10 Things to Do in Palermo in August

Palermo is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it deserves a good getaway in August. Although its historic sites such as the Teatro Massimo or Quattro Canti, the four symmetrical facades are usually regional landmarks in August, beaches like Mondello, Altavilla and Cefalù offer a range of things to see and do in Palermo and they are not the only ones.

To these options are added seasonal signature ice creams, a paradise for surfers and even medieval festivals. Discover in this post what are the activities in this wild, but refined and impetuous city.

The Scala dei Turchi, or "Staircase of the Turks", is a beautiful rocky cliff overlooking the sea in Realmonte, 18 kilometers from Agrigento, and two hours drive from the center of Palermo.

The distinctive mark of this beautiful cliff is undoubtedly its color: it is formed by a stone called Marga, a sedimentary limestone of a totally pure white. Over time, wind and rain have drawn wide steps in the rock.

This escarpment rises in the middle of beautiful beaches of fine sand that can only be reached by descending the marl steps. It is at the very least an exuberant and very suggestive place that will impress even before arriving. The fusion of the sea and the brightness of the rock turns the paths into a powerful imprint to be treasured in the memory!

August is the hottest month of the year and, although Palermitans eat ice cream almost all year round, curiously they even have it for breakfast, tourists just expect to lower the body temperature with some delicious cones, tubs or the famous ice cream served in a brioche Hercules bun.

Where to try the best ice cream in Palermo? There are several options, but I start by mentioning the Times landmark for L'Olivella, this is the gelateria Il Signor di Carbognano, delight yourself with the flavors, colors and traditional methods of Sicilian gelato, just 600 meters from the Bed & breakfast mentioned.

Another vibrant stop is the Cappadonia Gelati, where the chef Antonio Cappadonia since 1987 varies its selection of ice cream with seasonal fruits, as a result they deliver delicacies of gods of world reference. Continuing with the classics, try the ice creams of Gelateria Ciccio Adelfio, who opened their doors in 1930 20 meters from the Stazione Centrale, an institution in the field.

Throughout the year you can take a culinary tour of the Sicilian capital, but if you fancy one of the best gastronomic tours of Palermo with seafood as the star ingredient, August is the best month to try its delicacies.

Just stroll through the markets of Palermo as the Capo Street Market, better known as Il Capo, stop at the stalls of La Vucciria or get to Ballaró. Among arancinis and panelles you will discover the sarde a beccafico -sardine anchovies with orange emulsion-, pasta con le sarde -pasta with sardines- and octopus bollito -pulpo al dente with lemon juice-, accompanied of course by Palermo's most famous sweet, the cannolo.

Witness the secrets and curiosities of these iconic markets such as the raffles of fish baskets that are still held among the buyers of Il Capo. Visit Palermo on foot and sample its street food in August, when the sea smiles on fishermen and foodies.

From August 2 to 10, the Feast of the Most Holy Savior of the Transfiguration, the patron saint of Cefalù, is celebrated and this town of Palermo dresses up from the Temple of Diana, through Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Duomo to its Cathedral Basilica of Cefalù, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Whether you feel like taking a gastronomic tour, tasting street food at the markets, admiring the mosaics of the cathedral, strolling through its medieval streets, walking the paths of La Rocca park, swimming in its beaches, paragliding, or visiting the Osteria Magno, Ruggero II's favorite palace, beautiful Cefalù has many things to see and do, especially during its patron saint's festivities.

Palermo is a city with a rich history and culture, but it is also an ideal place for lovers of serene, crystal clear sea and golden sand, these are the main reasons why most tourists venture to visit Palermo in August.

Among its reference beaches are those of Santa Flavia, Pollina, Ficarazzi, Capaci and, of course, Lascari Beach, one of the surfers' paradise. As tastes vary, here are three of the best beaches in Palermo:

Mondello Beach

Mondello Beach is one of the most famous and popular spots on this stretch of coast, not for nothing does it often top the lists of recommended beaches in Italy.

It boasts white sand and pristine waters, as well as a rocky promontory full of vegetation that provides an incredible backdrop for your photos. This place is ideal for snorkeling, as you will be able to see colorful fishes surfing the water just inches away from you.

The coast is home to several paid beaches where you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers if you prefer to relax comfortably instead of bringing your own equipment. It is also located just 20 minutes from the center of Palermo and offers a wide range of restaurants, bars and stores.

Altavilla Beach

It is a paradise of golden sand and virgin sea that merges with the horizon line. For those who want to include a beach among their things to do in Palermo with kids, they should know that it has turquoise, clean and shallow water. In addition, the coastal area is surrounded by promontories decorated with lush vegetation that make the experience a magical moment.

In the middle of the beach, the tourist influx is high in summer. For those seeking tranquility, 400 meters to the south a couple of rocky coves offer refuge and silence to those who prefer to get away from the intense tourist traffic.

Beaches of Cefalù

Here we have a caveat because in Cefalù there is not one but several beaches that are part of the Parco delle Madonie nature reserve and are so beautiful and colorful that they fall within the international destinations recommended by Business Insider.

Around the medieval village of Castelbuono you find Castel di Tusa Beach, also called Fiumara d'Arte Beach, which offers an open-air sculpture park and crystal clear waters. It is a quiet haven where umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent at reasonable prices.

