How to Rent a Car and Driving Tips for Exploring Calabria, Italy

We loved visiting the Calabria region in Italy, but if there’s one thing we’d do differently, it would be renting a car to explore more of the region.

Since we didn’t get the chance, we’re excited to share this guest post from Casssandra of Adventures of Ace, who lives in Italy and has road-tripped through Calabria. She’s sharing her firsthand experience on the best places to visit and tips for making the most of a Calabria road trip!

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If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through picturesque landscapes, winding coastal roads, and rustic villages while exploring an unspoiled corner of Italy, Calabria is the destination for you. Renting a car in this charming, slightly untamed region opens up a world of adventure, far from the usual crowds and tourist traps. Sorry, Tuscany – you’re stunning, but it’s time for travellers to cast their nets wider!

While the experience promises to be nothing short of exhilarating, it does require some preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to navigating Italian roads, this guide will equip you with essential tips for renting a car and exploring Calabria’s breathtaking yet occasionally unpredictable streets.

Why Rent a Car in Calabria?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details of renting a car, let’s first talk about why renting a car in Calabria is a must. Calabria is often overshadowed by more well-known destinations in Italy, like Rome, Florence, or the Amalfi Coast. However, this southern gem offers a unique experience—one that is best explored on your own time.

From the pristine beaches near Tropea and Capo Vaticano to the ancient hilltop villages, Calabria’s allure lies in its unspoiled nature, vast mountain ranges, and intimate historical sights. While public transportation is available in some areas, the options are sparse in rural regions. If you’re truly looking to uncover the hidden gems of this captivating area, a car is your best friend.

Where to Rent a Car in Calabria?

Calabria’s biggest international airport is Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF), and this is likely the most convenient place to rent a car when flying into the region. It offers access to the heart of Calabria and has a good selection of rental car agencies, making it an ideal base for your road trip.

However, there’s another option worth considering—renting a car at Naples International Airport (NAP) and driving along the Amalfi Coast before heading down into Calabria.

While Naples is a much larger hub, meaning higher demand and potentially higher prices, the advantage is that you get to explore the stunning coastal drive along the Amalfi Coast first. Renting from Naples may even turn out to be cheaper, as the competition between rental agencies is fierce in major tourist hubs.

Whichever airport you choose, it’s best to book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

We recommend using Discover Cars to find the best deals on rentals. It’s easy to compare prices, and we had a smooth experience booking through them.

Documentation You’ll Need

When renting a car in Calabria, there are a few essential documents you’ll need to have in hand:

• International Driver’s Permit (IDP): If you’re coming from North America, you’ll need to acquire an IDP before your arrival. This is a requirement for most car rental agencies in Italy. It’s a simple process, but you’ll need to get it through your local automobile association (like CAA or AAA).
  
• Local Driver’s License: You’ll also need to bring your home country’s driver’s license. Ensure it’s valid for the duration of your trip.
  
• Passport: Your passport is required as proof of identity.
  
• Credit Card: Most agencies will ask for a credit card in your name. A hold will be placed on your card for the security deposit, so make sure you have enough available credit.

What to Expect When Renting a Car in Calabria

Once you’ve arrived and checked in at your rental agency, the fun begins. However, there are a few things you should be prepared for:

• Vehicle Availability: It’s quite common in Italy for rental agencies to not have the exact car you reserved online. Don’t panic or get too annoyed. Often, you’ll get an upgrade if they don’t have your car available. However, if they try to downgrade you, be firm and request a refund for the difference. Make sure you get what you’ve paid for.
  
• Car Inspection: Before driving off the lot, do a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Take photos of any imperfections and report them to the agency. This may seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial. You don’t want to be held responsible for pre-existing damage when you return the car. This extra time could save you from a headache later.
  
• Car Rental Agencies React Best to Pressure: While it’s not about being rude, don’t hesitate to stick to your guns if you feel you’re not getting what you’ve paid for. A little polite pressure can go a long way in getting the car you need.
  

Driving in Calabria: Tips and Etiquette

Driving in Calabria can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s not without its quirky challenges. The region is filled with winding mountain roads, narrow streets, and sometimes chaotic local driving habits. Here are some tips to ensure your time on the road is both safe and enjoyable:

• Expect the Unexpected: Calabria is more laid-back compared to northern Italy, and that extends to driving. Rules are often flexible, and maneuvers can be a bit more spontaneous than what you might be used to. Be alert and ready for anything.
  
