Road Trips in Italy

Who hasn't heard about such cities as Milan, Rome, or Florence? About the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cinque Terre National Park, or Casa di Giulietta in Verona? Probably such places as Naples, Venice, or Genoa are also familiar to many tourists as these are the cities where Mount Vesuvius, the famous gondola canals, and country's biggest port can be found. Even though these places should definitely have their spot on your to-see list, you shouldn't limit yourself only to them. 

Churches, basilicas, mausoleums, and palaces - there are plenty of such landmarks in Italy. If you want to see the most interesting examples, you should definitely visit Padua, the main city of Liguria, Ravenna, known mostly due to its Byzantine and early-Christian landmarks, and Bari, the capital of Apulia. It's also worth paying attention to such places as Volterra, with a beautiful view on the local hilltops, and San Gimignano, where you'll have the opportunity to try delicious white wine Vernaccia.

The fans of beach time will be satisfied as well. In Italy, there are numerous places with paradise beaches and breathtaking views. These include Pescara, the largest city on the Adriatic coast, Tropea, with scenic cliffs, and Rapallo, with popular bathing beaches. Your trip plans should also include such towns as Salerno, Amalfi, Positano, or Maratea. The last settlement, for example, offers more than 20 beaches and is considered a stunning pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Italy isn’t famous only for its stunning buildings and magnificent beaches but also for its charming towns characterised by unique ambience. It's worth going on a stroll along the streets of Ancona, drinking a cup of coffee in Orvieto, or admiring the magical views in Ravello. Must-see attractions are, of course, Pompei, known for its ancient ruins, and Trani along with the nearby Castel del Monte. 

The list of the most beautiful Italian towns is really long: Matera, Foggia, Cosenza, Montepulciano - it's difficult to choose the most interesting one as every place has much to offer. An undisputed Italian pearl is Monteriggioni, a village located on one of the Tuscan hills, and Alberobello, known for the so-called trullo buildings, that is white circular homes with pinnacles. It's also worth mentioning Lucca, the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, and Polignano a Mare, full of scenic recesses and coves where you can rest away from the crowds. 

No one will be surprised by the fact that Italy is a popular destination place among the many known celebrities. They really enjoy Portofino, which ranks as one of the most exclusive places on Italian map. It is mostly famous for expensive hotels and restaurants as well as luxury yachts and boutiques of the most well-known fashion houses. In the northern part of the country, you'll find the stunning Lake Garda, with a number of accommodation and dining options that will suit every pocket. 

Suggested Road Trips in Italy

• Tuscany: The rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany make it one of the most popular road trip destinations in Italy. Highlights of a Tuscany road trip include visiting the historic cities of Florence, Siena, and Pisa, as well as exploring the countryside and sampling the region's famous wines. Along the way, you can visit picturesque villages, hike in the mountains, and admire the beautiful countryside.

• Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, and a road trip along its winding roads is a must-do for any traveler. Highlights of this road trip include visiting the vibrant coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, as well as taking in the stunning scenery along the way. You can also visit the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia, and sample the delicious seafood cuisine of the region.

• Lake Como: Lake Como is a stunning region in northern Italy, famous for its beautiful lakeside towns and lush, mountainous scenery. A road trip around Lake Como is a great way to experience the region's beauty and get a taste of the local culture. Highlights of this road trip include visiting the historic town of Como, exploring the lakeside villages of Bellagio and Varenna, and admiring the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can also visit nearby Milan, one of Italy's most vibrant cities, for a taste of city life.

Each motorist driving along the Italian roads should possess appropriate documents. In the event of a road check, you'll be asked to show such documents as your driver's licence, liability insurance, registration document, vehicle inspection certificate, and your ID or a passport. The obligatory equipment includes reflective vests (for the driver and passengers) and a warning triangle. A fire extinguisher and a first aid kit aren't required by law. 

The maximum blood alcohol content is 0.05%. Slightly stricter rules apply in case of less experienced drivers - in case of less than three years of driving experience, there is zero tolerance for any blood alcohol level. Fines for drinking and driving are really high (even up to a few thousand Euros!). 

You can also expect severe consequences in case of talking on the phone while driving (hands-free sets are accepted) and travelling with children who are younger than 12 or shorter than 150 cm without appropriate protection.

Speed limits depend on the driver's experience, car weight, and weather conditions. General rules impose the following restrictions: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h in rural areas, and 110 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways. 

The situation changes in case of motorists who have less than three years of driving experience - they need to reduce their speed on expressways (90 km/h) and on motorways (100 km/h). 

In case of adverse weather conditions, the above-mentioned limits change as well. You can drive as fast as 90 km/h on expressways and as fast as 110 km/h on motorways. 

It is also worth taking into consideration that on some three-lane roads equipped with the so-called Tutor, that is a system detecting speed on a given road section, you have greater leeway as you can drive even up to 150 km/h. 

Travelling along Italian motorway isn't free of charge, and the tolls are quite high. Tolls are based on the number of kilometres travelled or vehicle category. Toll free roads can be expected in poorer regions, especially in the southern part of Italy; however, these are rather scarce. 

The tolls are paid at special toll gates and there are three payment options: cash, payment card, or ViaCard, which can be purchased in travel agencies and at petrol stations. An indisputable advantage of the last option is the fact that the owners of ViaCard use separate gates. 

