THE 25 BEST Cruises to Palermo (Sicily) 2024 (with Prices) - Palermo (Sicily) Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic

Q: Getting Around

On Foot: The port is about a mile or a 20-minute walk from the city center. While this is a good walking city, and you can easily walk to dining, museums and shopping, be aware that the old part of the city is a jumbled warren of streets and it's easy to get lost. By Taxi: Cabs and horse-drawn carts offering tours can be found just outside the terminal gates. In either case it is wise to negotiate a price up front. Cabs can be hired by the trip or hour. There are no ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber in Palermo. By Bus: Double-decker hop-on, hop-off tour buses operate around the city, and can also take you to Monreale and Mondello; check schedules to make sure you're on the correct one. Public buses run around the city and to the suburbs as well, although again be warned that pickpockets often ride these routes.

About Cruising to Palermo (Sicily)

Palermo is both an embarkation port and port of call for cruises through Italy year round. MSC Cruises uses the port as a take-off point while popular cruises lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Viking and many more, dock in Palermo giving cruisers the opportunity to eat, shop and explore.

A stop in Palermo has a lot to offer cruisers. The city was founded by Ancient Greeks and eventually became part of the Roman Empire. In the 9th century, the Arabs took over and converted churches to mosques and the common language to Arabic. The Norman period followed, and in the 13th century Palermo was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The French and Spanish later passed through. All this means that this decidedly Italian city -- and the entire western Sicily area -- has flavors and architecture from all of its periods.

Palmero's historic center is fantastic for strolling. Architectural wonders within the city include the Teatro Massimo, the biggest opera house in Italy (and the third-largest in Europe after Paris and Vienna); the Palazzo Reale and the Cattedrale di Palermo. As you stroll, make time to try Palermo's excellent street food (and there's plenty of yummy Italian favorites such as pizza and gelato to be had too).

Or, if the city doesn't interest you, try an excursion that takes you further afield. High on a hill outside Palermo, Monreale also has a gorgeous Arab-Norman cathedral, along with cafes. The beach town of Cefalu is a lovely summer escape and Greek and Roman history buffs will find daytrips to Erice and Segesta appealing.

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More about Palermo (Sicily)

Why Cruise to Palermo (Sicily)?

Pros:

History and architecture buffs can explore museums, cathedrals and palaces.

Cons:

The traffic can be a bit unwieldy for pedestrians.

Bottom Line:

If Palermo seems too overwhelming, book a tour to a charming town nearby.

Palermo (Sicily) Cruise Port Facilities?

In Palermo, you'll dock at a modern pier, known as Stazione Marittima, within walking distance of downtown. In the terminal building are a cafe, convenience store, restrooms and an ATM machine. Tourist information for Palermo sightseeing buses is also available.

Good to Know?

The traffic is truly crazy; use caution when crossing major thoroughfares. Pickpockets can also be an issue -- leave your valuable belongings on the ship or guard them carefully.

Getting Around?

On Foot: The port is about a mile or a 20-minute walk from the city center. While this is a good walking city, and you can easily walk to dining, museums and shopping, be aware that the old part of the city is a jumbled warren of streets and it's easy to get lost.

By Taxi: Cabs and horse-drawn carts offering tours can be found just outside the terminal gates. In either case it is wise to negotiate a price up front. Cabs can be hired by the trip or hour. There are no ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber in Palermo.

By Bus: Double-decker hop-on, hop-off tour buses operate around the city, and can also take you to Monreale and Mondello; check schedules to make sure you're on the correct one. Public buses run around the city and to the suburbs as well, although again be warned that pickpockets often ride these routes.