Car Hire in Genoa

About Genoa

Genoa is a city in Italy, more precisely in the region of Liguria. It is the capital of the region and the sixth-largest city in Italy. It is a city with a very long, rich and turbulent past. Genoa is the city where many different cultures and nations have found their home in the past. It was also one of the most important, if not the most important port in the Mediterranean. It is important to mention that Genoa was the most important and powerful maritime republic for more than 700 years. And that is why Genoa became the most prosperous and developed city in Italy and beyond. Genoa is also the oldest continuously inhabited city in Italy and for a long time was the richest city in the world.

Today, Genoa is an important city in many ways. It has a very well-developed cultural and artistic scene. The industrial strength of Genoa is of great importance and has a huge impact on the gross domestic product. The main industries are the production of petroleum, textiles, iron and steel, locomotives, paper, sugar, cement, chemicals, fertilizers, and electrical, railroad and marine equipment. Of course, we should not forget that Genoa is also an important financial centre of Italy. But apart from all this, Genoa is a fantastic tourist destination. The city and the area around it have so much to offer. It's up to you what kind of vacation or what kind of activities you prefer. One thing is for sure, Genoa will not disappoint you.

Genoa, by the way, is also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, which adds to the prestige of Genoa's maritime tradition. So today you can learn a lot about Columbus here, but you can also visit various other cultural, historical, religious and natural sites here. You can also enjoy delicious Italian cuisine or have a unique shopping experience, as there are many unique boutiques here with clothes from various famous Italian designers. But of course, you can also enjoy a real Italian shopping experience in many different affordable stores.

The city is also very lively, mainly thanks to the College of Genoa, which has a very good reputation in Italy and many students from all over the country come to study here. For this reason, you will always find lively nightlife in Genoa with many student parties and concerts taking place throughout the year. So on any road trip through Italy, Genoa should be on the list of cities to stop there and enjoy. Genoa is also a perfect city to start your road trip. All you need to do is make a good plan, because there is a lot to do and see, and if you have limited time, you will not be able to go everywhere.

Basic info and car hire in Genoa

• Location: Liguria region, Italy
• Population: 580,097
• Official language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Genoa has a humid subtropical climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Genoa are in good condition.
• Car hire in Genoa:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Genoa is at the Genoa Airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Genoa!

 Driving in Genoa

Genoa is known as a "pedestrian-friendly" city. The entire historic centre of Genoa is a pedestrian zone where cars are allowed to enter only with permission, as it is a ZTL zone. Zona a traffico limitato (ZTL) (literally: traffic restricted zone) is a traffic restricted zone in Italy. There are about 200 regulations enforced with cameras, as well as 100 environmental zones. They help protect historic city centres from excessive traffic that would otherwise make the city less attractive.

If you accidentally enter the ZTL area without permission, you will be fined. You will have to pay a fine of €84 to €335, which will arrive at your home within 90 days of your registration. If you pay within 5 days of notification, you will receive a 30% discount. If the fine arrives after 90 days, know that it does not have to be paid because it has expired.

Otherwise, Genoa has a good public transport network, so you can always leave your car in one of the parking garages and explore the city on foot or in combination with public transport.

It is good to know that the police in Italy are very strict. So make sure you follow all the rules and obey the traffic signs on the road. Above all, stick to the speed limits, because there are many speed checks and you can get a fine even if you are not a resident. But of course, it is good to keep to the speed limits and other rules, not only because of the police but also for your safety and the safety of other road users

• Age limits: 21 years old-25 for larger vehicles
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passport), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance.   
• Additional requirements: Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle (2 are required for all vehicles registered in Italy and 1 if coming from abroad), high visibility vest (recently made compulsory)- First aid kit (not compulsory, but we strongly recommend you have it with you, just in case).
• Children in the car: Children up to the age of 10 may only be taken in the back seat and a suitable child seat must be available up to a height of 1.50 meters.
• Driving side of the road: Right hand
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h.

Popular day trips from Genoa

This region is known as the Italian Riviera and there are many destinations near Genoa that are worth visiting. The best thing about exploring the Imperia area is that the roads here are in really good condition and you will not only visit great places but also have a lot of fun driving. For example, you can visit Sanremo, which is best known for its festival of Italian singing. But it is also a fantastic destination in other ways, with many historical, cultural and religious sites that you can visit.

Here are some of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Genoa: Milan, Turin, Cinque Terre, San Remo, Pisa, Lucca, Lake Como, Parma.

What to see in Genoa

Genoa is a city that has a lot to offer, no matter what kind of tourist or traveller you are. You will always find something interesting for you here.

