10 Things to Do in Palermo in Winter

Winter is an incredible season to visit Palermo, since the sun and the few rains make the temperatures very pleasant to stroll through the streets of this city full of art, history and culture. In addition, in these months you will find much less crowds of tourists in all its attractions, so you can appreciate them much better.

There are truly many things to see and do in Palermo, from visiting its temples, its countless ruins and archaeological finds, to the amazing natural landscapes it boasts, such as its waterfalls or the majestic Etna volcano, where you can enjoy winter sports. All this and much more is what makes winter a splendid time to visit the city of Palermo.

Without a doubt, one of the most awaited festivities of the winter in the northern hemisphere is Christmas, and if you have the opportunity to be in Palermo for these special dates, you can live a truly unique experience. During the Christmas season, the streets of Palermo dress up with the best lights and decorations, according to the occasion.

The monumental Teatro Massimo stands out in particular, which, in addition to displaying a myriad of lights and Christmas motifs, offers musical and ballet performances every year. In addition, many first class hotels, such as the Hotel Palermo Ambasciatori, organize special Christmas Eve dinners, where you can enjoy the best typical Sicilian food surrounded by a luxurious atmosphere. In the particular case of the Hotel Ambasciatori, you can also enjoy unparalleled panoramic views, as its restaurant is located on the garden terrace, overlooking the city. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Palermo at Christmas.

An ideal excursion to do from Palermo during the winter months is the one that brings together a walk through Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. With the pleasant temperatures and the winter sun, you will have a great time getting to know the wonderful temples of the gods, built by the Greek settlers in antiquity. In summer, on the other hand, the high temperatures can be tedious. A unique experience to get to know part of the rich past of the region.

Another of the best tours to do from Palermo is the one that takes you to the village of Corleone. Here you can learn all about Sicily's relationship with the world of the Mafia. If you are one of those who have seen the Godfather trilogy countless times this tour is definitely for you.

With the arrival of Christmas, in Palermo you will find a lot of Christmas markets, typical of this time of the year. The tradition of festive markets is something that has been preserved throughout the history of the city, even dating back to the time of Arab domination. So, visiting Palermo at this time of the year is a perfect opportunity to do your Christmas shopping and take home beautiful souvenirs of the city.

In the Christmas markets you will find handmade products of all kinds, from jewelry, ceramic objects, toys for children, clothes, Christmas decorations and much more. And of course, gastronomy in Sicily is always present. You can delight yourself with handmade liqueurs, chocolates and typical Sicilian dishes that will conquer your palate.

Also, in addition to the Christmas markets, the winter season is also ideal to take advantage of discounts in the stores, which is why this is an excellent plan to do in Palermo also in January.

A few kilometers from the city of Palermo is the village of Castelbuono, in which year after year is held during the month of December the gastronomic festival Dolce Mente. It is an unmissable event for lovers of good food.

The main protagonist of this celebration is the delicious Panettone, a typical sweet of the area. Here you can also taste many other handmade delicacies, such as honey, manna, Christmas cookies, truffles, modica chocolate, liqueurs, craft beers and regional savory dishes. The festival also features concerts, artistic performances, workshops and seminars on various themes and guided tours of the emblematic Abbazia Santa Anastasia winery.

Participating in this festival is one of the best things to do with children in Palermo, because the little ones will enjoy tasting the most delicious Christmas sweets.

During the first days of February, the Santa Agata Festival, dedicated to the patron saint of the Sicilian city of Agatha, takes place in the town of Catania.

Catania is very close to Palermo, so you can visit it during the day. Living this celebration together with the locals is an excellent way to learn a little more about the Sicilian popular culture.

During the celebration the streets are filled with people who accompany the procession, many of them wearing the typical costumes that were used in the twelfth century, when the city received the relics of the saint from Constantinople. In addition, during the feast of St. Agatha, a number of traditional sweets are prepared and sold in the street, such as the Cassateddi di Sant'Agata and the Olivette, which are typical of the city.

For many, to think of Sicily is to think of dreamy beaches and days of warmth, tradition and history, but winter has its charm too. If you are a lover of mountains and winter sports, being in Palermo in this season is the perfect occasion for you to live an unforgettable experience.

Live one of the best experiences in the snow on the majestic Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. In its southern part you can also contemplate the Gulf of Catania, and in the part of Nicolisi you have incredible slopes for snowboarding. In the northern part are the ski slopes of Piano Provenzana, where, in addition to practicing snow sports, you can reach the top of the volcano by cable car.

Finally, in western Sicily is Piano Battaglia, a ski resort located in the center of the Parco delle Madonie, which also stands out for the immense value and beauty of its natural environment.

