If you’re coming to Checkout Summit, this guide will make getting around easy.
First, we’ll cover exactly where the venue is and how to reach it from the airport. Then, we’ll look at ways to explore the surrounding area comfortably, whether by taxi, public transport, or car.
Finally, I’ll share tips on how to reach some of Palermo’s highlights—Mondello, Sferracavallo, and the city center—so you can enjoy a bit of sightseeing before or after the Summit.
These practical tips will help you save time and make the most of your visit.
The Venue: Saracen Sands Hotel & Congress Centre in Isola delle Femmine (Palermo)
Checkout Summit 2026 will take place at the Saracen Sands Hotel & Congress Centre, located in the charming seaside town of Isola delle Femmine, just outside Palermo.
This small town offers a peaceful coastal setting, a welcome escape from the bustle of the city, while still being only a short drive from central Palermo. The venue sits right by the sea, giving attendees beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere for networking and sessions. Even though it’s outside the city center, it’s easily accessible by car, taxi, or train, making it a convenient base for your experience.
How to Get to the Venue from the Airport
If you’re arriving at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport, reaching the Saracen Sands Hotel & Congress Centre is straightforward.
However, we’re not in the summer, and the hotel doesn’t provide a shuttle bus. So, here are your options to get there.
By Private Taxi (15-20mins, €?/person)
I got this contact information from the venue, it’s a local private taxi driver who can be booked in advance and give you a fixed price (I’m not sure if he speaks English, but give it a go and have fun):
Nino Troìa: +39 3495619105
By Taxi (15-20mins, €10-15/person***)
The fastest option is by taxi or taxi rideshare, which takes around 15–20 minutes. Palermo’s airport is small, and taxis are easy to find—they’ll be waiting on the main road just outside the exit, so no pre-booking is needed.
*** I called a couple of taxi companies and they both told me it’s “€40-50 for a group of up to 4 people“. If you’re alone, this may be pricey, so make sure you agree on a price BEFORE you jump on the taxi.
I found the taxi phone numbers on the airport official website: https://www.aeroportodipalermo.it/en/at-the-airport/reach-the-airport/taxi/:
Coop. Trinacria: +39 091-225455 +39 091 6878
Coop. Autoradio taxi: +39 091-513311 +39 091 8481
By Train (15-20mins + 20mins by foot, €6.80/person)
There is a train station inside Palermo airport, and the train stops at “Isola delle Femmine” town. There are 2 trains per hour.
The station is about 1.6km / 22 mins by foot to the venue:
You can buy your train ticket at the airport (there should be no problem) or pre-book it here: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html and enter “Palermo Aeroporto” as departure and “Isola Delle Femmine” as arrival:
By Bus
Unfortunately all buses go to Palermo city and don’t stop by the coast.
By Car (15mins)
For those renting a car, follow the A29 motorway toward Palermo and exit at Capaci / Isola delle Femmine. Driving is easy and gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding coast before or after the Summit.
How to Get to Palermo City from the Venue
If you want to explore Palermo city center during your visit, getting there from the Saracen Sands Hotel & Congress Centre is doable even without a car.
To Palermo City Center By Taxi (25-35mins, €30-50/taxi)
The easiest way to reach Palermo city center from the venue is by taxi. The trip takes around 25–35 minutes and costs roughly €30–50. For convenience, you can ask the driver to drop you at Piazza Indipendenza, which puts you within walking distance of the Cathedral and Quattro Canti, or at Piazza Castelnuovo / Politeama, close to Teatro Massimo and the shopping area. The hotel can help arrange the taxi or rideshare. These two spots make it easy to explore Palermo’s highlights on foot.
To Palermo City Center By Train (20mins by foot + 25-30mins, €3.30/person)
The “Isola delle Femmine” train station is about 1.6km / 22 mins by foot to the venue:
You can buy your train ticket here: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html and enter “Isola Delle Femmine” as departure and “Palermo Centrale” as arrival, but make sure to get out at “Palermo Palazzo Reale-Orleans“:
To Palermo City Center By Car (25-30mins)
If you’re driving from the venue, Palermo city center has several parking options that make sightseeing easier. The safest bet is Parcheggio Piazzale Ungheria, near Teatro Massimo and Politeama, which gives you easy access to the shopping district. Another option is the lots around Piazza Marina or Foro Italico, slightly further but still within walking distance of the Cathedral and Quattro Canti.
Other Nearby Places Worth Visiting
If you have some extra time before or after Checkout Summit, there are 2 nearby coastal spots that are worth exploring.
Mondello is a lively seaside neighborhood famous for its sandy beach, colorful boats, and waterfront cafés. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll, a quick swim, or a seafood lunch with a view. From Isola delle Femmine it’s about a 15 minute drive.
Sferracavallo, a small fishing village just west of Mondello, offers a quieter, more authentic experience. Known for fresh seafood and charming seaside views, it’s a favorite among locals and a great spot to enjoy the coast away from the crowds. From Isola delle Femmine it’s about a 10 minute drive.
