjoying a liqueur is yet another delightful way to savor the bounty of native Sicilian fruits. Lemon liqueurs are particularly popular, along with those made from the island's abundant prickly pears.

Sicilian liqueurs may also feature ingredients like cinnamon, chocolate, hazelnut, walnut, and myrtle. Served in chilled glasses, a liqueur can make for a fabulous dessert or serve as an excellent base for a unique cocktail.

11. Renowned Wines

Sicily has been cultivating grapes since 1500 B.C. or even earlier, so the locals certainly know a thing or two about producing exceptional wines. The finest places to purchase quality wine in Palermo are upscale shopping districts like Il Capo, Vecchio Centro, and Castellammare.

You’ll find renowned wines such as Marsala and Syrah, along with lesser-known varieties like Nero d’Avola and Etna Rosso. Even if you’re not a fan of alcoholic drinks, consider bringing home a few cases from your European cruise to enhance your cooking. How about some chicken marsala?

12. Cans of Sicilian Tuna

What makes tuna caught and canned in Sicily so special? You can find what’s known as “premium tuna,” which is darker and more reddish compared to the white albacore commonly found in the United States. Additionally, Sicilian tuna is preserved in olive oil, unlike the water or vegetable oil used in popular American brands.

Sicilian craftsmen have created a variety of delectable specialty products. One standout is ventresca, or tuna belly, known for its rich, creamy flavor. Unlike typical round cans, Sicilian tuna is packed in oval-shaped tins.

13. Frutta Martorana

Not all the fruit you encounter in Sicily comes from trees. There are bakeries displaying glass cases filled with martorana fruit. These delightful Sicilian confections may resemble cherries, lemons, or even prickly pears, but they are crafted from marzipan almond paste, offering a taste akin to exquisite pastries.

Frutta Martorana is also available in various other shapes, including designs resembling shrimp, mortadella sandwiches, and Easter lambs. Typically, you can enjoy these martorana treats right at the pastry shop.

14. Molds for Frutta Martorana

After returning from your trip to Palermo and a European cruise, you might find it challenging to locate bakeries that sell fresh Frutta Martorana. These traditional marzipan treats are crafted to resemble fruits and vegetables, so you may want to prepare to make them yourself.

Cooking marzipan is straightforward, with plenty of recipes readily available. The only challenge is that, unless you’re skilled at shaping pastries by hand, you’ll need molds for martorana. If you spot any martorana molds while shopping, don’t hesitate—grab them and bring them home. The few U.S. bakeries specializing in this craft typically use molds imported from Sicily.

15. Timeless Embroidered Linens

Some homes and guesthouses in Sicily proudly showcase exquisite embroidered linens made right on the island. Sicily has a rich tradition of embroidery and fine fabric production, which dates back to the ninth century during Muslim rule when textile workshops were established in places like Palermo.

One textile art that has persisted over the centuries is sfilato, a needlework technique where linen is adorned with colorful threads in intricate designs. In Palermo's flea markets and antique shops, you may discover vintage embroidered linens like tablecloths and bed sheets.

Alternatively, while cruising to Italy, consider exploring the eastern part of the island, where this age-old craft continues to thrive.

As you explore Palermo, Italy, during your European cruise, relish the opportunity to find unique treasures to bring home as souvenirs of your unforgettable journey. This extraordinary city, which uniquely blends Eastern and Western influences unlike any other Mediterranean destination, offers a variety of items to wear, eat, decorate with, play with, and utilize, ensuring you’ll discover something that fits your tastes perfectly.