Car Rental - Palermo Airport

Car rental at Palermo Airport is your passport to the best of the island of Sicily in Italy. The ancient world mixes with traditional Mediterranean atmosphere in Palermo. Perched on the northern coast of this stunning island, the city sits at the very limits of Europe, paving the way for a kaleidoscope of influences.

Centuries-old Italian churches rub shoulders with Middle Eastern souk markets, while quiet Mediterranean gardens sit side by side with distinctive Arabic architecture.

Renting a car at Palermo Airport means being able to explore the city and so much more, whether you’re here for business or pleasure. Choose a rental car that's perfect for your trip with a wide range of cars on offer, from SUVs and family cars to compact models. Reserve direct online today and we’ll have your holiday car rental ready for your arrival.

Rent a car from Palermo Airport and soak up the sun in scenic Sicily with Hertz.

Our car rental location at Palermo Airport – also known as Falcone-Borsellino Airport – is located 20 miles west of Sicily’s capital via the E90. From this road you can travel along Via Giuseppe Pitrè, Corso Calatafimi or Via Ernesto Basile, all of which take you into the heart of the city.

The roads on Sicily are not especially busy – even around major towns and cities – so it’s relatively straightforward to drive around Palermo in your rental car.

On-street parking is available if you want to explore the Old Town on foot. However, it’s often easier to park your rental car near the harbor or in one of the larger parking lots on the outskirts of the city, as they’re all within easy walking distance.

Sicily may be the largest island in the Mediterranean, but with a rental car from Palermo Airport you’ll find its resorts and attractions are within easy reach. Two of the other main destinations on the island, Catania and Syracuse, are within driving distance.

To reach Catania, around three hours' away on the east coast of the island, you can travel on the E90 and A19. Syracuse is further down the coast, which you can reach by taking the E90 and A19/E932 in your rental car.

Much closer to the airport, you’ll find the town of Terrasini just 11 miles away to the south, and the city of Trapani 50 miles to the south-west along the E90 and A29.

Like the rest of Italy, motorists in Sicily drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Speed limits in Italy generally range from 130km/h (80mph) on major highways to 90km/h (55mph) on rural roads, and 50km/h (30mph) around towns and cities, with non-major highways carrying a limit of 110km/h (68mph). But always check signs as these may vary.

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily boasts a unique blend of cultural influences.

You’ll find plenty of fascinating architecture in this city, along with eclectic cuisine on the menus of the plentiful restaurants. A rental car from Palermo Airport also gives you the freedom to travel further afield and explore other parts of the island during your trip.

City Culture

Begin your exploration of Palermo with a visit to the Royal Palace, or Palazzo dei Normanni. Its foundations date back to the time of Arab rule, but the structure as it stands today was largely created during the Norman era in the 12^th century.

At the center stands the Palatine Chapel, or Cappella Palatina, where you can spend hours admiring the intricate golden mosaics depicting a range of biblical scenes.

Another must-see is Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy and third largest in Europe. First opened in 1897, it continues to host ballet and opera performances. Even if you don’t have tickets to a performance, you can still tour the fascinating building. Visit the rooftop for panoramic views across the city.

If all the sightseeing has made you hungry, you might want to sample some of the tasty traditional street food on offer around the city. Try sfincione, thick pizza bread topped with tomato and cheese, or arancine, balls of saffron-flavored rice with a range of sauces.

Coastal Attractions

Palermo lies on the northern coast of Sicily, and the island’s beautiful, sandy beaches are within easy reach by rental car. The hottest months in Sicily are July and August, when temperatures soar, but the weather is usually good any time from late April onwards. Simply find a secluded spot, pitch up and enjoy the best of the weather in stunning surroundings.

Make sure to visit Mondello, just a short drive away from Palermo in your car rental. This long, golden beach with clear blue waters is the perfect place for a swim on a hot day. When you need a break from the sun, just head in to one of the many seafood restaurants along the seafront where you can enjoy delicious fish dishes with unrivaled views of the ocean.

For something a little different, head to nearby Capo Gallo, situated between Mondello and the tiny fishing village of Sferracavallo. This nature reserve features a stunning rocky landscape and many species of animals and birds, including foxes, wild rabbits and lizards.

The waters nearby have a vast array of marine life and are perfect for snorkeling.

An Ancient Wonder

Renting a car at Palermo Airport means you can explore some other nearby attractions during your stay in Sicily. Just six miles outside the capital lies the archaeological site of Solunto, an ancient Roman town on the slopes of Monte Catalfano.

Today most of the original structures are long gone, but you can explore the atmospheric ruins of the town, with columns of larger houses and even some mosaic floors still visible. You can also enjoy some spectacular views of the sea from the slopes.

With car rental at Palermo Airport you can experience the best of Sicily during your time in this beautiful part of the world.