Car rental in Catania at the Best Prices

Located on the Italian island of Sicily, Catania city is situated on the eastern coastline and is overlooked by Mount Etna, an active volcano. This amazingly scenic city, with wonderful cuisine and ancient spas, successfully merges Greek, Roman and 17th Century architecture – being mostly built from lava stone. With a car rental in Catania you will easily reach other quaint baroque towns such as Syracuse and Taomina.

With a notable 60 years car rental industry experience, Auto Europe through its partners provides competitive car rental quotes for various global locations. Along with our many special offers, we also provide motorhome rentals and a luxury car hire service. If you are planning on taking a trip to Catania, then contact one of our reservation agents to discuss your rental needs.

How is the traffic in Catania?

The driving style in Catania isn´t too dissimilar from other Sicilian cities - that also generally have an assertive style of driving. It is therefore recommended to take extra care on the road. In the historical central parts of the city, the streets can be very narrow – making for more congestion, especially at major intersections. Near the Roman Amphitheatre and the cathedral in particular you can expect some traffic.

Like with other cities, driving during rush hour should be avoided. This is generally from 7am until 10am and 5pm until 8pm. Traffic in the city is further exacerbated due to the numerous one-way streets and merging lanes, especially within the old town. When visiting Catania we advise keeping the following road rules and regulations into account:

• Drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left-hand side
• Seatbelts are mandatory for driver and passengers
• You must be at least 18 years of age to drive
• Individual car rental suppliers may impose higher minimum age limits with an additional fee
• It is prohibited to use a mobile phone whilst driving
• A suitable child car seat must be used when carrying minors.

Where can I park my car rental in Catania?

On-street paid parking is available throughout the city and are designated by a blue line. Tickets can be purchased from a nearby machine and must be displayed within your vehicle. We recommend not to purchase the parking tickets from any individual trying to sell you them. These tickets are normally over inflated. We also advise to avoid on-street parking if possible due to the unfortunate high theft rate in Catania.

Luckily, seeking out a secure, often covered parking facility isn’t too difficult. Municipal car parks are conveniently located at Via Plebiscito 747, Piazza Paolo Borsellino, Via Luigi Sturzo, Via La Spezia and Via Forcile. Other car garages are available and can be easily found using your GPS device. The garages are competitively priced and will provide you extra peace of mind during your trip.

Catania Airport

Catania Airport is located around 3.5 km from the city of Catania and is the largest airport on the island. Passenger numbers peak during the summer periods, making it a major seasonal charter flight destination. The airport serves as a hub to the local region, hosting many European airlines.

Catania Airport - (CTA)
Address: Via Fontanarossa, 95121 Catania CT, Italy
Website: Catania Airport
Telephone: +39 095 723 9111

What to do in Catania

Catania is a city awash with things to explore, intrigue and entertain. Resting on the island’s picturesque eastern coastline – also known as the Riviera Dei Ciclopi, ensures that any visitors will find it hard to go a day without something to do. From its historical monuments to its wonderful fish market, these are the following things you should do when visiting the beautiful island city of Catania.

• Palazzo Biscari: This delightful palace is by far the most significant in Catania. Its magnificent rooms are the perfect example of Catanese baroque architecture, having been rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. Throughout its numerous rooms, the palace has an abundance of features, including a dome dedicated to the Paterno Castello di Biscari family.


• San Benedetto Abbey: Housing the Sicilian Museum of Contemporary Arts – MACS, as it is often abbreviated to, is one of Italy’s main cultural attractions. The abbey itself though shouldn’t be overlooked. Built in 1355, this magnificent building is one of the city’s most predominant landmarks and a perfect example of baroque architecture – so much so that its importance has awarded it a UNESCO World Heritage status.


• Catania Fish Market: If you are looking for authentic Catanese atmosphere then head down to the local fishmarket. A tradition that dates back until ancient times, the local fish market, surprisingly doesn’t just sell fish – although it is its speciality. Centrally located, the market also offers up excellent meat, mouth-watering vegetables and tantalising fruit. A perfect place to experience Catanese culture first-hand.


• Underneath Catania: With so much to see above ground, subterranean Catania can sometimes be overlooked. However, due to the city’s turmoil past, having experienced volcanic eruptions and earthquakes – much of ancient Catania lies beneath your feet. From a Roman Amphitheatre to the Achille Thermal Baths, and Indirizzo Spas - to name but a few - you’ll be totally amazed.


• Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena: Another jewel in Catania is that of a 16th Century monastery. This splendid late baroque style landmark is one of Europe’s largest monasteries and another gem for cultural local landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage site within its own right, this monastery has within its grounds Roman cloisters, a Roman Domus and a lovely rooftop garden.

