Car Rental Palermo Airport

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 usually busy – even around major towns and cities – so it’s relatively straightforward to drive around Palermo. If you want to explore the Old Town on foot, on-street parking is available, but it’s easier to park near the harbor or in one of the larger parking lots on the outskirts of the city, 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 resorts 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, and can be reached by taking the E90 and A19/E932.

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 can 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 take a tour of the fascinating building and even visit its rooftop for panoramic views across the city.

If all the sightseeing has made you hungry, then 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. 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. 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 the buildings 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.