INDEX

03 Introduction
03 Transportation
04 Palermo
08 Monreale and Mondello beach
10 Sant’Elia and Cefalù
12 Trapani, Erice and Marsala
13 San Vito Lo Capo and its
surroundings
15 Zingaro Nature Reserve and
Scopello
18 Segesta and its surroundings
20 The Aegadian Islands
22 The best beaches

02
For more ideas visit www.sicilyinsider.com
T
his 7-day itinerary will give
you a taste of the northern
and western coast of Sicily,
allowing you to explore
historic sites, relax on beautiful beaches,
and indulge in delicious Sicilian cuisine.
Remember to check the opening hours
and availability of attractions and restau-
rants before your trip.
Enjoy your journey
through Sicily!
- Chiara Magi
03
Cala Rossa (Favignana)
Transportation
The best way to move around Sicily is
undoubtedly by car, as it provides the fre-
edom and flexibility to navigate the island
at your own pace. However, if you prefer
not to drive, there are bus networks that
conveniently connect most of the places
we recommend.
It’s worth noting that for destinations
like Sant’Elia, Zingaro Nature Reserve,
Scopello and Borgo Parrini, having a car
becomes essential.
The best airports for exploring Northwest
Sicily are Palermo (PMO) and Trapani
(TPS) airports.
Piazza Pretoria

DAY 1
Palermo
In 1962, the renowned writer and poet Oscar Wilde expressed his profound admiration
for Palermo, saying “Palermo is the most beautifully situated town in the world”. Fast
forward to the present day, and those sentiments still hold true for countless travelers
who have experienced the captivating allure of this Sicilian gem.
Villa Bonanno

www.sicilyinsider.com

“Palermo is the
most beautifully
situated town in
the world”
Most of the visitors can confidently attest to the fact that Palermo is a city that leaves
an indelible mark on the hearts of all who wander its enchanting streets. This city offers
an irresistible blend of attractions that cater to every individual’s taste and preferences.

One of the city’s greatest assets is its diverse array of activities. For the adventure-seekers,
the surrounding landscapes present numerous opportunities for thrilling exploration.
On the other hand, those yearning for relaxation can find solace on Palermo’s beautiful
beaches, soaking in the Mediterranean sun and enjoying the gentle waves. Also, don’t
forget the Sicilian cuisine, it’s an absolute delight. But Palermo’s allure extends beyond
its natural beauty and delectable cuisine, so here’s what to do and what to see during
your first day in Palermo.

05
MORNING: Arrive in Palermo, the capital of a small port for sailboats, and go to
Sicily, and check into your accommodation. Foro Italico to admire the seaside and
AFTERNOON: Explore the historic center cityscape of Palermo.
of Palermo, starting with the Quattro Canti,
a Baroque square. Then visit all the nearby
monuments such as the fountain of Piazza
Pretoria, Piazza San Cataldo.
Discover the nuns’ rooms in the cloistered
monastery in Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’A-
lessandria and taste the best cannolis in
Palermo in the same building in I Segreti del
Chiostro pastry shop. If you have some extra
time, go and see the interiors of Chiesa alla
Martorana. Walking along Via Maqueda,
on one side you will find the vibrant Ballarò
market and on the other side the outstan-
ding Teatro Massimo.
AFTER LUNCH: Walk along Via Vittorio
Emanuele, which is the main street of the Teatro Massimo
historic center of Palermo and visit the stun-
ning Palermo Cathedral, have a nice walk in
Villa Bonanno and admire all the beautiful
palm trees while walking towards Palazzo
dei Normanni. Visit it’s famous chapel, called
Cappella Palatina. Near Cappella Palatina
you can find Porta Nuova, which is one of
the ancient city gates. From there walk
along Via Vittorio Emanuele towards Porta
Felice, another city gate, this will bring you
to the seaside, but before you need to stop
in Piazza Marina. In the middle of Piazza
Marina you will find Villa Garibaldi, a public
park with the oldest tree of Europe, a Ficus
macrophylla.
EVENING: Have a walk around La Cala, The Cathedral of Palermo

