--- title: "Palermo Cruise Port" url: https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean/palermo description: "Arab-Norman splendour in Sicily's capital" --- # Palermo 🇮🇹 · Italy · Western Mediterranean > "Arab-Norman splendour in Sicily's capital" ## At a Glance - **Avg. Ships/Day:** 1.2 - **Avg. Time in Port:** 9h - **Departure Sailings:** 253 - **Visiting Sailings:** 1,670 - **Cruise Lines:** 12 ## Photos - ![Palermo, Italy](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/palermo/palermo-unsplash-zxsdmegipny.webp) Photo by [Who’s Denilo ?](https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-walking-on-street-ZXSDMEGipNY?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Palermo, Italy](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/palermo/palermo-unsplash-lruwn0vvxc0.webp) Photo by [Antonio Magrì](https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-and-white-concrete-building-during-daytime-lruwN0VvXC0?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Palermo, Italy](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/palermo/palermo-unsplash-kj2-a03bp-m.webp) Photo by [Henrique Ferreira](https://unsplash.com/photos/green-trees-on-brown-mountain-near-body-of-water-during-daytime-kJ2_a03Bp-M?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Palermo, Italy](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/palermo/palermo-unsplash-6zy2vd0ygh8.webp) Photo by [VINCENZO INZONE](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-large-building-with-a-clock-tower-on-top-of-it-6ZY2VD0ygH8?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Palermo, Italy](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/palermo/palermo-unsplash-cripgy9-ipk.webp) Photo by [RICCARDO BRUGNONE](https://unsplash.com/photos/an-aerial-view-of-a-city-by-the-ocean-crIPgy9-Ipk?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Palermo, Italy](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/palermo/palermo-unsplash-er4gxpjpre8.webp) Photo by [Henrique Ferreira](https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-brown-concrete-buildings-near-body-of-water-during-daytime-Er4gxPJpRe8?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Palermo, Italy](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/palermo/palermo-unsplash-p-vd0mdl0js.webp) Photo by [Catherine Grace Cumming](https://unsplash.com/photos/aerial-city-building-view-P_vd0mdL0js?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Palermo, Italy](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/palermo/palermo-pixabay-3343851.webp) © [nicolagiordano / Pixabay Content License](https://pixabay.com/photos/architecture-city-to-travel-waters-3343851/) ## Peak season Apr – Dec 1,987 sailings over the next 12 months Busiest months: May (213 sailings), Jun (207 sailings), Sept (204 sailings) ## About Palermo Palermo is Sicily's capital, and the port is within walking distance of the old centre. The city mixes Arab, Norman, and Baroque architecture in a way that's unique in Italy. The Palermo Cathedral shifts between Norman, Gothic, and Baroque styles across its exterior. The Norman Palace's Palatine Chapel has Byzantine mosaics covering every surface. The Quattro Canti intersection marks the old city's centre point. The street markets are the real draw. Ballarò and Vucciria are loud, crowded, and full of vendors selling swordfish, olives, produce, and fried street food. Arancine (fried rice balls) and panelle (chickpea fritters) are sold from carts and are cheap. Pane ca' meusa (spleen sandwich) is the infamous local specialty, not for everyone. The Capuchin Catacombs have mummified bodies in their Sunday clothes, and they're genuinely unsettling. Monreale, about 10km uphill, has a cathedral with extraordinary golden mosaics. The euro is the currency. ## Your day in Palermo Ships dock at the cruise pier and passengers walk out to the old town, about 15 to 20 minutes. ### Map - **Cruise terminal**: Molo Vittorio Veneto, Stazione Marittima pier (south quay) (38.12676, 13.36752) - **Train to Cefalù**: Palermo Centrale, 29 min walk (38.11000, 13.36694) - **Bus to Monreale**: Indipendenza - Palazzo Reale, 38 min walk (38.11073, 13.35199) Walking times from the cruise terminal: - Within 30 min: Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti, La Martorana, Ballarò Market, Teatro Massimo - Within 45 min: Palatine Chapel Map data with the walking areas: [GeoJSON](https://cruisello.com/api/day-in-port/7737df26-5f4b-4eb5-a228-2d0a9a30b18e.geojson) ### What to see #### Palatine Chapel Royal chapel of 1132 with Byzantine mosaics and a carved wooden ceiling. 