Catania Airport
Catania Airport, officially Catania-Vincenzo Bellini Airport, is just over four kilometres southwest of Catania, the second-most populous city on Sicily, Italy’s largest island. This is a one-terminal, two-storey airport. This a main gateway to the east coast of Sicily. Flying into Sicily is a lot speedier than taking the ferry. The airport sports a recently renovated, fully modern terminal building and a major shopping centre.
Car hire
Car hire is easily and conveniently available at the airport from several companies including Alamo, Auto Europe, Avis, Thrifty and Zoom. Car rental is the way to go, as you can get around at your own pace without having to worry about missing the tour bus or a hailing a taxi. For larger groups, car rental makes more economic sense as well.
Discovering Catania
Catania was devastated in a 1669 eruption of nearby Mount Etna, but came back stronger. Catania indeed rebuilt after the eruption; it is famous for its UNESCO-honoured baroque architecture. It’s a joy to amble around downtown, or hike up the foothills of Mount Etna to delight in the small villages that cling to its hillsides. It’s refreshingly chilly on Mount Etna, Europe’s biggest volcano, so do bring a jumper. Catania also has fine Roman ruins from the 200s in Odeon.
Daytripping by car
The best way to experience greater Catania is by hire car. The marvelous volcano itself is less than 50 kilometres away from Catania. Getting there is half the fun thanks to the scenic roads. Many adventurers choose to take the cable car up the mountain and hike on the way down. Sixty-eight kilometres from Catania, and an easy daytrip, is the charming town of Caltagirone. It is a good place to buy local pottery. Or indulge in a bit of agro-tourism and visit farms and citrus groves near the coast.
When to go
Catania has a typical Mediterranean climate, with dry, hot summers ideal for beaching and visiting in general, as well as mild rainy winters which hold a charm of their own for their empty streets and invigorating breezes.
Check Catania Weather Forecast
Driving rentals in Italy
Driving is on the right side of the road in the country. When driving in Italy you’ll need an International Drivers’ Permit. Also bring along a driver’s license from your own country plus some other form of picture ID. Make sure to obey the speed limits.