Explore Palermo

From incredible bites and A glistening seaside to charming shops and historic architecture, there is so much to explore in this city! Below are a few hidden gems and activities to help you map out your stay.

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Holy Cannoli!

You can't leave Sicily without visiting what can only be described as a cannoli speakeasy hidden in the secret courtyard of a 500 year old church. The spot is called I Segreti del Chiostro (The Secrets of the Cloister) where nuns fill large cannoli shells fresh with whichever toppings you choose. They also offer plenty of other iconic Sicilian treats.

The Best Arancini

Conveniently a 4 minute walk from the hotel, try what many locals call the best authentic arancini in Palermo at Bar Touristico. Be sure to try the classic filling options of ragu or ham & cheese (and bring cash!).

Shopping

Designer shops are located on the Via della Libertà (don't forget to take advantage of getting the VAT back on your purchases!).

And if you're interested in exploring what local artisans have to offer, you can find many on the Via Calascibetta.

Beaches

The closest beach, Mondello, can be found a 10 minute drive away. Be sure to arrange a reservation with a private beach club to secure access and a chair!

Sailing

Take a few hours to explore the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palermian coastline, and even some of the more secluded islands out to sea, like Favignana. We recommend booking a private boat/yacht in advance via the concierge or an online tour operator.

Fontana Marina

Take a relaxed stroll through this part of town for gelaterias, seaside walks, charming restaurants, and shops selling a variety of Sicilian wares. This is about a 10 minute drive from the hotel.

Architecture & Culture

If this is your jam you can't miss the Quattro Canti ("Four Corners"), a beautiful square in the center of town (luckily a short walk from Holy Cannoli). From there continue your walk to the grand Cattedrale di Palermo (you can’t miss it!).

Some additional spots to explore include the botanical gardens, the Sicilian Regional Gallery of Palazzo Abatellis, the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Valley of the Temples, and The Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum.

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For additional excursion, tour, class, and activity inspiration, feel free to visit Villa Igiea's activity guide linked here. The hotel concierge team would be happy to assist you with making a booking villaigiea@roccofortehotels.com.

Additionally, please keep in mind July and August are the warmest months in Sicily. Please take care to pack appropriate attire, SPF, sunglasses, and hats and be sure to drink plenty of water during your stay with us.