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 façades are usually regional landmarks in August, beaches such as Mondello, Altavilla and Cefalù offer a range of things to see and do in Palermo and they are not the only ones.

In addition to these options there are seasonal signature ice creams, a paradise for surfers and even medieval festivals. Discover in this post which are the activities in this wild, but refined and impetuous city.

The Scala dei Turchi, or "Ladder of the Turks", is a beautiful rocky cliff overlooking the sea in Realmonte, 18 kilometres from Agrigento, and a two-hour drive from the centre of Palermo.

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

This escarpment rises in the midst of beautiful fine sandy beaches that can only be reached by descending the marl steps. It is, to say the least, a lush and very inviting place that will impress even before you arrive. The fusion of the sea and the brilliance 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 gelato almost all year round, oddly enough they even eat it for breakfast, tourists just hope to lower their body temperature with some delicious cones, tubs or the famous gelato served in a Hercules brioche bun.

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

Another vibrant stop is the Cappadonia Gelati, where chef Antonio Cappadonia since 1987 varies his 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 metres 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 around Palermo' s markets such as the Capo Street Market, better known as Il Capo, stop at the stalls of La Vucciria or go to Ballaró. Between arancinis and panelles you'll discover the sarde a beccafico - sardine anchovies with orange emulsion -, pasta con le sarde - pasta with sardines - and octopus bollito - octopus 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 shoppers at Il Capo. Visit Palermo on foot and sample its street food in August, when the sea smiles on fishermen and diners.

From the 2nd to the 10th of August is the Feast of the Most Holy Saviour of the Transfiguration, the patron saint of Cefalù 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 fancy a gastronomic tour, sampling street food at the markets, admiring the mosaics of the cathedral, strolling through its medieval streets, walking the paths of La Rocca park, swimming at the beaches, paragliding, or visiting the Osteria Magno, Ruggero II's favourite palace, beautiful Cefalù has plenty 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 those who love the serene, crystal clear sea and golden sand, these are the main reasons why most tourists venture to Palermo in August.

Among its reference beaches are Santa Flavia, Pollina, Ficarazzi, Capaci and, of course, Lascari Beach, a surfer's 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 coastline, 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 is a great spot for snorkelling, as you can see colourful fish swimming in the water just inches away.

The coastline is home to several fee-paying beaches where you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers if you prefer to lounge in comfort rather than bring your own equipment. It is located just 20 minutes from the centre of Palermo and has a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops.

Altavilla Beach

A paradise of golden sand and unspoilt sea that blends into the horizon. For those who want to include a beach among their things to do in Palermo with kids, you 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 in search of tranquillity, a couple of rocky coves 400 metres to the south offer refuge and silence for those who prefer to get away from the intense tourist traffic.

Beaches of Cefalù

Cefalù has not one but several beaches which are part of the Parco delle Madonie nature reserve and are so beautiful and varied that they are among the international destinations recommended by Business Insider.

Around the medieval village of Castelbuono is 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 unspoilt paradise. They have no facilities, but their pebbles await the towels of celebrities fleeing the paparazzi. And don't forget Mazzaforno Beach, with a good stretch of sand in front of a network of beach bars and well-stocked bars.

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 a range of activities? Then you should head to Isla Mujeres Beach, better known to the locals as Isola delle Femmine.

Visiting this island is one of the best day trips from Palermo, as it's 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 centre of Palermo. Its coves and beaches offer a contrast of calm waters at one end, while on the other side the wind blows in August to create the perfect swell for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers.

You can go scuba diving and explore underwater caves, shipwrecks and Hellenic artefacts. 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 is the ultimate experience for cheese lovers.

Prepare to be intoxicated by aromas and flavours reminiscent of Sicilian culinary tradition from 16-18 August. 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 Palermo Cathedral.

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 the Piazza Armeno, 9 km from Palermo Cathedral, 3 days before Ferragosto (Feast of the Assumption on August 15th). This is a feast that will transport you back in time and extols the longed-for 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 into Palermo and his acceptance as ruler of the city by handing him the keys of the city in Piazza Armenia.

Historical parades then 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, takes place.

The knights represent the Monte, Canali, Castellina and Casalotto districts in the camp of Sant'Ippolito 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.

The stories that make it to TV 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 locationis the Sicilian capital.

Villa Elena, the 17th century palazzo 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 whose decadent beauty led Mike White to tell the story from the most beautiful corners of the city in summer.

August represents the height of summer and brought a train of celebrities including Aubrey Plaza and Meghann Fahy to the Sicilian capital. Will you miss the chance to experience it for yourself?

In Palermo, two festivals come together to form a festival celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on 15 August 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 fervour, and Palermo is no exception.

Every year, a family member decorates their boat to wait for the sea to calm down with torches lit. On the waterfront, handicrafts are on display and typical products can be sampled. Festivities and concerts spill out into 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 Virgin through the narrow streets of the town. This is a good time to see Palermo Cathedral shining in its full splendour.

Ferragosto is a feast representing the end of agricultural work in honour of the goddess Diana and the cycle of fertility and maturity. Also celebrated as a harvest festival 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 is 31°C while the minimum is 24°C in August. It 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 coastline, spend the day at the beach and enjoy the refreshing local drinks.

August is the hottest month of the year in Palermo. Summer holidaymakers fill the beaches, boat trips, outdoor activities, events and festivals season and the prices of all services reflect this peak.

The average price of accommodation in Palermo in August is around 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 parmigiana di melanzane, you should know that the average price of food is around €33 per day. For events and transport, please budget around €40 per person per day.