On the top hill, several miles from the city center, with a breathtaking view on Palermo from the various curves of the road going up the hill (mind: NOT from the destination itself), there is a place that seems to be very popular among the locals and tourists alike: the sanctuary of Sta Rosalia. Take the bus 812 from Teatro Politana and go until the last stop which is this chapel, cut in the rock of the hill Mte Pellegrino, and boasting the tomb of the Saint. I went there on Sunday, so I do not know if that was the reason, or maybe it is common so every day, though. Anyway, when there you find yourself among dozens of pilgrims (interestingly, many of them clearly of a Hindu origin) and even more... campers who massively come by cars (surprise: some of them even cleaned for Sunday purposes!) to the nearby forests to sit around, drink, eat and leave behind tonnes of garbage.

A quite impressive view of Palermo and Mondello. Worth the scary road to get there. On the way back to Mondello, find a place to stop to capture some unforgettable views.

First: The public bus ride

Second: The views

Third: The new sanctuary

Fourth: The old sanctuary

Fifth: Granita at the top

This was quite tricky to find due to the inconsistent road signs, but follow the signs for "Santuario Santa Rosalia" and you'll get there in the end. We drove up here on a Sunday and found the locals parked up wherever they pleased, picnicking in the wooded areas. We found spectacular views on the way up and down, with the most breathtaking overview of Palermo at the very top. Even though it was a weekend it was still quite quiet at the top (although typical for SIcily there was graffiti everywhere) and peaceful. Go here on a clear sunny day and you will be blown away.