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.