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 in 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).