If you’re based in Palermo while visiting Sicily, and are itching to explore beyond the bustling capital, then I can promise you’re in for a real treat! The Italian island offers some wonderful day trip options catering to history buffs, nature lovers, those who want to sample a slice of local life, and much more.
This guide lists 10 of the best Palermo day trips you can take by car, public transport, or organized tour. Covered here is how to get there, as well as what to see and do in each destination. Frequently asked questions regarding Palermo day tours are also answered.
By the end of this article, you’ll be well-placed to decide which tours from Palermo you might like to take. From the world’s best-preserved Roman mosaics to sailing trips and authentic village experiences, Sicily offers it all. These top day trips from Palermo ensure an unforgettable Sicilian adventure for every traveler.
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10 of the Best Day Trips from Palermo
- Villa Romana del Casale
Situated in central Sicily, close to Piazza Armerina, Villa Romana del Casale is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s renowned for its well-preserved mosaics, which are among the best on the planet.
The Roman villa dates back to the early 4th century and is thought to have been built as a rural retreat for a wealthy Roman. The villa’s intricate mosaics cover about 3,500 square meters in total, and the scenes depicted offer insights into the opulent lifestyle and artistic achievements of the Roman aristocracy.
Getting There
- By Car: The fastest route from Palermo to Villa Romana del Casale is to take the A19 motorway towards Catania, then the SS117 to Piazza Armerina. The journey typically takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- By Public Transport: Take a train from Palermo to Caltanissetta Centrale, then transfer to a bus bound for Piazza Armerina. Your total travel time will be approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Photo by Casey Lovegrove on Unsplash
2. Sailing at Capo Gallo Nature Reserve
Capo Gallo Nature Reserve is a marine and coastal haven located to the west of Palermo. Renowned for its dramatic, towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters, the reserve is perfect for those who want to escape the city while enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings.
A highlight can be taking a sailing trip to the tiny, charming Isola delle Femmine, which is shrouded in mystery and legend. According to one story, the island was formerly used as a prison for women.
Getting There
- By Car: Head west from Palermo on the E90. After about 30 minutes, you will reach the reserve.
- By Public Transport: Regular bus services run from Palermo city center to the reserve, taking around 40 minutes to get there.
3. Experience Village Life
For a truly immersive and uniquely Sicilian experience, venture into the rural heartlands of the island for a flavor of village life. Here you can spend a day at a local farmhouse, where you can try activities such as bread-making, fruit harvesting, and cooking classes. These hands-on experiences end with a delectable homemade lunch, enjoyed in the rustic setting of a Sicilian farm.
For example, we visited Catelbuono, which is a Medieval Abbey town, and loved our tour, which also visited a winery. Check out this tour and watch my whole experience below.
Getting There
- By Car: While specific locations do vary, most farmhouses offering this experience are located within an hour or two’s drive of Palermo.
- By Public Transport: While public transport options may be limited depending on the exact location, local tour operators often provide transport as part of a day trip package.
4. Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples
Two hours by car from Palermo is one of Sicily’s most famous historical sites – the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. This archaeological marvel showcases some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece.
Many visitors recommend staying over in Agrigento, so it’s worth weighing up whether you’d prefer to take a day trip, or arrange an overnight stay.
Getting There
- By Car: Take the SS121 and SS189 from Palermo, which will take you directly to Agrigento.
- By Public Transport: Direct buses from Palermo to Agrigento take about 2 hours.
If you are planning to drive in Italy, check out my top tips: The 411 of Driving in Italy.
5. Monreale Cathedral
Only a short trip from Palermo is Monreale. This day trip destination is famous for its stunning cathedral, adorned with golden mosaics. It was built in the 1170s by King William II of Sicily, and is thought to be one of the best examples of Norman art and architecture anywhere.
The cathedral’s interior is covered in intricate Byzantine-style mosaics, which depict scenes from both the Old and New Testaments. If you buy tickets for the full monumental package, you can also access the impressive terraces and cloister, and learn more by using the supplied audio guide.
The cathedral is open between 8.30am and 12.30pm Monday to Saturday, and from 8am to 9.15am on Sundays and public holidays. It can be closed during liturgical celebrations, when visiting and touring is not permitted.
Getting There
- By Car: Monreale is just a 30 minutes by car from Palermo, via the SP69.
- By Public Transport: A regular bus service can take you from Palermo to Monreale in approximately 45 minutes.
Photo by Peter Boccia on Unsplash
6. Segesta
Located in northwestern Sicily, Segesta is a significant archaeological site offering visitors insights into the ancient past. It was a major city of the Elymians, and believed to have Trojan origins. Its historical importance is well-documented by ancient historians like Thucydides, and the site is testament to the cultural and political intricacies of ancient Sicily.
In archaeological terms, the site is renowned for its well-preserved Doric temple, which dates from the late 5th century BC. This unfinished yet striking temple stands among rolling hills, creating a photogenic scene.
Nearby, you can also enjoy panoramic views from the ancient theater, which is carved into the hillside. It is still used for performances, and hosts a variety of cultural events, particularly during the summer months. These include the annual Segesta Theater Festival, held between late July and late August.
Visit Segesta to experience an engaging mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Some tours from Palermo also include stops at the Trapani salt pans, and the hilltop town of Erice.
Getting There
- By Car: It takes around an hour to drive from Palermo to Selesto, via the E90.
- By Public Transport: Local bus services can take you from Palermo to Alcamo in approximately 50 minutes to an hour. You can then take a 15 to 20 minute taxi trip to reach Selesto.
