The Sicilian capital of Palermo is awash with striking architecture, exquisite food, and vibrant culture. As a local, I’m innately aware of how incredible this city is, but the day trips from Palermo are equally exciting.
Palermo is the ultimate base for any trip to Sicily, as it boasts connections to pretty much every corner of the island. History buffs can marvel at the Valley of the Temples, outdoor enthusiasts can catch a glimpse at Mount Etna, and beach bums will fall in love with Cefalù.
Get ready to explore another side of Sicily with my top picks for the best day tours from Palermo.
Mount Etna
We’re kicking things off with Sicily’s most famous resident, the imposing and impossibly stunning Mount Etna. Europe’s most active volcano is over 200 km from Palermo and is among the island’s most popular day trip destinations.
What kind of visit you want is entirely up to you. If you’re a keen hiker or the adventurous type like me, you’ll have the option of joining a trekking tour or making the ascent independently at your own pace. A much less tiring alternative is to book a 4X4 excursion. With this option, you’ll drive close to the summit without having to strain your legs.
No matter what you choose, you’ll first need to take the cable car from Rifugio Sapienza. It’s worth making the trip for this ride alone, as the views of the crater and hardened lava are out of this world.
Anyone hoping to drive will have a 3.5-hour adventure ahead of them to Rifugio Sapienza. As this journey can be challenging in parts, I recommend opting for an organized tour instead. These full-day trips from Palermo run almost daily during peak seasons, so you won’t struggle to find one.
Valley of the Temples
If you have even the faintest interest in history, you likely have the Valley of the Temples on your list already. Much like Mount Etna, this collection of fascinating Greek temples isn’t particularly close to Palermo. Yet, this is one of the most renowned sights in Sicily, and day trippers arrive from Palermo in their droves daily.
Located in the southern city of Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples dates back over a thousand years. The Doric-style structures will give you an extraordinary view into life in this former Greek-owned city. Even after several visits, the soaring columns and crumbling ruins are as impressive as ever.
Entry fees currently sit at €13, but it’s worth paying a little extra for a tour guide or the audio commentary. Some signage is scattered around the park, but a guide is the way to go for more context. Trust me, I’ve done it with and without one, and I got so much more from the experience with one.
Getting here with an organized day trip from Palermo is super simple; you won’t need to fret about tackling the infamous Sicilian roads or finding a guide. Naturally, many of you might prefer to stick to your own schedule. In this case, you can make the 2-hour drive and park at either the eastern or western entrance.
Cefalù
I have a real soft spot for Cefalù. This charming seaside spot is a quintessential fishing village adorned with turquoise waters, old-school streets, and a rocky backdrop.
Not so long ago, I would have told you that Cefalù is a sleepy, serene town. While it still is at select times of the year, it’s become increasingly popular and is one of Palermo’s go-to day trip destinations. My advice would be to arrive here early to watch the town slowly come to life and enjoy the beach before the crowds descend.
Spending some time along the seafront is a must, but don’t skip out on Cefalù’s historic center. As you wander past the white-washed buildings and along the enchanting narrow laneways, you’ll come across the remarkable Cefalù Cathedral and centuries-old Medieval Laundry.
You’ll reach Cefalù from Palermo by car in just over an hour. Though the drive is straightforward and scenic, I think hopping on the train is better for this day trip pick. It usually takes around 50 minutes, costs around €6, and you won’t need to worry about parking.
Monreale
Situated just 10 km from the city center, Monreale is among the closest and easiest-to-reach spots for a Palermo day trip. Architecture fans won’t want to miss this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Simply put, Monreale is a feast for the eyes. From the Norman-influenced buildings and elaborate cathedral to the bustling town squares and hilltop lookout points, I took upwards of 100 photos the last time I was here.
Monreale’s accessibility is another huge draw. Because it’s so close to Palermo, it’s worth checking out even if you only have half a day to spare. The more time you have, the better, but you can still pack in a lot in a few hours.
Unless you’re eager to learn more about Monreale’s lengthy history, a guided tour isn’t necessary. The 389 bus leaves from Piazza Indipendenza in Palermo and takes 30 to 40 minutes to reach Monreale. It costs less than €1.50 and is typically less hassle than driving. Trust me, the traffic on this relatively short stretch of road can be infuriating!
Corleone
Corleone is a rather unassuming town around an hour south of Palermo. On the surface, it’s a historic, compact settlement, but fans of the Godfather series will likely recognize the name due to its long association with the Sicilian mafia.
Even as a Sicilian, I admittedly had some preconceived notions of what Corleone would be like. These days, locals are working tirelessly to shed its not-so-favorable reputation, and the town is gradually moving away from its violent and crime-ridden past. While you’re here, a visit to the CIDMA, often nicknamed the Mafia Museum, and the town’s quaint churches are musts.
A couple of tour companies offer half-day trips to Corleone, typically including stops at nearby nature hotspots. This is the most hassle-free option if you’re hoping to see the gorgeous Due Rocche Waterfall while you’re there.
Autolinee Gallo is a Sicilian bus company offering twice-daily services to Carleone from Palermo, usually costing just €8.50 for a return ticket. The bus is the cheapest option, but it is quite restrictive due to the limited departures. I chose to drive here, which was a much more flexible alternative.
Mondello
Mondello takes beauty to a whole other level. Its golden sandy beach, craggy rocks, and glistening blue waters are just 20 minutes from Palermo, making for an ideal destination for a half or full-day trip.
Of course, the town’s close proximity to Palermo means that it’s far from a hidden gem. You’ll also certainly be joined by swathes of locals and other tourists, but the sheer length of the beach prevents too much crowding. Mondello is my first port of call on a hot summer’s day when I’m trying to escape the city center heat.
The beachfront is the epicenter of all the action in Mondello. There’s not a whole lot to do here other than swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea and take in the breathtaking scenery, so there’s no need to book a guided outing.
Instead, catch either the 606 or 806 bus from Palermo for €1.40. This option generally takes between 30 and 50 minutes, while the drive is approximately 20 minutes by car. So long as you arrive before midday, you should snag a parking spot easily.
Aegadian Islands
The Aegadian Islands are unlike anywhere else in Sicily, and I’ve noticed that a ton of people haven’t even heard of them!
These five islands lie off the coast of Trapani, a lively city around an hour west of Palermo. In addition to being undeniably idyllic, the Aegadian Islands showcase Sicily’s more laidback, understated side.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time on Favignana and Levanzo, two of the most visited islands, but I’m eager to uncover their lesser-known counterparts.
Lately, day trips from Palermo to the Aegadian Islands have become increasingly popular, with several companies offering daily excursions. Most of these include round-trip transportation from your accommodation in addition to your boat tour.
Boat tours departing from Trapani tend to be slightly cheaper, but this means you’ll need to make your own way there from Palermo first. Rather than stress about the traffic or potentially missing the bus, I think it’s best to avoid opting for Trapani-based expeditions.
Venture Beyond the City Center With These Unmissable Palermo Day Trips!
If you’re hoping to dig deeper into Sicily’s beauty and heritage, these day trips from Palermo will give you a unique insight into this magical island I’m lucky enough to call home.
The list of places to visit in Sicily is endless, and this is something I struggle with despite growing up here! Although I always recommend spending a few days in a couple of different spots, in reality, most of us don’t have the time. With these Palermo day trips, you can visit several bucket list destinations in one visit!