Why rent a car in Catania?
Catania, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, is famous for its Baroque architecture, lively markets, and stunning views of Mount Etna. Renting a car allows you to explore the Piazza del Duomo, Catania Cathedral, Via Etnea, and the bustling La Pescheria fish market at your own pace.
With a rental car, you can also visit nearby attractions such as the slopes of Mount Etna, the coastal town of Aci Trezza, or the ancient Roman theatre of Catania. You can also start your trip with ease by exploring other car rental options across Sicily.
Exploring Catania and eastern Sicily by car
Day trips and routes from Catania
Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna and is one of the best-placed cities in Sicily for exploring by car. Etna itself, Europe’s largest active volcano, is the obvious first destination: the SP92 road spirals up the southern flank to around 1,900 metres, from where cable cars and guided walks reach the summit area. The drive from Catania to the Etna crater area takes about an hour. Taormina, one of Sicily’s most celebrated towns, is approximately 50 km north via the A18 motorway and clings dramatically to a clifftop with views of Etna and the Ionian Sea. Syracuse (Siracusa), with its Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and the island of Ortigia, is about 60 km south via the A18 and SS114. The baroque hilltop town of Ragusa is roughly 100 km southwest via the SS194. For more destinations, see car rental in Sicily and car rental in Italy.
Driving and parking in Catania
Catania city centre can be busy, particularly around the fish market area and the historic Piazza del Duomo. The city does not operate a ZTL zone as strict as Rome or Florence, but parking in the centre is limited. Several paid car parks operate near the cathedral and the university quarter. Catania Airport (Fontanarossa, IATA: CTA) is Sicily’s busiest airport and is located just 5 km south of the city centre, with car rental desks in the arrivals hall and vehicles collected in the rental area immediately outside.
Best time to rent a car in Catania
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for driving around eastern Sicily. April and May are ideal for visiting Etna, with snow still visible on the upper slopes and clear skies for views across the island. July and August are very hot in Catania, with temperatures regularly above 35 degrees Celsius, though the higher slopes of Etna are cooler. September and October offer warm weather, lighter traffic on the road to Taormina and the baroque towns, and a calmer atmosphere throughout the region.
Car rental price in Catania
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Catania, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €274 |
| Mid-size car | from €332 |
| Large car / SUV | from €412 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
