Car Rental Lamezia Airport

The sun-kissed region of Calabria engulfs the toe of Italy’s boot, with the city of Lamezia Terme – often simply called ‘Lamezia’ – perched at its heart. It’s a perfect base for exploring the region, the azure water and the rugged mountains. The variety of these natural landscapes is what makes Southern Italy so wonderful to drive around.

Hop in your rental car at Lamezia Airport and you’ll find it’s conveniently located just 11km from the centre of Lamezia – only around 15 minutes or so in the car. Follow the SS280 highway out of the airport and join the SS109 all the way to the heart of things.  

Some of the central routes are pedestrianized, but there are a number of parking garages where you can leave your car as you explore on foot.

The spectacular coastline is also ripe for exploring via the SS18 highway. Heading south, continue on to the SS522 and in around an hour you’ll come to Tropea. This town is famed for its beaches and is home to the Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery, a picturesque church which sits on a coastal hilltop.

It’s one hour and 20 minutes down to Reggio Calabria, on the very tip of the boot, where you can catch the ferry over to the volcanic island of Sicily. There, the cities of Palermo and Catania, not to mention numerous historic sights, await.

In Italy, as back home, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. The speed limit is typically 90km/h on standard rural routes, 130km/h on the ‘autostrada’ highways, 110km/h on non-major highways and 50km/h in and around towns and cities, but always check signs in case of any changes.

Some of the major Italian highways charge a toll – you can ask our local team for more information about this.

Lamezia is located at the heart of the Calabria region in southern Italy, and provides all manner of exciting opportunities for exploration. One moment you’re driving along the coastline feeling the sea breeze on your skin. The next, you’re winding through the shadows of rugged national parks, taking in the natural beauty of this sun-kissed area.

Find out what else you can do in Lamezia and the wider region with our guide to the best attractions.

Dive into nature

Calabria boasts a dramatic landscape, made up of three national parks – Aspromonte, Sila and Pollino.

Aspromonte is in the southernmost part of Italy, with peaks that reach dizzying heights of 2,000 metres, gazing across the water to the neighbouring island of Sicily. Rare wolves, eagles, and wild cats have sometimes been sighted here, while crystal-clear rivers tumble over steep cliffs and falcons soar overhead. It’s majestically beautiful, like walking through a fantasy world.

Pollinio is Italy’s largest national park and ideal for adrenaline junkies. From Lamezia, the E45 highway northbound takes you there in around 90 minutes, meaning that a trip in one day is possible – but it’s even more enjoyable over a weekend. Experience the thrill of white water rafting and canoeing or, back on dry land, mountain biking and horse riding.

When winter comes, Sila steps into the limelight. This national park is nestled in between the other two and is closest to Lamezia. It’s home to southern Italy’s most popular ski resorts, coming alive with holidaymakers when the fresh powder falls.

Relax like a Roman

Nestled right next to Lamezia you’ll find the small spa town of Caronte. Its thermal waters date back to ancient times, and were once used by the Romans for their therapeutic qualities.

Today, you can relax in the soothing, mineral-rich waters at the public baths, surrounded by mountains. Alternatively, book in at the nearby spa for a truly luxurious experience, choosing from bubbling mud baths and hydromassages to help you clear your mind.

Reach new heights

Head 37km away from Lamezia to discover Catanzaro, the ‘City of Two Seas’ and the capital of the Calabria region. This is the narrowest part of Italy, where you can look out to the Gulf of Squillace in the east and the Ionian Sea to the west.

The Bisantis Bridge is the city’s most famous landmark, soaring across the verdant Fiumarella Valley, and its majestic arch ranks among the biggest and most impressive in Europe (in fact, it is one of the largest concrete arch bridges in the world). Drive across and soak up the stunning views during your visit.

Explore the Coast of Gods

Calabria boasts more than 800 km of coastline, curving around the very south of Italy – but there’s one particular stretch which seems almost otherworldly in its beauty.

South of Lamezia you’ll find La Costa degli Dei, the so-called ‘Coast of the Gods’. Drive along the route from Pizzo Calabro to Capo Vaticano via the SS522, and marvel at the white sands, the turquoise waters and the pastel coloured houses stacked up into the cliffside.

Park up in Tropea along the way, and – after marveling at the beauty of the Santa Maria dell’Isola – cool off in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Simply paradise.

Whether you’re enjoying a spa vacation or heading out to explore the beauty of Calabria, car rental at Lamezia Airport gives you total freedom during your Italian odyssey.