Fancy a sunny break in a Fiat 500 on the streets of Palermo? Don’t hesitate, get your tickets and discover all our tips for finding a parking lot in Palermo.
The regional capital of Sicily, Palermo has long suffered from a sulphurous reputation. Today, however, the city has changed its image and has once again become a popular destination for tourists. With its thousand contrasts, Palermo has plenty to surprise and amaze: its Norman palace, Mondello beach, dozens of monuments and street-food, boredom is not allowed in Palermo.
But a city of Italian character means limited traffic in the city center, and finding parking spaces in Palermo can quickly become a nightmare. To help you, here’s our official guide to stress-free parking in Palermo.
Parking in Palermo: ZTL rules
Map of Palermo’s limited traffic zone (ZTL)
As is customary in Italy, driving in city centers is restricted by a limited traffic zone. Generally reserved for local residents, these zones are authorized at certain times, but only after payment of an access permit. In Palermo, the limits of the ZTL extend from Piazza Giulio Cesare to Avenida Cavour piarra Indipendenza, and are active Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday from 8am to 1pm.
But if you want to circulate in the ZTL, you’ll have to pay a daily pass that corresponds to your vehicle’s emission standard: count €5 per day for a gasoline-powered car, and €2.50 for a hybrid vehicle. And don’t try to sneak onto the streets of Palermo to park: the zone is controlled by surveillance cameras, and the fine you’ll receive on your return is likely to be very hefty.
Parking in Palermo: on-street parking
Photo credit: Flickr – simplethrill
Parking in Palermo’s city center can quickly become an ordeal: you’ll probably spend more time looking for a space than enjoying the beauty of Sicily. But this mission isn’t completely impossible: there are a number of areas where you can park in the blue zone for €1 an hour. At this price, the spaces are quickly snapped up, but with a bit of luck, you should be able to find what you’re looking for. These parking tickets are usually bought in bars, tobacconists or stores.
For easy parking on Palermo’s streets, you’ll have better luck on Monday mornings or Sundays, when the stores are closed, or in the early afternoon, around 2/14.30 pm, when the Italians have gone home to eat.
Cheap parking in Palermo: covered parking lots
Contrary to popular belief, it’s possible to find cheap parking in Palermo. For one day, you’ll pay between €12 and €20 maximum.
Just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral and the Teatro Massimo, the Piazza Orlando parking lot offers very economical rates: €1.60 per hour and a maximum of €12 per day. Spread over 4 levels, this parking lot is open 24/7. Still next to the Teatro Massimo, Piazza Ungheria is another cheap parking lot in Palermo: charge €1.50 per hour if you park between 8am and 8pm, and €1 per hour if you park between 8pm and 8am.
Close to the cruise port, the Mola Santa Lucia Porto Palermo also offers low prices for long-term parking: €10 for 1 day! As well as saving money, you’ll be close to Palermo’s old town.
Parking in Palermo
There are several good parking deals in Palermo: at the port, the Molo Santa Lucia Porto Palermo offers unbeatable rates at €10 per day. Ideal for those who want to park their vehicle safely on the outskirts of Palermo and enjoy the city’s beauty by public transport or on foot.
If you’re hoping to find free tickets, get up early and head for Piazza Marina or the Foro Italico. Who knows, maybe you’ll be lucky?
Main photo credit: Flickr – Fernando García Redondo