Photo by Antonio Sessa on Unsplash
7. Corleone
Corleone has historical associations with the Sicilian Mafia, but has much more to offer besides. By car, it’s only a little over an hour from Palermo, and taking a day trip allows you to delve into its rich cultural and historical heritage.
Visit Corleone from Palermo and you can discover the historic town center featuring medieval and Baroque architecture and attractive churches, and tour the CIDMA International Documentation Center on the Mafia and the Anti-Mafia Movement.
You could also hike at the Ficuzza Woods nature reserve just outside town, or head to the scenic Due Rocche Waterfall. During your visit to Corleone you can also sample delicious local food and wine. Check out Is Sicily Safe.
Getting There
- By Car: It takes around an hour and 10 minutes to drive via the SS118 from Palermo to Corleone.
- By Public Transport: About two buses per day travel between Palermo and Corleone, with the journey taking around an hour and 20 minutes.
8. Erice
Erice is perched on a Sicilian hilltop, offering panoramic views over the island. Its medieval, Baroque and Renaissance architecture can also take you back in time. Simply wandering the narrow, cobbled lanes of the well-preserved historic center – known as Il Monte – can be a real pleasure, with plenty of beautiful churches and palaces to see.
Erice’s main attractions include the Normal Castle of Venus. This was built on the site of an ancient temple, and offers stunning views over the surrounding area. There’s also the 14th century Torretta Pepoli; the 1163 Chiesa di San Martino church; and the Porta Trapani historic gateway.
Getting There
- By car: The quickest way to reach Erice is by car, with the drive from Palermo taking around an hour and 10 minutes.
- By public transport: You can catch a bus from Palermo to Trapani Via Marsala, and then get to Erice from there by taking a taxi trip of around 10 to 15 minutes.
9. Cefalù
Cefalù, a charming coastal town around an hour or less from Palermo, is a delightful destination for a day trip. Getting there by train is also quick, efficient, and cheap.
Sights to see include the charming, medieval old town centered on Corso Ruggero. This, and the surrounding streets, are lined with shops and cafés. There’s also the impressive Cefalù Cathedral, which showcases a number of architectural styles.
The views from La Rocca make the uphill hike very worthwhile indeed, or you can enjoy a seaside breath of fresh air at Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, the local coastal promenade. You can also enjoy unwinding at the beach after exploring the town.
Cefalù offers something for everyone, including historic sites, natural beauty, and a relaxed seaside vibe. This makes it the perfect getaway for those who want to escape the city, and it’s also easy to get to by train from Palermo.
Getting There
- By car: Driving is a good option for getting to Cefalù, with the trip from Palermo taking about an hour.
- By public transport: Taking the train from Palermo Centrale station is a convenient and efficient way to reach Cefalù. The journey takes about 50 minutes on average. There are regular services, and tickets are very affordable.
Check out my Day 2 Cefalu video on YouTube
10. Mondello Beach
As Mondello Beach is only around seven miles from Palermo, it’s a popular day trip destination, particularly during the summer months. As well as a curving stretch of white sand lapped by clear blue water, Mondello has all the coastal town facilities you might expect, such as bars, restaurants, and outdoor lidos.
If you’re visiting in summer, then do expect Mondello to be busy. As it’s so close to the Sicilian capital, it’s incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike. While this ensures a vibrant atmosphere, it isn’t ideal for peace-seekers looking for a quiet retreat. As one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches, though, it is well worth visiting while you’re in Palermo.
Getting There
- By car: Driving to Mondello Beach from Palermo is pretty easy, with the trip taking around 20 minutes.
- By public transport: Taking a local bus from Palermo involves a journey time of around 20 to 50 minutes, depending on stops and traffic. It’s likely to take longer during peak season, when the beach is particularly popular.
Day Trips from Palermo FAQs
Can you do day trips from Palermo?
There are many day trip destinations within easy reach of Palermo in Sicily. Some can be reached by bus or train in under an hour, making it simple to explore the island whether you rent a car or not.
The Sicilian capital makes the ideal base for exploring the island further. It also offers plenty of artistic, cultural, and historic attractions, plus a flourishing foodie scene.
Where can I travel to from Palermo?
Options for day tours from Palermo include Villa Romana del Casale, with its Roman mosaics; the crystal clear waters of Capo Gallo Nature Reserve; the historic Valley of the Temples in Agrigento; the significant archaeological site at Segesta; and local towns such as Monreale, Corleone, Erice, and Cefalù.
Mondello Beach is also just 20 minutes by car or bus from the city center, and very popular with day trippers seeking a slice of the coastal lifestyle.
Where can you go by train from Palermo?
If you’re looking to take a day trip from Palermo in Sicily by public transport, one of the most appealing options is the coastal town of Cefalù. It can take just over 40 minutes to get there via the fastest train services. Once you arrive, Cefalù offers historic sites, beaches, a coastal promenade, a laid-back seaside lifestyle, and panoramic views from La Rocca, which is accessible via an uphill hike.
Can you take a day trip to Taormina from Palermo?
Taormina is three-and-a-half hours by car from Palermo, so it’s a long drive for day-trippers. It’s not too far from Mount Etna, which is about an hour’s drive from Palermo.
Therefore a full day tour to both destinations is a popular option.
Due to the required traveling time, day tours from Palermo to Mount Etna and Taormina last for around 12 hours, giving you enough time to explore the active volcano, the ancient Teatro Antico di Taormina, and the local coastline.
