Car Rental Palermo - Exploring Palermo

There are many treasures near Palermo, ranging from the soft sands of Mondello Lido to Ustica, an offshore volcanic island of mysterious origins. Additionally, you can wander through the decaying aristocratic villas of Bagheria and stroll among the ruins of the Greco-Roman town of Solunto.

Solunto is located about 16kms east on the slopes of Mount Catalfamo, overlooking the sea. It was originally a Phoenician village (founded in 700 BC) until it was taken over by the Greeks, and then Romans, before being abandoned in the 3rd century AD.

The ruins of this town were discovered in the 16th century. A wide main street, the Greek agora (marketplace), fragments of columns, a small theatre, and several mosaics and wall paintings have since been uncovered. There is also a small archaeological museum nearby that features many of the site's archaeological finds.

Located on the slopes of Mount Caputo, about 6.4kms outside of Palermo, the town of Monreale is most famous for its magnificent cathedral, which is a Romanesque structure with a mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles.

Externally, the structure is not particularly impressive, but inside you'll be greeted with over 6,340 square metres of mosaics - one of the world's largest displays of mosaics. There are 130 mosaic scenes depicting Biblical events. In all of Sicily, this is the one place you should not miss.

About a 45-minute drive away from Palermo sits the medieval town of Cefalú, the location of the ancient Greek Temple of Diana. Situated on a mountain overlooking the town, the temple is said to be one of the oldest structures on the island.

There is also a Norman hilltop fortress, which affords a tremendous view over the town, countryside and the sea. In town, you'll find a medieval washhouse and the Osterio Magno, which was once home to King Roger II. Construction of the impressive Romanesque cathedral was started in the 12th century by Roger II.

If you don't have time to range far in your exploration, you can take an excursion to Monte Pellegrino (600m). This lush parkland and nature preserve towers over northern Palermo and is a haven from the heat. The chief attraction of Monte Pellegrino is the Santuario di Santa Rosalia, a cave where the patron saint of Palermo lived. Near the top, there’s a belvedere dominated by a statue of St Rosalia.