Palermo Airport (PMO)

 

Dive into the world of Palermo Airport (PMO), a key gateway to the enchanting region of Sicily. Known officially as Falcone-Borsellino Airport, PMO not only serves as a vital hub for international and domestic flights but is also steeped in interesting history and offers a range of amenities for travelers.

Location:

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Punta Raisi, the airport is conveniently located about 35 kilometers west of Palermo, the vibrant capital city of Sicily. Its strategic location offers easy access to many stunning tourist hotspots around the island.

Terminals:

Palermo Airport boasts a single, modern terminal building which is well-structured and easy to navigate. Despite its size, the terminal efficiently handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights, making it a bustling hub for airlines from across the globe.

The terminal features a variety of passenger facilities on two main floors. The ground floor is dedicated to arrivals, housing baggage reclaim and customs areas. The upper level is for departures, featuring check-in desks, security checkpoints, and the departure lounge with access to all gates.

As Palermo Airport consists of one terminal only, moving around is relatively straightforward. Clear signs and helpful airport staff make it easy to navigate between the arrivals and departures areas.

Services and Facilities:

The airport is well-equipped with a variety of services and facilities. You’ll find a host of eateries and retail outlets, car rental services, banking facilities, and even a pharmacy for your convenience. For those needing to work, there are business facilities available, including meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi. The airport is also accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring everyone can travel comfortably.

Destinations and Airlines:

The airport offers direct flights to many major cities in Italy and Europe, such as Rome, Milan, London, and Paris. Furthermore, it caters to several seasonal routes, enabling easy access to popular holiday destinations. Key airlines operating at PMO include Alitalia, Ryanair, and easyJet, among others.

Getting to and from the Airport:

Reaching Palermo Airport is quite straightforward, with various transport options available. The Prestia e Comande Bus services connect the airport with Palermo city center, and the Trinacria Express Train offers a direct link to Palermo Central Station. Taxis are readily available, and car rental services are located in the arrivals area for those preferring to drive.

Nearby Attractions

Palermo, the capital of the Italian island of Sicily, is a city steeped in history and culture. Here are some of the most popular attractions nearby:

Palermo Cathedral: This stunning architectural marvel is a blend of different styles due to its history of transformations over the centuries. Inside, you’ll find royal tombs, including those of emperors and kings.

Palazzo dei Normanni: Also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo, this is one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe. The palace’s gem is the Palatine Chapel, famous for its golden mosaics.

Teatro Massimo: This is Italy’s largest opera house and the third largest in Europe. It offers an array of performances including operas, ballets, and concerts.

Quattro Canti: Officially known as Piazza Vigliena, this is a Baroque square laid out on the orders of the Viceroys between 1608-1620. It’s considered to be the very heart of the city.

Markets of Palermo: Palermo is famous for its vibrant markets, including the Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria markets. These bustling spots are perfect for sampling local street food and soaking up the city’s lively atmosphere.

Monreale Cathedral: Although technically in the town of Monreale, a short journey from Palermo, this cathedral is worth the trip. It’s one of the greatest extant examples of Norman architecture in the world and its interior mosaics are truly breath-taking.

Mount Pellegrino: Just a few kilometers from Palermo, this mountain offers hiking trails with stunning views over the city and the Tyrrhenian Sea. At the top, you’ll find the shrine of Saint Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo.

Mondello Beach: This is Palermo’s most popular sandy beach, located about 10 kilometers from the city center. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the Sicilian sun.

The Zisa and the Cuba: These are two of the best-preserved Norman castles, characterized by their Arabic-style architecture. They were used by the Norman kings as summer residences.

Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas: This museum holds one of the richest collections of Punic and Ancient Greek art in Italy, as well as many items related to the history of Sicily.

Is there a left luggage service at Palermo Airport?

Yes, there is a left luggage service located on the ground floor of the terminal.

Are there hotels near Palermo Airport?

Yes, there are several hotels near the airport, with options to suit various budgets.

What car rental companies operate at Palermo Airport?

Major car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar have desks at the airport.

Is there public transport from Palermo Airport to the city center?

Yes, there are both bus and train services connecting the airport with Palermo city center.