Route ideas for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days, balancing culture and sea. They are suggestions: adapt them to opening times and season.
Editorial itineraries, not official data. Before leaving, check times and closing days on each venue's website. Transport and travel times are on the Arriving and What to see around Palermo pages.
1-day itinerary: the historic centre, hour by hour
Morning: Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel, then the Cathedral. Lunch at the Capo market. Afternoon: Quattro Canti, Pretoria Fountain, Martorana and San Cataldo. Evening: Teatro Massimo and a walk to Foro Italico.
Hour-by-hour plan
09:00Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel.
10:45Cathedral.
12:30Lunch at the Capo market.
14:30Quattro Canti and Pretoria Fountain.
15:15La Martorana and San Cataldo, a stone's throw from each other.
16:30Teatro Massimo (guided visit or just the outside).
18:30Stroll along Foro Italico, then dinner.
Indicative times, planned for a weekday. The Norman Palace is open Mon-Sat from 8:30, on Sundays until 12:30.
One city day, one sea day, so you avoid walking in the sun at the hottest hours.
Day 1: historic centreCulture
MorningNorman Palace and Palatine Chapel, then the Cathedral (early, before the heat).
LunchCapo market.
AfternoonA rest in the shade; towards evening Quattro Canti, Pretoria Fountain, Martorana and San Cataldo.
EveningTeatro Massimo and a stroll along Foro Italico.
Day 2: MondelloSea
MorningMondello: beach and swim (also reachable by AMAT bus).
LunchLunch at Mondello.
AfternoonMore beach time or a walk along the seafront.
EveningBack to the city for dinner.
Day 3: Monreale and KalsaCulture
MorningMonreale: Cathedral and cloister.
LunchLunch in Monreale or on the way back.
AfternoonPalazzo Abatellis or the Serpotta oratories.
EveningBallarò for street food.
Day 4: Capo Gallo, lunch at Sferracavallo and MondelloSea
MorningCapo Gallo reserve: a walk (about 2 hours according to the Region), with water and a hat.
LunchLunch at a seafood restaurant in Sferracavallo (better by car), then a short stroll on the seafront. It is not a place for swimming.
AfternoonA swim at Mondello. The marine protected area has its own rules: check them.
EveningBack to Palermo.
Day 5: Zisa, Botanical Garden and theatresCulture
MorningZisa Castle (check the closing time).
LunchLunch in the centre.
AfternoonBotanical Garden, or Teatro Politeama.
EveningDinner in the centre.
Day 6: CefalùSeaCulture
MorningBy train to Cefalù: Cathedral and old town.
LunchLunch on the spot.
AfternoonCefalù beach.
EveningBack to Palermo.
Day 7: Monte Pellegrino and the harbourCultureSea
MorningSanctuary of Santa Rosalia (open until 19:00 in summer time).
LunchA simple lunch and a rest.
AfternoonCapuchin Catacombs, or a swim on the east coast (Addaura, by car).
EveningLa Cala, Molo Trapezoidale and the dancing fountain.
Editorial suggestion, not official data. Many opening times change in summer (some on the site are winter hours): check them first. Capo Gallo, Cefalù and Addaura need more travel time: see the Around Palermo page.
