We are going to Sicily Late Sept/Early Oct. We would like to leave Messina for Catania (maybe ferry) and rent a car in Calabria and take a leisurely drive back to Rome for Departure. Plan on "ditching" the car at Rome or Naples airport.
Any advice? Have never been South of Rome,(except for 10 days in Sicily) and do not know if this is a feasible plan or not. It seems a shame to be that close to Calabria and not see it!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16232 posts
It's doable but from Villa S.G. to Rome is a long drive. It's all freeway but it's 700 km (435 miles), so it's a 7 hour drive. If you fly back from Rome, there is no reason to ditch the car in Naples, unless you intend to spend a few days there. Just drive the extra two hours to Rome.
I don't know if there are rental car agencies in Villa SG. Check on the PagineGialle.it (yellow pages).
Posted by
OP
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Thanks Roberto! I was hoping you'd show up! Now for my ignorance what is villa SG? A city? We were planning on stopping in various towns over night on the return to Roma and would love any suggestions from you for interesting places to stay for a day or two or three or more. Husband has family in the North and we used to only go as far south as Florence! Took years to get him to Rome, but I've been dying to see the South and would like to do it while I'm still young enough for walking :-) We both loved Sicily, so he's agreed to go back. Now I'm trying to get him to go from South to Rome.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16232 posts
Villa SG is Villa San Giovanni. That's where the Ferry from Messina docks.
Never been to Calabria, but Tropea is the most famous destination (which is pretty much along your route north). Maratea (on the same coast but already in Basilicata) is another must. They are both a short distance from the Freeway. Do a Google search and enter "Calabria da visitare" and you'll have lots of Italian entries.
Posted by
OP
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Blessings Roberto! You have been immensely helpful to both me and others.