Sicily is the largest of the Italian islands, separated from the Continent by the Strait of Messina and surrounded by the Ionian, the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean Seas.
I believe that among all the very beautiful Italian regions, Sicily is the most complete one, in which nothing is missing – the sea, mountains, countryside, history and culture.
Let talk about Palermo Province – the one we´ve visited in October of 2019.
The Province of Palermo stretches out in northern Sicily and looks out over the Tyrrhenian Sea, with a tract of splendid coast opening out into the Carini Gulf, Palermo and Termini Imerese.
The seafront is fascinating for its fantastic colors, ranging from intense blue to the green of vegetation, along with the constrasting dark hues of rocks against white beaches of finest sand.
Top 5 things to do in Palermo Province
1. Visit Favignana island.
Favignana is the largest of the Egadi Archipelago located about 7 km (4 miles) off the west coast of Sicily, between Trapani and Marsala. This name “Favignana” is derived from the Latin word “favonius“, a Latin term used by Romans to indicate the hot wind coming in from the west.
How to get there?
If you are traveling to Favignana by car from Palermo, take the A29 motorway and follow it to the exit for Trapani. From the port of Palermo it takes approximately an 1 hour depending on traffic. Once in Trapani, follow the signs to the port or Centro if no signs are available. If you wish to drop your car in Trapani, there is a municipal car park on the way to the port. It is the safest parking lot for long stays. Alternatively, there are other long-stay and unattended parking lots in the same area.
If you´re travelling from Palermo by bus, take the Autolinee Segesta bus company which stops at the port of Trapani. The journey takes about two hours. Departures are usually every hour.
The hydrofoil is the fastest way to get to Favignana from Trapani. Liberty Lines hydrofoils run roughly every hour from morning to evening, and take you straight to Favignana in 20 minutes (30 minutes if it also stops at Levanzo island). The ticket offices are located in front of the pier where the hydrofoils depart. It is strongly recommended, especially in high season (through July-September), to book online prior to your departure.
Once you get in Favignana port, rent a car or a bike and explore the island! That could be done perfectly in one day.
The reason we went to Favignana island is Cala Rossa beach – considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and it´s easy to see why!
It is difficult to access, but it worth. The beach is a bay and it looks like a swimming pool. Has no sand, you can only relax on the rocks and to get into the water you need to dive. There’s no coffees there, so make sure you bring water and something to eat.
Some photos from another beaches on the island:
2. Watch the sunset in San Vito Lo Capo
Little “gem” embedded within the sea, the driving force for tourism growth of the entire County of Trapani, a small town originally with an agricultural and fishing economy, nowadays San Vito Lo Capo represents one of the most beautiful and well-known coastlines in Italy and Europe.
We haven´t opportunity to soak in this wonderful beach waters, but we were lucky to see the magnificent sunset 😉
3. Enjoy beautiful Mondelo beach
For over one hundred years, Mondello have been one of the most important seaside resorts in Italy, thanks to the beauty of the sea and of the sandy beach, to the quality of services, the easy accessibility.
How to get there from Palermo.
The bus Nr 806 is among the cheapest ways for you to get from Palermo to Mondello (but it is also among the most stressful). During the summer, the busses can get crowded and nerve wracking. If you don’t have a car to drive, it is either this or a taxi, bu e prepared to pay aprox 25-30€ for 15-20 min ride.
4. Go for the dinner in Sferracavallo.
Sferracavallo is a tiny village included in the Isola delle Femmine – Capo Gallo Nature Reserve. Placed at the foot of the Mount Capo Gallo, Sferracavallo is part of the province of Palermo, close to the Mondello beaches.
This little town today it is well known for its tasty and traditional fish restaurants located in front of the sea.
5. Explore Palermo city
Extravagant and vibrant, Palermo invites you into an array of flavors, colors and bustling streets.
Palermo Cathedral
This UNESCO World Heritage site – with its facade adorned with arabesques, towers with columns, a portico and dome – is a glimpse into to the past when the island was conquered by the Normans, a warrior people from Scandinavia.
Fontana Pretoria
A monumental fountain that lies in the centre of the Piazza Pretoria, the Fontana Pretoria was built by a Florentine architect in 1554 and transferred to Palermo in 1574. Depicted on the fountain are marble statues of the twelve Olympians from ancient Greek Mythology including Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo and Ares.
Church of Saint Joseph of the Theatine Fathers
Quattro Canti
A simple yet effective and beautiful attraction, the Quattro Canti is an open square located in the centre of Palermo. At each corner of the square lies a semi circular face that contains marble columns, inscriptions and statues of important Italian citizens and rulers.
Teatro Massimo
Opened in 1897, it is the largest Opera House in Italy and is famed for its acoustic qualities. With an exterior that looks more like a palace, this building is truly opulent, but the interior is just as lavish.
Market of Ballarò
Food markets are a fantastic way to sample local life and so see the heart of a city.
Palermo has several wonderful food markets that operate daily. The main food markets include Ballaro, Cap and Vucciria all of which are located in the centre of the city and not far from the main attractions.
Scroll around the narrow streets of Palermo.
Hope this itinerary will help you on planning your next trip to Sicily!
For more Italy travel inspiration check my posts here: https://travelwithanny.com/category/destinations/italy/
Yours sincerely,
Anny