36 min walk. (38.11090, 13.35350) ![Palatine Chapel](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q1034853/60ff9cb70bccb081-1440.webp) Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1140_wurde_die_Capella_Palatina_in_Palermo_geweiht._05.jpg) #### Palermo Cathedral Cathedral begun in 1185, with the tombs of Roger II and Frederick II. 29 min walk. (38.11430, 13.35600) ![Palermo Cathedral](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q1478407/f934cd855b365f0f-1440.webp) Photo: Berthold Werner, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palermo_Cathedral_BW_2025-04-29_11-57-44.jpg) #### Quattro Canti Baroque crossing of the two main streets, with fountains and statues. 21 min walk. (38.11570, 13.36150) ![Quattro Canti](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q1665695/bfd8f6f45ed9b840-1440.webp) Photo: Bengt Nyman, [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palermo_0613_2013.jpg) #### La Martorana Norman church of 1143 with 12th-century Byzantine mosaics. 22 min walk. (38.11470, 13.36290) ![La Martorana](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q1644597/024c3f7ab3bf9f71-1280.webp) Photo: [crilaman](https://pixabay.com/users/crilaman-518363/), [Pixabay Content License](https://pixabay.com/service/license-summary/), [source](https://pixabay.com/photos/palermo-martorana-church-mosaics-695683/) #### Ballarò Market Palermo's oldest street market, with produce, spices and street food. 28 min walk. (38.11180, 13.36080) #### Teatro Massimo Italy's largest opera house, opened in 1897. 17 min walk. (38.12020, 13.35710) ![Teatro Massimo](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q261439/16697d69b130bb47-1440.webp) Photo: [Giota Sakellariou](https://www.pexels.com/@giota-sakellariou-2323975), [Pexels License](https://www.pexels.com/license/), [source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/ancient-building-of-opera-house-located-on-well-groomed-square-against-blue-sky-4089286/) #### Capuchin Catacombs Monastery crypts with about 1,250 mummies. Taxi, about 15 min. (38.11180, 13.33920) ![Capuchin Catacombs](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q1728834/7196dcc912917011-1440.webp) Photo: Sibeaster, [Public domain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Professionalists'_Corridor.jpg) ### Day trips Based on 9 h in port, with 1 h spare before all aboard. - **Monreale**: Bus from Indipendenza - Palazzo Reale, 31 min. About 5 h round trip, 2 h at Monreale. - **Cefalù**: Train from Palermo Centrale, 55 min. About 3 h 30 in Cefalù. ## Quick facts - **Currency:** Euro (EUR) - **Language:** Italian - **Timezone:** Europe/Rome (UTC+1) - **Tipping:** Service often included; €1-2 for good service ## Location Coordinates: 38.1266, 13.3675 - [Open in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/cruise+terminal+Palermo/@38.12662,13.36752,13z) - [Open in Apple Maps](https://maps.apple.com/?q=cruise%20terminal%20Palermo&ll=38.12662,13.36752&z=13) ## Things to do in Palermo Top-rated shore excursions that fit a typical ~9h port call | Tour | Rating | Duration | Times | Fits Port Day | From | Provider | |------|------|------|------|------|------|------| | [Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/ec48f250-dac9-49dc-b179-31050b4908ed?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (1,606) | 3h | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM, 6:30 PM–9:30 PM | Fits your port day | €46 | Viator | | [Discover the Charm of Palermo: A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/d745365b-a16c-426f-b9d4-34f68597a823?via=markdown) | 4.8★ (449) | 3h | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Fits your port day | €30 | Viator | | [Palermo Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Meal and Wine](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/a7f6736e-8c33-453c-9c44-e3b4a618fe1c?via=markdown) | 5.0★ (950) | 3h | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM, 6:30 PM–9:30 PM | Fits your port day | €50 | Viator | | [Palermo Half Day Boat Tour with Palermo Experiences](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/42b16a2d-a508-4b23-9e1d-14b9e9b78e35?via=markdown) | 4.8★ (278) | 4h | 9:30 AM–1:30 PM, 2:30 PM–6:30 PM, 7:30 PM–11:30 PM | Fits your port day | €145 | Viator | | [Private Boat Tour on the Palermo Coast](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/08fc4ce8-c00f-468f-9870-96732480e6ac?via=markdown) | 5.0★ (119) | 5h | 8:00 AM–1:00 PM, 9:30 AM–2:30 PM, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, 2:30 PM–7:30 PM, 3:00 PM–8:00 PM, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM | Fits your port day | €196 | Viator | | [Palermo: Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel – Small Group or Private](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/95fb8cdc-1f69-4d9a-93d4-73d22c9c68d8?via=markdown) | 4.7★ (98) | 1h 30m | 1:00 PM–2:30 PM | Fits your port day | €50 | Viator | | [Palazzo Conte Federico](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/8e321052-d7ba-466e-ac60-67a4c7272d24?