Planning your trip and wondering which day trips from Palermo are actually worth it? Same here. We had a full list before going, but once you’re on the ground, you realise some places feel magical.. and others just don’t hit the same.
So here’s our honest and personal guide – the places we tried, loved, and would recommend to anyone visiting Palermo and wanting to escape the city for a day.
Let’s dive into the best day trips from Palermo that mix culture, beaches, nature, and a bit of adventure.
👉 To make your stay even easier, don’t miss our other Palermo guides: the full One Day in Palermo itinerary and our list of 17 Best Things to Do in Palermo with all the highlights.
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Cefalù – Beach, old-town charm & postcard views
• Travel time: ~50 min by train
• Getting there: Direct train from Palermo Centrale (super easy & frequent)
• Who is this for: Beach lovers, slow strollers, couples, photography fans, anyone wanting an easy, no-stress day
Cefalù was one of our favourite chilled day trips from Palermo. The moment you step off the train, the pace slows, and then you’re greeted by that golden sandy beach with pastel-coloured houses right above the water – it honestly looks like a postcard.
The old town is cosy and easy to wander, with narrow alleys, little squares, and gelato stops around every corner (we may have tried three different flavours ourselves!).
What to do:
- Spend time at the beach – the water is gorgeous, but it does get busy, so go early if you want a good spot.
- Walk up to La Rocca for the views – the climb is worth it, just avoid the midday sun.
- Explore the cathedral area and stop for a granita or a small snack in one of the charming cafes.
Practical tip: Umbrellas sell out fast during peak season. Arrive early if you want a beach lounger.
We also really loved joining this small-group guided tour in Cefalù. It’s a relaxed way to explore beyond the usual streets: the guide took us through the Arab-Norman Cathedral, the Bastion, the Old Marina, and even a cliffside path with breathtaking views. Along the way, we discovered hidden gems, learned about local history and art, and got personal tips on where to eat and what to see.
The tour ended perfectly with an authentic Sicilian aperitivo near the sparkling sea – local delicacies paired with Sicilian Prosecco. It was a lovely way to combine history, views, and food without any stress, and honestly one of the highlights of our trip.
Monreale – The golden mosaics you can’t stop staring at
• Travel time: 20–25 min by bus
• Getting there: Local bus 389 from Palermo (cheap but usually full, leave early)
• Who is this for: Culture lovers, architecture fans, anyone who appreciates peaceful viewpoints
Monreale feels like stepping into a different world. The cathedral looks normal from the outside but inside.. it’s covered head to toe in gold mosaics. Honestly, even if you’re not into churches, this one hits different.
What to do:
- Visit the cathedral (don’t skip the cloister – it’s the best part).
- Walk around the small town and enjoy calm streets away from Palermo’s noise.
- Stop at a café overlooking the valley.
Practical tip: Go in the morning to avoid big tour groups.
Mondello – Palermo’s favourite beach escape
• Travel time: 20–30 min by bus
• Getting there: Bus 806 or 101 + 806; or taxi/Bolt if the buses are chaotic
• Who is this for: Beach lovers, swimmers, families, anyone needing a break from the city noise
Mondello is where locals retreat in the summer – a short hop from Palermo, yet it feels like a little paradise. The shallow, crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming or just dipping your toes, the long sandy beach is ideal for stretching out, and the relaxed vibes make it easy to forget you’re still technically in a city.
What to do:
- Swim, relax, and soak up the sun.
- Take a stroll along the charming beach promenade.
- Grab lunch at a seaside spot – fried seafood is everywhere, and it’s exactly what you want here.
Practical tip: Weekends get busy. If possible, visit early in the morning on weekdays for a quieter experience.
👉 If you want to make it extra special, consider a guided snorkeling and sailing adventure along the Palermo coast. You’ll explore hidden coves, discover local marine life with a marine biologist, and enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters of Mondello, Addaura, Malpasso, and the Marine Protected Area.
Lunch and drinks are served on board, giving you a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s a small-group experience, so you still get plenty of time to enjoy the water and sunshine without feeling rushed.
Erice – The fairytale village above the clouds
• Travel time: ~1h30 by train + cable car
• Getting there: Train to Trapani, then cable car up to Erice
• Who is this for: Romantic souls, photographers, people who love medieval towns
Erice really feels like you’re walking into a storybook. The little stone streets twist around each other, the fog appears and disappears every few minutes, and suddenly you get these incredible views over Trapani, the sea, and even the Egadi Islands if the sky is clear. I
t’s much cooler up there than in Palermo – we were freezing in a T-shirt – so definitely bring a light jacket, even in spring.
Once you’re in the village, the best thing to do is simply wander. You will get lost, and that’s honestly the point. The whole town feels like a maze of archways, quiet corners, tiny shops, and viewpoints that look like paintings.
Make sure to climb up to the castle – from the top you can see the coastline stretching forever. And absolutely try the local pastry “Genovesi”. They’re warm, soft, filled with custard, and honestly one of our favorite sweet surprises in Sicily.
Practical tip: The cable car is amazing for the views, but it does stop when the wind picks up. Check its status before leaving Trapani.
👉 If you want to see Erice without worrying about trains, cable cars, delays, or wind closures, there’s also a really relaxed small-group day trip from Palermo that includes Erice plus a stop in Marsala and the famous salt pans.
It’s a nice option if you want something slow, scenic, and foodie-friendly – with wine tasting, olive oil, and a proper Sicilian lunch included. It’s comfy, not crowded, and you still get plenty of free time to explore Erice at your own pace.
