10 Best Day Trips From Palermo

Bagheria is a charming town on the northern coast of Sicily, just 15 kilometres east of Palermo. A resort of wealthy Palermitans, it’s known for Baroque villas built by aristocrats as summer retreats. Some of the most famous include Villa Palagonia that has more than 60 stone gargoyles of eerie and whimsical creatures, and Villa Cattolica, which houses the Renato Guttuso Museum showcasing works by the celebrated Italian painter. 

Bagheria is also near the stunning Capo Zafferano, a scenic coastal area. There are a few places to go down the steps and into the water, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim alongside breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

Mondello is a seaside district of the city of Palermo. Best known for its namesake beach, this former fishing village is now an adored resort destination, boasting a magnificent crescent-shaped bay filled with turquoise water and white sands. Nearby mountains tower over the coastline, framing the picturesque scene with lush greenery and spectacular cliffs. 

Along the long stretch of fine sand is a beachfront lined with seafood restaurants, gelaterias and rental outlets for sun loungers and sports enthusiasts. Don’t miss one of the city’s most important landmarks, the Charleston, which is an elegant Art Nouveau building perched at the end of a pier. It serves as both a restaurant and a symbol of Mondello’s historic elegance. 

Madonie National Park is located about 80 kilometres east of Palermo, amongst a beautiful expanse of mountains, forests and ancient villages. It’s home to Mount Carbonara, Sicily’s second-highest peak, as well as an ecosystem that is one of the most abundant and diverse in the Mediterranean region. 

Scenic trails abound in Madonie National Park, winding through deep vegetation and rocky peaks, passing the natural habitat of 1000-year-old plants and giant hollies. You might spot fallow deer, wild boars, griffon vultures and rare species of butterflies along the way. For those more interested in history, you can also visit the park museums or explore medieval villages like Castelbuono, Petralia Soprana and Gangi. 

A small town perched on a hillside overlooking Palermo, Monreale is home to one of the world’s most impressive architectural treasures, the famous Duomo Di Monreale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national monument of Italy, dates back to the 12th century. Over 6,000 square metres of its interior are adorned by golden Byzantine mosaics depicting biblical stories in mesmerising detail.  

Aside from the cathedral, Monreale overlooks the fertile valley of La Conca d’oro, famed for its production of oranges, olives and almonds. The vibrant landscape adds a lovely backdrop to the historic city, where you can also explore many other churches and cloisters of cultural significance. 

As soon as you step into the artistic settlement of Borgo Parrini, you’ll be greeted with flowery alleys, cobbled walkways, colourful mosaics and artistic murals. A tiny village tucked away just west of Palermo, it’s often described as a little-known Barcelona, with Gaudi-inspired architecture that features bold colours, intricate tilework and whimsical facades. 

Start your tour from the Chiesa Maria SS del Rosario, wander past painted walls depicting famous faces or inspiring quotes and don’t forget to enjoy the delicious local eateries along the way. Whether you're an art lover or a cultural enthusiast, the surreal escape of Borgo Parrini will be a dreamy highlight of your trip. 

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 5th century BCE, it features ruins of city walls, necropolises and sanctuaries, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. 

The valley includes 7 temples, all in Doric style. The most iconic is the Temple of Concordia, so well-preserved that walking through it is like stepping back in time. Others include the Temple of Heracles, the most ancient structure in the valley, and the Temple of Castor and Pollux, now the symbol of modern Agrigento despite its remains containing only 4 columns. 

Cefalù is just 1 hour east of Palermo along the picturesque Sicily coast. The pleasant medieval town is most known for the Cefalù Cathedral, a magnificent Norman church with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers. History lovers will enjoy a stroll on the cobblestone streets across the old quarter, as well as a visit to the nearby Mandralisca Museum which is home to large collections of archaeological treasures and art. 

As a popular resort town, Cefalù also boasts a seaside of beautiful sandy beaches, where you can perfect your tan and take a swim. Overlooking it all is La Rocca, a dramatic rock formation with ancient ruins that provides spectacular panoramic views for adventurous hikers. 

Selinunte is one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe. Situated on the southwest coast of Sicily and encompassing nearly 270 hectares of land, it offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Selinunte, a once-thriving Greek colony founded in the 7th century BCE. 

Amongst the many great temples at the archaeological site, some of the most magnificent are the well-preserved Temple of Hera, the enormous Temple of Zeus and the oldest Temple of Apollo dating back to 550 BCE. Five of these ruins are centred on an acropolis, perched on a limestone cliff rising from the sea, making this open-air museum a truly breath-taking sight set against the unforgettable backdrop of the Mediterranean. 

On a hilltop overlooking the city of Trapani, the small town of Erice is a small town located at the western tip of Sicily. This gem of a destination is surrounded by the dramatic Punta del Saraceno, Capo San Vito and the Aegadian Islands off the coastline, making it a picture-perfect holiday spot filled with panoramic views and Mediterranean charm. 

Explore the old town through its winding streets and find plenty of historic destinations along the way. The Castle of Venus is an impressive Norman fortress built on the ruins of an ancient temple, whereas the church of Chiesa Madre will capture your curiosity with its medieval tower. 

The Capo Gallo Nature Reserve is a protected coastal area north of Palermo. A sanctuary to a diverse ecosystem of Mediterranean flora and wildlife, it’s a great spot for nature photography and birdwatching, where you’ll likely catch sight of falcons, buzzards and owls. 

The dramatic landscape in the area features rugged limestone cliffs, scenic coves and crystal-clear water. A system of curving trails will take you through hidden viewpoints that are postcard-worthy, and you’ll also find plenty of locations with water access where you can take a swim or go snorkelling. Don’t miss the lighthouse, Faro di Capo Gallo, which will add the right final touch to the Mediterranean experience.