Parking spaces are marked with lines of different colours and each of these colours indicates specific rules and restrictions. Blue lines show places where parking fee applies (parcheggio a pagamento), yellow lines show places designated for the disabled, pink lines are for pregnant women or women with small children, and white lines show free parking zones (parcheggio gratuito). However, it's vital to remember that the last option is time limited.

Generally, parking in Italy is a challenge not only for tourists but also for the residents. It is connected mostly with scarcity of free parking spaces; therefore, in many cases it's worth leaving your car on the outskirts and use public transport to get to the city centre.

Here are some things to be aware of when taking a road trip in Italy:

• Driving in Italy can be challenging: Italian roads can be narrow and winding, and driving in big cities can be chaotic. It's important to be aware of local traffic laws and be prepared for unexpected turns and sudden stops.

• Road signs can be difficult to understand: Road signs in Italy are not always straightforward, and it can be difficult to navigate the country's roads without a good map or GPS system. It's important to familiarize yourself with local road signs before you start your road trip.

• Italian drivers can be aggressive: Italian drivers are known for their fast-paced and sometimes aggressive driving style, especially in cities. Be prepared for sudden stops and be extra cautious when driving in busy areas.

• Parking can be limited: Parking in Italian cities can be limited and expensive, and it can be difficult to find a spot in busy areas. Be prepared to park on the outskirts of cities and take public transportation or walk into the city center.

• Road tolls can be frequent: Road tolls are common in Italy, and they can add up quickly. It's important to budget for road tolls in your travel expenses and be prepared to pay them as you drive.

• Speed limits are strictly enforced: Speed limits in Italy are strictly enforced, and it's important to stay within the limits to avoid hefty fines. Keep an eye out for speed cameras, especially in cities and on highways.

• Respect local customs: When driving in Italy, it's important to respect local customs and traditions. Be aware of the rules of the road, be polite to other drivers, and always follow the local traffic laws.

By being aware of these things, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip in Italy.

The best time for a road trip in Italy depends on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences, travel style, and budget. However, some general recommendations are:

• Spring (April to June): Spring is a great time for a road trip in Italy as the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the countryside is in bloom. This is also the peak season for local festivals and events, so there will be plenty to see and do.

• Summer (July to September): Summer is the peak tourist season in Italy, and the weather is warm and sunny. While this can be an enjoyable time for a road trip, it's important to be aware of the crowds and higher prices, especially in popular tourist destinations.

• Autumn (October to November): Autumn is a wonderful time for a road trip in Italy as the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the countryside is ablaze with the colors of fall. This is also the season for wine harvests, so you can enjoy local festivals and sample the delicious wines of the region.

• Winter (December to March): While winter weather can be cold and damp in some parts of Italy, it's also a great time to explore the cities and enjoy the holiday festivities. Winter is also a quiet time for road trips, so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the countryside at a more leisurely pace.

Regardless of the time of year, a road trip in Italy is always a memorable experience. Just be sure to plan your trip carefully, be aware of the local weather conditions, and pack appropriately.

When packing for a road trip in Italy, it's important to consider the season, weather, and activities you'll be doing. Here are some essentials to consider:

• Comfortable Clothing: Pack clothes that are comfortable, breathable, and easy to move in. If you're traveling in the summer, pack light clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. For cooler weather, pack layers like sweaters and jackets.

• Comfortable Shoes: Bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring, such as sneakers or hiking boots. You might also want to pack sandals or dress shoes for dining out.

• Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

• Travel Documents: Make sure to bring your passport, driver's license, travel insurance, and any other necessary travel documents.

• Electronics: Bring a charger for your phone and any other electronics you'll be bringing on the trip.

• First Aid Kit: Pack a small first aid kit with basic medical supplies like band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes.

• Snacks and Water: Bring snacks like trail mix, fruit, and energy bars to keep you fueled on the road. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

• Travel Guidebook and Maps: Bring a travel guidebook or map to help you navigate and plan your route.

• Cash and Credit Cards: Make sure to bring enough cash and credit cards to cover expenses like gas, food, and accommodations.

• Camera: Bring a camera to capture memories of your trip.

Remember to pack light and only bring what you need to avoid overpacking and cluttering your car.

• "Lonely Planet Italy Road Trips" by Lonely Planet

• "Italy Road Atlas" by Michelin

• "Italy North & Central Map" by Michelin

• "Italy South Map" by Michelin

• "Rick Steves Italy 2023" by Rick Steves

• "Frommer's EasyGuide to Rome, Florence and Venice" by Stephen Keeling and Kate Simon

• "The Rough Guide to Italy" by Rough Guides

• "Tuscany Road Trip" by Moon Travel Guides

• "Amalfi Coast Road Trip" by Moon Travel Guides

These resources provide comprehensive information about the different regions, attractions, and road conditions in Italy, and can help travelers plan their route, find accommodations, and discover new experiences along the way.

Here are three book recommendations for a road trip in Italy:

• "Italian Days" by Barbara Grizzuti Harrison - This memoir takes the reader through the author's experiences while living in Italy. It provides great insight into Italian culture, cuisine, and way of life, which will enrich your trip.

• "The Monster of Florence" by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi - This non-fiction book tells the story of the real-life hunt for a serial killer in Florence. It offers a thrilling and captivating read while also delving into the city's history and society.

• "A Room with a View" by E.M. Forster - This classic novel is set in Florence and follows the story of a young woman's journey to self-discovery and love. It offers a glimpse into the city's society and architecture, which will help you appreciate it more during your trip.

Happy reading and have a great trip!