06
 LUNCH:
- Nni Franco U Vastiddaru
for low budget
- Buatta Cucina Popolana
for medium budget
- Osteria dei Vespri
for high budget

DINNER:
- Vucciria market
for low budget
- Osteria Ballarò
for medium budget
- MEC Restaurant
for high budget

07 QUATTRO CANTI
Mondello beach

BREAKFAST:
- La Martorana
- Cioccolateria Lorenzo
- Caffè del Kassaro

DAY 2
Monreale and Mondello beach
MORNING: Go to Monreale to admire it’s magnifi-
cient cathedral, full of golden mosaics. This cathedral LUNCH:
also has a beautiful cloister that you can visit. After - Touring Cafè Beach
for low budget
the cathedral explore in Monreale’s alleys and enjoy - Sirenetta Bar & Bistrot
for medium budget
the fantastic panoramic view over the city of Palermo.
- Le Antiche Mura
Go to Mondello. for high budget
AFTERNOON: Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the
beach of Mondello. The main square of Mondello is
also a lovely place for a walk. If you’re visiting during
high season, a great alternative is the nature reserve DINNER:
- Pizzeria Arcobaleno
of Capo Gallo, just next to Mondello’s beach. for low budget
- L’angolo di Mondello
for medium budget
FOR ROOFTOP DRINKS AND FOOD: Le Terrazze - Badalamenti Cucina &
Bottega
del Sole, Il Bar Sulla Terrazza della Rinascente and
for high budget
Osservatorio.
MONDELLO BEACH
The coastline of Cefalù

BREAKFAST:
- La Martorana
- Cioccolateria Lorenzo
- Caffè del Kassaro

DAY 3
Sant’Elia and Cefalù
MORNING: Take a day trip to towards Cefalù, but before that
at about 15 km from Palermo visit Sant’Elia, a charming coastal LUNCH:
- Pasta e Pasti
village. One of the main things to see there is the panoramic for low budget
view from Punta Sant’Elia. After Sant’Elia go to Cefalù. Explore - Bastione & Costanza
for medium budget
the historic center, must see are the Lavatoio, the panoramic - Cortile Pepe
view over the houses and Porta Pescara, Bastione di Capo for high budget

Marchiafava and the magnificent Cefalù Cathedral. Climb La

Rocca, a rocky promontory, for breathtaking views of the town and coastline. One of
the best things in Cefalù is that everything is at walking distance and all the historic
part is for pedestrians only.
AFTERNOON: Head to the picturesque beach of Cefalù. Relax on the sandy beach,
take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, and soak up the sun. Enjoy a refreshing drink
in one of the beach bars while watching the sunset. Another fantastic beach next to
Cefalù is Spiaggia di Kalura, where you can admire beautiful sea stacks in the middle
of the water.
EVENING: Return to Palermo.

DINNER IN PALERMO:
- Pizzeria Frida for low budget
- Ajamola for medium budget
- Gagini for high budget

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11 SANT’ELIA
The coastline of Trapani

