Catania, an ideal self-drive destination
Explore Catania by car and see all this incredible town has to offer.
From the beauty and volatility of the most active volcano in the world, Mount Etna, to the lovely baroque architecture you’ll see at every turn, Catania truly is a destination with something for everyone.
If you are arriving at Catania Fontanarossa Airport, here's how to find the rental desk:
- Exit arrivals, turn right and walk towards Terminal C.
- Continue for 150m and you will see a big sign for Avis, Budget and Maggiore.
- The Avis desk is inside the building by the big sign.
Your top rental locations in Catania
Plan your trip in Catania
With over 300,000 inhabitants, Catania is a bustling city famed for its university, bubbling nightlife and incredible baroque architecture.The second largest city in Sicily, Catania has long been a crossroads for travellers, owing to its location. You can still see that multi-cultural influence throughout the city.
Make sure you visit the Piazza Del Duomo - the main square in Catania - where you can enjoy the famous elephant fountain, which dates back to the 18th century.
From the Piazza you can take Via Etnea, leading to the volatile but beautiful Mount Etna. Etna rises high above the horizon of this bustling city, reminding its inhabitants of the fractured history they share together.
Another must-see when in Catania is the bustling markets. At the Piazza Del Duomo there’s a sprawling fish market that has to be seen to be believed, and just off Via Etnea another market that specialises in clothing and food.
Road trips from Catania
Drive along the coast to see Aci Castello, a town built around a stunning medieval castle, and situated on a gigantic rock overlooking the sea.Just a little further down the coast is the delightful little fishing village Aci Trezza which is well known for the mammoth rocks you’ll find in the sea. Supposedly these were flung after Ulysses by an irate Cyclops.
Mount Etna is of course an absolute must-see – but we wouldn’t recommend trying to get there by car. Instead there is a daily bus departing at 8.30am from the train station (Nicolosi).
Driving rules in Italy
Which side of the road?In Italy, please drive on the right side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device
- Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility when driving on motorways, dual carriageways, and rural roads
- Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
- Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger
- There are historical areas in which you cannot drive. Look out for “Zona traffico limitato”
Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban roads: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Urban highways: 70 km/h (44 mph)
- Secondary extra-urban roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
- Main extra-urban roads (Expressways): 110 km/h (68 mph)
- Motorways: 130 km/h (80mph)
Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 and less than 150cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
- Children weighing up to 9kg must be seated in a rear-facing child restraint, in the back of the car only
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.