Car Rental in Lamezia Terme

Why rent a car in Lamezia Terme?

Lamezia Terme is a great place to visit. Although it is one of the smallest cities in Italy that has an international airport, there’s plenty of history to explore, from Norman and Arabic heritage to small picturesque villages that surround the city. Lamezia Terme is located in central Calabria, and many famous beach destinations of the region, such as Vibo Valentia, Capo Vaticano, and Cosenza, are easily reached from here, as are the famous neighboring regions, Campania, Basilicata, and Sicily.

Top ways to enter Lamezia Terme

• Lamezia Terme Airport: A small, but busy airport, it handled 2.7 million travelers in 2018. The airport is served by many low-cost carriers, including Ryanair, Volotea, and Eurowings. The airport is located near the sea coast, about 10km (6.2 miles) southwest of the city center, and can be reached in about 12 minutes.
• Crotone Airport: Another small Calabrian airport, as of 2019 Crotone-Sant’Anna only serves four routes connecting the city of Crotone to Milan, Bologna, and Verona in Italy as well as Nuremberg in Germany. Crotone Airport is about 90km (56 miles) east of Lamezia Terme and can be reached in one hour.
• Reggio di Calabria Airport: Serving the capital of Calabria region, as of July 2019 this airport only hosts domestic flights connecting it to a number of destinations in Central and Northern Italy. The airport is 136km (84.5 miles) southwest of Lamezia Terme, a distance that can be traveled in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Brindisi Airport: Also known as Brindisi-Casale and Brindisi-Salento, this airport in the Apulia Region handled 2.4 million travelers in 2018. In addition to serving domestic routes, it also connects Southern Italy to Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and other European countries. The airport is 340km (211 miles) from Lamezia Terme and can be reached in about three and a half hours.
• Catania Airport: The busiest airport in Sicily, Catania-Fontanarossa serves about 10 million travelers every year. The airport is especially active during the summer months when it hosts flights by more than 20 airlines. Lamezia Terme is about 240km (149 miles) northeast of Catania and can be reached in about three hours. To get from Sicily to the Italian mainland, you’ll have to take a ferry, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.
• By rail: If you arrive in the city by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Lamezia Terme Centrale Railway Station.

City facts

• Like the rest of Calabria, Lamezia Terme enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. There is very little or no precipitation from May to August. Winters are mild and slightly more humid. The average high temperature is 29°C  (85°F) in August, the warmest month, and 14°C  (57°F) in January.
• Although the area’s history dates back to the Ancient Greek and Roman times, the municipality was officially only created in 1968 when settlements Nicastro, Sambiase, and Sant’Eufemia Lamezia were joined together to form Lamezia Terme. Nowadays, the city’s population is just over 70,000. The inhabitants of Lamezia Terme are called lametini.

Top sights and activities

• Norman Castle. First built by the Ancient Greeks, the castle of Lamezia Terme was later significantly remade by Norman and Angevin rulers. Over the centuries, the castle crumbled under invasions and during earthquakes with only ruins surviving to this day. However, there is a haunting beauty about the place, especially since it sits on a hilltop at a height of 320m (1,050ft), and, naturally, the views of the city below are magnificent.
• The Bastion of the Knights of Malta. Built in the mid-16th century by the Spanish king of Naples, the bastion was given as a gift to the Military Order of Malta who at the time was in charge of protecting the coast from Ottoman attacks from the sea. Although life is much safer nowadays, the bastion has lost none of its historic grandeur.
• The Diocesan Museum. Over centuries, Calabria has been (and remains) home to many Catholic monasteries and dioceses. The Diocesan Museum of Lamezia Terme honors this heritage by displaying religious paintings and sculptures, sacred objects, and other relics. Many of the exhibits were in bad shape when the museum opened in the 1990s but have been carefully restored back to resemble their original form. In addition to Christian artifacts, the museum also has an impressive 12th-century Arab-Norman ivory case on display.

Traffic and parking

• The speed limit in cities is 50km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30km/h. 
• Main highways are limited to 130km/h, non-major highways to 110km/h, and local roads to 90km/h. When it is raining, the limits are respectively lowered to 110km/h, 100km/h, and 80km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50km/h during heavy fog or other cases of bad visibility.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• When driving you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Being over the allowed limit can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment. 
• The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

There are numerous toll roads in Italy. The exact fee depends on your choice of route and the type of vehicle. See the official Italian toll road website for more information. Use the website’s toll road calculator to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay for using the toll roads on your planned route.  

