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Discover Parma by Hire Car

Parma is a major city in northern northern Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region, with a population of just under 180,000 in an area of 260 square kilometres.

Parma is one of the most important economic centres on the Italian boot, along with Milan, Bologna and Turin. The focus here is mainly on food, as evidenced by the world-famous Parma ham. But Parma has more to offer than just ham.

Numerous sights make a stay in the city a pleasure. And in the surrounding countryside there are many charming destinations that can be reached wonderfully by hire car. We have put together a few tips for rental and travel.

Taking over the hire car

Many hire car customers arrive in Parma via the airports in Milan and Bologna. In Bologna, you will find numerous hire car agencies in the terminal. There you can complete the formalities and then pick up your hire car in car park 2 on level -1 or on the ground floor of P3.

Also in Milan, many hire car companies have their stations in one of the two arrival terminals. Before you book your hire car, just make sure that your hire car is also located right at the airport. Hire car agencies in the vicinity usually have to be reached by a shuttle. And that can take a lot of time.

Booking the right hire car

In a big city like Parma, parking spaces are often in short supply. Therefore, it is advisable to go for a small car that will allow you to use tight parking spaces.

Hire car prices

In Parma and at the two airports mentioned above, hire car prices tend to be in the mid-range, although you can often expect cheaper deals in Milan and Bologna. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a particularly good deal if you book well in advance of your trip and use our handy price comparison tool.

hire car price comparison Parma

Insuring the car properly

The turbulent traffic of Parma and the unfamiliar hire car ensure that an accident can quickly occur. In case of damage, you are well insured if you hire car with comprehensive insurance without excess. With liability insurance, it is important to pay attention to the amount of coverage. It should be at least one million euros. Because if people are injured in an accident, it quickly becomes really expensive. If the amount of coverage of your hire car company does not seem sufficient, you can provide additional protection with a so-called Mallorca policy. Talk to your insurance agent.

age limit

You must be at least 19 or 21 to hire car at virtually all hire car agencies in Parma, Bologna and Milan. And most charge an additional fee from drivers younger than 25. Check with your rental company’s terms and conditions before renting.

Accessories

Accessories such as a navigation device or child seat must always be ordered specifically from your hire car company. Reserve in good time so that the desired equipment is also available on the day of the vehicle pickup.

Language barrier

At many rental stations in Parma, Bologna and Milan, it is by no means certain that the staff will speak fluent English. It’s best to make a note of the phone number of your rental company’s Italian head office before you travel, so you can ask them for translation help if you need it.

Free kilometers

There are so many charming places around Parma that you should definitely book a hire car with all kilometres free. This way, you can enjoy your excursions without worrying about the mileage.

Remember the tank regulation

In Parma, Bologna and Milan there are hire car companies that require their customers to buy the first tank of fuel for a hefty service charge. In exchange, the car is then “allowed” to be returned empty, which of course most hire car customers are not. The service fee and the remaining fuel can be booked as profit by the hire car company. Rather, rent your car from a more reputable rental company where you pick up the car with a full tank of gas and return it with a full tank.

Bail

Some hire car companies also make a profit on the deposit by charging the amount to your credit card and then delay paying it back after you return the car. Try to book with a rental company that only blocks the amount on the credit card. Then the money will be available to you immediately after you return the car. Before you leave for your trip, be sure to check that your card’s credit limit is sufficient to cover the deposit.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

Although most customers are quite satisfied with the hire car stations in Parma, Bologna and Milan, some still complain about very long waiting times at the hire car counters. Especially when returning the car, plan enough time to avoid missing your plane or train.

Some customers also complain about the external condition of the vehicles. If you discover dents or scratches on your hire car, you should always have the damage confirmed in writing in a fault report. Keep the document in a safe place. Only in this way can you be sure that you will not be held liable for damage that you did not cause when you return the car.

Safety hire car

Most hire cars in Parma and the surrounding area are roadworthy. But there can be exceptions. Before your first drive, check all the car’s lights and do a quick brake test in the rental company’s parking lot. Also check that a warning triangle, high-visibility vests and a first-aid kit are on board.

Sights in Parma

Palazzo della Pilotta: “Playful” magnificent building
The first traces of settlement in Parma date back to the time of the Etruscans, and it was finally founded as a city by the Romans in 184 BC. Throughout its history, Parma has had numerous, changing rulers, and this is reflected very clearly in the city’s architecture. First and foremost is the Palazzo della Pilotta, built in 1583. The ancestral seat of the Farnese family was named after the eponymous ball game “Pilotta”, which was avidly played by the nobles.

Piazza Garibaldi: Paradise for foodies
No less imposing is the Palazzo del Governatore and the elegant frontage of houses of the Muncipio on the bustling Piazza Garibaldi. Here you will also find the many small delicatessens selling the regional specialities for which Parma is so famous, as well as a number of cosy pavement cafés.

Madonna della Steccata: Imposing Renaissance building
Slightly north of Piazza Garibaldi is Parma’s oldest Renaissance church with an impressive roof structure and richly decorated interior , the Madonna della Steccata.

Piazza del Duomo: Impressive square
With a walk through the pedestrian zone, you can reach the extremely picturesque cathedral square, the Piazza del Duomo, from here in no time. This is dominated by the mighty domes of the church and its magnificent brick tower, the Ghirlandina. Directly opposite is the medieval bishop’s seat of Parma, the Palazzo del Vescovado, with a unique baptistery in filigree pink and white marble.

Find the special restaurant

Creative cuisine that nevertheless does not deny its regional roots is served to you at Ristorante Parizzi. It’s not for nothing that this elegant restaurant has been awarded one star by the Guide Michelin.

Discover a good hotel

Comfortable rooms and first-class service await you when you make a reservation at the Grand Hotel de la Ville. The hotel is located not far from the city centre, making it easy to reach all the sights on foot.

Suggestion for a trip by hire car

Modena: Romanesque and culinary high culture.
A round trip by hire car could first take you to Modena in half an hour. There, a specialty is created that can help the Parma ham to new culinary splendor, the Aceto Balsamico di Modena. But not only ham, also vanilla ice cream can be refined with this delicious balsamic vinegar.

When buying, just make sure that the bottle says “Tradizionale”, because only then you are dealing with the real specialty of the city. But not only gourmets, also culture lovers will find their happiness in Modena. After all, there is a magnificent cathedral, which is considered a prime example of Romanesque architecture and has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ferrara: Mighty Castle
Ferrara is the name of the next destination of the trip that you will reach in about an hour and a half by hire car. Ferrara is located in the middle of the Po Valley, no hill prevented the city planners to align most of the streets in a dead straight line. Many streets are lined with charming Renaissance-era palazzi.

Visit the mighty Castello Estense that was essentially built in the second half of the 16th century. Visitors are particularly captivated by the pretty frescoes inside. Before turning your back on Ferrara, take a look at the magnificent cathedral, which enchants with its richly decorated nave.

Carpi: Undiscovered Beauty
Before you head back to Parma in your hire car, you can stop off in Carpi. It will take you about an hour and a half to get there. You can also still discover some Renaissance buildings in the old town of Carpi. However, as the tourist crowds have not yet discovered the little town, in Carpi you have the chance to observe genuine Italian everyday life. In a café or bar, you are sure to quickly strike up a conversation with the locals and get valuable tips for your next trip with a hire car.

conclusion

The proximity to two airports, the diversity of the city and the worthwhile destinations in the surrounding area make Parma an ideal location for a trip by hire car. If you use our handy price comparison, you’ll quickly find a suitable car at great rates.

Hire car Parma