Catanzaro Car Rental

Catanzaro, capital of the Calabria Region, is the city of the three Vs, the two seas and the three hills.

It is known as the city of the three Vs; V is the initial of the local saint, San Vitaliano; V is the wind that comes from the Ionian Sea and the Sila; and V is the precious velvet that, since the times of the Byzantines, made of the city, the center of the flourishing trade of this precious fabric.

It is the city of two seas due to its position in the boot, it is in the Isthmus of Catanzaro, which is the narrowest strip of land in Italy, which separates the Ionian Sea from the Tyrrhenian Sea by 30 km.

Finally, the name of the city of the three hills is due to its position. In fact, Catanzaro is located on a rocky spur, the Trivonà, which is made up of three hills: the San Trifone, the Del Vescovato hill and the Del Castello hill.

List of Locations Catanzaro

What to see in Catanzaro: the downtown

Visiting Catanzaro by car allows you to discover the city and enjoy the beauties of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts.

To rent a car in Catanzaro, arriving from the Calabrian capital by plane, you will land at Sant’Eufemia di Lamezia airport, where you can contact the Maggiore office. Otherwise, at Sant’Eufemia Lamezia, a few hundred meters from the station, you can find the local Maggiore agency from which, approximately half an hour of distance, you will reach Catanzaro and start being fascinated by this beautiful city.

The name Catanzaro comes from the Byzantine katantza'rion, which means “city placed under a terraced relief”. The historic center is certainly the most attractive point for those arriving in Catanzaro for the first time. Inside its territory there are sixty churches, sixteen of which are inside the old city limits. The most important, and certainly a must, are the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, the Basilica dell’Immacolata Concezione and the Santissimo Rosario church.

The Monumental Complex of San Giovanni is important for its history and museum activities, dated back to the 15th-16th centuries, it is located on the highest hill of the city and is in correspondence with the ancient Norman Castle.

Worth mentioning is the Provincial Numismatic Archaeological Museum, opened in 1879, which is the oldest Calabrian museum. This museum boasts an important collection of coins from the Greek period until the modern age and it has a rich collection of prehistoric and protohistoric archaeological material coming from excavations and private collections.

The city is also rich in historic buildings, residences of the most powerful families from which they take their name. The symbols of the city are Palazzo Fazzari, Villa Margherita, Palazzo De Nobili and Villa Trieste.

Other notable attractions include the Bisantis Bridge, the Monumental Fountain of Il Cavatore, the Norman Tower, the Bellavista Balcony, the Politeama Theater and the Biodiversity Park with the International Sculpture Park.

After the visit to the upper town, it is suggested to go to Catanzaro Lido, the seaside tourist center of the provincial capital. From this district begins the 20 km stretch of coast that reaches Soverato.


What to see in Catanzaro and surroundings

With a rental car in Catanzaro, you can visit the surroundings of the province which will reserve you many surprises. The province of Catanzaro is mainly frequented by maritime tourism, even if its territory includes the Sila.

So, which are the most important municipalities for a beautiful itinerary by car? They are Taverna and Tiriolo, located on the slopes of the Sila, Chiaravalle Centrale, on the Calabrian Serre, and Girifalco, on the slopes of the Northern Serre. On the Tyrrhenian coast, let yourself be amazed by Nocera Terinese, Falerna, Gizzeria, and Lamezia Terme.

The Ionian coast remains the richest, most fascinating, and famous. The most popular area is the one in the center of the Gulf of Squillace, where Soverato is located, the pearl of the Ionian Sea, one of the best-known tourist resorts in the Calabria Region. It stands out for its fine white sand beaches, its nightlife and the many clubs that enliven its summer nights.

By car you can also reach Staletti, Montepaone, Squillace, Sellia Marina, Davoli, Badolato and Bottricello. The natural and artistic beauty of these villages will enchant you and will allow you to keep an unforgettable memory of your stay in Catanzaro.

By choosing car rental in Catanzaro, you can enjoy a full holiday, discovering the city and its maritime and Apennine attractions.