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10 perfect day trips from Palermo Sicily
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Last updated on November 15th, 2024.
Palermo, the capital city, or capoluogo, of Sicily makes an ideal standalone destination.
A city that’s perfect for a long weekend or a city break, Palermo is brimming with travel potential.
But this travel guide will focus on the places to visit outside Palermo, more specifically Palermo day trips.
Instead of looking at it as ‘escaping’ from Palermo, these perfect day trips from Palermo Sicily will expand your options.
The post will cover everything from day trips from Palermo by train or bus to Sicily day tours from Palermo.
What is a day trip?
I classify a day trip as a destination that doesn’t require hours’ long travel time from the starting point.
But because this is Sicily, there will inevitably be some day trip options that have longer travel times. To help you plan accordingly, I’ve listed the various options by shortest to longest journey time.
Palermo is one of the most beautiful places in Sicily to visit. A perfect Italy bucket list item, use this post to help plan your Italy trip .
Where is Palermo?
Palermo is located on the northern coast of Sicily.
The closest Sicilian international airport is Falcone-Borsellino Airport ( Aeroporto Falcone-Borsellino di Palermo ), which is about 31km (19mi) northwest of Palermo.
Situated along the Tyrrhenian Sea, the city blends a rich tapestry of history, architecture and diverse cultures.
We spent two days in Palermo visiting the city’s striking Arab-Norman palaces, Sicilian Baroque churches and fragrant food markets. If you’ve just one day in Palermo, careful planning is essential to ensure that you see the city’s best sights.
10 perfect day trips from Palermo
Day trips from palermo by train or bus .
The great thing about Palermo is that the city does have a public transport system. Consisting of the train, bus, tram and metro, having these options saves you having to rent a car in Italy .
The Palermo metro system consists of 3 lines (A, B, C) and primarily services destinations within the province.
However, unlike the metro system in bigger cities like Milan, the metro in Palermo runs at a much slower pace. Trains run every 30 minutes and they service the local areas in Palermo.
Instead, I’d advise sticking to using the buses in Palermo or taking the regional trains. They run more frequently and will more likely stop at your desired destination.
I cover the topic of public transport, and other modes, in more detail in how to get around in Sicily .
Mondello
A beach day trip is always an option from Palermo given its prime position on the island.
Taking a bus from Palermo to Mondello has a journey time of around 1hr. In comparison, traveling by car takes about 26mins. This is because the bus ride consists of taking 2 buses and likely factors in bus stops and traffic.
There’s also the option to take a train from Palermo Palazzo Reale-Orleans train station. But bear in mind that there’s no direct line that will take you to Mondello. Instead, you’ll need to take bus 614 from Piazza Mandorle to Mondello and walk from here.
Beach time
Any memories about the journey will quickly dissipate once you set eyes upon the sandy stretch of fine white sand.
Mondello Beach ( spiaggia di Mondello ) is a mecca for sun and sea seekers. A classic Italian seaside town, Mondello is also known for its striking pier and Liberty-style building.
Should you prefer to extend your stay in Mondello, consider checking into Villa Olimpia . The seafront hotel has gorgeous sea view rooms and suites along with an outdoor swimming pool and private parking.
Time permitting, you may want to also consider visiting nearby Addaura. Not far from Mondello Beach, the small coastal hamlet runs alongside the Christopher Columbus seafront ( Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo ).
One of the best day trips from Palermo, Mondello is also one of the closest to the city.
Cefalù
Cefalù makes one of the most perfect day trips from Palermo for several reasons.
For one, its beaches make Cefalù an instant hit among sunworshippers. Cefalù Beach ( Spiaggia di Cefalù ) was already popular among locals but gained a new following thanks to a TV show.
The beach was just one of several filming locations of the HBO hit The White Lotus in Sicily .
Apart from the beaches, Cefalù also boasts other attractions. They include the 12th century Cefalù Cathedral ( Duomo di Cefalù ) and La Rocca.
The large rock formation overlooking Cefalù provides panoramic views of the coast and surrounding landscape. Hike to the top to enjoy the most spectacular views and to also explore the ruins of a medieval fortress.
Tickets to climb La Rocca cost €5 ($5.45/£4.28).* It goes without saying that wearing appropriate shoes and bringing bottled water is a given. Aim to do this hike in the morning when it’s still relatively cool.
How to get from Palermo to Cefalù
A direct train will get you from Palermo Centrale to Cefalù in around 52mins. Its journey time makes Cefalù a great option for a half-day trip from Palermo. By car, it might take slightly longer at approximately 1hr 9mins.
Day trips from Palermo Sicily by car
Next on the list are some of the best day trips from Palermo Sicily by car. While public transport works for some places, for others, it’s simply not an option.
In short, renting a car allows the freedom and flexibility to visit these destinations and with great ease.
