Car Rental in Taormina (Sicily, Italy)
How to Book a Car in Taormina with Drivelity: Only 5 Simple Steps
You need to fulfil 5 simple steps to book a car in Taormina, Italy:
- Select the city: Taormina (pick-up, drop-off locations) and rental dates in the search field;
- Press Filters and select the vehicle type, car brand, gear box, payment method, etc.
- Choose the best deal from the listing;
- Click View and fill in the details including additional services (if needed);
- Pay an advance 15-20% of the rental cost and confirm your booking.
The voucher will be sent to your email after successful prepayment. It confirms the rental and includes the final price in EUR and terms. Pay the rest of amount when you pick up the car.
Cheap Car Rental in Taormina Without Credit Card
Taormina is one of Sicily’s most celebrated resort towns perched on a terrace of Monte Tauro above the Ionian Sea, with the snow-capped cone of Mount Etna rising on the horizon. Famous for its ancient Greek Theatre, elegant Corso Umberto, flower-filled terraces and the beaches of Isola Bella and Mazzarò, it is a place that rewards slow exploration. Renting a car in Taormina gives you the freedom to go beyond the town itself: to the lava slopes of Etna, Alcantara Gorge, hilltop village of Castelmola, film-famous villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò and the baroque cities of Catania, Syracuse and Noto. While the centre of Taormina is best explored on foot, rental car is by far the best way to discover eastern Sicily where public transport to smaller places is limited.
The rental car offers flexibility that buses and trains cannot match. You can drive scenic coastal roads, stop at wineries on the slopes of Etna, visit family-run agriturismi and reach trailheads and viewpoints without being tied to timetables.
Drivelity is an international booking platform which connects you with licensed local car rental companies in Taormina (Sicily, Italy). We offer cheap car rental in Taormina, Italy at the best prices. Our service has a huge selection of vehicles in our fleet ranging from economy class cars to 4×4 SUVs and Vans. You can rent a car in Taormina, Italy with no credit card and low deposit for short term (daily, weekly) or long term.
Select a Vehicle Type for Rental in Taormina (Sicily, Italy)
- Economy Cars. Best for solo travelers or couples, fuel efficient and easy to manoeuvre on Taormina steep, narrow and winding roads. They are ideal for city breaks, beach days at Isola Bella and Giardini Naxos and short trips to nearby destinations such as Castelmola, Letojanni and Savoca.
- Standard cars. Comfortable mid-range option with more space and comfort than economy cars. Ideal for small families or longer trips around eastern Sicily and nearby destinations such as Catania, Acireale and Syracuse.
- Vans. Practical and spacious option for larger families, groups and travelers with extra luggage. Ideal for airport transfers, group trips and longer journeys around eastern Sicily including Catania, Mount Etna, Syracuse and Alcantara Valley.
- SUVs. Suitable for families and travelers planning to explore the slopes of Mount Etna, Alcantara Valley and mountain roads of Peloritani and Nebrodi ranges.
Hire a Car in Taormina: Why Choose Drivelity?
- We work with the best verified local car rental companies in Taormina and eastern Sicily, Italy and provide a huge selection of vehicles for any request;
- Convenient search filter by types of cars (economy, standard, SUVs, Vans), brand, model, engine size, gearbox (manual, automatic), etc.
- Payment methods accepted by Drivelity: cash, debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.
- Unlimited mileage; additional options: second driver, child safety seat, etc.
- Insurance: Basic Coverage, Full Coverage;
- You avoid hidden fees. The final rental price is indicated in voucher;
- Low deposit. There are many offers with deposit under 450 €;
- No credit card is required. You don’t need to have a credit card to hire a car in Taormina, Italy;
- Free cancellation. Full refund if cancellation is made more than 24-48 hours before receiving the vehicle;
- 24/7 support. We monitor all the stages of car rental and assist if you have any questions.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Taormina, Italy?
You need the following documents to rent a car in Taormina, Italy:
- Passport
- Valid Driver’s License
- Booking Confirmation Voucher
You can find age and driving experience requirements in each car’s description.
Driving Rules in Italy
- Carry your driving licence, passport/ID and insurance documents at all times. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required depending on your country of origin.
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Follow speed limits: typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 130 km/h on motorways (autostrade), unless otherwise signposted. Lower speed limits may apply in adverse weather conditions.
- Maintain safe following distance, stay in your lane and use indicators when changing lanes, overtaking or turning.
- Obey all traffic signals and road signs; running a red light or ignoring traffic regulations may result in substantial fines.
- At roundabouts, give way to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout unless road signs indicate otherwise.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l for most drivers. Lower limits apply to novice drivers (during their first three years of holding a licence) and certain professional drivers. Penalties for drink driving are severe.
- Traffic cameras are widely used throughout Italy to enforce speed limits, restricted traffic zones (ZTL), red-light violations and other traffic offences.
- Use a mobile phone only with hands-free system while driving. Using handheld device is prohibited.
- All passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
- Children under 150 cm in height must use an approved child restraint system suitable for their height and weight, in accordance with Italian regulations.
- Move aside immediately for emergency vehicles using flashing lights and sirens.
- Parking is permitted only in designated areas. Pay attention to coloured parking lines: blue indicates paid parking, white usually indicates free parking and yellow is reserved for authorised vehicles or disabled permit holders. Illegal parking may result in fines or towing.
- Aggressive driving, dangerous overtaking, improper use of emergency lanes and driving in restricted ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) areas without authorisation are subject to significant penalties.
Best Places to Visit in Taormina by Rental Car
Here are some top sights to visit in and around Taormina, Italy:
- Ancient Greek Theatre (Teatro Antico) – Iconic Greek-Roman theatre set on a hillside, famous for its breathtaking view of Mount Etna and the Ionian coast.
