Best day trips from Palermo, Italy

Sicily may just be the toe to Italy’s boot, but as far as islands go, it really packs a punch! If you’re visiting Palermo you simply can’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes with a few day trips form the capital.

Palermo is an incredible city filled with history, tradition, and amazing food and coffee. But step outside its boundaries and you’ll find gorgeous beaches with turquoise blue water, unforgettable culinary experiences, and ancient Greek temples.

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I love Sicily so much, that I could easily have spent months exploring the island. I’ve included a list of some of the best day trips with a mix of history, architecture, food, and nature.

16 best day trips from Palermo, Sicily

Sicily has a lot to offer beyond Palermo. Whether you’re interested in history, beautiful scenery, or charming towns, these are the best day trips to add to your Palermo itinerary.

Some of my favorite day trips from Palermo, like Cefalu, Monreale, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve are just an hour away!

Read next: Palermo Itinerary

Monreale

Travel time: 20 minutes
Best for: Architecture and history
Recommended tour: Monreale and Cefalù Half-Day Trip

Just a short drive from Palermo, Monreale is home to one of Italy’s most breathtaking cathedrals, famous for its golden mosaics that depict biblical scenes in detail. 

The town itself is small but charming, with quiet streets and viewpoints overlooking Palermo and the surrounding countryside. It’s an easy but rewarding day trip from Palermo. 

Best tours of Monreale

This tour is in my opinion the best option since it combines a visit to Monreale, with the further afield Cefalu. If you prefer private tours, this one is fantastic and it takes you to the cathedral, the capuchin cloister, and a local ceramic maker’s shop.

Castelbuono

Travel time: 1 hour and 20  minutes
Best for: Architecture and Food
Recommended tour: Full day excursion to Castelbuono and Cefalu

Castelbuono is a charming medieval town in Sicily’s Madonie Mountains, known for its well-preserved castle, winding stone streets, and vibrant food scene. 

The 14th-century Castello Ventimiglia houses a chapel with beautiful frescoes, while the town itself offers a combination of history, culture, and local traditions. Don’t miss the panettone from Fiasconaro, a famous Sicilian bakery. 

Best tours of Castelbuono

This full day tour to Castelbuono is a great opportunity to combine beach time with charming medieval towns. For a more intimate experience, go with this private tour of Cefalu and Castelbuono.

Cefalu

Travel time: 1 hour
Best for: Architecture and beach lovers
Recommended tour: Full day excursion to Castelbuono and Cefalu

This picturesque seaside town is known for its beautiful sandy beach, a Norman cathedral, and an old town filled with shops and cafés. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has stunning Byzantine mosaics and a distinct presence in the town. 

La Rocca, the hill behind Cefalù, is an iconic part of this town’s skyline. Take in this view while taking a dip in the water, followed by a stroll through its charming streets – Cefalu won’t disappoint!

Best tours of Cefalu

This full day tour of Castelbuono and Cefalu is a fabulous options and since it’s a private tour you’ll have an intimate and flexible experience. If you’re short on time, opt for this half day tour to Monreale and Cefalu takes you to see the Duomo, the medieval old town and the MandraliscaMuseum.

Corleone

Travel time:  1 hour
Best for: History and Nature
Recommended tour: Half-Day Corleone Excursion

Famous for its connection to The Godfather, Corleone has a fascinating history beyond its pop culture fame. The town has worked to change its image, offering visitors a chance to learn about Sicily’s anti-mafia efforts at the CIDMA museum. 

Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, Corleone is also great for hiking at the nearby Ficuzza Nature Reserve. This destination has an ideal combination of history and natural beauty.

Best tours of Corleone

This half day tour from Palermo combines a tour of Corleone with beautiful views of the Ficuzza Nature Reserve. If you’d like a longer tour, this walking tour is another great option.

Castellammare del Golfo

Travel time:  1 hour
Best for: Beaches and restaurants
Recommended tour: Tour Castellammare, Scopello, and Zingaro from Palermo

The seaside town of Castellammare del Golfo offers a mix of history and coastal charm. Enjoy a break from the city and stroll along Its scenic harbor, lined with colorful fishing boats. This is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood or take a boat tour along the coast, or visit the local castle.

The town is also a gateway to nearby attractions like the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Tonnara di Scopello. 

Best tours of Castellammare del Golfo

I recommend you bundle Castellammare, Scopello, and Zingaro on this tour as it’s the most efficient way to see these nearby attractions. If you prefer a self guided visit, this van transfer can take you there and back.

Scopello & Zingaro Nature Reserve

Travel time: 1 hour
Best for: Beaches and Nature
Recommended tour: Tour Castellammare, Scopello, and Zingaro from Palermo

Scopello is a village with a historic tonnara (tuna fishery) and dramatic coastal scenery. Nearby, the Zingaro Nature Reserve has some of the most stunning hiking trails and hidden beaches in Sicily. 

The reserve is car-free, making it a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy nature, whether by hiking along the cliffs or swimming in its turquoise coves. Make sure to bring plenty of water if you’re visiting in the summer. Since this is a nature reserve, there are no shops or facilities.

