Hello, we are going to the southern Italy in September for the first time. Planning to fly from Toronto to Lamezia Terme - then go to Tropea for 5 nights, then to Taormina for 5 nights. Would like to explore the areas and visit the beaches. Is renting a car good idea? Dropping the car off in the Catania International and flying to Rome. Any advices please??
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I don't think you'll need a car. I found the regionale trains in Sicily to be great -- but I truthfully don't know where Tropea is. Taormina is pretty easy to get to by train from Palermo, via Messina, and I'm a 62 year old woman and I've done it twice. PM me if you want any details. Southern Italy can be pretty hot in September, but the elevated areas in Sicily will give you some relief! Mt. Etna especially! You can tour there from Taormina for sure. I used a guide, PM me if you'd like info, because we also went to a fabulous wine tour from Taormina, no car needed.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15246 posts
A car gives you more flexibility and the ability to easily explore smaller villages and the open countryside where public transportation may be limited. That is particularly true in that part of Calabria, which is less urbanized than Eastern Sicily. It really depends on what you want to do. If you intend to explore around during your stays, then the car might be a good investment. If you just want to hang out at the beach in Tropea for the whole 5 days, then it's not worth it.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
Direct trains from Lamezia Terme to Tropea take less than an hour and from there to Taormina-Giardini station takes about 5 hours with a connection back through Lamezia Terme. Both Tropea and Taormina have car rental offices, should the ambition strike you to branch our further than the range of local buses and taxis. Booking ahead for car rental is often based on a 3-day minimum, but renting on the spot can also work and there might even be a daily special.
Posted by
Asnieres sur Vegre, France
127 posts
We like having a car in Sicily and have never had any trouble driving. Just remember that the Italians sometimes make three lanes out of two and you simply move further to the right so they can pass. You do not need a car in Taormina unless you want to take trips out of the town, but that being said, there are some interesting small towns that you can visit with a car and a drive around Mt. Etna is a wonderful day trip. I hope that you have a fantastic trip.
Posted by
Asnieres sur Vegre, France
127 posts
I forgot the Tropea section of your trip. it would also be nice to have a car there and it is very easy to take the ferry over to Sicily from Calabria.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for the advice! We really would like to have a car to be able to wander around and see more than just tourist centers!!! Can't hardly wait..