DAY 4
Trapani and Erice
Welcome to Trapani, a captivating coastal city located on the western shores of Sicily.
Trapani boasts an array of must-see attractions, making it an irresistible choice for
many travel enthusiasts. Start your journey in the heart of Trapani - the historic Old
Town. Lose yourself in its labyrinthine cobblestone streets, adorned with splendid
Baroque architecture and ornate churches. The locals’ warm hospitality will instantly
make you feel at home, as you explore Castello di Venere, and savor delectable
vibrant piazzas and quaint artisan shops. almond-based pastries - a local specialty.
MORNING: Have a walk in the main With panoramic views of the coastline
street Corso Vittorio Emanuele and don’t and nearby islands, Erice is an unforget-
miss the grandeur of Cattedrale di San table destination that will leave you in awe.
Lorenzo, a magnificent 14th-century EVENING: Before going back to Palermo,
cathedral with intricate sculptures and you need to try out the best cannolo in
stunning stained glass windows. Morning Sicily in Eurobar of Dattilo, which is a tiny
is also great time to have swim next to the village next to Trapani and the best ice-
historic city walls in Spiaggia delle Mura cream in Trapani in Pasticceria Gelateria
di Tramontana. Benivegna.
AFTERNOON: Venture beyond the city
center to witness one of the West Coast’s LUNCH:
unique features - the iconic Salt Pans. - Capricci in Tavola
for low budget
Moving south along the Trapani coast ‘A Nassa Seafood
for medium budet
you will arrive at the Marsala salt pans.
Ristorante StraVento
Mamma Caura bar is one of the best for high budget
spots to have the best view and that’s defi-
fnitely a place to be if you will be visitng the
salt pans during the sunset. These shal- DINNER IN
TRAPANI:
low salt marshes have been in operation - Trattoria La Golosa
since ancient times and form a striking for low budget
- Il Frutto della Passione
contrast against the azure sky. The salt for medium budget
pans’ vivid colors, ranging from white to - Al Vicoletto
for medium budget
pink, create a mesmerizing spectacle,
especially during sunset. From autumn to
spring you can also see the flamingos, the
maximum attendance, generally, occurs
in the month of December.
AFTER LUNCH: The easiest way to go
from Trapani to Erice’s medieval village is
to take a cable car. This village’s cobbled
streets and ancient buildings create an
enchanting atmosphere. Stroll through
the castle ruins, visit the impressive Salt pans of Marsala

13
San Vito Lo Capo

BREAKFAST IN
SAN VITO LO CAPO:
- Le Tentazioni
- Bar Europa
- Coffe Break (in Custonaci)

San Vito Lo Capo and its surroundings
MORNING: Start the day by visi-
ting the ancient cave village of Grotta
Mangiapane, inhabited until the 1950s.
For a swim in crystal-clear waters go to
Cornino Bay, which offers a beautiful view
over the sea and the Mount Cofano. If
you feel to do something more adventu-
rous, hike up to Mount Cofano, one of the
most beautiful mountains in Sicily with
magnificient views. Hiking up to the top
is adapted for more experienced hikers.
AFTERNOON AND EVENING: Go to
San Vito Lo Capo, a picturesque coastal
town renowned for its beautiful beach.
Spend your afternoon relaxing on the
golden sands and swimming in the tur-
quoise waters. After the beach explore
DAY 5
the beautiful streets of this lovely town,
the white houses and bougainvillea trees
will often make you feel like you are in a
Greek island. Don’t miss out the cous-
cous as this is the most typical dish of
San Vito Lo Capo.
LUNCH:
- Tasty for low budget
- Faro Sea Club for medium budget
- Profumi di Cous Cous for high budget
DINNER:
- Salumeria Enoteca L’angolo Divino for
aperitivo
- All’Antica for medium budget
- Ristorante Rais for high budget
CORNINO BAY
Cala dell’Uzzo in Zingaro Nature Reserve

BREAKFAST IN
SAN VITO LO CAPO:
- Le Tentazioni
- Bar Europa
- Coffe Break (in Custonaci)

DAY 6
Zingaro Nature Reserve and Scopello
MORNING: Spend half a day hiking in the trails
of the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Dip into the para-
dise waters of many coves that you will find along
the way. One of the most beautiful ones is Cala
dell’Uzzo, which is the very first beach after the
entrance if you’re coming from San Vito Lo Capo.
LUNCH: Bring the lunch with you and eat while in the
nature reserve.
AFTERNOON: Go to Tonnara di Scopello (a private
property, check their Instagram for opening hours Tonnara di Scopello
and days) for another swim with a magical view with
sea stacks and crystal-clear waters. Next to Tonnara
di Scopello you can find another two paradise bea-
DINNER:
ches: Cala Mazzo di Sciacca and Cala dell’Ovo, if - Bar Nettuno
Tonnara di Scopello is closed, these two are won- - La Tavernetta
- Al Rais di Scopello
derful alternatives.
EVENING: Visit the tiny village of Scopello.
ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE
Temple of Segesta

BREAKFAST:
- Bar Pasticceria Scopello
- Tipicamente
- Bar La Sorgente

DAY 7
Segesta and its surroundings
MORNING: Visit the ancient Greek archaeological site of
Segesta. Admire the well-preserved Doric temple and the bre- LUNCH:
- La Varcuzza
athtaking views of the surrounding countryside. If you have for low budget
some extra time after visting the archaeological site, go to - Ristorante La Madrice
for medium budget
Castellammare del Golfo, where you can see a typical Sicilian - Ristorante Del Golfo
marina and picturesque alleys. For a magical panoramic view for high budget

over the town go up to Belvedere Castellammare del Golfo.