Sant'Ambrogio Beach and Caldura Beach offer a wild and unspoiled paradise. They have no facilities, but their pebbles await the towels of celebrities fleeing the paparazzi. And let's not forget Mazzaforno Beach, with a good stretch of sandy beach in front of a network of beach bars and well-stocked bars.

What do you fancy a beach where you can explore the marine wildlife, surf at one end of the island, eat a delicious ice cream and have fun with its range of activities? Then you should go to Isla Mujeres Beach, better known by the locals as Isola delle Femmine.

Visiting this island is one of the best day trips from Palermo, as it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located on Isola delle Femmine, this stretch of coastline is a 35-minute drive from the center of Palermo. Its coves and beaches offer a contrast between calm waters at one end, while on the other side the wind awakens in August the perfect swell for lovers of surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

You can go diving and explore underwater caves, shipwrecks and Hellenic artifacts. There are also posidonia oceanica meadows where you can see red corals and unique fish species.

And if you don't feel like getting wet at all? No problem. There are many ways to enjoy Isla Mujeres beach. Glass-bottom boat rides allow you to explore the seabed while admiring its beauty. There are many things to do on Isla Mujeres Beach.

After Ferragosto, the Collesano Cheese Festival takes place, the ultimate experience for cheese lovers.

Get ready to be intoxicated with aromas and flavors reminiscent of Sicilian culinary tradition from August 16-18. The festival takes place in Piazza Mazzini, which is the crossroads of the Madonie tourist routes. The atmosphere invites you to have an excellent aperitif while enjoying the day's tasting of cheeses, jams, madonnas and more, all enlivened by musical orchestras and shows.

Attend the event just 10 minutes from the Cathedral of Palermo.

The Palio dei Normanni is a summer event that takes place in the capital of Sicily. It has been celebrated every year since 1060, when the Normans led by Roger of Altavilla expelled the Saracens and liberated the Piazza Armerina.

Every summer, this historical event takes place in Piazza Armeno, 9 km from the Cathedral of Palermo, 3 days before Ferragosto (Feast of the Assumption on August 15). This is a feast that will transport you back in time and extols the long-awaited freedom.

On the first day the arms are presented in the town hall square, while the knights are blessed in jousting. The second day continues with the commemorations of the entry of King Ruggero of Altavilla in Palermo and his acceptance as ruler of the city by handing him the keys of the city in Piazza Armenia.

Then the historical parades come to life in the streets recalling the entry of the Norman troops into Palermo. Finally, on the third day, the Quintana del Saracino, the medieval tournament, is held.

The knights are in charge of representing the Monte, Canali, Castellina and Casalotto districts in the Sant'Ippolito camp to dispute the papal pallium representing Santa Maria della Vittoria, the winner carries the triumphant banner to the church of his district until the next joust. Click here for more details.

Stories that make it to television and streaming keep us on our toes, especially those that set a milestone, as The White Lotus did with Golden Globe winner Jennifer Coolidge at the helm. As it turns out, the inspiration andfilming setis the Sicilian capital.

Villa Elena, the 17th century palace that Quentin boasts among his "humble properties," is in Palermo. Likewise, the pier stops the frames in Cefalù, not to mention Taormina or Noto, both nearby towns that with their decadent beauty led Mike White to tell the story from the most beautiful corners of the city in summer.

August represents the peak of summer and brought a train of celebrities including Aubrey Plaza and Meghann Fahy to the capital of Sicily. Will you miss the opportunity to live your personal experience?

In Palermo, two festivals come together to form a festival that celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15 each year. This celebration is called Ferragosto, which literally translates as "August fast". Yes, I know that in Spain you can celebrate Ferragosto, but even on days where such events falter in popularity, in Italy it is celebrated with the same fervor, and Palermo is no exception.

Each year, a family member decorates their boat to wait for the sea to calm down with torches lit. On the waterfront, crafts are exhibited and typical products can be tasted. Parties and concerts overflow in the main streets and squares of the city.

Then there is the traditional "Antena a Mare" race. In the afternoon, a fish feast takes place, followed by a mass and then a procession with the statue of the Madonna through the narrow streets of the town. This is a good time to see the Cathedral of Palermo shining in its maximum splendor.

Ferragosto is a feast that represents the end of agricultural work in honor of the goddess Diana and the cycle of fertility and maturity. Also celebrated as a feast of harvest time in conjunction with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, this fusion of events marks one of the most important religious festivals in Sicily.

The maximum temperature in Palermo registers 31 °C while the minimum is 24 °C in August. This is the hottest month of the summer in the capital, maintaining an average temperature of 28 °C. It is the perfect month to tour the coasts, spend the day at the beach and enjoy the refreshing local drinks.

August is the hottest month of the year in Palermo. Tourists who have their summer vacations fill its beaches, boat trips, outdoor activities and the season of events and festivals and, the prices of all services reflect this peak.

The average price of accommodation in Palermo in August is about 85 € per night. If you decide to try the best dishes of cous cous di pesce alla trapanese, Arancini di riso, pasta con le sarde or the parmigiana di melanzane, you should know that the average price of food is about 33 € per day. As for events and transportation, reserve in your budget about 40 € per person per day.