The 9 best ways to experience Palermo in summer

Cobblestone streets pulse with energy as Palermo in summer welcomes visitors for its many festivals and seaside celebrations. From the grand Festino di Santa Rosalia that fills streets with religious celebrations to the Windsurfer World Festival, Sicily’s capital is the place to be during the warmer months.

Discovering all the things to do in Palermo is an adventure in culture and nature, as the city shows off its bustling markets and wild beauty. Whether you’re sampling the legendary food in Palermo or taking a dip in the Mediterranean at Mondello Beach, here’s your guide to the city’s best summer activities.

Palermo’s best summer activities at a glance

The best places to see summer gardens in Palermo: Palermo Botanical Gardens.

Top things to do for kids and families visiting Palermo in summer: Beach day at Mondello Beach and seeing the Windsurfer World Festival.

Best festivals in Palermo in summer: Festino di Santa Rosalia.

1. Celebrate the Festino di Santa Rosalia

Palermo’s largest religious festival turns the city into a fun celebration each July to honor its patron saint. The Festino di Santa Rosalia is a five-day event that fills the city with parades, fireworks, and street festivals. The highlight is the evening procession on July 14, when a massive chariot carrying Saint Rosalia’s statue travels from the Palermo Cathedral to the sea, followed by thousands of devotees.

Learn about Palermo’s deep cultural traditions, including food stalls that serve some of the best food in Palermo, like pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) and stigghiola (grilled lamb intestines). See the main celebrations along Via Maqueda, and stop by the merchant and food stalls that catch your eye.

Address

Via Maqueda, 90133

2. See a concert at Teatro Massimo

When you need a break from the summer sun, the grand Teatro Massimo is the perfect place to see a show in a beautiful neoclassical building. This opera house — the largest in Italy — dominates Piazza Verdi with its impressive colonnade and sweeping staircase. Performing artists from around the world take the stage in this acoustically renowned hall, where its summer program includes everything from classical concerts to contemporary dance performances. Seasoned travelers know that no summer guide to Palermo is complete without a stop at this majestic theater — which also happens to be the perfect place to seek refuge from the heat.

Address

P.za Giuseppe Verdi, 90138

Opening hours

Hours vary according to the performance schedule

3. Explore the Capo Gallo Reserve

The limestone cliffs of the Capo Gallo Reserve contrast beautifully with the aquamarine Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a pristine natural ecosystem less than 30 minutes from central Palermo. Summer mornings are the perfect time to hike the reserve’s network of trails, whose paths will take you through wild herbs and native vegetation to reach hidden coves and grab stunning panoramic views over the Gulf of Mondello and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

If you want to take a more leisurely approach, you can also take a boat tour from Palermo straight to Capo Gallo. In addition to letting you appreciate the marine beauty of this paradisiacal corner of Sicily, you'll get the opportunity to snorkel and dive in waters teeming with fish and the occasional dolphin.

Address

Via Gallo 44, 90151 Metropolitan City of Palermo

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Have a beach day at Mondello Beach

The art nouveau pavilions and crystal-clear waters of Mondello are the perfect summer escape just 20 minutes from the city center. Any summer guide to Palermo will tell you that this is one of the favorite beaches among locals between June and August, when the shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters are the perfect place to cool off from the Sicilian heat. Spend a relaxing day at this long stretch of white sand between Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo, and take in the stunning natural landscape that’s the perfect complement to the beach’s calm waters.

Address

Viale Regina Elena 101. 90149

Opening hours

Open 24/7

5. Visit the Palermo Botanical Gardens

The extensive grounds of the Palermo Botanical Gardens have more than 12,000 living species of plants across 30 acres (12 hectares) of meticulously maintained gardens. This impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants reaches full bloom during summer months, when giant water lilies float in ornate fountains and rare palm species create shaded walkways.

Explore the garden’s greenhouses, where cast-iron and glass structures from the 1800s protect delicate plants. Don’t forget to check out the famous ficus of the Unification of Italy, which was introduced in 1845 and has been growing ever since. Today, it stands as one of the oldest and largest specimens in Europe, with a canopy area of around 32,291 square feet (3,000 square meters).

