Renting and Driving a car in Sicily

Рет қаралды 49,022

Жыл бұрын

All you need to know about renting and driving a car in Sicily, with information about the needed driving license, speed limits, parking, where to rent for the best deal, petty crime, traffic and a comparison with public transportation.
My suggested website to rent a car: mel365.com/MySuggestedCarRent...
It's a comparative website (similar to Airbnb) providing the best deals around, you will not be disappointed!
IMPORTANT! Remember to fully insure your car to have a smooth experience
Full Guide about RENTING a car in SICILY: mel365.com/renting-a-car-in-s...
In the video I mentioned that Brits need an IDP, but it's not correct. You can drive if you have a valid UK driving licence. I asked a few renters and I had mixed answers, however, checking the government websites (May 23) there is no problem. My suggestion is to bring a copy of the present rules to the Rental Agencies.
My favourite accommodations in Sicily
PALERMO
Novecento: www.booking.com/hotel/it/b-am...
Alma Hotel: www.booking.com/hotel/it/alma...
Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel: www.booking.com/hotel/it/casa...
Appartamento a Mondello: www.booking.com/hotel/it/appa...
CATANIA
Scuto Home: www.booking.com/hotel/it/scut...
B&B Palazzo Bruca: www.booking.com/hotel/it/eolo...
TAORMINA
Hotel Villa Schuler: www.booking.com/hotel/it/vill...
Rocca Castello B&B: www.booking.com/hotel/it/rocc...
SAN VITO LO CAPO
Acquarò Suite Rooms: www.booking.com/hotel/it/acqu...
Piccola Stella: www.booking.com/hotel/it/casa...
TRAPANI - Central Gallery Rooms: www.booking.com/hotel/it/cent...
ERICE - Bella Vista b&b: www.booking.com/hotel/it/bell...
AGRIGENTO - Terrazza di Empedocle: www.booking.com/hotel/it/la-t...
NOTO - Palazzo Tasca: www.booking.com/hotel/it/pala...
ORTIGIA ISLAND - Hotel Henry’s House: www.booking.com/hotel/it/henr...
FONTANE BIANCHE - White Bay: www.booking.com/hotel/it/whit...
My 101 guide to renting and driving a car in Sicily:
mel365.com/renting-and-drivin...
You can see and download the Ultimate Guide to Sicily here
mel365.com/sicily-travel-blog...
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My website: mel365.com/
Instagram: / stef_travelphotography
Facebook: / mel365
Twitter: / mel365dotcom

Пікірлер: 73

@LiveLifeTraveler 2 күн бұрын

Thank you for sharing. And thank you for letting us know that it could be more expensive to rent a car. The only thing you could’ve added to the video was to say what your cost was along the way. That would be super helpful! Thanks again!

@StefanoFerro 2 күн бұрын

Renting a car has its costs, the same as travelling by public transportation. Cost-wise, if planned in advance, I personally do not see any difference if travelling in 2 people. The car becomes more convenient if in a group of 3 or more. The sooner you rent a car the better prices you get, same with public transportation although if planned at the last minute you may not even find a seat on a train or bus (July and August are bad for public transportation). During peak season, finding local transportation becomes a real challenge and taxis make the most out of it (read possible scam, very annoying). The cost along the way, besides the rental cost, is petrol (budget 2Euro/l, on average you need 1 litre every 12-17Km based on the type of road), highways, where available, are mostly free except on the north coast near Messina (neglectable cost). Parking when visiting the location, is between 2 and 10 Euro based on the place, some are free. Include the full insurance to avoid any damage cost. That's pretty much it. Enjoy your drive

@FortunateXpat Ай бұрын

Pro tips for driving in Sicily. 1. Never put your phone down. And remember, texting while driving is a skill that needs to be practiced. 2. Drive as fast and reckless as possible. When you see pedestrians or bicyclists on the road, don't slow down. Try to see how dangerously close you can get without hitting them. Especially at crosswalks. The same rule applies to driving near motorcyclists on the autostrada. 3. When entering a roadway or intersection, never look in the direction of the oncoming traffic. Only look in the direction that you want to drive. If there's traffic, block the oncoming cars and wait until there is an opening in the lane you need. And of course, never use your indicators. 4. Ignore all speed limits and stop signs. When at a traffic light, honk your horn as soon as the light turns green. Don't be shy, horns are made for honking. 5. Parking. Make sure that when double parking you block as much traffic as possible. 6. If the car or motorcyclist in front of you is not going as fast as you want, be sure to tailgate at least a half meter from their bumper. Don't forget to dangerously pass whenever possible, even on blind corners.

@fiucik1 Ай бұрын

Sad truths unfortunately. But you missed so much. Like gigantic potholes, like a highways being a joke, with 110 speed limit, tolls you can only pay with cash, and one of lanes closed for maintenance every 10km, etc. Seriously I've never enjoyed driving around so little as in Sicily...

