Car rental Catania

The second largest city on the island of Sicily, Catania is a historic destination surrounded by staggering natural beauty.

When arriving by plane, you can collect your car at Catania International Airport and drive north into the city in approximately 20 minutes, traffic depending, via the Asse Attrezzato di Catania.

There are numerous one-way systems in the heart of Catania, so be aware of signs when you’re behind the wheel. Paid on-street parking is signalled by a blue line at the side of the road. Make sure you check for time limitations when purchasing your ticket at the nearby machine.

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean but driving across the breadth of the region can take less than four hours, making it very manageable for road trip adventures. When heading out of Catania, there are major highways called Autostrade or A routes which open up the rest of the island.  

These major A routes are clearly indicated by green signs. Some sections are tolled, including the major east-west A20 highway, so make sure you carry some spare euros in the car to pay the required cash fee.

The capital city of Palermo, famed for its regal architecture, is around two and a half hours’ drive from Catania via the A19 highway. Other must-see locations include the stunning island city of Ortigia, found just over one hour’s drive south.

On A routes, the standard speed limit is 130km/h, unless signed otherwise. Other non-urban routes are typically between 90-110km/h. In cities and towns, this drops to around 50km/h. Speed limits can also be reduced in wet weather. Ensure you always check signs for speed limits on each journey.

Driving in Sicily is on the right-hand side of the road, and seatbelts must be worn at all times.

Catania is a city blessed with idyllic Mediterranean weather for much of the year. Visitors can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere alongside gorgeous views and glittering ocean waters – but this Sicilian destination also offers hidden depths. 

Sitting in the shadow of Mount Etna, this is a region teeming with history, culture and mouthwatering cuisine to match the spectacular scenery.

Volcanic adventures

Europe’s tallest active volcano, Mount Etna is beautiful, humbling and exciting all at once. You can ride up to the summit and enjoy breathtaking views of Sicily in the Cableway of Etna, catch one of the off-road buses, or hop on the vintage Circumetnea Sicily railway which offers picturesque vistas around every turn.

Between December and March you can even ski on Mount Etna too, soaring down volcanic slopes from as high as 2,604 metres. 

Dramatic views of the volcano can also be enjoyed in the heart of Catania. Perhaps the most impressive is from Via Etnea, a scenic shopping street which stretches for 3km, lined with boutique cafes, stores and parks.

Baroque beauty

Complementing this natural wonder, Catania is also celebrated for its fine architecture. Reflecting its rich and diverse cultural heritage, this coastal hub is a gleaming example of the Sicilian Baroque style, created during the 17^th and 18^th centuries, and now a defining part of the cityscape. 

In the central square of Piazza Duomo, the marbled façade of Catania Cathedral offers an epic example of the Sicilian Baroque architectural style. Intricate carvings decorate the holy building, embellishing every doorway and window. In front of Catania Cathedral you’ll also find the iconic and eccentric Fontana dell’Elefante. A smiling elephant crafted from lava stone, known fondly by the locals as ‘Liotru’, it stands atop a fountain and is a must-see for all visitors to the city.

Just 2km west, the Porta Garibaldi gate deserves equal admiration. This bold, Baroque entrance into the city is made from contrasting layers of white limestone and black volcanic rock. Crowned with an eagle, it’s wonderfully audacious but also poignant, making it irresistible to photograph.

You can discover even more Sicilian Baroque delights in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Noto, a small, historic town located just over an hour’s drive south of Catania.

Roman relics

Delving deeper into Catania’s past, this former province of the Roman Empire has many historic treasures to share. The city has preserved a wealth of Roman relics, offering a fascinating glimpse into this ancient civilization.

One such site is the Amphitheatre of Catania. This weathered stone structure is thought to date from the 2^nd century AD - and it’s incredible to imagine that this is where gladiators once fought.

Exploring further afield in Sicily, further historic wonders can be found at Taormina to the north, which has its own impressive stone theatre, and at the extraordinary Valley of the Temples in the west, which is one of the best-preserved sites of Ancient Greek icons and architecture in Europe.

These locations – together with numerous golden beaches and charming towns - will all be within easy reach when you organize car rental in Catania with Hertz, helping you to make the most of your time in Sicily.