Address

Via Lincoln, 2, 90133

Opening hours

Open Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

6. Take a tour of Ustica Island

A 90-minute ferry ride from Palermo’s port will bring you straight to Ustica, a small volcanic island whose cliffs rise from turquoise waters in a protected marine reserve. A boat tour of the island’s waters will give you a chance to participate in incredible water sports, like scuba diving through water plants and underwater archaeological trails with Roman remains.

The island’s main village welcomes you with its characteristic white-washed buildings and restaurants serving fresh seafood with pasta. You’ll also find hiking trails crisscrossing the island’s interior, so there’s plenty to do if you’d rather stay on land. Hike past prehistoric settlements, like the Piano dei Cardoni from the Copper Age and Colunnella from the Early Bronze Age.

Address

Ustica

7. Attend the Palermo Pride Parade

Rainbow flags and music fill Via della Libertà each June as Palermo Pride celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with one of Sicily’s largest festivals. The parade departs from Foro Italico at 3:30 PM and winds its way through Palermo’s most iconic landmarks, including Teatro Politeama and Palazzo dei Normanni. The parade features decorated floats, dances, and live music, but you’ll also find an air of festivity around the entire city throughout the week.

You’ll find many LGBTQ-focused cultural events, including art exhibitions and film screenings. The celebrations usually conclude with a massive street party in the Vucciria district, although the programming changes year to year.

Address

Foro Italico Umberto I, 90133

Opening hours

The parade starts at 3:30 PM on the second-to-last Saturday of June

8. Attend the Windsurfer World Festival

Each June, the Windsurfer World Festival turns Mondello Beach into a colorful spectacle as windsurfers from around the Province of Palermo and the globe compete in this prestigious event. Formerly known as the World Festival on the Beach, this Sicilian tradition has been held yearly since 1995. The festival brings together professional athletes from all over the world for a week of competitions and celebrations.

The consistent thermal winds and warm waters create the perfect conditions for both professional competitions and beginner lessons, while beachside festivities include music performances and sunset parties. Watch the action from Mondello’s Liberty Pier, or join a beach party right in front of the competition. The event concludes with a grand finale featuring exhibition runs by world champions and a beachfront award ceremony.

Address

V.le Regina Elena, 89/A, 90149

FAQs: Palermo in summer

Is Palermo a walkable city?

Palermo is a highly walkable city, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of its attractions, such as historical sites and local markets, are located within close proximity. The city center is especially pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of charming streets and alleys to wander through. While walking is convenient, public transportation options like buses are also available for longer distances.

How can I spend a day in Palermo?

Start your day at the stunning Palazzo dei Normanni, a masterpiece of Byzantine and Arab-Norman architecture. Then, explore the majestic Palermo Cathedral. Head to Piazza Villena for a lively atmosphere before visiting the vibrant Ballarò market. Catch a show or tour at Teatro Massimo, and admire the architecture of Teatro Politeama Garibaldi. Spend the afternoon strolling along the Lungomare di Palermo, enjoying seaside views. Finally, unwind in the tranquil Villa Sperlinga to conclude your day.

What is the most beautiful part of Palermo?

Palermo Cathedral is a must-see in the city, located near Via Vittorio Emanuele. This stunning monument is a prime example of Palermo's rich architectural heritage and is often considered one of the city's most beautiful landmarks.

What makes Palermo special?

Palermo, Sicily's capital, offers a lively Mediterranean atmosphere with a blend of rich history and stunning architecture. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center features a mix of colorful palaces, baroque churches, and charming alleys. Visitors can also enjoy the city's renowned cuisine and vibrant street markets.

What are the top attractions to visit in Palermo?

Explore Palermo's rich history at the Cattedrale di Palermo and Norman Palace. Enjoy a performance at Teatro Massimo, one of Italy's largest theaters. Experience local life at Mercato di Ballarò, a bustling market. Discover the intriguing Catacombe dei Cappuccini, famous for its mummified monks. Relax at Spiaggia di Mondello, a beautiful beach perfect for a summer day. Visit Palazzo Conte Federico for a glimpse into Palermo's aristocratic past. Don't miss Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana), renowned for its stunning mosaics.