Cheap Car Hire in Catania

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About Catania

Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily and lies in the shadow of Mount Etna. Dramatic series of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes have struck the area, but fortunately, three theatres have survived the hard times.
Catania has so much to offer. From historic UNESCO-protected buildings on one side to amazing sights on the other. With car hire in Catania, you can explore the entire city and its surroundings, if not the entire island of Sicily.
Visiting Catania is quite easy as the old city centre is relatively small. An ideal starting point would be the main square, Piazza Duomo. If you are interested in history and architecture, you will be amazed by the Cattedrale di Sant'Agata and the Fuente del Elefante near the main square. Otherwise, you can simply stroll the streets or enjoy a drink or meal like a local on Via Santa Filomena.
If you have never been to Sicily, this part of the world will instantly captivate you. Due to the mild winters, Sicily is a perfect holiday destination at any time of the year. In winter, when the sun is high, you will find peace and warmth.

Basic info and car hire in Catania

• Location: Southern Italy
• Population: 300 000
• Official language: Italian
• Currency:  Euro (€)
• Weather: Mediterranean climate. Very long, hot, and dry summers ( 27-30°C) Mild and changeable winters (15-18°C). 
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi. 
• Road conditions:  Major roads are in good condition, while some secondary roads are worse for wear.
• Car hire in Catania: The most common pick-up point for vehicles is Catania Airport. The average daily price for renting a car in Catania is £9.4 / 11€ in summer, £8.6 / 10€ in spring, £6.8 / 8€ in autumn, and £6 / 7€ in winter. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Catania!

 Driving in Catania

If you decide to rent a car in Catania, you can easily get around on the Sicilian roads. The roads are well maintained; however, traffic can be slow in the high season (June-August). The best time to visit Catania is late spring or early summer. The maximum BAC is 0.05% for drivers of private vehicles. There is a zero-tolerance law for novice drivers who have held a license for less than two years and young drivers under 21.
Renting a car in Catania is easy and affordable. There are many agencies offering car rentals in Catania such as Alamo, Enterprise, Goldcar, Sicily by car, and more, and you are sure to find your dream rental car! The condition of the roads in Sicily is also very good, but keep in mind that it can also be challenging for inexperienced drivers as the roads are sometimes narrow and winding.

• Age limits: 21 years old-25 for larger vehicles
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passport), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance.   
• Additional requirements: Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle (2 are required for all vehicles registered in Italy and 1 if coming from abroad), high visibility vest (recently made compulsory)- First aid kit (not compulsory, but we strongly recommend you have it with you, just in case).
• Children in the car: Children up to the age of 10 may only be taken in the back seat and a suitable child seat must be available up to a height of 1.50 meters.
• Driving side of the road: Right hand
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h.

What to see in Catania

Piazza del Duomo

The easiest place to start your first day in Catania is the Piazza del Duomo. This is the main square of Catania and it is located in the heart of the historic centre. As you look around the square, you will see some impressive buildings, all of which are fine examples of the architecture of Sicilian Baroque. At opposite ends of the square are the Palazzo dei Chierici and the Palazzo degli Elefanti, which currently houses Catania's, Town Hall. And in the middle of the square stands the elegant Elephant Fountain, now a symbol of the city.

Catania Fish Market

Just around the corner from Piazza del Duomo, you will find Catania Fish Market. Located in a sunken square, the market features an array of seafood displayed on tables waiting to be sold. Upon the streets overlooking the square, you'll see plenty of people watching the lively market activity from the railings, not to mention several food stalls selling fruit, vegetables and other non-fish products.

Roman Theatre and the Odeon

The impressive ruins of the Roman Theatre and the Odeon date back to 300 BC and cannot be seen from the street. But when you walk through the small museum, you enter a large arena that held up to 7,000 spectators in its heyday. You can wander through the rows of seats, venture into the outer aisles, and see the remains of the adjacent Odeon.

Teatro Massimo Bellini

The Teatro Massimo Bellini is a magnificent opera house built at the end of the 19th century and occupies a place of honour on the tour of Piazza Vincenzo Bellini. It was built at the end of the 19th century. As impressive as the building is from the outside, it is even more magnificent when you see the inside. A guided tour will show you the foyer of the theatre, the auditorium, the stage and even the Royal Box.

Castello Ursino

It's time to see a new part of town, so head south until you reach Castello Ursino. This impressive medieval castle was built in the 13th century as the royal castle of the Kingdom of Sicily. The castle played a key role in the rebellion known as Sicilian Vespers that deposed Charles of Anjou as king. It has survived the years and natural disasters well and now houses the Municipal Museum with historical artefacts and artwork from Catania and the wider region.