One of the places you can not miss in Genoa is undoubtedly the old town. You will fall in love with this mixture of different architectural styles from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and Baroque. Here you will find many fabulous churches, beautiful squares, charming streets, boutiques, stores, cafes, restaurants and much more. One of the favourite activities of many tourists here is to try as many different street restaurants as possible because the street food here is something special.

In Genoa, you will also find a variety of interesting museums. Museums here are highly rated in Italy and you can admire fantastic exhibitions in many different museums. One of the most famous among them is the Strada Nuova Museums: a trio of architecturally stunning palaces on the Strada Nuova. Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi. Then there are others such as the Castello d'Albertis, the Museum of World Cultures, the Maritime Museum and the Galata Museo del Mare...

One of the main attractions here is undoubtedly Porto Antico or the ancient port. This great place has a lot to offer, as it is not only a window to the past but also a great square in the port where many different concerts and other cultural events take place, which is why Porto Antico is one of the most visited places by locals.

You should also visit the Aquarium of Genoa, the largest aquarium in Europe. Here you can see more than 6000 species of animals. Among the most interesting are undoubtedly sharks and dolphins. You should visit this attraction, especially if you come to Genoa with children.

You should also take a walk along Genoa's main promenade, Corso Italia. From the promenade, you will not only have a great view, but you can also linger in one of the many great beach clubs, cafes, restaurants and bars. This promenade is very lively and you will get a taste of real Italian life and temperament here on Corso Italia.

Other places to visit in Genoa are: Forte Diamante, Galata Museo del Mare, Via XX Setembre, Palazza Reale.

Drive your rental car beyond Genoa

Genoa is part of the Liguria region, also known as the Italian Riviera, where many famous and beautiful resorts are located. Besides many tourist destinations, there are also many smaller towns and villages where you can experience the traditional Italian way of life. The Liguria region borders France and Tuscany, which makes it even more famous. So if you rent a car here in Genoa, you can explore the whole region or even extend your vacation to France or Tuscany. It's up to you what kind of vacation you prefer, but one thing is for sure: you will have fun no matter which direction you choose.

But there are so many other regions in Italy that are worth exploring. For example, if you have decided to stay in the Umbria region and take a road trip through it, one of the activities you should put on your wish list is undoubtedly truffle hunting. This region is famous for its truffles and truffle hunting is truly a unique experience. In the countryside, you will find many experts searching for these "black diamonds". Besides truffle hunting, you can also learn a lot about the history of the region and the daily life of the locals. The Marmore Waterfalls are another sight not to be missed on your trip to Umbria. These are the largest man-made waterfalls in the world and the second-largest waterfalls in Italy. These amazing waterfalls were created by the Romans who wanted to divert the Velino River to use more fertile land. For this reason, the Marmore Waterfalls are one of the most visited attractions in this region. For people who prefer a more active vacation, there are many activities here, for example, rafting on the Nera River, cycling in nature, visiting the Monte Cucco Regional Park, a side trip to San Pietro

There are so many places to visit in Italy that you need to make a good plan if you want to take a road trip through Italy. Italy is a very diverse country with so much to see and do. But one thing is for sure, there is something for every kind of tourist here. Italy is known for its fantastic beaches, amazing cities, a large number of historical, religious and cultural monuments, great gastronomy, volcanic islands, the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, beautiful lakes and rivers, breathtaking landscapes, etc.

The capital is Rome, which of course you must see. It is considered one of the most iconic cities in the world and is certainly the most talked-about city in the history of mankind. Travelling from the north to the south of the country, you can experience so many different landscapes, people, cultures, cities and traditions that make Italy a special place. If we then add the truly rich and turbulent past of this trunk-like country, there is no doubt that you should visit Italy at least once in your lifetime.

If you prefer winter and winter sports, then you should go to the Dolomites, because there are some of the most famous ski resorts in the world, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo. However, if you are more interested in history, you should visit Pompei and other cities in the south of the country.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Genoa

Genoa, like most Italian cities, is a perfect destination for foodies. Here you can enjoy traditional and modern Italian food. There are many restaurants where you can order authentic food for this area, but you can also sit down in a restaurant with more modern Italian cuisine or menus from other parts of the world.

It is important to know that Genoa is also famous for its delicious street food, which many would say is by far the best in the country. But Genoa is not only street food, it is also the birthplace of the famous pesto basil sauce and pine nut-based pesto, a paste enriched with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, parmesan and pecorino cheese.

Thanks to the many students in the city, Genoa also has a very lively nightlife. There are many discos and nightclubs where you can dance until the morning. Some of the most famous are Mako Discoteque, Les Rouges Cucina & Cocktails and the cocktail bar Malkovich.

Best restaurant in Genoa

Oosteria

La Voglia di Genova - A Coae de Zena

Hostaria Ducale

Cucina Valoria

Alla Lunga Ristorante

Le Rune

7 Sensi Cucina Decontaminata