10 Things to Do in Palermo in Summer

There is truly a lot to see and do in Palermo. The capital of Sicily is an ideal place to visit during the summer months, as there are many activities to be enjoyed outdoors, and temperatures are never oppressive, allowing you to get the most out of your visit to the city.

From the Vegetable Festival, with international artists and concerts, to its enchanting and paradisiacal beaches and nature excursions, Palermo is a radiant destination that will not leave you indifferent. With centuries of history behind it, walking the streets of the historic center, its churches and monuments, will leave you in love with Palermo. Join me on this tour of the best activities the city has to offer in summer.

Get on board one of the best tourist buses in Palermo and tour the main corners of the city with an audio guide in your language. In addition, thanks to the hop on-hop off mode, you can get off the bus as many times as you want, go at your own pace, and get back on at any of the stops along the route.

Although it is true that this type of tour can be done at any time of the year, the warm temperatures make it a perfect plan for the summer months, since they are open-top buses, which allow 360° views. You will feel the caress of the Sicilian sun while walking through its most important landmarks. This is one of the best tours to do in Palermo.

Every summer, in the seaside neighborhood of Mondello, takes place the World Festival on the Beach, where you can enjoy musical shows and sporting events. It has been held since 1986 and lasts for the whole week. The activities also include food and drink stands, making it an ideal excuse to spend the day at the beach, surrounded by an incredible atmosphere.

Although the activities, and especially the sports competitions, take place throughout the neighborhood, piazza Valdesi is usually the heart of the festival. Facing the sea and surrounded by palm trees, this piazza is the perfect place to enjoy the World Beach Festival. In the beach area you can watch competitions in windsurfing, kitesurfing, and volleyball, among others.

Useful information:

• When it takes place: the first days of Palermo's summer.
• Location: Mondello neighborhood, Palermo.
• Price: the entrance and the right to attend the sporting events, as well as the musical shows, is free of charge.

During the months of July and August, one of the most awaited festivals by jazz lovers takes place in Palermo. In the summer months, the city is filled with concerts with some of the most important figures of the current scene of the genre. The town is transformed into a real party to enjoy with family, as a couple, alone or with friends.

The Sicilian Jazz Festival also includes other activities, such as a large number of workshops and seminars for all ages. If you are visiting Palermo at the beginning of the summer you can't miss this festival. During the Jazz Festival a lot of concerts take place in nightclubs and theaters such as Teatro Massimo or Teatro di Verdura. The vast majority of them are completely free of charge.

Useful information:

• When it takes place:during the months of July and August, date to be confirmed.
• Location: in different venues and theaters of the city.
• Price: the vast majority of the festival's events are free.

During the first fortnight of July, Palermo pays homage to its patron saint with five days of celebrations. This is one of the most joyful and colorful festivals that Sicily has, as all Palermitans take to the streets to enjoy themselves. The festival includes, among other things, a parade of floats and costumes, music and light show, and a breathtaking fireworks show by the sea, at the Foro Umberto.

You can also enjoy typical local foods, as various food and drink stalls are set up. The highlight of the festival takes place on the evening of July 14, when an extensive procession guided by a giant chariot takes place. The procession goes from the Cathedral of Palermo to the Foro Italico. On the 15th the relics of Santa Rosalia are carried on platforms and then returned to be blessed.

You will see that this is a most picturesque festival, as the excitement spreads to the thousands of people who attend the celebration. It is the custom of the place that confetti is thrown from the balconies as the procession advances, and the whole way is beautifully illuminated.

Useful information:

• When it takes place: during the first fortnight of July.
• Location: the procession of floats and costumes moves through the streets of the old town.
• Price: it is an absolutely free and popular festival.

Palermo is a city with a lot of history and an extremely rich culture, however, another of its attractions is also its coastal area. With some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, the capital of Sicily shines in the summer sun.

The warmer months are ideal for a day at the beach, and none is better than Mondello Beach. It is a true paradise of fine white sand next to a turquoise sea. Located very close to the center of Palermo, Mondello has everything you need for a perfect family day out in the Sicilian summer.

The beach has sun loungers and umbrellas, beach bars and pedal boats for rent. All along the coast you can stroll along the promenade, where you will find shops and a wide gastronomic offer. Ideal to sit and have a bite to eat while watching the boats and sailboats at the pier.

Of course you can't leave Sicily without tasting its delicious food, and for that nothing better than taking one of the best gastronomic tours in Palermo. You will walk through the streets of the city with your guide and you will get to know the best of the local gastronomy, open-air markets and all the atmosphere of the Palermo nightlife.

Of course, this type of tour can be done at any time of the year, but in summer it is always much better, since, being on foot, the pleasant temperatures offered by the city in these months is perfect to enjoy it to the fullest.

The Festival Teatro del Fuoco in Palermo is one of those events that you can't miss for anything in the world if you find yourself in the Sicilian capital by the end of July.

