Catania ranks as the second-largest city in Sicily. Located along the Ionian Sea, it offers visitors a multitude of leisure options, including dining, shopping, and accommodation facilities.
The active volcano Mount Etna stands as Catania’s most recognizable landmark. It plays a significant role in both the city's history and current existence. In a very literal sense, the lava that flowed from the volcano has been used in the construction of buildings and paving of roads. Consequently, renting a car in Catania through Ofran allows customers to navigate the city and explore the wider region of Sicily with ease.
Ofran collaborates with several car rental agencies in Catania, including Budget and Maggiore. Therefore, you can enjoy an exceptionally wide range of vehicle groups and a comprehensive spread of rental stations in Catania, at the airport, and in the city center.
This strong presence helps our clients to prepare for their visit or vacation in advance and make the arrangements best suited for them. Our clients enjoy a wide selection of cars and roadside assistance is available 24 hours a day and will be happy to help you with any problem.
Working with multiple rental companies in Catania enables us to offer you a higher availability of vehicles and help you prepare for your visit or vacation in advance and make the arrangements best suited for them. However, especially if you plan to rent a car during the summer months, it is highly advisable to book your vehicle in advance, particularly if you are looking to rent a larger vehicle, a station wagon, a minivan, or an automatic car.
Advantages of booking a car rental in the Catania with Ofran:
◾ A wide selection of vehicles for rent in a variety of sizes. From mini-category cars suitable for a short trip with little equipment, to family vehicles, SUVs, station wagons, minivans, and luxury cars.
◾A wide distribution of stations in Europe, at the main airports, in city centers, and at selected tourist sites.
◾Peace of mind and security that come with the insurance coverage and the award-winning service of a leading companies in the industry - offering rental plans that include waiver of deductible and extended third-party insurance up to one million US dollars.
By booking a car rental in Catania with Ofran, you can enjoy all the advantages of a rental car during your trip abroad with an international rental company - excellent service and the ability to manage your time independently and freely as required on a trip in this vast and diverse country.
Sicily is considerably larger than it may seem when planning a trip to the region, and renting a car in Catania is arguably the best way to explore and navigate the island. Driving here is relatively comfortable, but as one might expect from an Italian island, the pace is somewhat different.
Remember that Sicilian driving culture differs from what we may have encountered in major cities around the world. It's important to stay alert and patient, and not to rely too much on other drivers using their signals or strictly adhering to familiar traffic rules.
Special driving rules in Catania:
◾ Driving in the City
In most historic areas of major cities (like Florence, for example), vehicle entry is prohibited for non-residents, and violations result in fines. Pay attention to the Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) signs indicating this.
If you accidentally enter such an area, you're likely to be photographed by the police, and a fine will be sent to your home address after your details are obtained from the rental company. The rental company will charge a handling fee for transferring the fine to your name. It's important to know that GPS navigation and apps like Waze do not always warn about entering ZTL zones.
◾ Road Tolls in Italy:
Most highways across the country have tolls. When you reach a toll station, enter the lane marked Biglietto (Ticket) or an unmarked lane. The toll is usually based on the distance traveled on the highway and is determined by a ticket the driver receives upon entering and must return upon exiting. Some toll roads charge based on the size of the vehicle and require payment either once or multiple times along the route. Tolls are also collected in several tunnels (for example, the Mont Blanc Tunnel). Recently, an app was launched that allows for digital payment instead of a physical sticker – for more details Click here.
Mount Etna
Mount Etna is an active volcano that has shaped the history and present of Catania throughout its years. Standing at a height of 3,329 meters, it is the tallest volcano in all of Europe. A visit to Catania is incomplete without climbing and gazing into the crater of this mountain up close. There are numerous guided tours available that offer a safe and organized way to ascend the mountain. The site includes a structured parking area (for a fee), making it convenient to manage with a rental car.
Piazza Del Duomo
The central square of Catania is relatively close to the port area, making it a recommended first stop. It encapsulates everything the city has to offer, serving as a gathering spot for both locals and tourists alike, and is the perfect place to start feeling the city's vibrant heart.
The square is centered around the impressive and grand Elephant Fountain, the Catania Cathedral, and the Palazzo degli Elefanti. Besides the stunning architecture, the square also houses various cafes and restaurants, most of which offer outdoor seating, allowing you to dine and drink in the pleasant Sicilian weather.
Intl test Sign up to our newsletter for tips, updates and promos