@FortunateXpat 16 күн бұрын

@@fiucik1 Yes, there’s so much more! 😂 The potholes are especially bad for me as I drive a motorcycle.

@petebuck9889 Жыл бұрын

Id just like to say that according to the UK Government website you DO NOT need an International Drivers Permit to hire a car in Italy. Absolute top video by the way very helpful especially the parking app tip. Thank you

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

That's correct. That's what I already mentioned in the video description a few months back. Unfortunately KZfaq does not allow to modify the videos. More info in my post too. Cheers and enjoy Sicily

@dagmarakaliczok6074 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the informations, going to sicily next week and im glad ive found your video 👌❤️

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

Have fun! You will love it

@AJESB Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Will be driving in Sicily this September. Very helpful information.

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻 Enjoy your trip 😁

@harrybrown9080 Жыл бұрын

Excellent Video! Very informative and putting anxiety at ease

@stefanoferro3374 Жыл бұрын

no worries, enjoy your trip

@dojocho1894 Жыл бұрын

great work

@WaqarAhmed-ng7um Жыл бұрын

Amazing bro

@johnlansley1905 Жыл бұрын

great video mate

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@leiyvonne3323 Жыл бұрын

Very informative, thank you. I'm going to Sicily next month, so glad to find your video.

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@TorontoLandSurveyors Жыл бұрын

I'll be there in 1 month for 2 weeks!!! cant wait!!

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

Enjoy!!

@WaqarAhmed-ng7um Жыл бұрын

Great broo

@lesf5792 Жыл бұрын

Hi Stefano, Thanks for all the hard work. Much appreciated 👍 Can you share which car rental (comparisons) you used? I’ve been looking (also going in September) and the prices are VERY HIGH

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

Hi Leslie, this is the link to my suggested comparison website bit.ly/StefCarSuggest They usually have the best prices Cheers

@merinda4153 Жыл бұрын

Too much appreciate for a such informative tips and great video making ❤❤❤

@salvatoremonteleone9146 Жыл бұрын

My Dads from pogioreale I'm hoping to travel there in September great Videos by the way

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

It's a pity they have now fenced off the town. You will love Sicily, amazing region of Italy

@robcig 11 ай бұрын

Great review Stefano, thankyou. I'm thinking of picking up a car in Salerno then driving down the coast. I'll probably stay in Naxos then do day trips around the island. Naxos is a bit more expensive than I thought though. AUD$1000 for six nights! I'll see if i can get something cheaper in an AIR BNB.

@StefanoFerro 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Rob, nice trip! Last year I have done something similar but in reverse. If you have a car and you are flexible, have a look at Letojanni. It's usually cheaper, also close to Taormina and there is a train station in case you are planning a day trip to Catania without a car. Have a great trip

@robcig 10 ай бұрын

Stefano, we booked Giardini Naxos. Great as a base for us to explore. The rental car seems to be really expensive though. If we pick it up in Salerno, drive around for a couple of weeks then drop it off in Bari, it’s about $1000 more than dropping it off back in Salerno. Not sure why this is?

@StefanoFerro 10 ай бұрын

@@robcig unfortunately dropping back the car in a different place is always very expensive, doesn't matter the country. Enjoy your trip

@robcig 10 ай бұрын

@@StefanoFerro yes I’ve noticed. I’ll plan to take the car back to Salerno then after Bari and catch the train to Florence. I won’t get mugged in Salerno train station will I? I know there’s a big issue with the Marochini in the railway stations in southern Italy these days.

@chowd.a.d.8309 11 ай бұрын

Top class,

@StefanoFerro 11 ай бұрын

Many thanks!

@jogiles1264 Ай бұрын

Hi Stefano, my friend and I are off to Sicily on Friday, so this was a very helpful video - thank you. But , as others have mentioned below a UK drivers licence IS valid in Italy and therefore all insurance will be too. Perhaps you could update your video to reflect this fact ? I researched this thoroughly whilst planning our trip, so your video completely freaked me ( as I am sure it did others) when you said that our licenses were not valid....x

@StefanoFerro Ай бұрын

Thanks Jo, you are 100% correct. I did realise the mistake too late, but unfortunately, KZfaq doesn't allow you to "modify" the video.. I wrote it in the video description in big letters, that usually helps. I agree on insuring before the trip Cheers

@mottitsch Жыл бұрын

Which specific provider did you take? Did you also pay a security fee? ..if yes, how much?

@dougg4633 3 ай бұрын

Rented a Fiat 500 last year everything went smooth. Will be there next month again for another island road trip

@StefanoFerro 3 ай бұрын

Enjoy 👍

@Snappie7 Ай бұрын

which car rental? thanks

@StefanoFerro Ай бұрын

@Snappie7 I usually rent from the link in the video description. There are a few companies rated by customers, a sort of Airbnb for car rentals. I go for rated 8/10 and above. 9 even better. Enjoy your trip

@guidobottini2013 21 күн бұрын

Gracias!

