Monte Pellegrino is the 600-metre limestone headland that closes Palermo's bay to the north, rising sharply from the coastal strip. The mountain is a regional nature reserve, with hiking paths through carob, olive, and dwarf palm, and lookouts over the city and out toward the Aeolian Islands.
The main road climbs to the Santuario di Santa Rosalia near the summit; from there, an easy 30-minute walk through the Vallone Porco leads to the highest peak with views of Monte Erice and the Egadi Islands in clear weather. Wear proper shoes — the limestone is slippery. Best in spring or autumn; midsummer can be brutally hot.