Top 10 Experiences to Enjoy in Palermo, Italy

Boasting a vibrant history and a rich tapestry of multicultural influences, Palermo, Italy, features stunning architecture, vibrant art, delightful shopping, and exquisite cuisine. Nestled along a rugged coastline with the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, this renowned city on the island of Sicily is a feast for the senses.

When planning your cruise to Palermo, let Dinogo® assist you in crafting unforgettable memories with our thoughtfully designed European cruise itineraries. To ensure a fun-filled experience, we've also curated exciting shore excursions tailored to maximize your vacation enjoyment.

These excursions present fantastic chances to discover the top attractions and activities during your cruise. Check out our curated list of the top 10 must-see experiences in Palermo, Italy.

1. Broaden Your Cultural Perspectives

Kick off your Palermo adventure by exploring how the city's architecture and art showcase a blend of Norman, Arabic, and various other cultural influences. The Historical Palermo & Monreale shore excursion provides a panoramic tour of this historic city center, including a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of Palermo.

Here, you'll have the chance to admire and learn about the history of the four Norman Towers, along with the stunning dome, bell tower, and clock.

Continue your journey to Monreale to marvel at the Duomo and its exquisite Arabic mosaics. Enjoy some free time in Monreale, perfect for souvenir shopping before heading back to the ship.

2. Discover the City on Foot

Exploring new landscapes by walking can be an enjoyable experience, especially with an expert guide to show you around. During the Walk to Palermo excursion, you'll journey through the captivating historical city center and visit the stunning Saint Agostino Church.

Continue along Via Maqueda to reach Quattro Canti city square and Pretoria Plaza, home to a magnificent 16th-century fountain that was meticulously transported in pieces from Venice, adorned with sculptures of mythical figures.

Wander through the historic market known as 'del Capo,' celebrated for its vastness and intriguing folklore, and stop by the Theatre Massimo, Italy's largest opera house.

3. Discover Palermo's Underground

Join the Underground Palermo, Zisa Castle & Sightseeing excursion for a chance to explore a stunning castle and the intriguing Catacombs of Cappuccini, along with other notable city attractions.

This tour itinerary includes a panoramic drive through the city to admire landmarks such as the Theatre Politeama, Theatre Massimo, Royal Palace, Pretoria Plaza, and Quattro Canti, a city square flanked by four elaborately decorated Spanish palaces.

Stroll through the catacombs, a fascinating glimpse into the past where you can view over 8,000 mummified remains of monks and nobles from the 18th and 19th centuries.

A visit to Zisa Castle, once home to conquering Norman kings, showcases splendid Arabic architecture. Conclude your tour with a stop at the Cathedral of Palermo.

4. Indulge in Street Food

In the streets of Palermo, you'll find numerous food vendors with carts brimming with Sicilian delights. As you stroll through the city, you’ll notice people enjoying delicious snacks on the go. If you're a pizza fan, you'll definitely want to try sfincione, a Sicilian deep-dish dish reminiscent of pizza.

Feeling adventurous? Sample panelle, Arab-inspired chickpea fritters paired with mint-flavored potato croquettes. Don’t miss mangia e bevi, a dish of green onion wrapped in bacon, grilled, sliced into rounds, and served with fresh lemon wedges.

5. Unwind on a Park Bench

Palermo is abundant in parks and beaches. One of the highlights is Villa Giulia, a tranquil urban green space nearly 350 years old, featuring stunning sculptures, sundials, trees, and vibrant flowers.

While in Palermo, take a moment to relax on a park bench, dive into a good book, or enjoy a leisurely walk while chatting with the locals. The city's parks offer a range of environments, including the English Garden, which boasts a children’s playground along with numerous fountains and ponds.

Allow yourself some time to unwind between your adventure-filled days and soak in the serene atmosphere.

6. Hike to a Lighthouse

An important aspect to note about Palermo is that several parks in the region are tailored for thrilling outdoor adventures. For instance, Capo Gallo Park is a coastal nature reserve featuring mountains and a headland that separates the two gulfs of Sferracavallo and Mondello.

If you're looking to hike while in Palermo, take the trail beneath the stunning cliffs leading to the lighthouse, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The pristine, crystal-clear waters and grottos also make this an ideal spot for snorkeling.

7. Relax on a Sandy Beach

The beaches in Palermo are truly captivating with their stunning beauty. The ocean water remains warm enough for swimming from April to October, so don’t forget to pack your swimwear! Capo Gallo isn't the only location along this beautiful, rocky coastline.

If you're eager for a swim and prefer soft sandy shores, consider spending a day at the beach in the village of Mondello. You'll find all the amenities you need right there, including restrooms, umbrellas, and sunbeds.

8. Savor the Fresh Local Fruit

If you love fresh fruit, Palermo is a true paradise. During your cruise to Italy, you'll discover an abundance of local produce, including oranges, strawberries, cherries, figs, and mulberries available throughout the year (seasonal variations apply) at any of Palermo’s four main markets: Capo, Ballarò, Vucciria, and Borgo Vecchio.

Pick up some delicious fresh fruits to enjoy on the beach or in a park while you explore the city.

9. Visit Zingaro Natural Reserve

A picturesque drive along the highway to Trapani will lead you to the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of San Vito lo Capo. Here in San Vito, you can explore the northern section of the Zingaro Natural Reserve.

Spanning four miles of breathtaking landscape overlooking the sea, this reserve boasts over 600 types of trees and 30 species of birds. You can also take a refreshing swim in one of the reserve’s natural creeks before enjoying a leisurely stroll to Scopello, a quaint fishing village along the coast.

10. Purchase Puppets, Handbags, and Coral Jewelry

Before departing from the port of Palermo, be sure to pick up some souvenirs and gifts to bring home, as local crafts make excellent choices. Palermo is renowned for its skilled artisanship, offering everything from exquisite embroidered fabrics and trendy coffa handbags to ironwork, ceramics, and coral jewelry.

These distinctive items make for truly special gifts that can only be found in Palermo. If you have children or grandchildren, don’t forget to bring them some delightful and iconic Sicilian marionettes (puppets). Collecting a few souvenirs is a wonderful way to remember the great times you enjoyed on your Dinogo Cruise adventure.

Your cruise to Palermo is sure to be exciting and unforgettable when you sail with Dinogo. Whether it's your first visit to Sicily or your fiftieth, Dinogo shore excursions offer a variety of activities that allow guests to explore all parts of the city — from a leisurely day at the beach to an immersive walking tour, you’ll experience everything Palermo has to offer.