IslandGuide — Sicily
🇮🇹 Italy

Car rental in Sicily

Sicily is Italy's largest island and distances between attractions are substantial. Rail connections are slow and buses between smaller towns are infrequent. A car is the only practical way to explore the Valley of the Temples, the baroque towns of the southeast, Mount Etna's slopes, and the wild beaches of the southern coast.

Pickup locations

CTA Catania Fontanarossa Airport
PMO Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport
Rent a car — DiscoverCars

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a car in Sicily?
Yes, a car is practically essential. Sicily is Italy's largest island and distances between Palermo, Agrigento, and Etna are very long. Trains are slow and rural buses infrequent. A car unlocks the interior, south coast temples, and the volcanic landscapes around Etna.
What car is best for Sicily?
A mid-size car is comfortable for the long distances. City driving in Palermo and Catania can be hectic, so avoid anything too large. A compact handles Sicilian roads well.
When should I book a rental car in Sicily?
Book at least 3 weeks ahead for July and August. Catania Airport can run low on stock in peak season. Shoulder months like May, June and September offer much better value.
What insurance do I need in Sicily?
Full CDW is strongly recommended. Sicilian urban traffic is intense and parking in historic centres requires skill. SCDW (zero excess) gives peace of mind in cities and on rough rural tracks.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a car in Sicily?
Yes, a car is practically essential. Sicily is Italy's largest island and distances between Palermo, Agrigento, and Etna are very long. Trains are slow and rural buses infrequent. A car unlocks the interior, south coast temples, and the volcanic landscapes around Etna.
What car is best for Sicily?
A mid-size car is comfortable for the long distances. City driving in Palermo and Catania can be hectic, so avoid anything too large. A compact handles Sicilian roads well.
When should I book a rental car in Sicily?
Book at least 3 weeks ahead for July and August. Catania Airport can run low on stock in peak season. Shoulder months like May, June and September offer much better value.
What insurance do I need in Sicily?
Full CDW is strongly recommended. Sicilian urban traffic is intense and parking in historic centres requires skill. SCDW (zero excess) gives peace of mind in cities and on rough rural tracks.