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (726) | 1h | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Fits your port day | €15 | Viator | | [Discovering Monte Pellegrino](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/4bbbec3f-4a2c-487b-a425-3e8636d3f879?via=markdown) | 5.0★ (27) | 2h | – | Fits your port day | €60 | Viator | | [Share Your Pasta Love in Local's Home in Palermo](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/261465df-f94f-4500-9b1b-3c2499add52e?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (31) | 1h 30m | 10:00 AM–11:30 AM, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM, 3:00 PM–4:30 PM, 5:00 PM–6:30 PM, 6:00 PM–7:30 PM | Fits your port day | €79 | Viator | | [Guided tour of the historic center Palermo](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/e4331e38-ef14-4773-95d7-ea4b802be61d?via=markdown) | 5.0★ (43) | 3h 30m | – | Fits your port day | €35 | Viator | | [Great Full Day Excursion in Sicily to Cefalù and Castelbuono From Palermo](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/cda4494b-b3af-4a4f-8bc3-ab50806a55f6?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (73) | 8h | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM | – | €260 | Viator | | [Sicilian Wines and cheeses Tasting in Palermo](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/80e0fdc4-0747-42ae-a42e-0b203503db06?via=markdown) | 4.8★ (45) | 2h | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM | Fits your port day | €120 | Viator | Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Starting prices per person. We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links, at no extra cost to you. ## Nearby ports - [Trapani](https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean/trapani.md): 76 km (41 nm) · Italy - [Catania](https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean/catania.md): 167 km (90 nm) · Italy - [Giardini Naxos (Taormina)](https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean/giardini-naxos-taormina.md): 170 km (92 nm) · Italy ## Cruise lines stopping here - [AIDA Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/aida-cruises.md) - [Carnival Cruise Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/carnival-cruise-line.md) - [Celebrity Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/celebrity-cruises.md) - [Costa Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/costa-cruises.md) - [Holland America Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/holland-america-line.md) - [MSC Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/msc-cruises.md) - [Norwegian Cruise Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/norwegian-cruise-line.md) - [P&O Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/p-o-cruises.md) - [Princess Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/princess-cruises.md) - [Royal Caribbean](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/royal-caribbean.md) - [TUI Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/tui-cruises.md) - [Virgin Voyages](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/virgin-voyages.md) ## Cheapest Available Sailing **[View this cruise →](https://cruisello.com/cruises/sardinian-whisper-barcelona-to-palermo~COSTA-PACIFICA-20261110-3.md)** - **Price:** €182 per person (€364 total for 2 guests) - **Cruise Line:** [Costa Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/costa-cruises.md) - **Ship:** [Costa Pacifica](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/costa-cruises/costa-pacifica.md) - **Duration:** 3 nights - **Departure:** 2026-11-10 - **Itinerary:** Sardinian Whisper – Barcelona to Palermo ## Cruises from Palermo Prices are per person, two sharing. | Cruise | Ship | Line | From | Departure | Nights | Price | |------|------|------|------|------|------|------| | [Sun-Drenched Bastions – Marseille, Barcelona & Palermo](https://cruisello.com/cruises/sun-drenched-bastions-marseille-barcelona-palermo~COSTA-TOSCANA-20261119-8.md) | Costa Toscana | Costa Cruises | 🇮🇹 Civitavecchia (Rome) | 2026-11-19 | 8 | €617 | | [Mediterranean Magic – Marseille & Palermo](https://cruisello.com/cruises/mediterranean-magic-marseille-palermo~MSC-EURIBIA-20261114-7.md) | MSC Euribia | MSC Cruises | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 2026-11-14 | 7 | €589 | | [Mediterranean Masterpiece – Mallorca & Malta](https://cruisello.com/cruises/mediterranean-masterpiece-mallorca-malta~NCL-EPIC-20270502-7.md) | Norwegian Epic | Norwegian Cruise Line | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 2027-05-02 | 7 | €595 | [See all Palermo cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruises.md?stopoverPorts=palermo) ## Ready to sail to Palermo? 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