The festival includes various dance, music and theater performances, as well as workshops and various exhibitions, where you can marvel and enjoy yourself like a Sicilian. Night dances with hundreds of thousands of colored lights and, of course, fire. An incomparable spectacle that will leave you speechless, not for nothing was declared by Forbes magazine as one of the 12 best festivals in the world.

Useful information:

• When it takes place: during the summer, from July 12 to August 1.
• Location: teatro di Verdura, Viale del Fante, 39, Palermo.
• Price: from 16 euros per person.

There are many options for a getaway from Palermo. You have the choice between the famous Etna Volcano and the picturesque town of Taormina, the Roman Villa or the Valley of the Temples, all of which you can visit in a day. A nature excursion is always better with warm temperatures, that's why the Sicilian summer is ideal for it.

Sign up for one of the best day trips from Palermo and live a unique experience touring the region's past. Sicily has it all, and although its cities usually get all the plaudits, its natural spaces are truly beautiful. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular destinations is the visit to the majestic Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. The excursion takes all day, but it is well worth it.

Declared together with the cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalù a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Zisa Palace, also called La Zisa, is a beautiful palace located in the western region of the city of Palermo. It is a 12th century building in Arabic style. Here you can delight yourself with the Moorish decorations, while observing how the royalty lived in those times, since it was conceived as a summer residence for the Norman kings.

Over the years it underwent structural modifications, such as the addition of the battlements in the 14th century and the reconstruction of sectors that had deteriorated at the end of the 20th century. This Sicilian monument is ideal to visit in summer, as it has beautiful gardens around the castle, through which you can stroll.

The Zisa is considered one of the best museums in Palermo, since inside you can see pieces of Islamic art, as well as handmade objects from the Mediterranean area. Don't miss its Moorish type mosaics, they are absolutely amazing.

Finally, let me tell you that you can't leave Sicily without taking a tour of the key points of the mafia world. Without a doubt, this is one of the most recognizable features of the island. Thanks to movies like The Godfather, the fame of the region has grown remarkably.

Palermo has some of the best tours about the Sicilian Mafia, so I recommend that you do not miss this good opportunity to learn all about it.

As these are walking tours through the streets of Palermo, it is always best to do them in the summer months, as the pleasant temperatures will make your experience an unforgettable adventure. This is one of the best things to do in Palermo in months like August, for example, as you will have an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.

Every year, during the month of August, the Sicilian town of San Piero Patti receives hundreds of thousands of visitors, who join the local public to enjoy the best gastronomy of all Sicily. Ca' Food is a festival that brings together art, musical performances, typical Sicilian street food tastings, culture and tradition, activities for children and much more.

Located about 2 hours from Palermo, this getaway is the best excuse to get to know a little of the capital's surroundings and all the beauty of the coastal region. The festival is a gourmet event of the highest quality, where you can choose from different venues and stands, food made with local products. And of course, an unparalleled party atmosphere.

Useful information:

• When it takes place: mid-August, in the middle of the Sicilian summer.
• Location: town of San Piero Patti, 2 hours from Palermo, place to be designated.
• Price: it is a popular event with free tastings and shows. Of course, beyond the tastings, if you want to eat a dish you have to pay for it.

Below, I will answer some of the most common questions about summer in the city of Palermo.

What is the weather like in Palermo during the summer months?

Palermo summer temperatures range between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, the weather is rather dry and pleasant. However, always remember to check a weather website to make sure you don't get any surprises on your trip.

What should I take into account when packing my suitcase if I travel to Palermo in summer?

When packing your suitcase, you should always take into account your subjective experience, since no one better than you to know if you are one of those who suffer from the heat or if you can tolerate it well. Summer in Palermo doesn't usually bring much rain, so you don't need to pack an umbrella or raincoat. With temperatures hovering around 25 degrees, try to pack comfortable shoes and cool clothes, a bathing suit and some good flip-flops.

Is Palermo a good city to visit with children?

Although it is not one of the most kid friendly cities in the world, there are several activities and museums that children will certainly enjoy, such as the Antonio Pasqualino Puppet Museum or the Mondello beach, where they will be able to practice water sports. In addition, in any corner of the city you can enjoy the delicious Sicilian granita, the incredible cannolis and pizza, as here in Italy it is almost mandatory.

It may not be a very comfortable city to visit with very young children who still use their strollers, as the streets are quite old, many of them cobbled, especially in the area of the historic center, so it may be more practical to carry them in arms.

Is Palermo an expensive city to visit?

No, within the European cities, Palermo is not an expensive city at all, you can eat for about 10 euros per person. Of course it will always depend on the type of place you choose. There are options for all budgets, just as with lodging. It will always be more affordable to stay in a hostel, airbnb or hotel that is further away from the historic center, since it is the most popular area of the city.