La vita è bella

A little guide to Sicily

Wander through Palermo’s historic streets, spend a slow afternoon by the sea in Mondello, or make a day of beautiful Cefalù.

Scorri

Cefalù’s historic waterfront beside the turquoise Mediterranean

IMangiare

Where to eat

From family trattorie to Michelin-starred tasting menus — the tables we would book for you.

Via Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo

Buatta Cucina Popolana

Michelin Bib Gourmand for seasonal Sicilian classics. Order the sarde a beccafico and caponata. Book ahead.

Find on the map

Capo, Palermo

Trattoria Ai Cascinari

A family trattoria since 1949 behind the Capo market. Pasta con le sarde and Sunday anelletti al forno.

Find on the map

Quattro Canti, Palermo

Bisso Bistrot

A frescoed former bookshop with communal tables. No reservations — arrive early for pasta alla Norma.

Find on the map

Via Venezia, Palermo

Trattoria Al Ferro di Cavallo

The archetypal walk-in trattoria: chalkboard menu, polpette al sugo and a lively crowd.

Find on the map

Piazza Croce dei Vespri, Palermo

Osteria dei Vespri

Refined modern Sicilian cooking and a superb wine list on a quiet baroque piazza.

Find on the map

Via Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo

MEC Restaurant

Michelin-starred tasting menus inside Palazzo Castrone — perfect for a special night.

Find on the map

Vucciria, Palermo

Gagini

Creative cuisine in a 16th-century sculptor’s workshop. Romantic and memorable.

Find on the map

IIDolci & strada

Sweets & street food

Palermo may be the street-food capital of Italy. Eat standing up, as the locals do.

Centro storico, Palermo

Antica Focacceria San Francesco

Since 1834 — panelle, arancine and the legendary pane ca meusa.

Find on the map

Albergheria, Palermo

Mercato di Ballarò

The oldest, loudest market in the city. Come in the morning for fried treats and fresh fruit.

Find on the map

Via Colonna Rotta, Palermo

Pasticceria Cappello

Home of the famous “setteveli” chocolate cake and beautiful cassata.

Find on the map

Piazza Bellini, Palermo

I Segreti del Chiostro

Pastries made from centuries-old convent recipes, sold inside a former monastery.

Find on the map

Via Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo

Gelateria Cappadonia

Some of the best gelato and granita in Sicily. Try mandorla or gelso.

Find on the map

IIIDa vedere

Things to see & do

Arab-Norman mosaics, opera houses and sunset views over the bay.

Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo

Cappella Palatina

A golden mosaic chapel that will take your breath away. Book tickets online.

Find on the map

Monreale

Cattedrale di Monreale

A UNESCO cathedral glittering with mosaics, 20 minutes up the hill, with views over the Conca d’Oro.

Find on the map

Piazza Verdi, Palermo

Teatro Massimo

Italy’s largest opera house. Take the guided tour or catch an evening performance.

Find on the map

Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo

Palermo Cathedral rooftops

Climb up to the cathedral roof at golden hour for the best view of the old town.

Find on the map

Palermo

Monte Pellegrino

Drive up for a sunset over the bay and the sanctuary of Santa Rosalia.

Find on the map

IVGite & mare

Day trips & beaches

Stay a few extra days — the island rewards the curious.

25 min from Palermo

Mondello

Turquoise water, Liberty-style villas and seafood lunches on the beach.

Find on the map

1 hour by train

Cefalù

A medieval seaside town with a Norman cathedral and a lovely sandy beach. Lunch at Cortile Pepe.

Find on the map

Near San Vito Lo Capo

Riserva dello Zingaro

Wild coastal walking paths and hidden coves with crystal-clear water.

Find on the map

1 hour west

Segesta

A perfectly preserved Greek temple standing alone in the hills. Magical in the late afternoon.

Find on the map

Regaleali estate, Sclafani Bagni

Wine tasting at Tasca d’Almerita

Historic Sicilian winery estate in the countryside — vineyard tours and tastings.

Find on the map