Best day trips with my car hire in Catania

Islands are generally great for road trips due to the proximity to everything. This is easily the case in Sicily where getting around doesn’t take all day. From Catania the A18 motorway is an excellent way to explore the local area and all its wonders. With a car rental from Catania you can head to the Sicilian capital city of Palermo, or to Trapani on the west coast. We would recommend the following road trips during your next trip to Catania.

Capital City of Palermo: Hosting one of Italy’s best museums – Museo Archeologico Regionale - the Sicilian capital city of Palermo is a must visit whilst on the island. Not only is Palermo more vibrant as opposed to other cities, it also has an abundance of history and cultural landmarks to explore. The 12th Century Cappella Palatina in particular has a fabulous carved ceiling to admire.

Town of Cefalù: This beautiful seaside town of Cefalù is located halfway along the islands northern coastline. This relaxing town with a nice small beach is what you’d imagine a traditional Sicilian coastal town to look like. Along with its restaurants, coffee houses and bars - culturally it also has much to offer in terms of Byzantine mosaics, a stunning twin towered cathedral and old Roman cloisters.

The Volcano Mount Etna: One of world’s most famous volcanos, Mount Etna overlooks the city of Catania. Reaching 3,330 meters above sea level and totally overlooking the Sicilian landscape, this volcano is still active. Learn about how this volcano has affected Catania and contributed to its numerous buildings, landmarks and moulded its history. Either drive around this volcano yourself or opt for a local tour guide, either way, you’re sure to find this a very popular activity.

City of Syracuse: Lose yourself in a maze of medieval alleyways and baroque architecture in the city of Syracuse. Only a small drive south from Catania, this city has much to offer in terms of Greek ruins and a perfectly preserved old town. Spend some time taking in the local culture, history and landmarks, before spending a nice evening in one of its many restaurants or quaint coffee houses.

Geographic Information & History

The Sicilian city of Catania is located at the base of Europe’s largest active volcano – Mount Etna – on the eastern part of the island. The city is located on one of Italy’s most stunning coastlines, boasting a wonderful Mediterranean climate. Due to its proximity to the volcano, the city rests on lava stone, which throughout its existence has shaped its development and architecture. During the summer months temperatures can reach as high as 31ºC, whilst during the winter months it rarely falls below 15ºC.

Founded by the Greeks, Catania was later captured and ruled by the Romans. In the 5th Century the city was pillaged by the Vandals before coming under Byzantine rule and hosting its governor. Mount Etna erupted in the 17th Century and along with the subsequent earthquake, destroyed much of the city. The city rose once again from the ashes, using the abundance of lava stone to rebuild itself, contributing to its authentic old look. During the 18th Century, Catania was one of the main cities pushing for an autonomous Sicily. In 1861, the island became part of a unified Italy which has lasted till this day.

Due to the city’s unique and privileged location, it has attracted plenty of tourists to its shores. Along with Mount Etna, the city is also known for its Mediterranean herbs and aromatic citrus plantations.

How to get around Catania

Catania has a good local public transport network, which will allow you to explore the city and much of the local suburbs. Transport is competitively priced and effectively combines trains, buses, a metro line and city taxis, to make your journey easier.

Bus

Buses are available throughout the city and into its residential suburbs. They are well maintained, very cost-effective and noticeable by their bright orange appearance. Bus tickets can be purchased from a kiosk. A particular bus service of note is the one that runs from Catania Airport to Catania City Centre. This bus service, number 457 departs every 20 minutes and is a good way to reach the airport. You can board this bus at the main bus terminal located in the city centre.

Train

Buses are available throughout the city and into its residential suburbs. They are well maintained, very cost-effective and noticeable by their bright orange appearance. Bus tickets can be purchased from a kiosk. A particular bus service of note is the one that runs from Catania Airport to Catania City Centre. This bus service, number 457 departs every 20 minutes and is a good way to reach the airport. You can board this bus at the main bus terminal located in the city centre.

Taxis

Official city taxis are white in colour with a taxi sign upon its roof. Taxis are metered but we would advise always discussing your journeys estimated fee with the driver, before setting off. You can pick-up a taxi in one of the numerous taxi ranks located throughout the city and at major transport hubs. Radio Taxi Catania in particular is one of the oldest taxi services linking the airport to the city. Additionally, a taxi service known as 6188 has been providing a service since 2013.

Metro

The city has one metro line at your disposal, with eleven stops being serviced by eight trains. Due to the city being built mainly on volcanic ground and upon a mountain slope, it has been difficult and costly to create additional lines. Nevertheless, the metro system will take you easily to many of the city’s main points of interest. Tickets are relatively inexpensive and can be bought at a local kiosk – known locally as ‘Tabaccheria’.

Useful links

Tourism Information Catania