Monreale Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Monreale featuring a fountain
Monreale which includes a city and a sunset
Monreale
Monreale
Monreale featuring street scenes

Some of the world’s greatest medieval mosaic work lies within Monreale’s stunning cathedral, while lively bars and superb coastal views add to the town’s appeal.

The biggest attraction of the hilltop town of Monreale is its 12th-century cathedral, richly decorated in golden mosaics. Aside from this beautiful Norman construction is a town of traditional houses, independent boutiques and good walking routes.

Spend at least a couple of hours exploring the art and architecture of Monreale Cathedral. The church was built on the orders of William II of Sicily and its mosaics were created using pure gold. They depict stories from the Old and New Testament. Revel in their detail and splendour then walk around the cloister, admiring the carved scenes and figures on more than 200 columns.

After your tour of the church, head to one of the nearby cafés or bars to sample local wine and dine on dishes made with traditional handmade pasta. 

Walking is a popular activity in Monreale, whether investigating the winding streets of the town centre for its stores and upmarket boutiques or exploring the countryside.

Make your way up the hill and out of town to the viewing point for spectacular vistas over La Conca d'Oro. This attractive valley, also known by its English name of the Golden Shell, encompasses Palermo. As you look over to the city, you can make out mountains on one side and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the other. Look out on a clear day and you will spot the Aeolian Islands. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill, take the bus service that runs between Monreale town centre and the viewpoint.

If you are into walking, there are several hiking routes in the area, some of which are hilly. 

Monreale is just 10 miles (16 kilometres) from Palermo and makes for an excellent day trip if you are based in the capital city. If you want to stay in the hilltop town for longer, you will find a good range of accommodation and some fantastic bars and restaurants. You can reach Monreale by taking a bus or taxi from Palermo. If you are driving, be aware that parking is limited.

Al Balhara Resort & Spa

Al Balhara Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
Via Aquino 126, Monreale, PA
The price is ₹19,377 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
₹19,377
₹22,526 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Monreale. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Palermo Harbour and Quattro Canti ...
7.2/10 Good! (14 reviews)
"A GEM in Palermo!!!! Safe gated parking… Wonderful menu at the restaurant on site and the staff could not have been more helpful. In fact, we met the owner who was welcoming and extremely gracious. Compared to the hotels in Palermo Center, this is truly the best option outside of the center. WE WILL ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2024

Al Balhara Resort & Spa
NH Palermo

NH Palermo

4 out of 5
Foro Italico, Palermo, PA
The price is ₹15,414 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹15,414
₹17,864 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Palermo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (919 reviews)
"very close to the centre.Lovely pool"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

NH Palermo
Astoria Palace Hotel

Astoria Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
Via Montepellegrino 62, Palermo, PA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Palermo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (992 reviews)
"Great place 30 min from the centre"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Astoria Palace Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Petruso Resort

Petruso Resort

3 out of 5
C.da Sicciarotta, Balestrate, PA
Stay at this 3-star spa residence in Balestrate. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions spiaggia Balestrate and Balestrate Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (205 reviews)
"This place is amazing."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Petruso Resort
La Marsa Vacances

La Marsa Vacances

4 out of 5
Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo,4801, Palermo, PA
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Palermo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Mondello Beach and Palermo Harbour are ...
7.6/10 Good! (65 reviews)
A hidden gem
"From the outside it looks quite plain. But once inside, it is a beautiful seaside resort. There is a huge pool with sun decks by the pool and the seashore. There is no beach, but easy access to swim in the crystal clear water. The room is spacious. The only complaint is that the bed is not very comfortable. ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

La Marsa Vacances
La Blanca Resort & Spa

La Blanca Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
Contrada Molinello 12, Alcamo, TP
Stay at this 4-star spa residence in Alcamo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Tonnara of Scopello and Spiaggia Playa are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (42 reviews)
Best stay ever
"This is one of the nicest resorts I have stayed at. The level of heartfelt interactions with the staff were second to none. The spa was great, the restaurant was amazing and the pool was beautiful. The views can not be matched."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

La Blanca Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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