Car rental Catania Airport

Catania is one of the most straightforward destinations in Sicily to drive around and its location on the Ionian Coast makes it one of the most striking too. As well as the larger cities and popular coastline, there are pockets of hidden gems, untouched by tourism, to be discovered too.

Catania Airport is a little over 15 minutes from the center via Via Plebiscito. Once in the city, head for Via Vittorio Emanuele II to see the impressive architecture of the Cathedral at Piazza Duomo, Catania’s main square.

There are one-way systems in place around the city, so head away from the square on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. Street parking in the very center can be difficult to come by, but you’ll find plenty of parking lots in Catania, so you can park the car and get a closer look at the local landmarks on foot.

Watch out for the ZTL – an area that’s restricted to traffic during certain times of the day. Known as a ‘Zona Traffico Limitato’, it’s marked by a sign with a red and white circle. Cameras often monitor these areas so avoid entering during the stated hours if you don’t want to risk a fine.

Just an hour from the airport you’ll find Europe's highest and most active volcano. Take the SP54 around the outskirts of the city and you’ll reach Mount Etna on the SP92.

The SS114 will take you along the entire Catania coastline and right up to Messina. It will take an hour and 15 minutes to reach this harbor city, which has long been the gateway to and from the island. Join the A19 and it’ll take you across the island to Sicily’s capital, Palermo, which mixes the ancient world with modern Europe.

There are tolls across many of the major routes in Sicily and speed limits will vary. Freeways are up to 80mph, while in urban areas it’s 30mph. As in the US, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road.

The Ionian Sea ripples calmly alongside the city up towards the Strait of Messina, which separates the island from the toe of Italy’s boot. Catania’s location makes it the ideal starting point to explore Sicily’s sensational cities and gorgeous coastline.

Treat your taste buds

Seafood lovers will rejoice at La Pescheria – the city’s lively fish market. You’ll find the market on the streets right behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning. Walk the length of the stalls and you’ll see – and smell - everything from swordfish to clams, mussels to sea urchins.

Unsurprisingly, some of the best seafood restaurants are dotted around the market, including Pescheria Fratelli Vittorio. Co-owner and fishmonger Giovanni picks the ingredients from the local market to ensure the restaurant offers only the freshest seafood.

You should also try arancini while you’re here. It’s typical Catania street food and one of the best-known Sicilian dishes. Typically, these fried balls of risotto rice are filled with ragout, mozzarella and peas. A short walk from the Roman Theater of Catania you’ll find Pasticceria Savia, just across from Park Giardino Bellini. This restaurant is famous for its arancini and is the perfect place to sample this must-try dish.

Ski down a volcano

While northern Italy is synonymous with skiing, not many people realize that you can ski on top of Mount Etna. At the peak you can stand by the crater’s edge looking out on the glistening Ionian, Adriatic and Mediterranean Sea. From the slopes of the volcano, the smell of sulfur will only add to the adrenaline rush of this sport as you glide down to the bottom.

For more of a challenge, head to the southern slope. Starting at 3,329 meters, make your way down through birch and beech trees. The upper slopes are suitable for off-piste snowboarding and the lava bumps provide the perfect conditions for kite skiing.

The Mediterranean location means that Etna’s ski resorts benefit from a warm climate – you may even find yourself skiing in a T-shirt. You’ll find the best snow conditions from November through to April, although this impressive volcano is definitely worth a visit all year round.

Marvel at ancient architecture

Mount Etna erupted twice in the late 1600s and so the city was rebuilt by Roman architects, resulting in one of the most impressive baroque cities in the Mediterranean.

When you see Catania’s main square you’ll understand why it’s a world heritage site. The focal point is the cathedral with a tiered baroque façade and a grey and white color scheme. The distinctive ashy color of the building comes from the lava stone used to construct the restored cathedral. Look out for the iconic elephant fountain opposite the entrance, which is made out of lava and has become a symbol of Catania.

Heading out of the square, you’re just a few minutes from the Roman Theater and Odeon. The Odeon is one of the most significant monuments of ancient Catania. It dates back to 300 BC and is the perfect place to peer into the ancient history of the area.

Car rental at Catania Airport will let you take charge of your trip and give you the freedom to head into the city, along the Ionian Coastline and all around this beautiful island.