Cinisi is just a 20-minute drive from Palermo Airport, where you can pick up a rental car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Palermo Airport has connections to cities around Europe. Sicily's largest airport is at Catania, approximately 210 km away.
Cinisi's main attraction is its gorgeous Mediterranean coastline. The waters here are crystal clear and ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Gentle waves also make them popular with families. You can explore various beaches without leaving the town of Cinisi. The largest and most famous is Magaggiari Beach, which is popular with locals and visitors alike. Smaller sandy beaches include Cinisi Beach and Terrasini Beach, while you'll find rocky shores at Punta Raisi and Torre della Tonnara dell'Orsa.
Like many Italian cities, Palermo is known for its history and architecture. One of its most beautiful buildings is the cathedral, which dates back to 1185. It was built on the site of a former mosque, and there are some traces of Moorish influence on the facade. An even older building is the Capella Palatina, built in 1132. Head inside for a truly fantastic display of mosaics and incredibly detailed iconography. This is one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture that survives anywhere in the world today. While you're there, you should also visit the adjoining Palazzo dei Normanni, once home to the kings of Sicily.
For a taste of the macabre, head to the Capuchin catacombs. The old Capuchin abbey above is rather austere, but the catacombs are marvelously creepy, with preserved, embalmed bodies from different periods of history. You can take a guided tour of the catacombs, which is a truly unforgettable experience.
With a rental car in Cinisi Palermo, you can head out of the city and see more of Sicily. A good starting point is Monte Pellegrino. This mountain overlooks the city, with stunning views across the island and the sea. You can hike to the top, but it's a fairly demanding trek and is definitely not recommended on hot days. It's easier to drive up, and the views will be just as impressive no matter how you get there!
There are plenty of options for day trips with a rental car or van in Cinisi Palermo. Monreale, high on the slopes of Monte Caputo, is a charming mountain town with incredible old buildings to explore. You'll find even more history at Cefalu, a coastal village with a charming old downtown area and some lovely beaches. Cefalu is very popular with visitors, so if you want history without the crowds, try Piazza Armerina. This small city was important during the Norman era and is also home to some of Sicily's best-preserved ancient Roman mosaics.
Of course, Sicily has plenty of great nature, too. The most famous spot to visit is the iconic Mount Etna. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore around the area, and a visitors' center explains all you need to know about Europe's most active volcano.
Driving in Cinisi Palermo
Cinisi's main attraction is its gorgeous Mediterranean coastline. The waters here are crystal clear and ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Gentle waves also make them popular with families. You can explore various beaches without leaving the town of Cinisi. The largest and most famous is Magaggiari Beach, which is popular with locals and visitors alike. Smaller sandy beaches include Cinisi Beach and Terrasini Beach, while you'll find rocky shores at Punta Raisi and Torre della Tonnara dell'Orsa.
Like many Italian cities, Palermo is known for its history and architecture. One of its most beautiful buildings is the cathedral, which dates back to 1185. It was built on the site of a former mosque, and there are some traces of Moorish influence on the facade. An even older building is the Capella Palatina, built in 1132. Head inside for a truly fantastic display of mosaics and incredibly detailed iconography. This is one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture that survives anywhere in the world today. While you're there, you should also visit the adjoining Palazzo dei Normanni, once home to the kings of Sicily.
For a taste of the macabre, head to the Capuchin catacombs. The old Capuchin abbey above is rather austere, but the catacombs are marvelously creepy, with preserved, embalmed bodies from different periods of history. You can take a guided tour of the catacombs, which is a truly unforgettable experience.
With a rental car in Cinisi Palermo, you can head out of the city and see more of Sicily. A good starting point is Monte Pellegrino. This mountain overlooks the city, with stunning views across the island and the sea. You can hike to the top, but it's a fairly demanding trek and is definitely not recommended on hot days. It's easier to drive up, and the views will be just as impressive no matter how you get there!
There are plenty of options for day trips with a rental car or van in Cinisi Palermo. Monreale, high on the slopes of Monte Caputo, is a charming mountain town with incredible old buildings to explore. You'll find even more history at Cefalu, a coastal village with a charming old downtown area and some lovely beaches. Cefalu is very popular with visitors, so if you want history without the crowds, try Piazza Armerina. This small city was important during the Norman era and is also home to some of Sicily's best-preserved ancient Roman mosaics.
Of course, Sicily has plenty of great nature, too. The most famous spot to visit is the iconic Mount Etna. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore around the area, and a visitors' centrer explains all you need to know about Europe's most active volcano.