• Avoid City Centers: Unless you’re an experienced driver used to navigating hectic traffic, it’s best to avoid driving in the centers of major cities like Reggio Calabria. Parking can be a nightmare, and traffic can feel like an unorganized free-for-all.
  
• Park Outside Small Towns: In smaller towns, the streets are often narrow, and parking can be a challenge. Opt for parking just outside the town center to avoid getting stuck in tight spaces. The Fiat Panda is the unofficial car of southern Italy for a reason—it’s small and perfect for skinny streets. Tourists with larger rental cars will find it easier to leave the car in a designated parking lot and walk into town.
  
• Drive with Caution on Winding Roads: Calabria’s rural roads are winding and often shared with farm vehicles and livestock. It’s not uncommon to see goats or sheep crossing the road, and tractors moving slowly along the motorway. Always keep your headlights on during the day, and approach corners with caution.
  
• Parking Etiquette: When parking, pay attention to the coloured lines. Blue lines indicate paid parking, while white lines mean free parking. Yellow lines should be avoided as they are for residents or essential services. Double-parking and stopping in the middle of the road are common in Calabria, so don’t stress too much if you encounter this—it’s just the local way.
• Navigating Around the Railway: One important thing to keep in mind when driving along Calabria’s coastline is the railway that runs parallel to the road. Accessing the beach can be tricky, as there are only specific points where you can cross the tracks—either by going over them or under them through small bridges. This means that while a destination may look close on the map, it’s essential to input the actual directions to ensure the route is viable for a car. The railway can significantly affect your ability to reach certain spots, so plan accordingly.

Top Sights and Hidden Gems to Visit by Car

One of the most rewarding aspects of renting a car in Calabria is the ability to access its many hidden gems—places that are off the beaten path and hard to reach by public transport.

• The Coast of the Gods (Costa degli Dei): No visit to Calabria is complete without exploring the breathtaking coastline. The Coast of the Gods, which includes Tropea and Capo Vaticano, offers some of the most scenic beaches in the region. Don’t be afraid to explore hidden coves and quiet beach spots away from the crowds.
  
• Isola di Capo Rizzuto: On the eastern coast of Calabria, Isola di Capo Rizzuto is just as stunning, but with half the number of tourists. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking peace and wanting to share the beach with no one else.
  
• National Parks and Hikes: For nature lovers, Calabria is home to a few beautiful national parks: Aspromonte National Park, Sila National Park, and Parco Nazionale del Pollino (the largest in Italy). These areas are perfect for hiking, with plenty of lakes, rivers, and waterfalls to discover.
  
• Historic Villages: Some of the best places to visit in Calabria are ancient villages that are often overlooked by tourists. Visit Brancaleone Vetus, Roghudi Vecchio, Castello Ruffo, and Rocca di Pentedattilo—some of the region’s most fascinating and historic sites, including ghost towns frozen in time. Given their remoteness, it’s quite impossible to reach them without a car.

Why Traveling by Car is the Best Way to Explore Calabria

While public transportation does exist in Calabria, it’s not as frequent or convenient as in other regions of Italy. To truly explore the hidden beauty of Calabria, driving is the best way to go. The flexibility to stop at a beach whenever you want, discover abandoned villages, or find a scenic viewpoint without the constraints of a bus schedule makes renting a car an invaluable experience.

Renting a car also means you have access to those off-the-beaten-path spots—beaches where you can spend the day alone, villages where you can wander without a crowd, and mountain roads that lead to unforgettable views. Calabria’s charm lies in its isolation, and the secrets it holds just off the main roads, waiting for those who are willing to explore.

Final Thoughts

Renting a car in Calabria opens up the region in ways the train or bus never could. From stunning beaches to rugged mountains, historic villages, and hidden gems, a road trip through Calabria is an adventure that’s set apart from the rest of Italy. With a little preparation and a sense of intrepidness, driving in this southern Italian paradise will be a journey of discovery, flexibility, and freedom. So, get ready to embrace the unexpected, and enjoy everything this colourful region has to offer!

About the Author: Cassandra Tresl is the author of Adventures of Ace, a travel blog dedicated to uncovering hidden gems, budget travel tips, and family-friendly adventures. Based in Italy, she spends her days navigating life abroad, cooking for her family, and getting lost in the wonders of Google Maps.