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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Compare car rentals from top brands in Taormina with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up in Taormina, nearby Giardini Naxos, or at Catania Airport (CTA) for more choice and easy drives to Mount Etna, Syracuse and the eastern coast. Book early for summer, especially for automatic cars and check ZTL rules and parking options like Lumbi or Porta Catania.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Taormina City | • Convenient for those staying in Taormina • No airport fees • Immediate availability |
• Very limited rental offices in town • Restricted vehicle selection • Driving on steep hillside roads • ZTL restrictions in town center |
| Catania Airport (CTA) | • Largest selection of vehicles • All major rental companies present • 65 km (40 miles) from Taormina |
• Airport surcharges (approximately 16%) • Distance requires planning • Wait times during peak flight arrivals |
| Giardini Naxos | • Closest town to Taormina with rental options • Lower rates than in Taormina |
• Limited rental agencies • Restricted operating hours • May require taxi from Taormina |
On average, car rentals in Taormina cost around €72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €40 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Prices vary between Taormina city, Giardini Naxos and Catania Airport. CTA has the biggest choice but adds ~16% airport surcharges. Giardini Naxos is often cheaper. Factor in taxi/bus costs to/from each.
Book by season, not “always early”: For April–October in Sicily, booking 2–3 months ahead usually wins. In November–March (except Christmas/New Year), keep an eye on prices and pounce when they dip.
Pick the smallest car you’ll actually use: Economy/compact saves on rate and fuel, and fits Taormina’s narrow roads. Manual is cheaper than automatic. If you need an automatic in summer, reserve early.
Match rental days to your plan: If you’re exploring Taormina’s centre, you don’t need a car. Pick up after your town days and return before flying out. Also check if 7-day pricing beats 5–6 days.
Trim extras and fees: Keep to one driver to skip extra-driver fees, use a main driver 25+ to avoid young-driver surcharges, and return to the same location if you can to avoid €50–100 one-way fees. Skip hotel delivery fees by collecting at an office.
Fuel and parking hacks: Most rentals are full-to-full. Refill near return at the ENI on SS114 (Giardini Naxos) or the IP by the A18 Taormina exit and keep the receipt. For day visits, Lumbi garage is usually best value with a shuttle; parking in Giardini Naxos and busing up can be even cheaper.
| Type | Identification | Cost (Approximate) | Local Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Car Parks | Signed "P" | Hourly and daily rates apply. | Porta Catania and Lumbi are main options. Shuttle service available from Lumbi to town center. |
| Street Spaces (Limited) | Blue lines | Hourly rates apply. | Extremely limited in Taormina proper. More available in Giardini Naxos. |
| Free Spaces | White lines | Free | Almost non-existent in Taormina. Some options on outskirts but fill quickly. |
| Hotel Car Parks | Private lots | Daily rates may apply. | Limited availability, must be reserved along with room in most cases. |
Corso Umberto (main street) is entirely pedestrianized
Drive on the right, overtake on the left
Get a rental so you can easily:
Mount Etna
Alcantara Gorge
Savoca – The Godfather filming locations
Syracuse
Giardini Naxos – beaches
Can I drive into Taormina's historic center?
Most of Taormina's historic center is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), which means the city only allows authorized cars inside. If you're staying at a hotel there, they might be able to get you permission to drive in if they register your license plate beforehand. Most people park at the Porta Catania or Lumbi garages and then walk or take the shuttle.
Where is the best place to park for visiting Taormina?
The Lumbi parking garage (Parcheggio Lumbi) has the most spaces and runs a shuttle to the Porta Messina entrance of the historic center. The Porta Catania car park is closer to the center but it's smaller and fills up quickly in the busy season.
Is it worth having a car if I'm staying in Taormina?
If you're only planning to explore Taormina, you won't need a car. It could even be a hassle because of the limited parking and ZTL driving rules. But if you plan to visit nearby places like Mount Etna, Syracuse or the beach towns, a rental car will be very useful.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Taormina?
You need to have a valid driver's license, a credit card in the driver's name and your passport or ID card. People with a license from outside the EU/EEA/UK, like the US, Canada or Australia, usually also need an International Driving Permit.
How difficult is the drive to Mount Etna from Taormina?
When you drive to Mount Etna, you will start on a highway and then go onto winding mountain roads that climb higher. The roads are usually in good shape, but you need to drive carefully, especially in winter when there might be ice or snow on them. Plan for the drive to take at least 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, not including your time for visiting.
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