Once ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards before becoming part of Italy, Sicily has a culture that’s remarkably different compared to mainland Italy, all of which can be experienced in the dynamic city of Palermo.

Bustling neighbourhood markets fill the streets and magnificent sights and sounds draw crowds of people all jostling and haggling to grab the best bargains. The markets are popular venues for social gatherings and often where locals meet up.

While the city isn’t overflowing with famous attractions, Palermo still houses some classic sights well worth a visit. The Teatro Massimo on Piazza Verdi is said to be the largest theatre in Italy. Its biggest claim to fame is its appearance in The Godfather III. Quattro Canti, which means ‘four corners’, marks the centre of the city’s medieval town. The Baroque architecture on the four junctions is a must-see.

There are also numerous archaeological sites in the area, easily reached in your hire car from Palermo. Worthy of note are the caves of Addaura where discoveries from the Palaeolithic era have been found, and the island of Ustica which has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Alternatively, you could admire the monuments scattered around the city made by the 18th century masters of Palermo, such as the oratory of San Filippo Neri, the church of Santa Maria degli Agonizzanti and the Palazzo Comitini (now the seat of the provincial administration).

Finally, discover the monuments of the Gothic-Renaissance period such as the Pretoria fountain and the Archbishop's palace.

There’s so much to discover. Hire a car in Palermo with Avis to explore the city and its surrounds with ease.

Which side of the road?
In Italy, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device
• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• There are historical areas in which you cannot drive. Look out for “Zona traffico limitato”
• Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility when driving on motorways, dual carriageways, and rural roads
• Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban roads: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Secondary extra-urban roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)
• Urban highways: 70 km/h (44 mph)
• Main extra-urban roads (Expressways): 110 km/h (68 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children weighing up to 9 kg must be seated in a rear-facing child restraint, in the back of the car only
• Children aged under 12 and less than 150 cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note - It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

If you want to learn more about driving in Palermo, see the full Italy Road Rules guide.

Palermo is certainly a thriving city, but it’s not all Sicily has to offer. Take a few short road trips in your hire car from Palermo and you’ll discover many of the best sights en route.

Cefalù
Located on the north coast is Cefalù, one of Sicily’s most charming port towns. Just an hour’s drive from Palermo, Cefalù is less busy than Sicily’s capital city and the pace of life is much more laid-back. The labyrinthine streets serve as a reminder of the island’s Arab rule. Christian shrines dating back to Norman rule remain along the medieval town wall. This town is ideal for trying out the popular southern Italian pastime of ‘vasca’, or laps. In the early evenings, people spend hours walking up and down the roads or hanging outside to catch up and absorb the atmosphere.

Segesta
The captivating ruins of Segesta are only an hour and 20 minutes away by car from Palermo. The ancient Greek temple of Segesta is one of the best preserved structures from the period. Perched on top of the hill, the temple is surrounded by pristine rolling hills. Views stretch out right down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Even though the temple was never finished, it’s considered one of the finest examples of a Doric temple.

Altavilla Milicia
Jump into your Avis rental car and drive to Altavilla Milicia, a small ancient village about twenty kilometres from the Sicilian capital. Here, from 6 to 8 September every year, we celebrate the feast of the Madonna di Loreto, one of the most important festivals in western Sicily.

Italy’s largest island is yours to discover with Avis car rental in Palermo. All you have to do is drive.

Is it expensive to rent a car in Palermo?

Avis has competitively priced vehicles for all budgets in Palermo. Check out our fleet online and contact us to see how easily you can get out on the roads in the vehicle of your choice.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Palermo?

To rent a car in Italy the minimum age is 19. Age limit is restricted to certain vehicle types, and there is a young driver surcharge fee for most vehicles.

What is the weather like in Sicily?

Sicily enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with short mild winters that can sometimes be rainy, and hot, dry summers. It rains mainly in autumn and spring.

Is it worth hiring a car in Palermo?

Hiring a car in Palermo means you can be sure to enjoy everything that Palermo has to offer as well as having the ultimate flexibility to explore the rest of this incredible island.

What do you need to shift? Our van rental fleet spans small hire vans, perfect for that weekend DIY project; medium vans, well suited to hauling rolls of carpet, heavy floor tiles, or moving the kids to university; and large vans to accommodate some or all of your worldly goods.