Private car transfer from Taormina to Palermo

During your stay in Taormina you had great views of Mt. Etna, so why not get a closer look? Your Daytrip driver can take you right to the funicular that will carry you halfway up the slope to see this unique environment. This active volcano is the tallest point in Sicily.

Historical sites like Castello di Caccamo and Tindari might be overlooked by the typical vacationer, but with a private driver, these sites are more accessible than ever.

As you arrive in Palermo, you’ll find a city famous for its association with The Godfather, embodying a gritty, authentic Sicilian atmosphere. It is a far cry from the small, romantic beach towns that dot the coast. A car trip from Taormina to Palermo gives you the full spectrum of Sicilian magic! Buon viaggio!

Palmemo’s Past

Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, it was initially known as "Ziz". Through the centuries, Palermo fell under the control of the Greeks and Carthaginians before becoming a significant part of the Roman Empire.

During the medieval period, Palermo flourished under Arab rule starting in the 9th century. They introduced sophisticated irrigation systems and enriched the city's cuisine with exotic spices and ingredients.

In 1072, the Normans conquered Palermo, marking the beginning of a golden age. Under Norman rule, the city became a melting pot of cultures, incorporating Byzantine, Arab, and Western influences, a heritage still visible today in its architecture and art.

In the modern era, Palermo continued to be a focal point in Italy’s history, especially during the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification in the 19th century. It played a significant role in the struggle against foreign rule and later became a hub for social and political movements.

Why we keep visiting Palermo

Today, Palermo reflects the diverse layers of its history through its architecture, from the magnificent Palermo Cathedral to the Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel. Open-air markets, such as Ballaro and Vucciria, blend culinary traditions from the Arab world and mainland Italy. Its gritty personality attracts those seeking to understand the historical complexities and cultural richness of Sicily and the broader Mediterranean region.

1.3 million people call Palermo home and another 1.2 million people visit each year from Italy and around the world. Come see what all the hype is about!

Dress comfortably

Italy is all about effortless style, so do as the locals do and pick loose-fitting clothes that cover your skin from sun damage. Natural fibers like linen will keep you cool and a wide-brimmed hat will keep the sun out of your eyes. Sandals with a strap around the heel will keep you safe on ancient cobblestoned steps and stairs.

From Taormina to Palermo with a private driver

The simplest way to make the journey from Taormina to Palermo is by driving. With Daytrip, you'll receive door-to-door service from a friendly, English-speaking driver who can offer travel tips and insights about the areas you’re interested in. This makes for a much more personal and memorable experience than a regular taxi ride.

Many of Sicily’s best sites are difficult to reach with public transit, but Daytrip’s easy-to-use booking system allows you to efficiently include sightseeing stops at places like Mt. Etna, or Cefalu and its UNESCO-listed cathedral. Driving is the quickest option and you can leave the narrow coastal roads and traffic in the hands of an expert driver. You can be in Palermo in as little as 3 hours and prices start at just $90 (€83) per person!

From Taormina to Palermo by train

Trenitalia has 10+ trains per day leaving Taormina-Giardini station to Palermo Centrale. The trip takes 4 to 5 hours and you will have to transfer at Messina Centrale. Ticket prices fluctuate, but generally range between €18 and €32. While the train is the most economical travel option, it can be congested and slow.

From Taormina to Palermo by bus

Traveling by bus across Sicily is certainly the most adventurous option. While buses leave multiple times per day from Taormina, you will have to transfer at least once. The trip costs $20-39 (€18 to €36) but requires buying tickets across multiple bus companies. If you choose to travel by bus, make sure to leave enough layover time before your second or third bus to account for any delays.

Visit Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral)

As a metaphor for Palermo’s mixed ancestry, the Palermo Cathedral is a stunning example of Sicilian architecture, featuring a mix of Norman, Gothic-Catalan, and Baroque styles. The structure you see today was built in 1185 on the site of a Byzantine basilica that eventually became a mosque. It includes important instruments for astronomy and time telling, as well as underground crypts. Don't miss the rooftop tour for panoramic views of the city!

Visit Palermo’s Baroque churches

For other stunning examples of Catholic-Baroque architecture, visit Chiesa di Santa Caterina and Chiesa del Gesu. Both churches are unassuming on the outside, but the interior is thoroughly Baroque. Every single inch of the columns, walls, ceilings, floors, and railings have intricate, detailed designs made to show off the wealth of the Catholic Church at the time.

See quadruple at Quattro Canti

Stand at the crossroads of Palermo’s historic center, where four Baroque buildings mark the meeting point of four neighborhoods. The buildings date back to the early 1600s, and each one has unique details and qualities. The fountains on the ground floor represent the four seasons, the statues in the niches in the middle of the buildings’ facades are 4 Spanish kings, and at the top are 4 saints that protect Palermo.

Stroll through Palermo’s many street markets

Feel the Arabic influence on Sicily in the bazaars, try local fruits and vegetables you may not have back home, and buy homemade sauces and pastries. Eating is a major component of getting the full Italian experience, so try all the Sicilian street food you can manage!

Mercato di Ballero (Ballarò Market) is Palermo’s oldest street market, but other markets like Mercato del Capo and La Vucciria will also satisfy any and all of your food cravings. Bring an empty stomach and a reusable shopping bag for all your treats!

Teatro Massimo: the star of the stage and screen

Teatro Massimo is best known to international visitors for the dramatic final scene of The Godfather 3, which takes place on its steps. It is Italy’s largest opera house, famous for its grand architecture with Greek elements, as well as its acoustics. If you can find tickets, attend a performance to get the full experience.