Car & Van Hire - Messina

Messina is the closest Sicilian city to the Italian mainland. It is also the largest city on the island, with a vibrant atmosphere that is particularly lively around the port. Most visitors start their time in Messina with a visit to the Piazza del Duomo, the city's central square. The enormous Duomo, the cathedral of Messina, can be seen here, along with the imposing bell tower. There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby, so if you want to sit on a terrace and enjoy some of the local food, this is a great spot.

Be sure to visit the Piazza del Duomo at noon to see the bell tower in action as the gold religious figures move around to mark the time. It's possible to go inside the tower and take a look behind the scenes, watching the huge cogs and gears turning to control the mechanism.

One of the most unusual sights in Messina is the church of Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani. This church stands out for its striking architecture, which is very different from what you will usually see in Italy. In fact, it is one of the few examples of Norman architecture. The interior is far simpler than you'll usually see in an Italian church, with an emphasis on geometric patterns.

To see a little nature close to the city, go to the Lago di Ganzirri, a huge saltwater lake. It is next to Torre Faro, a charming coastal village that is ideal for a day trip with your car rental in Messina. Around here, you can try a number of different water sports or, if you prefer to keep your feet dry, just go for a walk around the outside of the lake and watch the fishermen at work. There are lots of great restaurants in this area which specialise, unsurprisingly, in seafood.

Messina is regarded as the gateway to Sicily, so take advantage of car or van rental in Messina to explore the island. Take a drive through the dizzying heights of the Monti Peloritani. A panoramic road leads from Messina to some of the highest peaks. Bring your hiking boots, but be warned: some of the trails in this area are best reserved for seasoned hikers! You can also drive to Sicily's most famous site, Mount Etna. Europe's most active volcano is 90 km from Messina and is well worth visiting.

For most visitors to Italy, the hardest part of driving is spotting ZTLs. These limited traffic zones can be found in almost every city, prohibiting cars from entering the historic centre. If you enter a ZTL without a permit, you will need to pay a fine. To further complicate matters, each city sets its own rules and timetable for the ZTL. Some are permanently closed, while others will allow you access on particular days or at particular times.

Unfortunately, Messina's ZTL rules can be especially confusing, as the city has redrawn the boundaries and changed the timetables many times. It's best to keep an eye out for the distinctive ZTL sign, which is a white circle surrounded by a red ring, and don't be afraid to ask locals for advice if necessary.

One of the best places to park in Messina is at the port, where you will find a large car park with plenty of space. Some on-street parking is available around town, but it can be complicated to find. In general, on-street parking is marked with either blue or white lines. White line spots are free, while blue lines are pay and display. When you are visiting smaller towns in Sicily, you might sometimes see a blue zone without any parking meters. In this case, go into the nearest tobacco shop or bar. You will usually be able to buy a ticket over the counter.

In many areas, on-street parking is monitored by illegal attendants who will ask you for money in exchange for looking after your car. It is always best to find an official car park where you can.

Driving in Sicily can be quite a unique experience. Islanders are known for their loose interpretations of the rules of the road. However, it is best to continue driving as you usually would. Do not speed, and exercise caution when overtaking. Take care at traffic lights, as some of your fellow motorists may not obey them strictly. Always double-check for oncoming traffic. Watch out for motorbikes and scooters, which often travel at high speeds around the island's narrow streets. When you park, make sure you tuck your wing mirrors, or you might return to find them damaged.

When driving outside cities, remember to keep your headlights on at all times, even during the day. This is a legal requirement in Italy.