Premise
July 18th, a strategic date to discover the city
By arriving a few days early, you can enjoy the magic of the Festino, the city's most iconic festival.
Celebrated every year on July 14th in honor of Santa Rosalia , the patron saint of Palermo who, according to tradition, saved the city from the plague, this festival combines religious devotion, folklore, and popular culture in a one-of-a-kind event.
The highlight of the Festino is the night between July 14th and 15th, with the procession of the Vara, an imposing votive machine carried on the shoulders of the faithful through the streets of the city, accompanied by music and shows.
Fireworks and live music complete a celebration that involves the whole city.
For more information about the event:
https://ilfestinodisantarosalia.it/it/homepage
Churches and Oratories
A small basic selection
Many of the places listed below are part of the Sacred Circuit , a series of monuments in the archdiocese which can be accessed with a single cumulative ticket that can be purchased at each of the locations indicated.
Palermo Cathedral : a unique mix of architectural styles from Norman to Gothic. The crypt and rooftop terraces are worth a visit, although there are better views from other parts of the city.
The Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace : a UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular mosaics, not to be missed.
Santa Caterina d'Alessandria : a Baroque masterpiece not to be missed, with access to the roofs and cloister where delicious Sicilian delicacies are just waiting to be tasted.
Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio : a UNESCO site famous for its sumptuous cycle of golden mosaics, including Christ Pantocrator and the coronation of Roger I. A true gem, open daily from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Church of the Most Holy Savior : a Baroque jewel with a unique elliptical design. Climbing to the dome-loggia offers a 360° view of Palermo's historic rooftops. Hours: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm.
Oratories of Santa Cita and San Lorenzo : masterpieces of Palermo Baroque, famous for the stuccoes by Giacomo Serpotta that decorate their walls with incredible detail. Approximate hours: open daily approximately 9:00–18:00; it is advisable to check before visiting.
To give you an idea of the distances, you can find this specially created map on Google.
Monuments and Museums
Theaters
Museums
Abatellis Palace
Gallery of Modern Art (GAM)
Salinas Museum
Riso Palace
Branciforte Palace
Capuchin Catacombs
Monuments
Villa Garibaldi and the Botanical Garden
Chinese Palace - information and visits
Palazzo Steri - information and visits
Norman Palace - information and visits
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Historic Villas
Villa Malfitano Whitaker - information and visits
Villa Tasca - information and visits
Villa Niscemi - information and visits
Palazzo Alliata di Villafranca - information and visits
Palermo is a seaside city, but not all of the sea it overlooks is equally suitable for swimming and accessible. So we've decided to provide you with a guide to help you experience the seaside your way.
Mondello
This is Palermo's most famous beach: white sand, turquoise water, and numerous amenities (bars, beach clubs, umbrella rentals). Perfect for those seeking comfort. Here, without the need for a reservation, you can usually find loungers and umbrellas available for a fee at Lido Valdesi . The free beach areas in Mondello are very limited and crowded. If you want to enjoy a sea free from nearby beach clubs, we recommend visiting the Capo Gallo nature reserve on foot, located on the northwest tip of Mondello. There, a small entrance fee is charged, and there are no amenities.
Addaura
It's a rocky, swimmable sea area. There are several beaches where you can reserve umbrellas and loungers; access to the sea is generally via wooden platforms. We'd like to highlight two beaches in particular: Lido Addaura and South Addaura. In the Addaura area, there are still some free stretches of beach access.
Virgin Mary and Arenella
They are two bathing areas located along the northern coast of Palermo, characterized by free sandy or sand-and-gravel beaches and easy, direct access to the sea from the shore.
Sferracavallo
It's a mostly rocky, swimmable sea area with crystal-clear water and a seabed ideal for snorkeling. There are several beach clubs and lidos where you can reserve umbrellas and loungers; access to the sea is almost always via platforms, slides, or ladders on the rocks. Here are a few lidos in particular: Vespa Season and Baia del Corallo (for sunset aperitifs). In the Sferracavallo area, there are also stretches of open water, especially along the bay and towards the Barcarello Nature Reserve , which are popular with those seeking a more natural atmosphere.