Best tours of Scopello

This full day tour takes you to Scopello, Castellamare, and Zingaro. If you’re a beach lover opt for this tour instead which takes you to Zingaro and to San Vito lo Capo, one of Sicily’s best beaches.

If you prefer to visit Scopello on your own you can book this private transfer service from Palermo. If you would just like to visit Zingaro, you can take this private transfer service directly from Palermo to enjoy a full day at the beach.

San Vito Lo Capo

Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best for: Beaches and restaurants
Recommended tour: Private Full Day Excursion to the Heaven SeaShore from Palermo

One of Sicily’s best beach destinations, San Vito Lo Capo is known for its powdery white sand and clear, shallow waters. The relaxed town has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of seafood restaurants and cafés. 

It’s also home to the annual Cous Cous Fest, celebrating the region’s multicultural culinary influences. 

Best tours of San Vito Lo Capo

You can visit San Vito Lo Capo using a bus transfer service, or take a this catamaran tour from Palermo that also stops in Zingaro. 

Agrigento (Valley of the Temples)

Travel time: 2 hours
Best for: History lovers
Recommended tour: From Palermo: Villa Romana and Valley of the Temples Trip

One of the most famous archaeological sites in Italy, the Valley of the Temples is an incredible collection of well-preserved Greek ruins and one of the best day trips from Palermo! The site includes massive temples dedicated to ancient gods, tombs, and statues built in the 6th century BC. 

Walking among these ancient structures is an unforgettable experience. If visiting during the summer, make sure to bring plenty of water – there is hardly any shade, but it is so worth it.

Best tours of Valley of the Temples

Join this tour if you’d like to see the mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale in addition to the Valley of the Temples. Alternately, this tour includes a stop at the Archeological Museum in Agregento.

Scala dei Turchi

Travel time: 2 hours
Best for: Nature
Recommended tour: 8-Hour Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi tour from Palermo

The Scala dei Turchi are rocky seaside cliffs near Agrigento. The cliffs are composed of marl, known for its dazzling white color.

Overtime, erosion caused the rock to form smooth terraces, hence the name. The stunning blue water against the white cliffs are a photographer’s dream. A visit to the cliffs is a great addition to a day trip to Agrigento for the perfect mix of history and nature.

Best tours of Scala dei Turchi

Visit the Valley of the Temples and the Scala dei Turchi with this tour. For a private tour c​​heck out this option.

Segesta

Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best for: History and Food lovers
Recommended tour: Visit Segesta every day from Palermo

Segesta is a must-visit for history lovers, home to one of Sicily’s best-preserved Greek temples, standing alone in a valley surrounded by rolling hills. Among its sites is the ancient theater that sits on a hilltop, offering incredible views of the countryside. 

Unlike many archaeological sites, Segesta has a serene and untouched atmosphere, making it easy to imagine life in ancient times. 

Best tours of Segesta

This half day tour leaves in the afternoon and takes you straight to the archaeological park in Segesta. Alternatively, there are many tour options to visit Segesta in conjunction with other nearby destinations like Erice and the salt pans.

Erice

Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best for: History and Food lovers
Recommended tour: Erice and Segesta Day Trip from Palermo

Perched on a mountaintop, Erice is a beautifully preserved medieval town with cobbled streets, stone buildings, and breathtaking panoramic views. The town is famous for its pastry shops, particularly those selling genovesi, a delicious custard-filled pastry. 

Visit the Castello di Venere, a Norman castle built on ancient temple ruins, and explore the streets lined with small shops. With its misty setting, Erice feels like stepping back in time.

Best tours of Erice

For a complete tour that combines Erice with a visit to Marsala along with lunch and wine and olive oil tasting, book this tour. If you prefer smaller groups, this tour is just as complete, with the addition of a drive through the saltpans.

Trapani & Salt Pans

Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Best for: History and Photography
Recommended tour: Palermo: Private Day Trip to Segesta, Erice, and Trapani

Trapani’s historic center is known for its Baroque architecture. Just outside the city you’ll find the unique landscape of the salt pans, with windmills dotting the pink-hued waters. 

You can visit a traditional salt museum and learn about the centuries-old process of salt harvesting. While a stop in Trapani is often part of larger tours, you can also visit the salt pans on your own by taking the Segesta Autolinee bus from Palermo.

Best tours of Trapani

This full day tour takes you to the salt pans in Trapani as well as to Nusa, Segesta and Erice. Another highly rated tour option takes you to Segesta, Erice, and the salt pans. 

Marsala

Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best for: Food and Wine
Recommended tour: Erice and Marsala, salt, olive oil, and wine tour

Famous for its namesake wine, Marsala is a laid-back town with a charming historic center and plenty of opportunities for wine tasting. Wander through the streets, stopping at local wineries to sample Marsala wine, which ranges from sweet to dry and pairs perfectly with Sicilian cuisine. 

The town’s waterfront is a great place for a relaxed stroll, and near salt pans are a frequent stop for travelers interested in unique landscapes.

Best tours of Marsala

This small group tour from Palermo takes you to Marsala, Erice, and the salt pans and focuses on the culinary delights of Sicily. Alternatively, this tour takes you to these same stops and includes lunch.

