Car Rental Palermo

Hiring a car is the best way to get around and explore the many ancient ruins, beautifulbeachesandUNESCO World Heritage Sites of Western Sicily.

Palermo Airport lies 30km west of the city via the E90 coastal highway. If you’re going to drive in Palermo, note that a restricted traffic zone or ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is in operation in the heart of the city six days a week.

Many Italian cities incorporate similar ZTLs, which aim to keep traffic in their historic centres to a minimum in order to preserve ancient landmarks. You’ll be able to tell where the zone starts as it’s signposted with a red circle on a white background.

The ZTL is monitored by video cameras which are used to fine drivers who don’t have permission to enter. Visitors can buy a ticket for entering the ZTL, which is recommended if you’re using one of the city centre car parks or parking garages, indicated by a square blue sign with a white ‘P’.

As you would expect in a major city, traffic in Palermo can be heavy during peak travel times in the morning and evening, so try to arrange your journeys outside of these periods.

In Italy you’ll be driving on the right-hand side. Speed limits vary from 130km/h on motorways – autostrada – to 100km/h on non-major motorways and 90km/h on local roads. The limit in built-up areas is usually 50km/h, but look out for signs.

Italian autostrada can operate as toll roads, which are indicated by green road signs, but Sicily is virtually toll free, the exceptions being the A18 and the A20 from Palermo to Messina.

Palermo may be less well known than the likes of Rome, Venice and Florence, but there’s no shortage of truly fantastic things to see and do in this vibrant destination.

Explore the dead centre of town

The first stop on your tour of Palermo should be the Arab-Norman Palazzo dei Normanni (or Palazzo Reale). Once a royal palace, it’s still in use as local government offices, but you can visit its beautiful Palatine chapel with sumptuous 12^th-century Byzantine mosaics.

Many of the city’s churches have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status but don’t miss Palermo Cathedral, the most impressive of all the city's religious buildings.

Much of it was built in lavish Arab-Norman style in the 12^th century, though the Neoclassical interior dates from around 1800. It’s worth climbing to the roof for the superb views of the upper parts of the church itself and out across the city.

For those with a taste for the macabre, consider a visit to the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, where you can find the mummified remains of 16th-century Capuchin monks, as well as members of prestigious local families – it makes for a dark, yet fascinating, experience.

Visit bustling markets

A short walk from the cathedral is Palermo's lively Vucciria market, where you can browse stalls piled high with wares ranging from fruit and vegetables to vintage clothes.

Here you’ll find some of Italy’s best street food. Treat yourself to cannoli (a cream-filled pastry shell) or sfincioni (a combination of pizza and bread with various toppings) while soaking up the bright colours and intoxicating scents of flowers and spices.

Soak up the sun and taste fresh seafood

You’ll want to get out and enjoy Palermo’s climate and coastline. A 15-minute drive from the city will take you to Mondello, a gorgeous semi-circle of white sand lined with beach umbrellas, sun loungers and gelato stands.

Also here is the wonderful Alle Terrazze, one of the best seafood restaurants in the area, complete with unspoilt views of the city from its outdoor terrace.

Just over an hour’s drive east along the coast lies Cefalù, one of western Sicily's most appealing seaside towns. The real attraction here is the town’s remarkable Norman cathedral, with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers, but Cefalù also boasts one of Sicily’s best beaches.

After a swim in the warm waters of the Med, stroll along its pretty seafront and explore the narrow medieval streets and squares.

Walk among ancient ruins

Take a short drive inland to discover the hilltop town of Monreale, famous for its spectacular cathedral, a dazzlingly beautiful combination of Norman, Byzantine and Islamic art and architecture.

One of Sicily’s greatest masterpieces, the upper part of the interior is covered in glittering gold mosaics. Around the walls are depictions of saints, including Thomas Becket, and the central nave features scenes from the Old Testament.

About 70km south-west of Palermo lies the magnificent archaeological park at Segesta. This ranks as one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world, with a spectacularly sited hilltop amphitheatre boasting glorious views.

Car hire in Palermo allows you to explore this beautiful, sun-kissed city as well as head further afield to discover more of Sicily’s gems – all at your own pace.