Catania is Sicily's main gateway and the best starting point for exploring the island by car. From the slopes of Mount Etna to the baroque cities of the southeast, the Greek ruins of Syracuse, and the dramatic coastline, Sicily is one of Europe's most rewarding driving destinations. Just be prepared for an adventure behind the wheel.
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is located just 7 km south of the city centre, making it one of Italy's most conveniently located airports. Rental car companies operate from the arrivals hall and an adjacent area. Both international brands and excellent local Sicilian operators (Autoeuropa, Sicily by Car) are available.
Sicily offers good rental value, with economy cars available from €15-€25 per day. Peak summer (July-August) sees prices of €30-€45. Air conditioning is essential in summer — verify it works before leaving the airport. Consider a slightly larger car if driving mountain roads, as underpowered economy cars struggle on steep gradients.
Like all Italian cities, Catania has ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones in the historic centre. The same rules apply as elsewhere in Italy:
April-June and September-October are perfect. Spring brings wildflowers, green landscapes, and comfortable temperatures. Autumn is warm, the sea is still swimable, and the tourist crush has eased. Summer (July-August) brings extreme heat (often 40°C+) and crowded coastal towns. Winter is mild on the coast but mountain roads around Etna can be snowy.
Sicilian driving requires confidence, adaptability, and a good sense of humour. Traffic rules are treated as guidelines rather than laws, especially in Catania and Palermo. Outside cities, driving is much more relaxed. The A18 (Catania-Messina) and A19 (Catania-Palermo) motorways are free in Sicily, which is unusual for Italy. Secondary roads (SS and SP roads) are often scenic but narrow and winding, especially along the coast and in mountainous areas.
Fuel costs around €1.70-€1.90 per litre, with prices slightly higher than mainland Italy on remote roads. Fill up at Eni, IP, or Q8 stations in towns rather than at isolated rural stations, which may charge a premium.
A drive up Mount Etna is unmissable. The SP92 road climbs from Catania's suburbs through lava fields, chestnut forests, and increasingly barren volcanic terrain to the Rifugio Sapienza at 1,910 meters. The road is well-maintained but steep, with sharp bends. At the refuge, you can take a cable car (€36 return) and then a 4x4 vehicle to reach the summit craters at around 2,900 meters. Check eruption status before ascending — the volcano is frequently active and access may be restricted.
In Catania, use a private garage and explore on foot. The area around Via Etnea and Piazza Stesicoro has several affordable options. For Taormina, park at the Lumbi car park at the base of the town and take the shuttle bus up — driving into Taormina is inadvisable. For Etna, the Rifugio Sapienza has a large free car park. Syracuse's Ortigia island has a small paid car park (Talete) near the bridge; arrive early or park on the mainland and walk across.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Catania:
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| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ZTL Centro Storico | Fine up to €100+ | Restricted zone in the historic centre enforced by cameras. Active hours vary by street. Rental cars are NOT exempt. |
| Blue Line Street Parking | €1.00-€1.50/hr | Metered parking in the city. Pay at machines or via myCicero app. Common around Via Etnea and the port. |
| White Line Parking | Free | Free spots exist in outer neighbourhoods like San Giovanni Li Cuti and Nesima. Scarce near the centre. |
| Private Garages | €10-€20/day | Affordable by Italian standards. Several around Piazza Stesicoro and the train station. |
Traffic note: Catania traffic is intense and chaotic, rivalling Naples for aggression and creative driving. Lane markings are largely decorative. Scooters are everywhere and weave through traffic unpredictably. Double-parking is constant and can block your vehicle for extended periods. The ZTL covers the historic centre around Piazza Duomo and Via Etnea. The ring road (Tangenziale) gets congested near Auchan and Centro Sicilia shopping centres. Driving in Catania itself is not recommended for those unaccustomed to southern Italian driving culture. However, roads improve dramatically once you leave the city.
Compare car rental prices in Catania → →Book your Catania rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
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Europe's most active volcano at 3,357 meters. Drive to the Rifugio Sapienza at 1,910 meters, then take a cable car and 4x4 vehicle to the summit craters. The lava landscapes are otherworldly.
Sicily's most glamorous town, perched on a cliff above the Ionian Sea. The ancient Greek Theatre has a jaw-dropping backdrop of Etna and the coastline. Parking is at the base with shuttle buses up.
Once the most powerful city in the ancient Greek world. The island of Ortigia is a baroque jewel with a stunning cathedral, Greek temple ruins, and the mythical Fountain of Arethusa.
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These policies reimburse you if the rental company charges your card for damage. They do not replace the rental company's basic insurance (CDW/TP) which is always included.
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Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-27.
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