Scopello & the Zingaro Nature Reserve – Hiking + beaches combo
• Travel time: 1h15–1h30 by car or bus
• Getting there: Bus to Castellammare + local bus/taxi to Scopello; or rent a car
• Who is this for: Active travellers, hikers, nature lovers, people who enjoy turquoise water
This was one of our favourite day trips from Palermo because it mixes everything we love – walking, views, and swimming in clear water. Zingaro is honestly one of the most beautiful coastal hikes we’ve ever done.
The trail feels wild but still very doable, with a mix of easy and medium sections, and every 10–15 minutes you reach another little cove with bright turquoise water.
What we loved the most is that you can shape the day however you want – stop at the first beach for a slow morning, hike all the way to the far end if you’re feeling energetic, or jump between coves and spend half the day swimming. The water is crystal clear and perfect if you like snorkelling.
If you start in Scopello, you also get that cute village moment before or after the hike – stone streets, cosy terraces, and great seafood spots to refuel. It really feels like a “full day out” without being stressful or rushed.
What to do:
- Hike through the reserve (you choose how long).
- Swim in the hidden bays with bright turquoise water.
- Explore Scopello village and try fresh seafood.
Practical tip: Bring water, snacks, and proper shoes. There are no shops inside the reserve.
Agrigento & the Valley of the Temples – A full history day
• Travel time: ~2h15 by train or car
• Getting there: Guided tour or direct train from Palermo (quite long)
• Who is this for: History fans, photographers, travellers who don’t mind a longer day
Agrigento surprised us in the best way. You always hear about the temples, but seeing them in real life – with the warm Sicilian hills stretching around you – honestly feels like you’ve stepped into a tiny Greek holiday without leaving Italy. The scale of the site really hits you once you start walking; it’s much bigger than we expected, so definitely wear comfy shoes and bring water.
What we loved is how peaceful it felt. Even with other visitors around, the paths are wide and you can always find a quiet spot to just stop and stare at the temples from a distance. You can easily turn this into a slow half-day with photo stops, a snack break, and a wander through the gardens.
If you have time, combine it with a quick visit to Scala dei Turchi – the white cliffs look unreal in person and add a completely different vibe to the day. It’s one of those day trips from Palermo that actually stays with you.
What to do:
- Walk the entire archaeological area (takes 2–3 hours).
- Stop at the viewpoints for sunset colours if you stay longer.
- Grab lunch in Agrigento town.
- Visit Scala dei Turchi
Practical tip: Bring sunscreen and a hat – it’s very exposed.
👉 Since there’s no easy public transport to the cliffs, the most relaxed way to see both Agrigento and Scala dei Turchi in one day is with a small tour from Palermo. It takes care of the driving, gives you time to explore the temples with a guidebook, and then brings you straight to the cliffs for photos. Super easy, zero stress.
Favignana – Island life for a day
• Travel time: 1h30 to Trapani + 30 min ferry
• Getting there: Train/bus to Trapani + ferry to Favignana
• Who is this for: Beach lovers, cyclists, couples, people wanting a relaxed island day
Favignana is the kind of place where you rent a bike, cycle from beach to beach, and forget your phone exists. The water is extremely blue, especially at Cala Rossa.
The Egadi Islands feel completely different from the rest of Sicily – slower, calmer, and honestly some of the clearest water we’ve ever seen. Favignana has these really turquoise bays where the sea looks like glass, and Levanzo feels tiny and wild in the best way. If you want a day trip from Palermo that actually feels like a mini escape, this is the one.
The only tricky part? Doing it independently from Palermo can be a bit chaotic. You need to get to Trapani first, find the right ferry, and then once you’re on the islands, you need transport – which is why we recommend going by boat. It just makes the whole experience smooth and way more enjoyable.
👉 One tour we really like from Trapani takes you around both Favignana and Levanzo on a small boat (max 12 people), so it feels personal and not crowded. You stop at all the famous bays – Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, Blue Marino – and the water there is honestly next level. We loved how the smaller boat could get into places the bigger boats couldn’t, so you actually reach the spots you see in the photos.
What makes it special is the mix of everything:
• the village stop in Favignana where you can grab lunch or visit the old Florio tuna factory
• swimming at Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola
• and the little adventure inside Lovers’ Cave, where you can snorkel into hidden entrances and find a tiny pebble beach under the rock ceiling
It’s active but still super relaxing – you swim, explore, sunbathe, and someone else handles the navigating. If you’re already planning a few days in western Sicily or don’t mind taking the train from Palermo to Trapani, it’s such a good way to spend a full day on the water.
This is seriously one of the best island-hopping experiences in Sicily, and going with a small-group boat just makes the whole day so much smoother. You can easily check the availability of the tour here:
Final words
Exploring these day trips from Palermo was honestly one of the best parts of our trip. Every place surprised us in a different way – from wandering the medieval streets of Erice and sipping Marsala wine, to feeling the sand between our toes in Cefalù or the clear waters around the Egadi Islands. We stumbled upon quiet corners, tasted incredible local food, and had moments where we just stopped and soaked it all in.
Sicily has so much personality, and these day trips let you see it beyond the main city. Bring comfy shoes, a sense of curiosity, and maybe a camera or two – you’re going to want to remember every view, every street, and every delicious bite. These trips gave us memories we still talk about, and we’re sure they’ll do the same for you.