Scopello
The drive from Palermo to Scopello takes you along a scenic route on the northwest coast of Sicily. Not factoring in traffic or stops, it should take around 1hr 11mins to get there.
Scopello is a coastal town that’s situated within the province of Trapani. Visitors flock here to relax on its beaches, known in Italian as ‘cala’ (coves). Some of the most popular cala include:
- Cala dell’Ovo
- Cala Baialuce
- Cala Mazzo di Sciacca
Other iconic attractions in Scopello include the Scopello sea stacks ( Faraglioni di Scopello ) and the tuna fishery ( Tonnara di Scopello ). Visible off the coast, the Scopello sea stacks are dramatic limestone sea stacks rising from the sea.
Overlooking the sea stacks is the ancient tuna fishery. Used for tuna fishing since the 13th century, the complex houses the tuna processing plant, warehouses and the Tonnara tower.
Explore the nature in Scopello
Another reason why Scopello makes one of the top day trips from Palermo is because of the surrounding nature.
On the periphery of Scopello lies the Zingaro Nature Reserve ( Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro ). Within the reserve are more beaches and sandy bays for guests to enjoy.
If planning on spending the day here come prepared.
Bringing your own umbrellas and deck chairs is prohibited and there are no bars or eateries within the reserve. Lastly, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the paths between the beaches and to the parking area are rocky.
Map: best day trips from Palermo Sicily
San Vito Lo Capo
North of Scopello is another seaside town of San Vito Lo Capo. Driving from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo will take around 48mins, while from Palermo, it’ll take approximately 1hr 45mins.
The small seaside resort is most famous for its beach ( Spiaggia San Vito Lo Capo ) that overlooks a sheltered bay.
Like Mondello, it’s sandy and typically becomes overrun with tourists in the height of summer. A defining feature of San Vito Lo Capo is that the town sits in the backdrop of Monte Monaco.
A park consisting of different trails, Monte Monaco offers hikers a challenging climb to reach its rocky peak.
Spend the night
While a day trip from Palermo to San Vito Lo Capo is doable, you may prefer to extend your stay.
Nearby is the Temple of Segesta ( Tempio di Segesta ) which is around 1hr 5mins away. Dating to the 5th century, the Ancient Greek temple atop a hill makes for a spectacular sight.
Mira Spiaggia is a charming hotel located on the seafront in San Vito Lo Capo. With a café and restaurant with a sea-view terrace, it might be worth staying a little longer.
Trapani
Swap one city in northern Sicily for another on the northwestern coast.
With a drive time of around 1hr 25mins, a day trip from Palermo to Trapani is more than doable.
The port city is situated on a crescent-shaped harbor facing the Tyrrhenian Sea.
On the western tip of Trapani is the Torre di Ligny Watchtower Museum that overlooks the Egadi Islands. Dating to the 17th century, the archeology museum houses historical finds and has incredible views.
Time permitting, I’d advise visiting Trapani’s famous salt pans at the Trapani and Paceco nature reserve. Located between Trapani and Marsala, the salt pans create a mesmerizing landscape and a unique day trip experience.
Agrigento
Discover one of Sicily’s most renowned archaeological sites on a Palermo to Agrigento day trip.
We did this route as a Sicily road trip a few years ago and enjoyed it immensely.
Visitors typically travel to Agrigento to see the Valley of the Temples ( Valle dei Templi ). A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the archaeological park houses several well-preserved ancient Greek temples. One of these is the Temple of Concordia, one of the prime examples of a well-preserved Doric temple.
Like with any top attraction, lines build quickly for Valley of the Temples especially during peak seasons. I advise booking skip-the-line tickets , arriving once the park opens and bringing plenty of water.
There are eating and drinking facilities within the compound but it’s more expensive compared to bringing your own.
How to get from Palermo to Agrigento
It’s possible to travel from Palermo to Agrigento by car or by train. Driving takes around 2hrs while the train journey will take approximately 2hrs 4mins.
Once arriving at Agrigento train station, it’s another 1.1mi (1.7km) or 24-minute walk to reach Valley of the Temples.
Visiting Agrigento by car makes it easier to see another beautiful landmark in the region. The Turkish Steps ( Scala dei Turchi ) are a short 20-minute drive away from Valley of the Temples. The terrace rocks on white cliffs overlooking the sea easily make one of the best day trips from Palermo.
Mount Etna
The next series of best day trips from Palermo consist of longer journey times.
Personally, I prefer to spend a night or two at the destination given the distance and driving time from Palermo.
Day trips from Palermo to Mount Etna are doable but with a journey time of around 3hrs, planning is essential.
Suffice it to say, the earlier you depart from Palermo, the better this option works as a Palermo day trip.
