Rent a car in Catania with Europcar
One of the most vibrant cities in Sicily, Catania has an energy that visitors cannot resist. The unesco-protected center, with its lively squares, immense food markets, and trendy bars, has something to offer everyone. Outside the city, Mount Etna offers breathtaking views: climbing to the top of this famous volcano is worth the effort.
Located on the east of Sicily, opposite the capital
Palermo, Catania is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. From the baroque cities of the south to the beaches along the coast, like Taormina, you can see everything you want with a rental car from Catania.
Car rental with Europcar in Catania
There are two Europcar offices to pick up your rental car: one at Catania Airport and the other in a convenient downtown location. Choose our reliable city models, such as the Fiat Panda and Peugeot 308, or family vehicles, including the spacious Peugeot 3008.
Looking for something bigger? Van rental is also available at the Catania city center office.
Europcar offers you maximum freedom for your holidays in Sicily. You can choose to rent cars and vans for both long and short periods.
Driving in Catania
In Sicily, the speed limit is 130 km/h on highways, 110 km/h on main roads, and 90 km/h on secondary roads. In urban areas, the speed limit ranges from 50 to 70 km/h, as indicated by signage. It is necessary to adjust your speed according to road conditions, as many roads on the island are steep, narrow, and full of tunnels. Speed limits must also be reduced in densely populated areas, for example near schools.
In case of rain, speed limits drop to 90 km/h on roads outside inhabited areas and 110 km/h on highways.
In Catania, you can park both on the street and in parking lots. There are paid parking zones, indicated by blue signage. Paid hours may vary, but usually run from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. On Sundays and public holidays, parking is free.
During the months of July and August, cities can be very congested due to the high number of tourists. Pay attention to scooters and mopeds circulating on the roads.
For the most part, the main roads in Italy are toll highways. Tolls can be paid in cash or by credit/debit card.
Remember that not all gas stations in Sicily are open on Sundays. Those that are open on Sundays are often closed on Mondays.
Discover Catania and its surroundings by car
Renting a car in Sicily is almost essential for traveling, as public transport is limited. Moreover, by renting a car you can access places far off the beaten track much more easily.
An hour from Catania along the coast is Taormina (a popular seaside destination frequented by the jet-set) and the underrated city of Enna, nicknamed the belvedere for its spectacular views.
Further away are the splendid Syracuse (67 kilometers away), Modica (126 kilometers away), and the Greek ruins of Agrigento (167 kilometers away).
What to see in Catania
Discover the soul of Catania at the La Pescheria fish market, located behind Piazza del Duomo: the taste of traditional Catania! Piazza del Duomo itself is a unesco World Heritage Site, worth a visit for the lava stone elephant statue dating back to Roman times. The 2nd-century Roman theater and ruins, located in the Greek Roman Archaeological Park, offer an interesting insight into the history of Catania.
Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, but don't be discouraged by this: climb to the top of this famous volcano. Experienced hikers or walking enthusiasts can climb to the summit: just be equipped with the right gear and warm clothes (it's cold at the summit even in summer)! If you prefer an easier ascent, there is a bus or cable car to the summit, which costs about €80 per person. The road leading to the foot of the volcano is winding but offers unparalleled views of the landscape below.
