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Exploring Taormina by Hire Car

Taormina is a lively Sicilian town on the Ionian Sea between Messina and Catania.

The town became a tourist centre as early as the 19th century, due to its mild climate in addition to an old town worth seeing, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside that is well worth exploring.

An ancient theatre with a sensational view of the volcano Etna, as well as numerous magnificent palazzi, ancient churches and picturesque alleys make Taormina a worthwhile destination in Sicily.

And there are many charming places to discover in the island’s hinterland, which can easily be reached by hire car. We’ve put together a few tips for renting and traveling.

Taking over the hire car

Most travelers reach Taormina via the airport in Catania. There you will find numerous hire car agencies very close to the airport terminal. Before you book your hire car, just make sure that your hire car company is also located right at the airport. If your hire car company is only close to the airport, it can take a long time for a shuttle to take you there. And that costs valuable holiday time.

Taking the right hire car

Narrow roads in the villages and turbulent traffic in the cities, make it advisable to book a small car. This will get you through everywhere and also make it easier to find a parking space. Before you decide on a car, you should only consider how much luggage you want to take with you on your trip. Many holidaymakers have found that the hire car was too small to hold their luggage when they picked up their car.

Hire car prices

In fashionable Taormina it is often really expensive to book a hire car. Prices are usually significantly lower in Catania. You can often get the best deal by booking well in advance of your trip and using our handy price comparison tool.

hire car price comparison Taormina

Insuring the car properly

To be well insured in case of an accident in Sicily, you should choose a hire car with fully comprehensive insurance without excess. When it comes to liability, it is important to pay attention to the amount of coverage. It should be at least one million euros. Because in a pile-up or if people are injured in an accident, it quickly becomes very expensive.

age limit

You must be at least 21 years old to hire car in Taormina and Catania from most hire car companies. Only a few rental companies accept 18 year old drivers as well. Customers younger than 25 often pay an additional fee. And drivers older than 75 will not be charged by some rental companies. Before booking a car, find out your rental company’s terms and conditions.

Accessories

If you need accessories such as child seats or a navigation system, you must order the desired equipment separately from your hire car company. Make your reservation well in advance so that the equipment you want is available on the day of the rental.

Free kilometers

Even though Sicily is an island, the distances between places are often so great that you should definitely choose a car with all the kilometres free. That way, you can let your exploratory spirit run wild.

Language barrier

In Taormina and Catania, it is by no means a given that all staff at rental stations speak fluent English. Before you travel, it’s better to make a note of the phone number of your rental company’s Italian head office to ask for translation help in case of an emergency. With luck, you’ll find a staff member who can interpret.

Tank control

Make sure to book with a rental company where you pick up the car with a full tank of gas and return it with a full tank. This is the most transparent and fair solution for everyone.

Bail

If your hire car company actually charges the deposit due for the hire car to your credit card, it can sometimes take a long time before the money is returned to your account after you return the car. Rather, book with a rental company that just blocks the amount. And make sure 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 services in Catania and Taormina, some do complain about the external condition of the cars. Damage to the hire car, such as dents or scratches, should always be confirmed in writing by your rental agent. Keep this document safe in order not to be held liable for damages that you did not cause when returning the car. There are also complaints about long waiting times from time to time. Play it safe and plan enough time, especially when returning the car, to avoid missing the plane.

Safety hire car

Most rental vehicles in Taormina and Catania are perfectly roadworthy. For your own safety, however, you should check that the car’s lights are working perfectly before your first drive. Do not forget the indicators and brake lights. Also check that you have high-visibility vests, first-aid kits and a warning triangle on board. And do a quick brake test in the parking lot of your rental company.

Sights in Taormina

Teatro Greco: Fantastic View
The Teatro Greco is a good starting point for a city tour. It originated in the 3rd century BC and was rebuilt by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. From the tiered rows of seats, visitors not only have a good view of the stage, but also of the gorgeous landscape that surrounds the place. During the summer months, performances take place here regularly. It’s best to check with the tourist information office for the current programme.

Dom San Nicolo: Magnificent Nave
Journey further into the Middle Ages when you visit San Nicolo Cathedral. It was built in the 13th century and already impresses with its simple yet elegant facade. The interior of the cathedral is magnificently decorated. Worth seeing is the work “Madonna with Child and Saints” by the artist Antonello de Saliba.