Winter is the season of rest for nature, autumn is behind us and everything is on pause waiting for the rebirth of spring. Thanks to this the landscapes have a unique charm, and among the natural wonders near Palermo I recommend you not to miss its waterfalls.

The first of them is the Cascate Catafurco. Then, following along the valley of the Cascate di Mistretta, you will come across the Cascata delle Due Rocche, the Cascata Cataolo and the Cascata Alcantara. All of them are located just a few kilometers from the capital of Sicily, so you can visit them in a half-day walk.

Another detail for lovers of hiking and nature, is that almost all of them have perfectly marked trails, so you can appreciate all the beauty of nature without suffering the high temperatures of the summer months. Winter is perfect to make the most of your visit.

Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most joyous festivals in all of Sicily. Fun, merriment and euphoria invade everyone who is in the region. From January 7 until the beginning of Lent, the Sicilian carnival celebrations take place, so if you are in Palermo for these winter dates, you can enjoy one of the most awaited events by all.

Among the typical carnival festivities you will see a lot of parades, ancestral dances, costumes and traditional masks. In Palermo, the masks called Jardinara and Varca, created centuries ago with the intention of mocking the upper class, especially counts and barons, stand out.

In addition to these shows, you will also find a wide gastronomic offer, with typical dishes and sweets, meats and pastas with the traditional Cavatieddi sauce. And if culinary is your thing, I recommend that you sign up for one of the best gastronomic tours in Palermo, where you will taste the most typical flavors of Sicilian street food. An adventure to enjoy with all your senses.

One of the best ways to get to know a city is aboard a tourist bus. With it you will be able to visit in an organized itinerary the most important places of the city. Moreover, thanks to the hop on-hop off mode, you can get off as many times as you want, travel at your own time, and get back on at one of the many predetermined stops along the route.

Within the best tour buses in Palermo you have two lines with different routes, in which you can visit the most important attractions of the capital of Sicily, such as the Teatro Massimo, the Palazzo Steri, the Stazione Centrale or the Cathedral of Palermo, among many others.

And while this type of tour can be done at any time of year, the great advantage of touring the city in the winter months, is that you avoid the large crowds. In addition, the temperatures are much more pleasant, both for being on the open-top bus and for getting off and walking around.

Near Palermo is the town of Custonaci, in the Sicilian province of Trapani. This site is famous and remarkable for containing in its lands an ancient prehistoric settlement known as the natural caves of Scurati.

During the month of December, an event known as the Living Cradle takes place, which brings together hundreds of Sicilian artisans and merchants who offer their works and creations. In this celebration a huge amount of religious figures, figurines and nativity scenes of different sizes, also created by local artists, are also exhibited.

Below I will answer some of the most common questions that often come up when organizing a trip to the Sicilian capital in winter.

How is the weather in winter in the city of Palermo?

Winters in Palermo are usually cold, but not to the extreme, which allows you to enjoy the city without difficulties. Temperatures are between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius during the day, and can drop to 10 degrees Celsius at night. The probability of rainfall is very low, up to 7 days per month.

In general, Palermo's winters have a climate that is closer to temperate, being perfect to walk around the streets and attractions of the historic center without too much shelter. In any case, always check a weather website to avoid surprises on your walk.

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

With such moderate temperatures, you don't need to think about including warm jackets, scarves or wool caps. It is advisable to include some sweaters or light jackets. Sometimes the rule that less is more works, so I recommend that you do not load yourself with unnecessary luggage, include comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you good mobility, because in Palermo you walk a lot.

Is Palermo a city to be enjoyed in the winter months?

Absolutely! Palermo has plenty of options for you to have a great time. From museums, festivals, carnival, Christmas and New Year's celebrations, the capital of Sicily is an incredible destination to visit in winter. With moderate temperatures and no extreme cold, you can also venture to some of its natural wonders, such as the Etna Volcano or its fantastic waterfalls.

How is the tourist flow in Palermo during the winter months?

Experience all the charm of the Sicilian capital without the crowds. Visiting Palermo during the winter ensures that you can visit monuments, palaces, museums, castles and all the attractions without having to wait in annoying lines. Crowds can dull any trip, and Palermo is no exception.

In the months of December, January, February and March, instead, you can take beautiful photos, observe the details of the buildings, admire the panoramic views from the viewpoints and take your time to enjoy what you are seeing. That is why visiting the city in low season is an excellent idea.

Besides, another detail to keep in mind is that you can get better prices, both in hotels or airbnb and in excursions, which, having less public, will give you a much more personalized experience.

Is it easy to get around Palermo in winter?

Of course it is! Palermo is a city that is mostly walkable, and without the sweltering summer temperatures, you can easily stroll through the historic center, visit monuments, museums and open-air food markets without a problem. Although if you prefer, or if you have any physical problem, you can move around in local buses, streetcars, cabs or uber.