8 Best Places to Shop in Palermo and Western Sicily, Sicily

Wind your way through the Albergheria district and this historic market, where the Saracens did their shopping in the 11th century—joined by the Normans in the 12th. The market's name is said to come from nearby Monreale, named Bahlara when Arab traders resided there, and it remains faithful to their original commerce of fruit, vegetables, and grain. These days the stalls are dotted with bars and outdoor restaurants where you can sample the produce, but the market has lost none of its authenticity—just keep a close eye on your belongings in the crowd. And go early: the action dies out by 4 pm most days. Take a wander around the district to view the wonderful "Postcards of Ballarò" project murals (documented in a 2018 Netflix film), including Fulvio di Piazza's Turbo Ballarò, a vibrant whirlpool of fish alluding to the market.

Among Italians, Erice is known for the quality and delicate floral designs of its majolica ceramics, well represented in this ceramics store off Piazza San Domenico, one of the best in town.

Giovanna Colomba is the creative force behind this store near the hydrofoil port, where typical Sicilian motifs and artifacts are given a vibrant new style. There is no single theme to the choice of objects on sale, which include eye-catching handbags decorated with citrus fruits, flamboyant ceramics, colorful cushions, and T-shirts with floral designs, but all share a very Sicilian exuberance as well as respect for local tradition and quality of manufacture.

The best wineshop in town has been family run for four generations and stocks a fantastic selection of Sicilian and national wines. Although service can be curt, you can taste a selection of wines by the glass in the front of the store. There are tables in the back, where meats and cheeses are also served.

The charming "Mamma Andrea's Small Sins" sells a plethora of mouthwatering original creations, including jams, preserves, chocolates, and Sicilian treats like the superb marzipan frutta martorana (fruits and vegetables).

Right across from the cathedral, this fabulously abundant store is the place to stock up on food and food-adjacent items, including pasta, pesto, biscuits, Marsala wine, limoncello, and lemon soaps. Most of the articles on sale are from small local producers, and you can sample some of the edible items on offer by ordering a panino or a salad to eat in or take out.

The Argento family has been in the puppet business since the late 19th century, and the tradition is alive and well in the hands of Vincenzo, whom you can see at work in his tiny workshop, or laboratorio artistico, near the cathedral. Here you will find puppets in all stages of production, with plenty of examples for sale in all their finery. The family also puts on daily puppet shows in nearby Via Novelli.