- Corso Umberto – Taormina’s elegant main street, lined with boutiques, cafes, historic palaces and medieval gateways such as Porta Messina and Porta Catania.
- Piazza IX Aprile – Beautiful terrace square with panoramic sea views, Church of San Giuseppe and lively atmosphere especially in the evening.
- Villa Comunale (Public Garden) – Peaceful, richly planted garden created in the 19th century, with sea views, exotic flowers and quiet walking paths.
- Isola Bella – Small island and nature reserve connected to the shore by narrow strip of pebbles, one of the most photographed spots in Sicily.
- Mazzarò Beach – Popular bay at the foot of Taormina, with clear water, beach clubs and cable car linking it to the town.
- Castelmola – Charming hilltop village above Taormina known for its medieval castle ruins, almond wine and sweeping views.
- Mount Etna – Europe’s most active volcano, with lava fields, craters and cable car and jeep routes; the drive to Rifugio Sapienza is unforgettable.
- Alcantara Gorges – Dramatic basalt canyon carved by the Alcantara River, perfect for walking and cooling off on a hot summer day.
- Savoca and Forza d’Agrò – Picturesque hill villages with medieval churches and sea views, made famous by scenes from The Godfather.
You can also travel by rental car to Catania, Palermo, Messina, Trapani, Milazzo, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Agrigento, Cefalu, etc.
Practical Tips for Renting a Car in Taormina, Italy
- Learn the traffic rules. Familiarize yourself with Italian driving regulations beforehand to avoid fines. Always keep your driver’s license and vehicle documents with you in case the traffic police request them.
- Inspect the car. Check the vehicle thoroughly inside and out when you pick it up. Take photos or videos and make sure any scratches or damage are recorded in the handover report.
- Beware of the ZTL. Much of Taormina’s historic centre including Corso Umberto, is restricted traffic zone. Leave your car in a car park on the edge of town and explore on foot, so you avoid automatic camera fines.
- Be mindful of the heat. Summer temperatures in Sicily can be very high and may cause mobile phones, tablets and food to overheat or spoil. Avoid leaving electronics or perishables inside the car, and park in the shade when visiting beaches.
- Prepare for steep and narrow roads. The roads up to Taormina and Castelmola are steep with tight hairpin bends. A compact car with good brakes is easier to handle, and drivers should take their time and use a low gear on descents.
- Monitor fuel level. Keep track of your fuel level especially when driving to Etna or into the mountains, where gas stations can be scarce.
- Choose the right insurance. Make sure your rental includes sufficient coverage especially for collision and theft. Tight bends, narrow village streets and busy car parks make full coverage a good idea in high season.
- Check Etna conditions. Road access and cable car operation on Mount Etna can change quickly depending on volcanic activity and weather. Check local updates before you set out.
- Plan for the summer season. Parking in Taormina and near Isola Bella fills up early in July and August, so arrive in the morning and book your car well in advance.
FAQ
Can I rent a car in Taormina, Sicily without credit card?
It depends on local rental company’s policy. You can find rental options that allow payment in cash or with debit card on our website.
Why are prices on Drivelity website lower than on other aggregators?
Drivelity car booking service works with local rental companies which offer low car rental prices.
Do you offer child seat when booking through Drivelity?
Yes, we offer different types of seats for children (for additional fee): child safety seat (under 1 year old), child safety seat, child booster seat.
What are the car rental prices in Taormina?
The approximal car rental prices in Taormina, Italy are:
- 30-35€ per day (economy cars)
- 40-45€ per day (SUVs)
- from 100€ per day (vans)
Is basic insurance included in the car rental price?
Yes. Basic Coverage is usually included. You can also order Full Coverage additionally.
Is it available to travel abroad by rental car?
Yes. Some car rental companies allow to travel abroad by rental car.
Useful Information
Parking
Parking in Taormina can be challenging, especially during the busy summer season when the historic centre attracts large numbers of visitors. Public parking generally costs around €2–4 per hour, while larger car parks may offer daily rates depending on the season and length of stay.
Parking Types
- Free parking is limited in Taormina and is more likely to be found in residential areas or farther from the historic centre;
- Paid parking is available in dedicated car parks around the town, including areas near the historic centre and the main access roads.
We recommend choosing accommodation with on-site parking or checking the location of the nearest car park before arrival. The historic centre is largely pedestrianised, and access by car is restricted in some areas. During the high season, it is often easier to park outside the centre and walk or use local transport.
Fueling
Fuel prices in Sicily are generally close to or slightly above the Italian average. Petrol typically costs around €1.70–1.90 per litre, although prices vary depending on the station, location and current market conditions. Motorway and tourist-area stations can be more expensive.
Fuel is widely available around Taormina, Giardini Naxos and the main roads connecting the area with Catania and Messina. Most petrol stations offer both self-service and staffed service, although opening hours can vary. It is advisable to refuel before longer drives into more remote parts of Sicily.
If you are planning day trips from Taormina to Mount Etna, Syracuse, Catania or other parts of eastern Sicily, filling the tank before leaving the main tourist areas can be convenient. Always check the fuel level when collecting your rental car and return it according to the agreed fuel policy.
Toll Roads
Taormina is well connected to the main road network of eastern Sicily. Most local and urban roads are toll-free, while the A18 motorway between Messina and Catania operates with tolls. If you plan to travel from Taormina to Catania, Messina or other parts of Sicily, motorway tolls should be included in your travel budget.
Before booking a car in Taormina, choose your preferred pickup location. Available options can be viewed on our website by clicking the “Pickup” field. The vehicles can be collected from city center locations or delivered directly to your hotel. Pickup options, meeting points and any delivery fees vary by supplier. Be sure to review the pickup details in your booking confirmation.