Palermo is a town of 626,273 inhabitants in the province of Palermo, in Sicily, Italy. It is the capital of Sicily.
The municipality covers 158.88 km², with a density of 3,942 inhabitants per km².
The nearest airport is Palermo (PMO), about 25 km away as the crow flies. Read our guide to the airport.
Why visit
Arab-Norman churches and street food. Discover Sicily
Things to see in Palermo
Where cultures meet
Palermo is a city of layers: Phoenician, Arab, Norman, Spanish and Baroque. Its Arab-Norman monuments, together with the cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalù, are a UNESCO site, and its markets are among the liveliest in the Mediterranean.
What to see
The cathedral, the Norman Palace with the golden mosaics of the Palatine Chapel, and the red domes of San Giovanni degli Eremiti tell the story of the Arab-Norman era. The Quattro Canti crossroads, Piazza Pretoria with its fountain and the Teatro Massimo are the Baroque heart. Wander through the markets of Ballarò, the Capo and the Vucciria, and visit the eerie Capuchin catacombs.
Food
Palermo is the capital of street food: arancine, panelle, sfincione, pane con la milza. Then cannoli, cassata and a granita with brioche for breakfast.
Around Palermo
The cathedral of Monreale, the beach of Mondello, Cefalù, the temple of Segesta and the town of Erice. Palermo Falcone Borsellino airport and ferries to Naples, Genoa and the Aeolian Islands.
Palermo on the map
Nearby towns
Where to stay in and around Palermo
Tours and activities nearby
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