We are flying into Palermo and picking up a rental car about 4 pm and driving to Monreale to see the Duomo. Need information where to park near Duomo and how to pay at the lot. Driving to Erice after visit to Duomo. Feel uneasy not having a Rick Steves book. I know it's coming out late April but don't know if I can get it for May 3rd flight. Thanks for any help provided.
Posted by
Washington DC
27039 posts
Yes, I missed Rick's level of detail during my 2015 visit to Sicily.
You can get at least a start on Google Maps. After zooming in I saw something labeled "Monreale Duomo Parking" and another spot labeled "Parking Lot / Parcchegio Duomo". I think the latter is where the bus stops, in which case it's not a long walk (though I believe uphill) to the church.
Sorry I can't be more specific; I took the bus from Palermo.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6489 posts
We parked at our B&B, but there is a small lot, Monreale Parking Torres Centro at Via Florio, 9, 90046 It is just a couple minutes walk down the hill from the Duomo. There are other lots Monreale Duomo Parking, Via Palermo, 102, 90046, Parcheggo Duomo, Via Tre Canali, 90146 and Parcheggo Via Biagio Giordano, 2, 90046 Monreale PA, Italy. There should be a parking machine that you insert coins into, then you’ll get a ticket to put in your window. It the machines are like those places n Siracusa, they only accepted €1 and €2 coins. You may want to plug one or more into your GPS.
The Duomo closes at 5:30 daily so if you leave the airport about 4pm, you may not make it to the Duomo before it closes. Once into the Palermo area, you may miss a turn to Monreale because of the lack of signage and the way the road is set up. Then, you intend on doubling back to Erice. That would make you arriving in Erice after dark on a road going into town with 180 degree switchbacks. Not something I would advise, but it’s your trip.
In Erice there are a couple pay lots just prior to entering the town. There is another pay lot in town on Via San Giovanni. Our hotel had free parking in front of the hotel.
Posted by
OP
Maynard, MA
46 posts
Thanks for the advice. Good to know about the zig zag turns to Enrice. Don't want to do those in the dark especially when we just got off the plane that morning from the US where I don't sleep on the overnight flight. Safety first !
Posted by
Portland, OR
355 posts
Our Italian driver missed the turnoff for Monreale (he was not from Palermo) and had a terrible time navigating the Monreale streets before dropping us off at our B&B. I can't think of anyone here that would suggest you drive through Palermo at all, especially after a long flight.
Maybe add a night in Palermo, take the bus to Monreale, and pick up your rental car back at the airport on your way to Erice the next day.