Palermo and the West Coast of Sicily

main international gateway for western Sicily

smaller airport, ideal for Trapani, Marsala and the Egadi Islands

A magnificent, chaotic capital of palaces, markets and churches, where a city villa or palazzo apartment offers access to everything.

Palermo's Art Nouveau beach suburb has a wide sandy bay and turquoise water just twenty minutes from the centre.

A medieval seaside town beneath a dramatic rock, with a Norman cathedral and a sandy beach right by the old centre.

A tiny hamlet above the sea stacks of the old tuna fishery and a lively harbour town nearby, at the gateway to the Zingaro reserve.

A seaside resort with one of Sicily's most beautiful sandy beaches beneath Monte Monaco.

Wine estates and historic bagli near the shallow Stagnone lagoon and the salt pans, famous for their sunsets.

Positions are approximate: the exact address is shared once your stay is confirmed.

The interior is covered with golden mosaics depicting the stories of the Bible, crowned by an immense Christ Pantocrator. Its cloister has more than two hundred twin columns, each one different.

Inside the Norman Palace, this jewel box chapel combines Byzantine mosaics with a carved wooden ceiling of Arab craftsmanship. It forms part of the UNESCO listed Arab Norman Palermo.

Ballarò, the Capo and the Vucciria are loud, colourful markets and the best place to try street food. Go in the morning for the full spectacle.

A Norman cathedral with twin towers and a radiant apse mosaic of Christ, set against the rock above the town. It shares the UNESCO listing with Palermo and Monreale.

A remarkably complete Doric temple stands alone on a hillside, with an ancient theatre higher up facing the hills and sea. It is one of the most atmospheric sites in Sicily.

A medieval hilltop town of cobbled lanes and Norman castle walls, with views over Trapani and the Egadi Islands. A cable car climbs up from Trapani.

Sicily's first nature reserve protects seven kilometres of wild coastline with footpaths leading to secluded coves. There are no roads inside the reserve.

A small boat crosses the Stagnone lagoon to Mozia, an ancient Phoenician island with an excellent museum. On the shore, windmills and salt pans glow pink at sunset.

One of the largest archaeological parks in Europe, with Greek temples overlooking the sea on the south west coast. Visit in late afternoon for golden light.

Taste panelle, sfincione and arancine with a local guide through the historic markets.

Walk between coves of crystal water and swim along the way; take water and good shoes, as there are no facilities.

Visit historic cellars and family estates to taste Marsala in its many styles alongside crisp Grillo whites.

Sail from Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo for a day of swimming in remarkably clear water.

Watch the windmills and salt mounds turn pink and gold as the sun sets over the lagoon.

One of the largest opera houses in Europe offers guided tours and an excellent season of performances.

A long crescent of white sand with Caribbean coloured water, perfect for families.

A pebble cove within the reserve, reached on foot from the northern entrance.

Palermo's city beach, a wide sandy bay framed by two headlands.

An old tuna fishery with sea stacks rising from the water, a private beach accessible for a fee.

Rocky coast with clear water and footpaths just beyond Mondello.

What to eat

What to drink

Its golden cathedral is unmissable on any visit to the west.

A morning at the cathedral and an afternoon on the beach.

Cycle the flat island and swim at Cala Rossa and Bue Marino.

A temple and a medieval hilltop town combine into a perfect day.

Greek temples beside the sea, best paired with lunch in the fishing village of Marinella.

Spring is ideal for Palermo and the archaeological sites, with wild flowers at Segesta and Selinunte. From late May the sea becomes inviting.

Hot, sunny days are perfect for the beaches and the islands, with festivals in every town. July and August are the busiest months.

September brings warm sea and the grape harvest, and October is lovely for walking the Zingaro. Days remain warm with fewer visitors.

Mild and quiet, the perfect season for Palermo's museums, markets and opera. Many coastal restaurants close until spring.