Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city of contrasts where Arab-Norman architecture meets bustling street markets and world-class street food. Its UNESCO-listed historical centre tells a story of civilizations layered over millennia.
What to Do in a Day in Palermo
Walk from the cruise terminal to the Quattro Canti crossroads in the heart of the old city. Visit the stunning Palatine Chapel with its golden Byzantine mosaics, then explore the Ballarò and Vucciria street markets for arancini, panelle and sfincione. Don't miss the Palermo Cathedral and its royal tombs. For a half-day excursion, take a bus to the hilltop town of Monreale to see its breathtaking Norman cathedral.
The tours below are not organised by the cruise lines. Bookings are made directly with GetYourGuide and you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time. If you prefer the cruise line's guarantee, contact our travel advisors after booking.
Cruise Port Address
Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO)
PMO is about 35 km west of the terminal. The Trinacria Express train links the airport with Palermo Centrale station in around 1 hr (~€6.50), and Prestia e Comandè runs an airport coach between PMO and the city/port in ~50 min (~€6.30) in both directions. Flat-rate taxis are around €40–50.
City Centre (Quattro Canti)
The terminal sits at the edge of the historic centre — Quattro Canti and the Cathedral are a flat 10–15 min walk via Via Roma or Via Cavour. City bus 107 runs between the port and the centre/Stazione Centrale in ~15 min (~€1.80). Taxis between port and city centre are around €10–15.
Palermo Weather by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. High °C | 14° | 15° | 16° | 18° | 22° | 26° | 29° | 30° | 27° | 23° | 18° | 15° |
| Rainfall mm | 🌦️ 68 mm | 🌦️ 61 mm | 🌤️ 48 mm | 🌤️ 37 mm | ☀️ 19 mm | ☀️ 8 mm | ☀️ 3 mm | ☀️ 10 mm | 🌤️ 35 mm | 🌦️ 72 mm | 🌦️ 78 mm | 🌦️ 73 mm |
Available cruises
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and other major lines offer excursions in Palermo. Popular options include guided city walks with street food tastings, trips to Monreale Cathedral and Cefalù, and Mount Etna day tours from Palermo.
Ships typically dock for 8–10 hours. The cruise terminal is within walking distance of the historic centre, making it easy to maximise your time ashore.
Palermo is very walkable and exploring on your own lets you discover its lively markets and hidden churches at your own pace. Organized excursions are a good choice for visiting Monreale or other out-of-city attractions.