It's easier to plan a getaway to Sicily when you can travel at your own pace. By renting a car at Catania-Fontanarossa airport, Etna, Taormina and the baroque towns of the south are within easy reach. With a Goldcar rental, you can choose from a modern fleet, benefit from low-season prices and select the right vehicle for short city tours or long journeys. Compact cars are suitable for narrow historic streets, while SUVs or people carriers offer space and comfort for family trips along the coast.
Goldcar at Catania airport offers practical advantages. Express pick-up services reduce waiting time, and 24/7 roadside assistance puts your mind at ease on the road. Multilingual assistance is available, and flexible coverage options, including zero-deductible protection, let you customize your booking. Additional options such as child seats, GPS and mobile Wi-Fi can be added to make travel more convenient. Booking online is simple, with clear pricing that shows what's included before you confirm.
Why rent a car at Catania airport?
Catania is a stunning city of piazzas, markets and lava-stone architecture at the foot of Mount Etna. Public transport links the major towns, but services are limited for day trips or rural sites. With a rental car, you can be in Taormina in less than an hour, on the beaches of Giardini Naxos or in the Ortigia district of Syracuse, without having to worry about bus or train timetables. The Alcantara Gorge, Noto and Ragusa also seem much closer when you have your own means of transport.
The airport is located right next to the E45, giving you quick access to the north and south coasts. From here, you can reach Messina, Syracuse or the mountain roads leading to Mount Etna. Goldcar's up-to-date fleet guarantees the reliability of our vehicles and, thanks to optional premium protection, you can drive with complete peace of mind. Whether you're in Sicily for the food, the history or the scenery, a rental car saves you time and gives you flexibility.
Vehicle types and options
Economy and compact cars are ideal for city driving and short trips. For longer journeys, sedans and estate cars offer more space, while SUVs and people carriers are better suited to families or groups. Automatic cars are available, as are hybrids for drivers wishing to reduce fuel consumption. Child seats can be reserved in advance, and GPS or portable Wi-Fi can be added for navigation and connectivity. Additional drivers are allowed for a fee, and coverage options for young drivers are available for certain categories. Electric cars are becoming increasingly common, but charging stations are concentrated on the east coast.
Where to collect your car from Catania airport
Catania airport is easy to navigate. After baggage claim, follow the Rent a Car signs to the arrivals hall. The Goldcar office or kiosk is indicated on your booking confirmation, and staff will direct you to nearby parking or to a short shuttle if necessary. Have your driving license, passport and payment card ready, and bring your voucher with you. UK visitors should also generate a DVLA verification code before traveling, in case they are asked for it.
On pick-up, check the condition of the car and the fuel level, and make sure the tank policy is clear. The E45 is just a few minutes from the terminal, with the A18 north to Taormina and Messina, the SS114 south to Siracusa, and local roads to Mount Etna.
Explore Catania and surroundings
Park on the outskirts of the city center and walk to Piazza del Duomo, the fish market and Via Etnea. By car, you can reach Taormina in less than an hour, with parking lots signposted near the old town. Etna is also an hour's drive away, with trails, lava fields and cable car rides to the Rifugio Sapienza. The Alcantara Gorge offers spectacular scenery and cool rivers.
To the south of the airport, Siracusa and Ortigia are less than an hour away, and Noto is around 90 minutes away with its golden-tinted Baroque streets. Ragusa and Modica are further away, but make for rewarding day trips. Shorter trips north lead to Aci Trezza and Aci Castello, famous for their volcanic cliffs and coastal walks.
Tips for driving and parking in Catania
Catania has restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in the center. Avoid entering them without authorization, as fines are automatic. Park outside the zone and enter on foot. Blue lines indicate paid parking, white lines are often free when marked, and yellow spaces are reserved. Machines may require coins or applications.
In Italy, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in towns and cities, 90 km/h on single carriageways, 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 130 km/h on freeways. Headlights are compulsory in tunnels and recommended on freeways. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 g/l, lower than in the UK. Freeways include both tolled and free sections: the A18 north to Messina is tolled, while the A19 west to Palermo is tolled. In winter, chains may be necessary on Etna's upper slopes, while in summer, shade and water are essential for long journeys.
Best time to visit Catania
Spring and autumn are the best times to travel, with warm days, fewer crowds and good driving conditions. April to June and September to October are ideal for exploring the cities and beaches. Summer is synonymous with heat and increased traffic; plan to start early and reserve parking if possible. Winter is mild on the coast and snowy on Mount Etna, making it possible to combine city breaks with mountain scenery. In February, the festival of Saint Agatha fills the city with processions and fireworks.
