World-class wines, renowned sites, and ancient history. Get to know the real Italy with a blissful Italian road trip.
An Italian road: Our top five driving routes
There are plenty of things to see and do in Italy, and hitting the road is the perfect way to experience everything the country has to offer. Whether you’re going it alone, riding with friends, or touring with family, take some inspiration from five of Italy’s best road trips.
1. Tour the north Italian classics
A circular route from northern peaks to picturesque streets – 1110 kilometres
- Best time to go: In September and October many of the cable cars are still running and the trees are turning golden.
- Highlights: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Verona and Lake Iseo are all must-sees on this amazing road trip.
Start with a weekend in Milan before escaping the crowds to the Lombardy countryside. Visit the lakeside town of Como and hike through Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola. Enter Valtellina valley and pause in the rustic town of Teglio to try traditional Pizzoccheri and Valtellina wine. Take a detour to Madonna di Campiglio, then catch a cable car to Refuge Stoppani. From here, a six-hour hiking trail loops around the Bretna group mountains to Cima Roma, Rurrion Alto, and Turrion Basso.
Admire the Alpine village of Moena before arriving in the foothills of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. After 100 miles, a dramatic change of scenery leads you to the still waterways of Venice. Return in-land and fall for the romance and Renaissance of Verona. Reach the northern tip of Lake Garda and hop between Tremosine, Gargnano, and Gardone Riviera. Meander west and visit Monte Isola – a floating mountain village in Lake Iseo. Raise a glass of sparkling wine in the vineyards of Franciacorta before returning to Milan.
2. Devour the Food Valley drive
A point-to-point foodie trail across Emilia-Romagna, from Parma to Cesenatico – 340 kilometres
- Best time to go: October is great for frequent food festivals.
- Highlights: Make sure you stop at Dozza and Rimini.
Follow your nose through Italy’s Food Valley, from Parma to the Adriatic Sea, to discover the history behind this world-renowned culinary region.
Indulge in the rich flavours of Parmigiano Reggiano and buttery Prosciutto in Parma. For a delightful combination of both, savour the traditional Rosa di Parma. Suitably refreshed, leave the city to the Parmigiano-Reggiano taste museum. Stop at the 13th-century Sala Baganza Castle for a tour of the wine cellars. Next is Reggio Emilia, a laid-back city where you can spend a night at the opera and taste the local balsamic. Compare notes on arrival in Modena, as this city is also known for its balsamic production. Pop into the tiny Lambruscheria wine bar and browse the local delights in Albinelli Market.
Venture into Sorbara’s countryside to learn traditional winemaking. Pass Castelnuovo Rangone, one of the main pig production districts in Italy, and arrive in Bologna. Savour rich ragu tagliatelle, fresh tortellini, and peppery Mortadella, then wander through the narrow streets and vibrant Quadrilatero market. Continue to Dozza and call into the Enoteca Regionale Emilia-Romagna wine cellars and learn about some of the 1,000 labels on display. Head to the coast after mastering traditional Italian dishes at Casa Artusi. In Rimini, enjoy the sandy beach and ancient city heart. Finally, relax in Cesenatico, a seafood lover’s paradise with a 17th-century fish market.
3. Follow the romantic Tuscan trail
A figure-eight loop through Tuscany – 493 kilometres
- Best time to go: September and October are best for lush countryside and quieter roads.
- Highlights: Castle Brolio, Montepulciano and Lucca are very worthwhile visits.
Roll through the calming Tuscan hills to classic treasures and lesser-known gems. Cruise from Florence to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wine castles, and sleepy hilltop towns.
Tuck into some schiacciata while wandering past the wine windows and Gucci displays in Florence before inspecting the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. Get behind the wheel and head south to Castle Brolio for a Chianti Classico vineyard experience. Drop a gear and climb up to Montalcino to explore the museums, then enjoy a generous pour of Brunello. Wind through the landscape of Val d’Orcia and take a detour to Castle Potentino, on the slopes of Amiata.
Loop back to Siena, where you can admire the Renaissance masterpieces in the National Museum. Standing tall between Era and Cecina valleys, Volterra invites you to peer into its ancient Etruria past through the age-old artefacts, craftsmanship, and ruins. Drive north and edge towards Lucca, known as the city of 100 churches. And for the finale, celebrate the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci in the commune he was born in, Vinci.
4. Hit the iconic Amalfi Coast route
Hug the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast on classic route – 93 kilometres
- Best time to go: April and May to see more flowers and less people.
- Highlights: You’ll be wooed by Ravello and La Baia di Leranto.
Take your time on this leisurely road trip from Salerno to Sorrento. Breeze around tiny fishing villages, historic cities, and hidden bays on this adored route along the Campania coast.
After setting off from Salerno, it won’t take long before you get a taste for the classic winding roads and blissful sea views of the Amalfi Coast. If you’re partial to a souvenir, Vietri sul Mare is home to traditional colourful ceramics. Steer around the viewpoints and sheltered bays before an uphill grind to Ravello, where cliffside gardens offer you a seat amongst the blooms.
Snake down to Amalfi and then to the tiny fishing village of Conca Dei Marini. There, you’ll find the emerald sea cave, Grotta dello Smeraldo, hidden in the cliffs below. Pull over near Giordo di Furore’s arched bridge and descend to the sheltered cove. Continue to Praiano to stretch your legs before an uphill slog to the Path of the Gods hiking trail. Browse the boutiques in Positano before covering 14 miles to the peninsula tip. From here you can walk to the secluded La Baia di Leranto cove. Unwind under the citrus trees of Sorrento and finish with a boat trip to Capri.
5. Navigate the Sicilian circuit
A circular island trail combining coastal delights with ancient history – 970 kilometres
- Best time to go: April, May or October for less crowds and a temperate climate.
- Highlights: Make sure you visit the UNESCO Valley of Temples and Ragusa.
Explore Sicily on this serene Italian road trip with world-famous ruins, natural spectacles, and plenty of time by the sea.
Drive from Palermo to the relaxed village of Scopello, then visit nearby Trapani for its museums, watchtowers, and salt pans. Striking a contrast from the rocky pools of the west coast are the flat sandy shores of Nature Reserve Foce Belice. Stop at the thermal baths in Sciacca and experience the island’s Greek history. Take in the striking white cliffs, known as the Stair of the Turks, on the coast of Realmonte before exploring the ancient Valley of the Temples.
When you’re near the eastern edge of Sicily, ascend to one of the most magical settlements, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ragusa. Stroll through the blue and white hamlet of Marzamem then head north to Noto to get your hands on a fluffy brioche with almond granita. Delve into the fascinating past of Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes, and stop by Ortiga market and the Greek theatre. Base yourself in Taormina for a side-quest to conquer Mount Etna and a river adventure in Alcantara Gorge. Loop back to northern Sicily to roam the streets of Cefalu before relaxing in the quiet towns of Santa Flavia and Punta Sant’Elia.
Top tips for a smooth drive around Italy
Advice for Italy road trips
- Plan your fuel stops in advance because gas stations can be harder to reach in rural areas.
- Take note of the Italian emergency numbers – 112 for general emergencies, 113 for the police or 118 for medical emergencies.
- In cities, blue lines are for paid parking, yellow are for permits or taxis, and white are free.
- Keep some cash handy for toll roads.
- Allow more than enough time for each stint of driving as winding roads, potholes, and roadblocks could cause delays.
- Take a physical Italian road trip map or download one electronically in case the signal drops out while you’re navigating.
Cultural fact file
Of Shakespeare’s 38 plays, 13 are set in Italy
Pasta has been eaten here since the 4th century BC
Italy has more than 15,000 lakes
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