Hertz in Lamezia

The historic city of Lamezia lies in southern Italy, not far from the Tyrrhenian coast. It’s home to a ruined castle, abbey and much more besides, all set in the unspoiled surroundings of the Calabria countryside. Renting a car in Lamezia means you can explore much more of the region and beyond.

From Lamezia, it’s possible to visit the beaches of Reggio di Calabria, the main departure point from Italy to the nearby island of Sicily. You’ll also find Puglia, home to the city of Bari and other attractions, easily accessible with a rental car.

We have a collection desk at Lamezia Airport and a few dotted across the city, so you can reach us wherever is convenient.

It’s easy to reserve your car in advance, and with no hidden extra charges you’ll soon be driving away to enjoy your vacation.

Driving in and around Lamezia

If you’re collecting your rental car at Lamezia Airport, it’s just under a 10-mile drive into the city center via the Strada Statale 109 or Strada Statale 280.

With its ideal location close to several major highways, Lamezia is the perfect base for exploring southern Italy. It’s not far from the Autostrade del Mediterraneo, which runs all the way from Reggio Calabria in the south to the city of Salerno in the north. To reach Reggio Calabria from Lamezia, it’s just an 80-mile drive along this route and the SS18. This port connects Italy with the island of Sicily, with a ferry journey of just 35 minutes.

The capital of the Calabria region, Catanzaro, is sometimes known as the city of the two seas because it overlooks the Ionian to the east and the Tyrrhenian to the west. Catanzaro can be reached by travelling just 24 miles east of Lamezia.

If you’re setting out on a road trip across Italy, there are some amazing destinations within driving distance of Lamezia – and they may well be worth an overnight stop.

Just 200 miles north in the region of Puglia you will find Bari, a port city on the Adriatic Sea. It’s home to some beautiful beaches and several historic monuments, making it a popular destination for tourists. Or you could travel northwest via the Autostrade del Mediterraneo to reach Naples, the third biggest city in Italy and not far from the Roman town of Pompeii, which was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in the year 79AD.

When driving in Italy, remember that motorists use the right-hand side of the road. The usual speed limit on the highway – known as the autostrade – is 130km/h (81mph) and some have tolls.

A quick guide to Lamezia

Lamezia may not be the largest city in Italy, but it has plenty of fascinating sights on offer. There are also many attractions outside the center, so renting a car is the ideal way to make the most of your stay.

Must-see monuments

Lamezia Terme, to give the city its full title, was formed in the late 1960s by the amalgamation of three towns: Nicastro, Sambiase and Sant’Eufemia Lamezia. Today, one of the city’s most famous attractions is the ninth-century castle in the area that was once Nicastro.

Dating back to the ninth century, this fortress was built on a rock overlooking the sea to provide a defense against invading forces. Much of the castle was destroyed by an earthquake in the 17^th century, but some work has been done to preserve its remains, and today you can still see its former walls on the hilltop overlooking the city.

Not far from the castle you can also find the remains of St Eufemia abbey, built in 1062. And nearby lies perhaps the most famous historical monument in Lamezia, the Bastion of the Knights of Malta. This enormous watchtower dates back to the 16^th century and although the ruins of several other towers are visible nearby, this is the best preserved thanks to its thick walls that were built to withstand attacks with plenty of firepower.

If you’re keen to learn more about the history of this part of Italy, head to the Diocesan Museum where you’ll find an extensive display of artifacts and artworks, including several 18^th-century paintings by local artist Francesco Colelli.

National parks

Lamezia is also ideally placed for visiting the Pollino and La Sila national parks. Closest to the city is La Sila, where you’ll find mountainous landscapes and some stunning scenery. It’s also home to some rare plants and animals, including deer and even wolves that live in remote areas of the park.

Just a slightly longer drive north out of the city you’ll discover Pollino National Park, which spans parts of Calabria and the neighboring region of Basilicata. Much of the landscape is covered in forests, with several mountains rising high above the trees.

The highest peaks are Serra Dolcedorme and Monte Pollino, but if you don’t want to tackle the steep slopes you can take some time to explore the towns and villages within the park, where traditional rural Italian ways of life remain largely untouched.

Seaside resorts

With a rental car in Lamezia it’s easy to reach the coast, with several popular resorts to choose from. Fewer than 40 miles south of the city is the seaside town of Tropea, perched on a clifftop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

This is a favorite destination for locals, thanks to its beautiful beaches and clear, blue waters, set against the backdrop of some dramatic rocky scenery. The town also has a historic center where you can wander around its cobbled streets with cafes serving latte di mandorla, a refreshing drink made with almond milk.

Rent a car in Lamezia to see the best of the city and explore the wider Calabria region.