The Best Italian Road Trips

Italy is made for the open road. From picturesque coastlines to rolling hills, volcanic landscapes and traditional towns, each region has something different to offer.  

We’ve put together a guide to some of the best road trip routes in the country, alongside some handy tips for driving in Italy. Read on to find out more.

A road trip through Puglia and Basilicata takes you from dramatic rocky landscapes to whitewashed towns and clear Adriatic shores. It is a region made for slow drives, coastal stops and discovering small places you might otherwise miss. 

Matera

A brilliant starting point for a southern road trip, Matera is all about winding lanes and sweeping views. Drive out to Belvedere Murgia Timone for a panoramic look over the Sassi, or head into the countryside to visit the Crypt of the Original Sin, home to some of Italy’s earliest cave paintings. The Parco della Murgia Materana is full of quiet roads and dramatic scenery, perfect for slow exploring. 

Lecce

As you drive towards Puglia, Lecce makes a great base for short drives to some of the Salento’s highlights. The city’s baroque centre is stunning, and from here you can easily reach seaside spots like Otranto and Gallipoli, wander through the inland villages known for ceramics and olive oil or follow the coast down towards the rocky tip of Santa Maria di Leuca for beautiful views and photo opportunities. 

Savelletri

Further north along the Adriatic, Savelletri puts you close to Puglia’s most well-known sights. You can explore the archaeological ruins of Egnazia, pop inland to see the trulli houses of Alberobello, climb through the white streets of Ostuni, or venture underground at the Castellana Grotte caves. Along the coastline you’ll find plenty of small fishing harbours and laid-back swimming spots to break up the drive.

When driving in Tuscany and Umbria you’ll pass cypress-lined hills, olive groves and medieval towns. Travel through peaceful countryside, historic cities and along the stunning coastline.

Pisa

A great place to begin, Pisa is more than just the Leaning Tower. Once you’ve admired the Campo dei Miracoli with its cathedral and baptistery, take time to wander the south bank of the Arno, where you can enjoy cafés and narrow streets lined with boutique shops.

Montecatini Terme

Your next stop is Montecatini Terme, a calm, classic spa town perfect for exploring western Tuscany. From here you can drive to Lucca to walk its Renaissance city walls, or head into Florence to see Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi’ Gallery or simply enjoy an aperitivo on a rooftop.

San Gimignano

Further inland you’ll find San Gimignano, a town known for its medieval towers and winding lanes. It's a short drive from here to Etruscan town Volterra and Monteriggioni, a medieval fortified village. Along the way visit artisan shops, quiet churches and hilltop viewpoints.

Perugia

Crossing into Umbria takes you into a greener, quieter part of Italy. With its medieval streets, Romanesque buildings and lively piazzas, Perugia is a must-visit. It’s a great starting point for exploring the town of Assisi, Todi and Orvieto, in addition to the shores of Lake Trasimeno which are all easy drives. Expect rustic food, peaceful scenery and a strong sense of tradition.

Siena

Siena is known for its Gothic architecture and narrow winding streets. The area around Siena is perfect for leisurely drives through vineyards and olive groves. You can visit Montepulciano for wine tasting, stop in tiny Pienza for pecorino or head into the Chianti countryside for cellar tours and wine tasting sessions.

Viareggio

Finish off your trip with some sea air in Viareggio. Viareggio offers long sandy beaches set against the Apuan Alps. The town’s art deco architecture adds a bit of old-world charm, and its location makes day trips easy. You can drive north to Forte dei Marmi or along the coast to Portovenere. Alternatively, head into Liguria to visit the colourful clifftop villages of Cinque Terre.

If you choose to go on a road trip in Sicily you’ll pass sunny coastlines, ancient hilltop towns and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Taormina

Start off in Taormina, a hilltop town on the eastern coast with Mount Etna rising behind it. Explore the ancient Greek-Roman Theatre or the medieval Palazzo Corvaja, then wander the streets of Corso Umberto, stopping off at a gelateria for a sweet treat. You can also take a boat tour to hidden grottos along the Ionian Sea.

Cefalú

Heading along the northern coast, Cefalù is a picturesque town with a dramatic rocky backdrop. Climb La Rocca for gorgeous panoramic views, admire the Norman cathedral, and explore the medieval washhouse. The nearby Madonie Mountains are perfect for a detour, with tiny villages offering authentic Sicilian meals.

Palermo 

Next, head to the port city of Palermo. Walk through the historic centre, browse the street markets, and take in the 12th century cathedral. You can catch an opera at Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, or simply enjoy sampling Palermo’s famous street food, from panelle to arancini balls.

Agrigento

Drive south to Agrigento, a city known for its archaeological sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Valley of the Temples is not to be missed, along with the Baroque Church of San Lorenzo. Don’t forget to stop off at the white limestone cliffs of Scala dei Turchi for picture opportunities.

Syracuse

Finish your route in Syracuse on the island of Ortigia. Wander the narrow streets of the centre or take a day trip to Noto to see its impressive squares and architecture. Modica, known for its chocolate making, is also well worth a visit.

Emilia Romagna is a lesser-known region, famous for its beautiful countryside and its delicious cuisine, making it ideal for foodies looking to go on a gastronomic adventure.

Parma

Begin in Parma, the home of parmesan cheese and prosciutto. Stroll through the centre and see the stunning Parma Cathedral and Baptistery or book a guided tour through the Teatro Regio Parma, if you’re an opera fan.

Modena

Heading east, Modena is the birthplace of balsamic vinegar and luxury sports cars. Explore the UNESCO-listed Piazza Grande and Modena Cathedral, then visit a traditional acetaia to see how balsamic vinegar is aged. Car enthusiasts will adore the Ferrari Museum in nearby Maranello, just a short drive from the city.

Bologna

After enjoying Modena, head to Bologna. Take in the view from the Asinelli Tower, wander through the Quadrilatero market, and stop for a plate of fresh tagliatelle or tortellini. The city’s food scene makes it a must for culinary lovers.

Varignana

Finish your journey in Varignana, a small hamlet on the hills of the Bolognese Apennines. The surrounding countryside is perfect for relaxed drives through vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads. Take some time to relax, enjoy the local wines, or explore nearby towns like Imola for its quiet town centre and famous racing circuit.

Driving in Italy can seem intimidating, but following these handy tips will help you get started. 

• Most rented cars have GPS built in to guide you on your journey. 
• Don’t worry if you miss a turn, Italy has plenty of roundabouts - view it as a chance to discover something new! 
• Take your time, trust your instinct and drive outside of peak times. 
• Watch out for ZTL signs, these are controlled zones that non-residents are not permitted to drive through. 
• Even on the sunniest of days, you should always drive with your headlights on. 
• Don’t fall for speed traps, keep an eye on the speed limit and don’t try to keep up with other drivers. 
• Familiarise yourself with both your car and the national road signs.

We’ve teamed up with the trusted car rental company Avis, which boasts a brilliant fleet of well-maintained vehicles at handily located pick-up and drop-off points. Whether you arrive by air, land or sea, you can enjoy a quick and easy check-in, so you have more time to do what really matters, exploring!

Whether you’re looking to explore ancient ruins in Agrigento, expand your palette in Parma or want to simply lounge around on the beach, we’ve got the perfect Italian road trip for you. 

With handpicked hotels and thoughtfully planned fly drive itineraries, you can relax and enjoy Italy at its best. Get in touch with us today and start planning your Italian escape!