If you’re looking for a private, even more comprehensive tour that includes Segesta and Mozia, check out this private tour.  

Taormina

Travel time: 3.5 hours
Best for: Beaches, restaurants, and shops
Recommended tour: Etna And Taormina Full Day Excursion from Palermo

Taormina is one of Sicily’s most famous destinations (even more so after serving as the backdrop to the show White Lotus), known for its breathtaking views, charming streets, and ancient Greek theater. From the theater, still used for performances today, you can see Mount Etna and the coastline. 

Stroll through Corso Umberto, the town’s main street, lined with boutique shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Relaxing at nearby Isola Bella beach is the perfect end to the day.

Read next: Taormina Itinerary

Best tours of Taormina

Most tours to Taormina from Palermo give you the chance to explore neighboring Mount Etna. This multi language tour is a great option but I prefer this highly-rated tour with the added stop at the Silvestri Craters.

Mount Etna

Travel time:  3.5 hours
Best for: Nature
Recommended tour: Etna And Taormina Full Day Excursion from Palermo

One of Europe’s most active volcanoes, Mount Etna offers an unforgettable adventure for those interested in nature and geology. You can hike or take a cable car to higher elevations, where you’ll witness otherworldly landscapes of craters and lava fields. 

Mount Etna is also known for its many nearby wineries and in the winter, you can even ski there! Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or just curious about Sicily’s natural wonders, Etna is a must-see.

Best tours of Mount Etna

This Mt. Etna tour takes you to hike on the volcano and then to explore the charming seaside town of Taormina.

Terrasini

Travel time:  30 minutes
Best for: History lovers
Recommended tour: Palermo: The Most Beautiful Sea Spots – Adventure Mode

A coastal town just outside Palermo, Terrasini is known for its dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and laid back feel. The town’s waterfront is perfect for a stroll, with plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood. 

Nearby, the Capo Rama Nature Reserve has scenic trails along the rocky coastline. One of the best activities to do in Terrasini is to explore its many beaches and caves.

Best tours of Terrasini

This tour picks you up in Palermo and takes you to its most beautiful beaches, caves, and hot springs! With some time for lunch in Terrasini, you’ll also get to spend some time in the town.

Where to stay in Palermo

To make the most of your time in Palermo I recommend you stay in or near the Centro Storico. The Centro Storico will give you easy access to many of the city’s sites on foot and offers lots of restaurants and the best coffee.

Best way to go on day trips from Palermo

There are a few different ways you can take day trips from Palermo, each with their own appeal.

Own transport:

By renting a car you’ll have the utmost independence to visit each of these day trip destinations on your own time, without relying on a fixed itinerary. 

Keep in mind that there are many rules to consider when renting a car in Sicily. For example, some areas within larger cities don’t allow circulation without the required permit. You will also need to be mindful of the speed limits, which are generally fairly low, and consider parking.

Organized tours:

While an organized tour ties you to a specific itinerary, it also means you can sit back and relax while your guide or driver takes you where you want to go.

Book the right tour, and you’ll also get a well-curated experience that includes authentic meals and stops you may not have known of otherwise. 

Public transport:

Public transport can be a great option for shorter day trips. Be mindful of the start and end time of the route, though, as you won’t want to get stuck at your destination if you miss the last bus or train!

For day trip destinations that are farther from Palermo, public transport may be difficult to coordinate in just one day.

Getting to Palermo

By air: The Falcone Borsellino Airport is the second largest airport in Sicily. The airport has plenty of connections to other cities in Italy, as well as large hubs throughout Europe. This is a great option if you have time constraints.

By bus: It is fairly easy to get to Palermo by bus if you are already within Sicily. It is also possible to arrive from mainland Italy, but be prepared for a long drive. From Rome, for example, the trip takes about 13 hours.

By train: You can get to Sicily by train from mainland Italy. From Rome, the train takes about 12 hours. Check out the train schedule here.

By car: There are a couple of ways to get to Palermo by rental car. The first is driving down to the southernmost point of mainland Italy, crossing over to Sicily via Messina, and then driving to Palermo on the west end of the island. The other is driving to a city that has a ferry connection to Palermo, like Naples, and loading the car there.

By boat: The most frequent ferry connection is from Naples to Palermo. The trip takes 9 hours. Palermo is also connected to other cities in Italy such as Genoa, Salerno, and Cagliari, amongst others, although the ferries are less frequent.

Best time to visit Palermo

The best time to visit Palermo is during its shoulder seasons (March-June and September-November). These months are warm, but you avoid the large crowds and extreme heat of the summer months.

Winter is also a good option for budget travelers as tourism is at its lowest, accommodation and activities are cheaper, and the weather, while not ideal for the beach, is still mild enough to enjoy.

Read next: Italy in winter

Is Palermo worth visiting?

Absolutely! Palermo, Sicily’s capital has a unique blend of history, culture, and food with Arab, Greek, and Italian influences.

From Norman cathedrals to Baroque Palaces, bustling food markets to beautiful beaches, Palermo has something for (almost) everyone. Moreover, the vast selection of day trips from Palermo makes it a great base for exploring the rest of Sicily.