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Beach · Palermo, Sicília
Mondello
Palermo's beach, in a gulf between Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo, with pale sand, clear water and the old liberty‑style bathing establishment built over the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mondello
Mondello is a former fishing village about 11 kilometres north of Palermo's centre, today the city's beach neighbourhood. The bay lies between Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo, with pale sand and shallow, transparent water.
Out on the sea, in the middle of the beach, is the old liberty‑style bathing establishment, the Italian art nouveau, built in the early 20th century on stilts. The seafront has a promenade, ice‑cream parlours, fish restaurants and the small fishermen's harbour at the tip of the village.
Much of the sand is occupied by paid umbrella‑and‑lounger concessions, but there are free stretches. In summer Palermitans pack the beach at weekends. The Riserva Naturale di Capo Gallo next door has coastal trails.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A whole afternoon at the beach, or about an hour if you only walk the seafront.
Best time
The sea is usually good for swimming from June to September, with warmer water late in the summer. There are fewer people on weekdays and in the mornings. Out of season it's worth a visit for a walk and a fish lunch.
How to get there
Urban buses leave from the Politeama area and Via Libertà and take about 30–40 minutes; check the line. By car, parking near the beach is highly contested in summer.
Tip
On July and August weekends go early. Bring water shoes because there are rocky stretches. Try the pane e panelle and the gelato in brioche, common on the seafront.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mondello
Is Mondello near Palermo's center?
It's about 11 kilometres away. By urban bus it's 30 to 40 minutes; by car, about 20 minutes without traffic.
Is the beach paid?
Part of the sand is occupied by establishments with paid umbrellas and sunbeds, but there are free stretches where entry is not charged.
When can you go into the sea?
Bathing months generally run from June to September. In May and October the water is usually colder, but some people do swim.