Villa Comunale: enjoying nature
You will find a green island when you head for Villa Comunale. The park that surrounds the pretty villa was laid out by an Englishwoman who fell in love with the town of Taormina. In summer, you can stroll through the magnificent green area until midnight and enjoy the view of the sea and the coast.

Corso Umberto: Hotspot in the evening
A stroll along the Corso Umberto could conclude the sightseeing tour. Here half of Taormina meets in the early evening hours to relax in the small bars and restaurants. But also during the day a visit is worthwhile. Many shops offer exquisite souvenirs and the pastries from the local bakeries are a delight.

Find a good restaurant

In summer, Taormina is almost overrun by tourists. Actually, the restaurateurs wouldn’t have to try very hard to make good sales. Nevertheless, the cuisine in most restaurants is surprisingly good. We recommend the Ristorante Al Duomo. Here you get fine regional specialties served in a rustic setting.

Find a good hotel

The influx of visitors ensures that Taormina is home to some of the best hotels in Sicily. You might book your room at the Grand Hotel Timeo. This luxury hostel is located near the Teatro Greco. From many of the stylishly decorated rooms and from the terrace you have a fantastic view of the city and the surrounding area. From the pool to a fine restaurant, this hotel offers all the amenities for a relaxing stay.

A worthwhile destination in the area

Palermo: Bubbling Island Capital
Direct the hire car to Palermo. A real contrast awaits you here. While Taormina immediately caresses the visitor, rugged Palermo wants to be conquered first. The city is noisy, the traffic roaring and many buildings are in desperate need of renovation.

But then you might discover Ballarò Market and dive into an unknown world. From coffee machines to live chickens, everything the city’s inhabitants need to live is sold here. Between the stalls that occupy entire streets, you will always find small stalls and bars where you can taste such exotic delicacies as focacce stuffed with spleen and tripe. And while you’re thinking about whether you really want to taste it, you can plan which exciting destinations around Taormina you’d like to visit next by hire car.

Suggestion for a trip by hire car

Catania: Formed from Lava
A trip with the hire car could lead you first to Catania. In just under an hour you will be there. In Catania, it becomes clear what devastation the eruptions of the Etna volcano have left behind. After the volcano destroyed large parts of the city during its eruption in 1669, the inhabitants used the black lava rock for reconstruction. And so often quite gloomy buildings line the streets, which were dead straight after the rebuilding. But during a stroll through the city, the visitor quickly notices that numerous houses are decorated in baroque splendour. This is specially visible in the Via Crociferi. Apart from the interesting architectural style, it is above all the lively markets of Cantania that inspire. The fish market La Pescheria is particularly lively. Food other than fish is also on sale there.

Siracusa: Journey to Antiquity
Continue your journey to Siracusa, which you will reach after just under an hour’s drive. In Siracusa, not only a charming old town with winding romantic alleys awaits you, but also famous ancient excavations. Visit the Teatro Greco from the 6th century BC. It is one of the largest Greek theatres in the world and after its expansion in the 3rd century BC, it could seat 15,000 spectators. Dating from the 3rd century AD is the Roman Amphitheatre, which you will also find within the excavation sites. Here, the most modern stage technology was used. Even sea battles could be represented. For this purpose, the stage area was specially flooded with water.

Noto: Baroque Pearl
Before you drive back to Taormina with your hire car, you can still make a stop in Noto. The drive will take you a good half hour by hire car. After the old town fell victim to an earthquake in 1693, the architects of the island took the chance to resurrect Noto as a baroque pearl. Visit Piazza Municipio and marvel at the magnificent palazzi that frame the square. Afterwards, stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, enjoy an espresso in a bar or hunt for original souvenirs in one of the shops along the way. For the return journey to Taormina, you should allow a good hour and a half. Already during the drive you have the opportunity to think about where the next excursion with the hire car should go.

Conclusion

Taormina is perfectly suitable for a round trip with a hire car. You live in one of the most beautiful cities of Sicily and reach many other charming destinations by car after a short drive. Our practical price comparison helps you to find the suitable car at favourable conditions.

Hire car Taormina