@StefanoFerro 20 күн бұрын

@@guidobottini2013 de nada 😁

@jackmcnair3722 Жыл бұрын

Thanks . The article I read earlier had me saying hell know on driving there . I’m calm now .

@garyhanley3477 Жыл бұрын

A great video. We will be there in May for a month. Can you advise me of the rental cost for a small car? 🙏

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

Thanks :) the price in May for a small car is probably around €25/day. That is on average and it depends on the days you want it. I highly suggest taking a full insurance (usually around €6-7/day) for peace of mind. I usually get the best deals through this aggregator mel365.com/MySuggestedCarRentalWebsite Enjoy your trip Cheers

@TwistedLyfofTV 5 ай бұрын

I think I'll pass on driving, those zones I didn't realized where restricted got or unexpected tolls got me a $2000 bill when I went to UK. Not taking the chance in Sicily.

@marcknight4568 Ай бұрын

This guy seems smart to me.

@Oceansta 11 ай бұрын

Great video, very informative but too heavy colour saturation and correction.

@StefanoFerro 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for both the content and technical feedback. Enjoy Sicily 😀👍

@sumsar0125 Жыл бұрын

Hey Stefano Is that how the weather was in January? I'm considering going in October/November, as long as the weather is decent.

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

On my last trip I was in Sicily till the end of September and we weather was excellent, with usual sunny days and 17-28 degrees during the day. October is usually similar although cooler. Water is also not cold. November is a bit of hit and miss. It could be as warm as October or quite cold with possible snow on the Etna peak. I hope I was able to help. Cheers

@sumsar0125 Жыл бұрын

@@StefanoFerro It was, thank you very much. Right now I'm shooting for late Oct/early Nov. Either way it will be warmer/nicer compared to where I live in Scandinavia 😅

@mustafafilik59 Жыл бұрын

Hi, Stefano Which are the good provider in italy? I see sur price is cheapest. Possible to give advicw

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

mel365.com/MySuggestedCarRentalWebsite It's a comparative website (similar to Airbnb) providing the best deals around, you will not be disappointed!

@sharonlowe23 6 ай бұрын

does anyone know if there are big cliffs and hills? I have a fear of driving on them

@StefanoFerro 6 ай бұрын

There are definitely hills, but there are no cliffs as far as i remember

@hellandbackbaby3442 Жыл бұрын

If u wanna stay close to catania do u have any recommendations where to stay if u are planning on renting a car?

@hellandbackbaby3442 Жыл бұрын

as in like like are there any cities where u can take the train easily to catania

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

One possibility is to stay in the area of Picanello (mel365.com/where-to-stay-in-catania/#Picanello). If you prefer to stay outside Catania then you should check Giardini Naxos (mel365.com/where-to-stay-in-catania/#Naxos). The train to Catania is only 30 minutes and you will be also 15minutes by bus to Taormina, besides having a lovely beach too. A real win win

@nicolauricella6762 Жыл бұрын

0:17 is it safe to go to sicilie on a motorcycle, wold like to go nex year ,

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

Hi Nico, safe as driving on the road, yes, I would personally do it. I actually did most of Italy, till Calabria. The only exception by motorbike was Sicily, but just for lack of time than anything else. Driving the motorcycle inside the island is a dream come true, as well as the road to the Etna cable car. In saying that, you have to pay extreme attention to where you leave your motorbike, lock it twice, if not three times. But honestly I did that everywhere I was in Italy, France and Spain. Motorbikes disappear in a blink of an eye, especially in places like Corsica. I hope I was able to help. Cheers

@pablitoengineer 10 ай бұрын

I rented a car on SicilyByCar, in Firenze, and I never received my refund, 300 euros.

@StefanoFerro 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for that. My experience with them was actually good, besides a hiccup at the pickup due to credit cards

@teresastoryturner Жыл бұрын

Sicily car rental guide link is not working!

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I fix it and let you know. Cheers

@teresastoryturner Жыл бұрын

@@StefanoFerro Thank you and I see I failed to say that I appreciated the subject of your video

@Emma-li8cy Жыл бұрын

that is not correct: you are visiting Italy, you can drive on a full, valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents.

@StefanoFerro Жыл бұрын

You are totally right. In the video I mentioned that Brits need an IDP, but it's not correct. You can drive if you have a valid UK driving licence. I asked a few renters and I had mixed answers, however, checking the government websites (May 23) there is no problem. My suggestion is to bring a copy of the present rules to the Rental Agencies, you never know, especially the smaller local ones. -- I have added this note into the video description. Unfortunately I cannot edit the video, once loaded on KZfaq

@petebuck9889 Жыл бұрын

That’s correct I just checked myself on the Government website, panic over