Europe is a continent so full of variety and contrast that it might often be difficult to choose where to explore next. If you have a car at your disposal, however, many more opportunities are likely to open up, so that car rental in Italy, for example, may offer some new horizons.

Roads less travelled

One Italian destination in particular might attract travellers of either an adventurous or entirely leisurely spirit – the island of Sicily. Set in the azure blue of the Mediterranean, at the south western “toe” of the mainland, the island might seem made for exploring by car.

Whether it’s the coastline or the timeless tranquillity of the interior that attracts you, a car is probably the best way of getting around. Public transport may be unreliable and with a hire car, it may be easy to reach places that remain tantalizingly off the beaten track.

Getting there

One thing more than any other that has probably helped to put Sicily on the map for car rental in Italy has been the development of Catania airport. It is the only airport on what is a large island, but currently ranks third – after only Rome and Milan – in Italy in terms of the volume of annual traffic.

As a gateway to the whole of the island, Catania offers all the facilities of a modern, major international airport, including the availability of cars for hire within the terminal itself.

Whether you are new to Europe car hire
bookings or an old hand, however, there may be distinct advantages to arranging your reservation in advance of the travel itself:

• there is likely to be less of a problem with availability and you may avoid the disappointment of the car you particularly wanted already being rented out;

• you may well save time at the airport – never likely to be the most enthralling destination on your travels – by avoiding the queues and inevitable form-filling at the car rental desk; and

• often, access to some of the most competitive rates for car rental in Italy. Although low cost may be a relative term and likely to depend on what type of hire car you desire, pre-booking may typically qualify for attractive discounts.