Palermo Sicily, Italy Travel Guide
Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen for summer. Shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses ideal. A Light scarf or shawl for Sun protection and modesty in churches. Swimwear for beach days. For shoulder seasons, layers with light long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, sweaters or cardigans. A Light jacket or rainproof shell protects against cooler evenings and occasional rain. Winter needs insulating layers: sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, jeans or trousers, a warm, a waterproof outer layer or coat. A scarf, hat, and Gloves for colder days. Respect local customs; cover shoulders and knees in religious sites.
Your feet will thank you for comfortable shoes. Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals for city's cobblestone streets and extensive walking. Open-toed sandals for summer daytime. Waterproof shoes advisable for winter owing to potential rain. Pack dressier shoes for evenings if you plan to visit upscale restaurants or opera.
Carry your valid passport (and visa if applicable). Ensure validity meets Schengen requirements. Create physical and digital copies.
Keep printed and digital copies of your travel insurance policy. Note down emergency contacts and your policy number. Check World Nomads.
International Driving Permit for non-EU citizens, alongside a valid national driver's license. Obtain before travel. Book cars at DiscoverCars.com.
Keeping critical health and emergency documentation readily available is a smart move for all travelers.
Italy uses Type F (Schuko) and Type L (Italian) electrical sockets, 230V, 50Hz. A Travel adapter compatible with Type F/L sockets is necessary. Check if devices Voltage converter. Mobile phones using GSM technology compatible; unlock phone before travel. Local SIM cards from TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad available (need Unlocked phone and passport). Pre-paid tourist SIMs offer good value.
Bring your standard Travel camera, extra batteries, and memory cards. A Lightweight tripod for night photography. A spare phone battery or Power bank keeps devices charged. Utilize cloud storage, an External hard drive, or a USB drive for backing up photos and important documents. Check B&H Photo for gear.
Utilize services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud for automatic photo and document backups.
Carry a small External hard drive or USB drive for redundant backups, specifically of photos.
Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi.
A small Personal first aid kit for minor health issues proactively. Sufficient supply of all prescription medications, kept in original packaging with a doctor's note for customs. Over-the-counter medications for common issues: medicine for colds and flu, indigestion, motion sickness pills. Consult Adventure Medical Kits for supplies.
High SPF Sunscreen, After-sun lotion, and Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin are useful, specifically for evenings during warmer months. Not typically necessary for water purification as tap water is generally potable. A Reusable water bottle highly recommended for refilling from public fountains. Pack specific brands of toiletries or feminine hygiene products if you have particular preferences. Most common items are available locally.
For exploring Monte Pellegrino or nature reserves, pack a Small daypack, a water bottle, and appropriate footwear like Hiking boots.
For Mondello beach, bring a Beach towel, swimwear, and a light cover-up. Mask, snorkel, and fins can often be rented locally.
No very specific items for general tourism in Palermo. Your typical Travel gear will suffice. Consider renting vs. bringing for bulky items like snorkeling/diving gear, bicycles, or car seats for children. Bringing personal hiking boots for comfort.
A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs improve comfort for long flights or train journeys. A small Padlock for hostel lockers, a Money belt for valuables, and an RFID-blocking wallet for credit cards offer added security. Check Pacsafe for anti-theft bags.
A Reusable water bottle (to refill from fountains or tap water), a Reusable shopping bag (for market purchases), and Travel utensils (for outdoor meals or street food) help reduce waste. A good map (digital or print) navigating Palermo's complex and charming streets. An appropriate head covering (light scarf or hat) sun protection and satisfies modesty for religious sites. Specialized medications, specific dietary items, or unique personal care products might be difficult to find; bring these from home.
For your morning espresso, reduce waste.
Refill safely anywhere. Check LifeStraw options.
Eco-friendly power for small devices.
Minimize environmental impact.
Roll your clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items and compress your luggage. Consider a capsule wardrobe for versatility.
Leave some space for souvenirs and local delights. Pack a small, collapsible bag for day trips or market purchases.
