By Karen Espig
Embarking on a road trip through Italy is an adventure of a lifetime. But where do you start? To help you out, I’ve divided it into three exciting circuits to make it more manageable, with each offering a unique and thrilling experience.
Your journey begins at an airport, where you can pick up your car and go on a road trip like no other. Or, if you have your own vehicle, you can access Italy by road or ferry from many different entry points in the adjacent countries.
Northern Italy: Venice Marco Polo Airport
Even though Venice is a pedestrian-only zone, it would be a pity if you didn’t spend the beginning or end of your road trip there. It truly is a not-to-be-missed experience!
To begin the driving portion of your trip, head along the eastern coast of Italy through the Po Delta to Ravenna. It is the resting place of Dante Alighieri and is known for its mosaics and fantastic food (but really, what part of Italy isn’t?). Stunning beaches line the eastern coastline if you wish to continue southward.
Take the scenic route from Ravenna to Florence and perhaps stop at Parco Nazionale Foreste Casentinesi for a nature walk or picnic lunch. Florence is in the Tuscany region of Italy, and I recommend spending at least a few days here. The city is home to the famous Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Michaelangelo’s David.
Next up is a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, because why not? Then, a meander through the smaller highways to Bologna for a day or two. Bologna is known for its porticos (UNESCO) and the Piazza Maggiore, which has Giambologna’s infamous statue of Neptune at its heart.
The last stop before returning to Venice is Padua (Padova), a city of science and art and the oldest botanical garden in the world (created in 1545). Galileo Galilei studied and taught here for 18 years, and the Museum of the History of Medicine (housed in a 15th-century palazzo) is a fascinating visit.
Pompei And Amalfi Coast: Naples International Airport
If visiting the iconic Amalfi Coast is a box you wish to tick, begin your road trip from Naples, the home of pizza. From here, travel to the incredibly preserved site of Pompei, stopping at the Vesuvius National Park to stretch your legs. Taking the SS18 highway is a popular way to explore The Golden Mile, a string of villas built in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius during the 1700s.
From Pompei, stop in Salerno, a city by the Tyrrhenian Sea, before moving on to Amalfi and Positano. The Amalfi Coast is worth spending at least a few days wandering around and taking in the astounding beauty of the coastline and interesting architecture.
Sorrento is a great follow-up rest point. If you have time, take a ferry (pedestrian only) or boat cruise to the Island of Capri, home to The Blue Grotto and gorgeous rugged landscapes… not to mention upscale shopping!
The trip back to Naples follows the coastline again, so be sure to stop at the spots you missed on your way to Salerno
South-East Sicily: Catania Airport
If you want or need a more budget-friendly Italian road trip, Sicily is a fabulous choice. In Catania, the morning fish market (La Pescheria) is a lot of fun, so check it out either at the beginning or end of your journey.
Drive along the coast from Catania to Taormina, a picturesque town atop a mountain overlooking the Ionian Sea. Spend a day or two there before heading to the awe-inspiring Mount Etna.
With your car, you can drive as far as Rifugio Sapienza at 1900 metres, where you can then take a cable car up to 2500 metres. (To go even higher up the volcano requires a guide that must be booked ahead of time.)
Leaving Etna, meandering through the scenic roads of central Sicily brings you to Agrigento, where the Valley of the Temples awaits. Agrigento is built on a hill; some parts are pedestrian-only, so consider this when booking accommodation.
From Agrigento, travel along the gorgeous coastline to Syracuse for a day or two before heading back into Catania.
Remember, if you don’t have an EU driving permit, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country is crucial before embarking on your Italian road trip. While some rental agencies may accept your existing licence, it’s best to be prepared and avoid any unexpected complications.
I hope these itineraries inspire you and provide key interest points as you design your Italian road trip. Each of Italy’s regions offers unique flavours, histories, and experiences. The cities are smorgasbords of history and art but there are plenty of breathtaking natural landscapes and protected wildlife areas if you wish to keep your travel less in the city and more on the road.
To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It’s not the destination, It’s the journey.”
Buon viaggio!