A must try dessert you need to try in Castellammare del Golfo is la cassatella, one of
the best places for that is Bar La Sorgente.
AFTERNOON: For a swim go to the beach of Balestrate, where you can enjoy the
waves and a large beach with fine sand. From Balestrate head to Borgo Parrini, a
little village with colorful buildings inspired by the Spanish artist Gaudi. In fact, walking
through its streets will seem like you are in Barcelona! It is a very small fraction, which
can be easily visited in about an hour.
EVENING: Enjoy a magical sunset over the sea from iClub Lounge Restaurant in
Terrasini (open only in the summer). Admire the huge red cliffs of this area while sip-
ping a refreshing cocktail or having the dinner.
EXTRA: If the day is not too hot, go to Terme Segestane, the natural hot springs. Where
you can enjoy hot water ponds and cave saunas. Visit our website if you need any help
with arriving there.

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19 CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO
 EXTRA DAY
The Aegadian Islands:
Favignana and Levanzo
FULL DAY: Take a ferry from Trapani’s harbor to the Egadi Islands, an archipelago
that includes Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. Each island exudes its own unique
charm and allure. Rent a bike or scooter to explore Favignana’s rugged coastline,
renowned for its dramatic sea caves and crystalline waters. Swim in the island’s
picturesque beaches, such as Cala Rossa, Bue Marino and Cala Azzurra.

In the second half of the day you can take another ferry from Favignana to Levanzo,
the smallest of the trio. Levanzo offers tranquility and an opportunity to discover
prehistoric cave paintings.

The third Aegadian island is Marettimo, but as this is the farthest from the coast,
we won’t include it for a 1-day trip. Being less visited by tourists, Marettimo entices
visitors with its untouched beauty and wonderful secluded sea caves.

Instead of taking the ferry you can take a boat tour starting from Trapani. Most of
the daily tours will bring you on Favingana and Levanzo.

For more ideas visit www.sicilyinsider.com

Cala Rossa (Favignana) Cala Rossa (Favignana) Levanzo

20
21 BUE MARINO (FAVIGNANA)
 the best beaches
in Northwest Sicily

Lido Signorino orange: sandy beach

green: pebble beach
Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana
blue: rocky/cliff beach
Cornino Bay
Cala Calazza
Macari beach
San Vito Lo Capo beach
Zingaro Nature Reserve: Cala dell’Uzzo
Zingaro Nature Reserve: Cala della Disa
Zingaro Nature Reserve: Cala Capreira
Cala Mazzo di Sciacca
Cala dell’Ovo
Tonnara di Scopello
Guidaloca beach
Cala Bianca
Spiaggia Plaja
Balestrate beach
Grotta Parrini
Grotta delle Colombe
Spiaggia Cala Rossa
Magaggiari beach
Isola delle Femmine beach
Capo Gallo beach
Mondello beach
Addaura beach
Tre Piscine
Sant’Elia beach
Lido Sporting
Spiaggia Salinelle
Cefalù beach
Kalura beach

Cala Faraglione
Cala Minnola

Cala Rossa

Bue Marino
22
Cala Azzurra
 S I C I LY I N S I D E R
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO NORTHWEST SICILY

Thank you for letting us guide you on your trip to Sicily!

For any questions or additional advice please visit our website at

www.sicilyinsider.com or send us an email at info@sicilyinsider.com

Mondello beach

An insider’s guide to Sicily, the best kept

secret of the Mediterranean. We share
travel information, tips and advice about
Sicily.

Made by Chiara Magi for Sicily Insider.

© 2023 Sicily Insider | All Rights Reserved

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