Ways to visit Mount Etna
There are several ways to visit and explore the mighty volcanic landscape of Mount Etna. They include: Self-drive tour of Mount Etna (to a certain point)
Joining a tour
Seeing the towns and villages surrounding Mount Etna on the Ferrovia Circumetnea train
We’ve done the self-drive tour of Mount Etna a few times. However, as part-time locals in Sicily, it’s an activity that’s easily accessible.
For first-time visitors to Mount Etna, joining a tour works well for so many reasons. For one, you’ll get first-hand expertise from a local guide plus additional information and personal anecdotes about Mount Etna.
Another great reason to book a Mount Etna tour is the variety. The following tours show there’s something to suit all tastes and activity levels.
- Mount Etna morning or sunset day trip with tasting from Catania
- Guided volcano summit hiking tour with cable car from Catania
- Mount Etna trekking trip off the tourist path from Catania
- Etna wine and Alcantara gorge visit from Catania
- Etna sunset (walk along Mount Etna’s lunar landscape) from Catania
- Mount Etna and Taormina Tour from Palermo
Catania
On the east coast of Sicily lies the city of Catania.
Another major Sicilian city on the island, there’s plenty of things to do in one day in Catania .
The distance between Palermo and Catania is about 130mi (210km) or approximately 2hrs 32mins by car. A direct train also connects the two cities with a ride time of 2hrs 25mins.
Many of the city’s attractions are situated within the city center. Walk through Porta Uzeda, visit Catania’s striking St. Agatha’s Cathedral and admire the views from Palazzo dei Chierici.
Aeolian Islands
Day trips from Palermo to the Aeolian Islands are doable but they can be long and tiring.
The largest of the Aeolian Islands is Lipari. A beautiful island with plenty to see and do , I highly recommend visiting for yourself.
We always take a ferry from the port of Milazzo to Lipari . From our home in Sicily , the distance is about 45mi (72km) or approximately 1hr by car.
From Palermo, the distance is substantially longer, at around 126mi (203km) or 2hrs 30mins driving time. This doesn’t factor in the ferry ride to Lipari (1hr) or traffic leading to the port.
There is a ferry service with Liberty Lines that will take you directly from Palermo to Lipari. However, ferry services are less frequent and more expensive than if traveling from Milazzo.
Speaking as a local, I’d advise spending a night or two in Lipari. La Settima Luna is a gorgeous beachfront hotel with terraces providing uninterrupted sea views.
A closer island day trip from Palermo is Ustica.
A small, yet pretty, island where Italians come to vacation , there’s a direct ferry available (3hrs 5mins journey time). The cost of a return ticket (without car) costs €24.29 ($26/£21)* per person.
Taormina
The final choice on the list of the best day trips from Palermo is Taormina.
Again, given the distance and journey time, leaving early is advisable to enjoy a day trip from Palermo to Taormina.
By car, the journey will take around 3hrs 11mins or 164mi (264km).
The hilltop town of Taormina lives up to its hype though there are some things to know before visiting .
Main attractions in Taormina include visiting the ancient theater (Teatro Antico di Taormina) and relaxing on Isola Bella.
My personal favorite thing to do in Taormina is watching the sunset from Belvedere di Taormina. One of the prime viewing spots in town, the colors never disappoint from this main public square.
What are your thoughts on this guide listing the best day trips from Palermo Sicily? Which of these places would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments below.
*information correct at the time of publishing
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
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What are the best day trips from Palermo Sicily?
1. Mondello 2. Cefalù 3. Scopello 4. San Vito Lo Capo 5. Agrigento
26 thoughts on “ 10 perfect day trips from Palermo Sicily ”
Your post about day trips from Palermo has excellent ideas for getting out of the city and seeing more of Sicily. I’m already dreaming about hitting the beach at Mondello. It’s just an hour away by bus and sounds like the perfect spot to chill and catch some sun. Cefalù is another place that’s got my attention. It’s not just about the beach; the town has some ancient history to explore, like the old cathedral. And then there’s Agrigento with its famous Valley of the Temples. I can’t miss seeing those ancient ruins! This article’s got me planning my Sicily adventure. I add it to my bucket list.
Perfect! There are so many great day trips from Palermo and it won’t take up too much travel time 🙂
I have been thinking about a trip to Sicily for a while now – but I did not think of basing myself in Palermo and doing day trips from there. It seems the best way to do this is renting a car as public transport is not really feasible for many destinations. Trapani looks wonderful, maybe it is worth staying the night there. Thanks for this day trip suggestions.
There are some great options. I arranged it from closest to furthest away. For me, there are so many great options nearby 🙂
These places all look amazing – it would be tough to choose! The beach at Cefalù is so pretty, and I am not surprised that it has been a movie filming location!
Yes it is so pretty! And the town is a must see too 🙂
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