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  • Best price guarantee - in the unlikely event you find a lower Hertz price, we'll refund the difference
  • No cancellation or amendment feesUp to two days before collecting your vehicle.
  • No hidden extras to pay - theft and damage cover included

Palermo Airport

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Opening hours

Mo-Su 0730-2400
Address
Falcone Borsellino Airport, 90045, Sicily

Telephone: 39-091-213112/ 39-320-6246414

 

Rental Qualifications and Requirements

Everything you need

Our pick-up office at the airport is open daily, with convenient hours giving you flexibility when collecting your vehicle. Speak to our local team about driving in Palermo and around Sicily.

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    Find where you're going and take the most convenient route with our GPS Navigation System.


Hertz at Palermo Airport

Palermo on the island of Sicily is a city balanced on the edge of the ancient world. East meets west with a combination of Byzantine and European cultures, awash with architecture reflecting civilisations that once called Palermo home. Wander souk markets hailing from the Middle East, and beautiful Baroque architecture steeped in European flair. Relax, after a morning on the history trail, on the stunning beaches.

With car rental at Palermo Airport you can see the best of the city and then some. Get behind the wheel to explore the coast-hugging routes and breathe in the stunning views across the water.

Our pick-up location at Palermo Airport is inside the main building. We aim to have you in your car and on your way as soon as we can, so you can get started on your trip. Browse our collection of vehicles online to find the best car for your Sicilian adventure.

Driving in and around Palermo

Driving from the airport into Palermo is simple. Once you join the E90, it’s around 45 minutes into the city. Roads around the city are easy to navigate and well signposted. These roads can get congested, particularly at peak times, so try to plan your journeys and leave plenty of time for travel.

The city centre is a traffic restricted zone or ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato). Restrictions are in operation throughout the week and weekend to reduce traffic in the historic part of the city. Look out for signposts bearing a red circle on a white background. You can, of course, buy a ticket to enter the ZTL.

Most areas have blue-lined parking spaces, available for a low cost. You can buy parking tickets (scheda di parcheggio) at shops and bars, or from an unofficial parking ‘helper’. A good place to park is Piazza Marina in the heart of the old town near the seafront, especially on Monday morning or Sunday (when many shops are closed). Parking can be difficult on Saturday afternoons.

What about the rules of the road? Driving on Sicily is relatively straightforward for experienced motorists. You drive on the right-hand side, as you do in Italy. Italian freeways – autostrada – are toll roads (cash only), indicated by green road signs. Sicily is however virtually toll free: the exceptions being the A18 and the A20 from Palermo to Messina.

A quick guide to Palermo

Palermo is ideal for history buffs and beach lovers, with its mixture of UNESCO World Heritage churches and stunning stretches of sand.

Explore Sicily’s stories of the past

See Sicily’s political centre at the Palazzo dei Normanni – a former royal palace now the seat of the local parliament. You can still visit the exquisite Cappella Palatina, containing sumptuous 12th-century Byzantine mosaics. Another of the city’s impressive buildings is the 12th centuryArab-Norman Cathedral. Climb to the roof for superb views across the city and its skyline.

Experience the macabre side of the city’s history at the Catacombe dei Cappuccini. This ancient burial site is home to mummified remains of 16th-century Capuchin monks, frozen hauntingly in time.

A short walk from the cathedral sits the city’s bazaar-like Vucciria market, where you can find some of Italy’s best street food. Grab a delicious cannoli (crispy cream-filled pastry shells) and wander amid the hustle-bustle, taking in the sights and sounds – and the scents of a thousand spices.

Relax on beautiful beaches

West Sicily boasts gorgeous white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters and backed by lush green mountains. Closest to the capital and only a 30-minute drive from the airport is lovely Mondello. This semi-circle of talcum-white sand is lined with beach umbrellas, sun loungers and stands selling creamy pistachio gelato.

Another beautiful beach is San Vito lo Capo at the northern tip of the rocky peninsula west of Castellammare del Golfo. Much of this area is protected as part of the stunning, dramatic limestone cliffs and coves of Lo Zingaro nature reserve.

Just over an hour’s drive east along the coast lies Cefalù, one of western Sicily's most popular seaside resorts. The main attraction is its Norman cathedral, with elaborate Byzantine mosaics. But Cefalù also boasts one of Sicily’s best beaches. After a dip in the warm sea, stroll along the pretty harbour and explore the narrow medieval streets and squares.

Visit ancient Greek ruins and medieval castles

One of western Sicily's must-see attractions is the magnificent archaeological site at Segesta, less than an hour’s drive from Palermo. The Doric temple dates from around 430 BC and is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Greek architecture in the world. You can also trek a further 1.5 kilometres uphill to see a stunning Greek amphitheatre with glorious views.

On the island’s west coast sits the town of Trapani, complete with a beautiful historic centre full of Baroque churches. Close by is the spectacular hill town of Erice, reached by a series of tight hairpin turns up a steep mountain road. Once safely at the top, you can wander its medieval stone streets and enjoy the amazing views from the castle.

With car rental from Palermo Airport you can explore this exciting city and the best of Western Sicily.