palermo

Hello, palermo

Capital of the beautiful region of Sicily, Palermo is a fascinating hidden gem awaiting to be discovered. This busy port city pulsates with vibrant energy, embodying a perpetual transformation that has firmly reinstated it among Europe's cultural hubs. Palermo is full of sights and treasures: from ornate Baroque churches and glorious Norman-Gothic architecture to elegant Art Nouveau villas and lively markets. Amidst the chaotic streets, the city's flamboyant spirit thrives, offering a delightful surprise at every turn.

City Information

Essential Information about the city

plane flying between palm trees

Palermo Airport (PMO)

The Falcone Borsellino Airport or simply Palermo Airport (PMO), formerly Punta Raisi Airport, is an international airport located at Cinisi, about 35 kilometres from Palermo. With the bus company Prestia e Comandè, you have a convenient option for reaching Palermo's city centre from the airport. The travel time from the airport to the central rail station in Palermo takes approximately 50 minutes. Among the final stops is Piazza Ruggiero Settimo / Via Emerico Amari, with a travel time of 40 minutes. This stop is strategically situated near the northern harbour and city centre hotels in Palermo. For those seeking access to the Old Town, the nearest bus stop is Via Roma, requiring a 45-minute journey. The bus operates from 5am to 12:15am. Tickets are available for purchase online, onboard the bus, and at the ticket office situated at the airport, adjacent to the Arrivals area and the bus stop. An alternative transportation option is the Trinacaria Express train, connecting Palermo's Central Station directly to Punta Raisi, where the airport is situated. The train journey takes about 1 hour to reach the main railway station, Palermo Centrale. Airport taxi services can be found in the Arrivals Area exit and are synchronised with the arrival flight schedule. Should you wish to rent a car, various car rental companies are conveniently located within the airport's Arrivals Hall.

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stamped passport

Passport/Visa

Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

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Palermo, Italy

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Palermo is during spring and autumn, when the temperatures are still pleasantly warm and tourist flows decrease, leading to more affordable accommodation rates. The best months are from April to June, as well as September and October.

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inside a public bus

Public Transport

Use the AMAT network of buses and trams to get around Palermo. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes and can be bought from tobacco vendors, select newsagents, the AMAT kiosks at Piazza Ruggero Séttimo and at the central station. There are also two free shuttles to get to the historic centre quickly: - 'Free Centro Storico', which connects Piazza del Cavalluccio Marino with Piazza Indipendenza by passing some important places such as la Cala, Quattro Canti, Stazione Centrale, Palazzo Reale, la Cattedrale, and the Teatro Massimo. The orange bus passes every 11 minutes. You can take this free bus every day between 6:35am and 9pm. - 'Free Express' connects the Basile parking lot to Piazza Indipendenza. This bus runs every day between 6:20am and 9:10pm. Upon boarding, remember to validate your ticket using the machines positioned near the vehicle entrances.

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taxi sign

Taxi

When taking a taxi in Palermo, make sure it is run by an official taxi company and always check if there's a taximeter before boarding the taxi. Taxi ranks are located at the train station, Piazza Politeama, Teatro Massimo, and Piazza Independenza. Taxi Palermo +39 091 8481 Radio Taxi Trinacria +39 091 6878

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an assortment of stamps

Post

Stamps can be purchased at the post office as well as tobacconists that carry either the blue and white "Tabacchi" sign or are simply marked with a "T". Besides the main post office, small branches can be found around the city, including one at the central station.

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pharmacy sign

Pharmacy

Palermo’s pharmacies have alternating opening hours during weekends and nights. Antica Farmacia Cavour, located in the city centre, is open 24/7. Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 96 +39 091 611 9419

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red vintage telephone

Telephone

Country code: +39 Area code: 091 (do not omit the zero)

wall outlet

Electricity

230 V, 50 Hz