Cheap Car Hire in Palermo Sicily Italy
Welcome to Palermo: Sicily’s Historic Heart!
Nestled on the northern coast of Sicily, Palermo is a vibrant city filled with history, stunning architecture, and Mediterranean charm. As the capital of Sicily, Palermo offers a unique blend of cultures, reflecting centuries of Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. With its historic markets, opulent palaces, and vibrant street life, Palermo is an essential stop for any traveller. To make the most of your time in this fascinating city, consider picking up a hire car upon arrival. Palermo’s bustling city streets, charming neighbourhoods, and scenic coastline are best explored at your own pace. Car hire services are available at the city’s main airport, Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), which is located about 35 km from the city centre. This makes it convenient for travellers to pick up their vehicle as soon as they land and start exploring the city or the rest of Sicily right away. Several international cities, including the Italian ancient city of Rome, style city Milan, United Kingdom’s historic and elegant capital city London, the French capital Paris with its wide boulevards, and royal city of Madrid in sun-kissed Spain, offer direct flights to Palermo, making it an accessible destination for tourists from all over the world. Whether you're arriving from another Italian city or abroad, picking up a hire car at the airport is quick and easy.
Driving in Palermo offers a great way to explore the city and its stunning surroundings, from medieval castles to serene beaches and quaint villages. The city itself can be quite busy, especially during rush hour, so it’s important to be prepared for the traffic and narrow streets typical of historic European cities. While Palermo’s streets can seem daunting at first, with some practice, driving around the city becomes easier. Most visitors will find the drive to be relatively straightforward, as Palermo is well-connected with main roads and highways leading to scenic destinations throughout Sicily. Palermo’s city centre can be busy, particularly near landmarks like the Palermo Cathedral and the Quattro Canti. Be prepared for heavy traffic during peak hours, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Driving in Palermo
Palermo’s location in Sicily makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the island. With a hire car, you can venture out and discover some of Sicily’s most beautiful landscapes and historic towns. In Palermo itself, sunlit piazzas buzz with life, framed by Baroque churches adorned with intricate facades. Narrow cobblestone streets weave through colorful markets overflowing with fresh produce and seafood. Weathered buildings showcase ochre tones, their balconies draped with laundry fluttering in the Mediterranean breeze. The city is crowned by Monte Pellegrino, its rugged slopes rising above sparkling azure waters, creating a dramatic backdrop to this historic coastal gem.Consider a 1-hour drive along the northern coast of Sicily to Cefalù - a charming seaside town known for its medieval cathedral, narrow streets, and stunning beaches. A relaxing drive along the coast offers incredible views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. Take the 20-minute drive to Monreale, famous for its magnificent cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral’s golden mosaics and panoramic views of Palermo make this a must-see spot for history and art lovers. Enjoy the 2-hour drive to Valle dei Templi in Agrigento for a fill of ancient history at an archaeological site that features impressive ancient Greek ruins, including well-preserved temples dedicated to gods like Concordia and Hercules. The drive through Sicily’s countryside is a scenic adventure in itself. The 1.5-hour drive to the medieval town of Erice, nestled on a hilltop, offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. The drive up is filled with twists and turns, offering spectacular vistas as you ascend to the town’s ancient castle. Segesta is another must-see archaeological site, famous for its well-preserved ancient Greek temple and theatre. Situated in the western part of Sicily, Segesta offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s classical past, surrounded by scenic landscapes - and is a 1-hour drive from Palermo.
Tips and FAQs
Palermo is a city of wonder and beauty, where ancient history meets vibrant culture. With a hire car in hand, you’ll have the freedom to explore Palermo’s highlights and beyond, from the stunning coastline to picturesque villages nestled in the hills. Whether you’re driving along scenic coastal roads or exploring the city’s fascinating landmarks, Palermo offers a driving experience like no other. To ensure you have a smooth driving experience in Palermo pre-booking your hire car is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and Easter. This will ensure better availability and competitive rates. When picking up your car at Palermo Airport, inspect the vehicle for any existing damage and make sure it’s noted in your rental agreement. Road signs in Italy are generally clear, but it’s important to be aware that speed limits can change frequently, especially near villages, schools, or construction zones. The speed limits are usually posted in kilometres per hour (km/h). Italy has strict laws regarding drinking and driving. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, so it’s best to avoid consuming alcohol before driving. Enjoy the journey!
Palermo, Sicily
Population: Approximately 1.2 million
Annual Visitor Figures: Around 1.5 million international visitors
Average Summer Temperatures: 28°C (82°F)
Average Winter Temperatures: 12°C (54°F)
Time Zone: GMT +1 (Central European Time)
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