Hertz in Parma

Famous for its vibrant culture and rich cuisine, the city of Parma is nestled in the lush green country of northern Italy. Bursting with highlights, you can’t miss the pink-marble baptistery, Parma’s outstanding Galleria Nazionale, or its prestigious opera house. And, of course, while you’re here it’s essential to try the world-renowned prosciutto ham and authentic parmesan cheese.

There’s plenty to see and do in Parma, but renting a car gives you an opportunity to explore much more during your stay. Bologna and Genoa are within easy driving distance, and Italy’s fashion capital, Milan, isn’t far away, either.

Whether you’re landing at Parma Airport or arriving by road or rail, you’ll find our Hertz collection points conveniently located throughout the city. We’ve got a great range of vehicles to choose from so you’re sure to find the perfect car for your trip.

Driving in and around Parma

If you’re collecting your rental car at Parma Airport, you’ll find the city center is close by – just two miles along the Strada dei Mercati and Via Reggio.

Parma lies close to the E35 – short for European Route 35 – which runs all the way from Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, down to Rome in Italy. This road connects Parma to Milan, just 80 miles to the north-west. In the opposite direction, it’ll lead you to Bologna – the lively and historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region.

From Parma, it’s a 130-mile drive to the coast and Genoa, a dazzling port city perched on the Mediterranean – just follow the E35, E70 and A7. As well as visiting the metropolitan hubs of Italy, renting a car in Parma means you can explore the rest of the Emilia-Romagna region, which is dotted with rustic villages and castles from another age, like the medieval town of Castell’Arquato and Vigoleno castle.

Like many cities in Italy, the historic center of Parma is subject to a limited traffic zone – or zona traffico limitato (ZTL). This means access is limited to vehicles with a special permit. The zone is strictly monitored by cameras, so you may face a fine if you enter.

However, you’ll find plenty of parking available throughout the city, allowing you to easily explore the central attractions on foot. Parking lots are available in locations including Viale Toschi and Via Goito, both of which are close to the river and open 24 hours a day.

When driving in Italy, remember to use the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Bear in mind that the major highways, or autostrade, are toll roads and you must pay the charge when you exit.

A quick guide to Parma

Soak up some true Italian culture in Parma. With its art gallery and buildings, such as the cathedral and baptistery, the city showcases the best of Italy – with a delicious focus on food.

The city is home to a plethora of restaurants serving its iconic, creamy pasta dishes and famous delicatessen delights, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto de Parma. Whether you’re here for work or pleasure, you’ll find something to tingle every taste bud along Parma’s airy, tree-lined streets.

Artistic flair

One of the most popular attractions in Parma is the city’s National Gallery – Galleria nazionale di Parma – situated within the grand Pilotta Palace. It contains works spanning many centuries, including the Head of a Young Woman by Leonardo da Vinci. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is located close to Parma’s bright and buzzing main square, Piazza Garibaldi.

Just a short distance from the gallery, you’ll find the gilded Teatro Regio, one of the most famous opera houses in Italy. This venue hosts music and ballet performances throughout the year, and every October holds a festival dedicated to the composer Verdi, a 19^th-century local.

Historic gems

Many of Parma’s most elegant buildings can be found in its cathedral square, Piazza Duomo, the hub for art and music in the heart of the city. It’s dominated by the city’s elaborate cathedral, a towering 900-year-old Romanesque structure. Its undisputed highlight is the Assumption of the Virgin, a spectacular fresco sweeping across its dome, painted by Antonio Correggio in the 16^th century.

Another of Parma’s architectural landmarks is the imposing octagonal baptistery. This striking medieval structure is covered in pink marble that was transported from Verona and displays a curious patchwork of styles, its construction having spanned hundreds of years.

You can also seek out some shade and quiet inside where you’ll find arches covered with intricate paintings and frescoes, as well as a beautiful cupola anointed with ethereal religious paintings.

Gastronomic highlights

No visit to Parma would be complete without sampling some of its most famous produce. From prosciutto ham to parmesan cheese, and the region’s renowned balsamic vinegar, there’s a smorgasbord of restaurants dotted around the city where you can sample these delicatessen delights. Take specialist food tour and spend your afternoon in picturesque villages sampling the wares of many of the most celebrated local producers.

In Modena, just a short drive south-east of Parma, it’s possible to learn all about how balsamic vinegar – or aceto balsamico – is aged in special caskets, and you can also visit the nearby vineyards where Lambrusco is made. Modena also plays host to the Enzo Ferrari museum, where you can learn all about the man behind the iconic marque.

Alternatively, head to the Langhirano Valley, just a dozen miles south of the city, home to producers of the famous dry-cured prosciutto ham. Some of these sites are open to the public, and you can reserve a place on a tour where you’ll find out about the unique process involved in creating this local delicacy.

Renting a car in Parma puts so much within easy reach – especially if you’re keen to sample more of Italy’s gastronomic and historical delights.