Sicily Road Trip from Catania: Etna and Taormina in 3 Days
Catania is the perfect starting point for eastern Sicily: sea, volcano and baroque towns all within a short drive of each other. Pick up a rental car at the airport and you can plan the trip around your own schedule, without tour buses. Here’s a three-day route covering the Cyclops Riviera, Mount Etna and Taormina.
Picking up your car at Catania airport
Dryyve’s office is at Via San Giuseppe alla Rena 4, inside the “Vip car park”, and it’s a short walk from the terminal. From the arrivals exit, walk about 100 metres to the right along the avenue; once past Terminal C, take the footpath behind the P4 car park to the Vip car park. The office is open every day from 8:00 to 22:00. For a faster pick-up, send the office your flight details in advance.
Day 1: Catania and the Cyclops Riviera
Spend the morning in the old town: via Etnea, Piazza Duomo with its Elephant Fountain, and La Pescheria, the city’s famous fish market. The centre has restricted traffic zones and narrow streets, so park in a paid car park and explore on foot. In the afternoon, drive up the coast to Aci Castello, with its Norman castle on the sea, and Aci Trezza, home to the Cyclops sea stacks: a great spot for a sunset drink.
Day 2: Mount Etna
From Catania, follow signs to Nicolosi and then to Rifugio Sapienza, at around 1,900 metres. It’s the base for Etna’s southern slopes and a drive of just over an hour. From there you can take the cable car and join a guided excursion towards the summit craters, or walk around the Silvestri Craters right next to the car park.
In winter the road can be snowy: from mid-November to mid-April winter tyres or snow chains on board are required. Check the weather and access conditions before you go, as some areas may close because of snow or volcanic activity.
Day 3: Taormina and Giardini Naxos
Taormina is about an hour from Catania on the A18 motorway. The old town is closed to traffic, so leave the car in one of the multi-storey car parks at the entrance to town (Lumbi or Porta Catania) and walk to the Ancient Theatre, Corso Umberto and the public gardens. In the afternoon, head down to Giardini Naxos for a swim, or up to Castelmola for views over the coast and Etna.
Tips for driving in eastern Sicily
- The A18 Catania–Messina motorway and the Catania ring road are the fastest way to get around; the A18 is a toll road.
- Watch for ZTL signs in historic centres: entry points are camera-controlled and fines are sent to the rental company.
- Drive carefully on Etna’s roads: bends, cyclists and, in winter, ice.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Dryyve office at Catania airport?
In the Vip car park at Via San Giuseppe alla Rena 4, a few minutes’ walk from arrivals: past Terminal C, follow the footpath behind the P4 car park.
Can I drive up Mount Etna in a rental car?
Yes, the road is paved up to Rifugio Sapienza. In winter you need winter tyres or chains on board; above the refuge you continue by cable car and guided excursion.
How far is Taormina from Catania?
About an hour by car on the A18 motorway, depending on traffic.
What documents do I need at pick-up?
Your original driving licence, valid for the whole rental and held for at least one year, an ID or passport, and a Visa or Mastercard credit card in the main driver’s name.
How does the security deposit work?
An amount based on the car category is held on your credit card at pick-up and released after return. We do not accept prepaid cards for the security deposit.
Ready for eastern Sicily? Book your car rental at Catania airport with Dryyve.
