Car & Van Hire - Lamezia

Lamezia has plenty to keep you busy, whether you're a fan of history or you just want to relax, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The city is also known as Lamezia Terme, a reference to its thermal baths. These have attracted visitors since the days of the Roman Empire, and they are still a top draw today. Located just a few kilometres from the sea, they're the ideal place to unwind. Soak in the soothing thermal water or enjoy a reinvigorating massage or specialist treatment.

When you're fully relaxed and ready to explore, it's time to discover the city. Like most Italian cities, Lamezia has a wealth of old buildings with beautiful architecture. The city's cathedral dates back to the Byzantine era, while the ruined Norman castle, high on a hilltop, is ideal for exploring. One of Lamezia's most interesting sights is the Piedigrotta Church. This unusual church is set in a natural cave and features exquisite stone statues of Catholic saints.

The region of Calabria is known for its beautiful beaches, and you'll have dozens to choose from! Take advantage of car rental in Lamezia to explore this stunning part of the coast. You'll find some of the best beaches 34 km from the city in the resort town of Pizzo Calabro. Clear turquoise waters and fine white sand make this a popular destination for Italian holidaymakers, and it's an ideal choice for the kids. While you're there, indulge your sweet tooth with Tartufo, a chocolate-covered ice cream that is a local speciality.

There are also some wonderful national parks to explore around the area. Use your car or van rental in Lamezia to visit Sila National Park, set high in the mountains. Climbers and hikers will love this rugged park, but there's something for everyone. With beautiful views, high mountain lakes and trails to suit all levels, this is ideal for a day out. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the wolves that live here.

The enormous Pollino National Park is also well worth visiting. This is the largest national park in Italy, with rivers, waterfalls, mountains and high-altitude pastures. There are a number of activities to keep thrill-seekers happy, including white-water rafting and canyoning. Inside the park, there are also some tiny villages. Their isolated location has kept local traditions alive for centuries. Be sure to try the most popular delicacies in the area, which include wild mushrooms and sun-dried pepperoni.

The historic centre of Lamezia has a ZTL, a limited traffic zone. Cars can only enter this area if they have a permit, so make sure you don't accidentally cross the boundaries, or you'll face a fine. If you're driving around Italy, it's helpful to learn to recognise the tell-tale sign that indicates the entrance to a ZTL. It's a white circle outlined in red. You will find ZTLs in almost every city, as well as in some towns and villages.

There are many options for parking around Lamezia. Free parking is more common in Calabria than elsewhere in Italy. You will find free spaces marked in white, while pay and display parking spaces are marked in blue. If you park in a blue zone, sometimes you will not see a meter on the street. In this case, go into the nearest tobacco shop or bar, and you will usually be able to buy a ticket over the counter.

Driving around Calabria is a joy in comparison with other parts of Southern Italy. This is a sparsely populated area, so there is little traffic. If you've ever driven in Naples or Sicily, a road trip through Calabria will come as a relief. For ease, you can travel along the A2 motorway, which connects some of the region's largest cities. This is a smooth, modern road with wide lanes. Alternatively, those who seek adventure can look for routes on smaller country roads. Be aware that these are quite narrow; they often feature sharp bends and curves, and overtaking can be difficult. Don't be surprised if you get stuck behind an "ape", one of the small three-wheel vehicles traditionally used by Italian farmers, and always allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. These mountain roads have stunning views for you to enjoy.

In rural Calabria, you may run into some problems when it comes to petrol stations. On motorways and in cities, it is always possible to refuel your car. However, in the countryside, petrol stations often close between 13:30-16:00 on weekdays, then all day on Sundays. Keep this in mind when planning your holiday driving.

Many of the towns and villages have narrow streets that date back to an era before cars were common. When you are parking on the street, always tuck your wing mirrors, or they may get dinged by passing vehicles.