Ideas for day trips

• Pizzo Calabro. Let’s be honest - although there’s great historical and cultural heritage to be found in Lamezia Terme, most people visit the area for its stunning beaches. Located on a cliff over the Gulf of Saint Euphemia, Pizzo and its surrounding coast is one of the best places in the area to enjoy the sun and the sea. Just 28km (17 miles) southwest of Lamezia, Pizzo can be reached in about 20 minutes. 
• Tropea. More than just a single settlement, the coastal stretch between Tropea and Capo Vaticano is arguably the most famous area of beaches in Calabria. Thousands of visitors come here every summer to suntan, swim, and do watersports. But there’s plenty to do in Tropea, too, from seeing the Norman church with its black Madonna to trying delicious local pastries. Located 61km (40 miles) south of Lamezia, Tropea can be reached in about one hour.
• Pollino National Park. The largest national park in Southern Italy, it includes a large stretch of the southern Apennine Mountains. A place of rugged beauty, it is great for hiking and is home to many wildlife species like the Italian wolf, Egyptian vulture, European otter, and lanner falcon. About 150km (93 miles) north of Lamezia, the national park can be reached in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Reggio di Calabria. The regional capital of Calabria might not be as famous or scenic as some other southern cities, but has plenty of hidden gems if you scratch beneath the surface. Inhabited since antiquity, its culture retains a strong Hellenic element to this day, an aspect that is best explored in the Magna Grecia National Museum. Other attractions include the city’s Romanesque Duomo (Cathedral), Aragonese Castle, and the views from the summits of the nearby Aspromonte National Park. The drive from Lamezia Terme to Reggio Calabria takes just over two hours.
• Sila National Park. One of the largest national parks in Italy, Sila is a nature lover’s paradise. Here, you can explore dense forests, tranquil lakes, and charming mountain villages. There are also plenty of hiking trails to suit all levels of fitness. Sila National Park is located about 120km (75 miles) northeast of Lamezia Terme and can be reached in just under two hours by car.
• Crotone. This seaside town on the Ionian coast is steeped in history and legend. According to mythology, it was founded by the Greek hero Hercules, and it was an important city in Magna Graecia (Greater Greece). Today, you can explore the ancient ruins, including the Temple of Hera and the Castle of Charles V, and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Crotone is located about 85km (53 miles) southeast of Lamezia Terme and can be reached in about one hour and 20 minutes by car.
• Soverato. Known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea, Soverato is a popular summer resort town with plenty to offer visitors year-round. In addition to the long sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, there are also several historic churches, such as the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Church of San Rocco. The town is also famous for its delicious seafood and other local specialties. Soverato is located about 45km (28 miles) south of Lamezia Terme and can be reached in under one hour by car.
• Scilla. A picturesque fishing village on the southern coast of Calabria, Scilla is often overlooked by tourists but is definitely worth a visit. With its charming narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning views of the Strait of Messina, Scilla has a unique atmosphere that is sure to capture your heart. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Ruffo Castle and the Chianalea di Scilla, a small fishing district known for its unique architecture and lively atmosphere. Scilla is only a short drive from Lamezia Terme, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Reggio Calabria. If you are traveling from Lamezia Terme, it would take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Scilla by car, covering a distance of around 120 kilometers (75 miles) along the scenic coastline.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Lamezia Terme is the Peugeot 308, although many travelers also go for the Opel Crossland X and the Peugeot 108. The most popular rental car types are compact, mini, and intermediate.

Further destinations

• Naples. One of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in Europe, Naples can even match Rome and Paris when it comes to impressive history. With a blend of unique architectural styles, landmarks like San Francesco di Paola church, and the nearby site of ancient Pompeii, it can be explored for days, if not weeks. Naples is 375km (233 miles) north of Lamezia and can be reached in four hours, but there are many fascinating stops on the way.
• Apulia. A unique and somewhat remote region, Apulia is a place of beautiful medieval cities like Bari (the region’s capital), Andria, and Alberobello, ancient olive gardens, and long Adriatic coastline. Although culturally influenced by Albanians and Greeks, Apulia is very much its own place. Bari is 325km (202 miles) northeast of Lamezia Terme and can be reached in about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
• Sicily. Home to a proud and unique culture, dramatic landscapes, delicious cuisine, and ancient cities, the island of Sicily would have enough attractions for a separate country. Most travelers stay around its coastal areas, but with a rental car, you can also explore the lesser-known, but magnificent inland parts. Start at Messina, the city nearest to the Italian mainland that’s just 130km (80 miles) southwest of Lamezia, then make your way from there. Keep in mind that Sicily can only be accessed by a ferry, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit you taking a rental car on one. If not, you can go to Messina by public transportation and pick up another rental car there.
• Basilicata. Also known as Lucania, the Province of Basilicata is another often-overlooked, but rewarding southern Italian destination. From the fascinating cave dwellings of Matera to the scenic countryside, ghost towns, and beaches on two different seas, the region promises plenty of excitement. The drive from Lamezia Terme to Matera takes three hours.
• Urbino. Located in the Marche region of central Italy, Urbino is a small Renaissance hill town that is often overlooked by tourists. The town is known for its beautiful palaces, churches, and museums, including the impressive Palazzo Ducale, which houses the National Gallery of the Marche. Urbino is also home to the University of Urbino, one of the oldest universities in Italy. From Lamezia Terme, Urbino is about a 5-hour drive.
• Matera. Matera is a fascinating city in the region of Basilicata that is known for its unique architecture and history. The city is famous for its "Sassi," a complex network of cave dwellings that have been inhabited for thousands of years. Matera was also named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, which has helped to put it on the map as a must-see destination. From Lamezia Terme, Matera is about a 3-hour drive.
• Treviso. Treviso is a charming city in the Veneto region of northern Italy that is often overshadowed by nearby Venice. However, Treviso has plenty to offer visitors, including beautiful canals, historic churches, and a thriving food and wine scene. The city is also known for its impressive art collection, which includes works by Titian and Giorgione. From Lamezia Terme, Treviso is about a 12-hour drive, so it's best to combine it with other destinations in the region.

Car rental prices in Lamezia Terme

• Premium cars - from $236 per day
• Vans - from $97 per day
• Small cars - from $22 per day
• Medium cars - from $24 per day
• SUVs - from $29 per day
• Large cars - from $32 per day
• Station wagons - from $45 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Follow these tips to land a great rental car in Lamezia Terme:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Lamezia Terme is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 80% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 90% cheaper than renting a car in April. Come visit Calabria in early spring!