Car Hire in Catania, Italy

One of the most vibrant cities in Sicily, Catania has an energy that visitors cannot resist. The UNESCO-protected downtown area with its hub of bustling piazzas, immense food markets, and cool bars offers something for everyone. Outside the city, Mount Etna is a magnificent sight, and a climb to the top of this famous landmark is well worth the effort.

Located to the east of Sicily, opposite the capital, Palermo, Catania is a great location for exploring the surrounding area. From the Baroque cities in the south to the beaches along the coast, such as Taormina, see it all with car rental in Catania.

There are two Europcar stations to pick up your car: one at Catania Airport and the other at a convenient location in the city. Choose from our reliable city models such as the Fiat Panda and Peugeot 308, as well as family-sized vehicles including the roomy Peugeot 3008. 

Looking for something bigger? Van rental is available at the station in Catania city.

Europcar brings total freedom to your Sicilian vacation, and short- and long-term rentals are available.

In Italy, the speed limit is 130 km/h on (freeways), 110 km/h on main roads, and 90 km/h on secondary roads. In urban areas, the speed limit is set between 50 and 70 km/h, indicated by signs. Adjust your speed according to the terrain, as many of the roads on the island are steep, narrow, or run into tunnels. Speed should also be reduced around populated areas, such as near schools. 

In wet weather conditions, the speed limit reduces to 90 km/h on roads outside built-up areas and 110 km/h on . 

There is both on-street and off-street parking in Catania. Paid parking zones are enforced and indicated by blue road signs. Paid hours can vary but are usually Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 7pm. On Sundays and public holidays, it is free to park.

During July and August, towns can be very congested with tourist traffic. Be aware of sharing the roads with scooters and mopeds.

Most main roads in Italy are toll roads. The tolls can be paid in cash or by credit/debit card.

Be aware that not all gas stations in Sicily are open on Sundays. Those that are open on Sundays are often closed on Mondays.

Car rental in Sicily is almost essential for traveling, because public transit is limited. Plus, car rental means you can access out-of-the-way locations much more easily.

An hour up the coast by car from Catania is Taormina - a popular beach destination with a jet-set edge, and the under-rated city of Enna, often known as for its spectacular views. 

Further afield are the stunning Siracusa (40 miles), Modica (75 miles) and the Greek ruins at Agrigento (100 miles).

Discover the soul of Catania at La Pescheria fish market behind the Piazza del Duomo, a great taste of the traditional Sicily. The Piazza del Duomo itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, worth a visit for the lava rock elephant statue which dates back to Roman times. The 2nd-century Roman theatre and ruins, in the Parco Archeologico Greco-Romano, offer an interesting insight into the history of Catania.

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, but don’t let that put you off making the climb to the top of this famous landmark. Proficient hikers are free to climb to the summit; just come prepared with the right equipment and warm clothes - even in summer, it gets cold at the top! If you prefer an easier way up, there is a bus to the summit, or the cable car, which costs around €80 per person. The winding road up to the foot of the volcano offers unbeatable views of the scenery below.

We are proud to be European leaders in car rental. To find out more about the Europcar car hire experience, be sure to visit our car rental page!