Making the most of Palermo Sicily
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The new temporary cruise port is a 5 minute walk from central Palermo. The terminal is used only for ferry and turnaround cruise calls, covering embarking and disembarking.
There are plans to refurbish the old cruise-terminal building.
Bring a printable map.
Palermo is Sicily's leading city and administrative seat of the autonomous Italian region, as well as capital of the Province of Palermo.
Phoenician traders founded it around a natural harbour on Sicily's north-west coast in the 8th century BC. The Greeks called it Panormus, meaning all-port, because of that excellent natural harbour.
Palermo is often described as the world's most conquered city. Its long history leaves much to explore, though the city overall and some individual sights are badly in need of repair.
Today, modern Palermo is fast, brash and exciting, with an unusual and unexpected mix of arabic and viking influence.
Getting around
Hop-on/hop-off buses call at the cruise terminal, offering 2 routes for about 20 Euro. Line A runs every 20 mins and takes 60 minutes for a circuit; Line B leaves every 60 mins and takes 50 minutes. The buses have completely open tops, so bring an umbrella for rain or cover for summer heat. Tickets cost €15 at the booth at the temporary terminal exit, or €20 at the ticket office by Stop number 1. Construction may move the booth, but the attendant will direct you.
Palermo is readily explored on foot or by horse-drawn carriage (40 Euros).
A small tourist train, the Trenino, also runs a 10 Euro sightseeing tour at the port.
Explore Palermo's rich architecture, history and culture through the Politeama and Massimo Theaters, Piazza Quattro Canti and botanical gardens.
The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo are a somewhat macabre visitor attraction.
After dark, Palermo can be a little rough; do not walk around the port area at night.
Nearby places
Monreale is about 10 km from Palermo. Bus 389 leaves Piazza Indipendenza every half hour for the 40 minute journey.
At about three hundred meters above sea level, the town overlooks the valley called Conca d'Oro beyond Palermo. Its cathedral and cloister are famous for holding the largest concentration of Norman, Arab and Byzantine art in one place.
Food and shopping
Palermo has many daily markets, making souvenir shopping enjoyable.
The ceramics are breathtaking. Fashionable Via Liberta has stores including Chanel, Tods, D&G (Dolce & Gabbana) and Armani. Palermo's chic residents also favour Fiorentino on Via Liberta, which has sold beautiful jewelry since 1890.
Money
The currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
Internet cafés are difficult to find, though some restaurants have WiFi, including McDonald's about 500 meters from the terminal near Teatro Politeama.
Opening Hours and
Most Palermo shops and businesses open Monday to Saturday around 8am to 1pm, then about 4pm to 7pm. Many close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, though Sunday opening is becoming more usual. Some large shops, including Rinacente, are open all day 7 days a week.