Italy is one of the best countries to visit for those who love road-tripping. Many of the country’s largest cities are connected by roads that will take you through a wide range of landscapes. Whether you want rolling green hills, steep craggy mountains, or quiet towns and villages, you can experience everything Italy has to offer. With so many options to choose from, we’ve narrowed down some of the best road trips in Italy, all around the country.
Road trips in Italy along the Amalfi Coast
The city of Amalfi
The coast’s namesake, Amalfi, is the largest town on the route and its crown jewel is the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, a historic cathedral known for its mosaic facade. If you choose to stop here, you will find plenty of sights to see including the Museo della Carta, which explores the history of the region with tour guides available.
The city’s famous cathedral isn’t the only church worth visiting; a ticket to enter the Cattedral di Sant’Andrea will also grant you entrance to the Chiostro del Paradiso next door, which has a beautiful garden featuring multiple religious artefacts.
Travel between two of Italy’s biggest cities on the Via Cassia
The Via Cassia was built by the Romans in 107 BC to connect Florence and Rome. You will travel nearly 300 kilometres (roughly 186 miles) through some of the finest landscapes that Italy has to offer, from rolling hills to small villages, before arriving at one of the country’s most metropolitan cities.
Much of the journey will have you travelling through the Tuscan countryside where you can take a detour to one of the many vineyards that dot the landscape. You can make the journey in one day, and without stops, it takes roughly six hours. However, you may want to take it slow and stop along the way at destinations like Lake Bolsena or the ancient city of Viterbo.
Travel Sicily along the SS120
The best stops along the SS120
The first stop from Taormina is Etna Park, where you can stretch your legs on a climb up to the top of Mount Etna (volcanic activity permitting). As you continue the journey to Termini Imerese, you’ll find yourself in the town of Nicosia nestled in the mountains; though it is small, it has a rich history and beautiful architecture.
You might want to plan your lunch break around Cerda, an ancient village known for its artichokes with many restaurants featuring the local ingredient in their dishes. As you make the final leg of your journey to Termini Imerese, take a moment to stop and take in the majesty of the coastline of the Tyrrhenian sea before plunging back into the bustle of Palermo’s capital.
A trip around Lake Garda
For a unique road trip, why not check out Italy’s largest lake: Lake Garda? You can travel all the way around in just under four hours, crossing roughly 156 kilometres (roughly 97 miles). The lake is surrounded by mountain landscapes and dotted with quaint villages, particularly along the widest part at the southern end of the lake. It is located halfway between Brescia and Verona and sits at the edge of the Dolomites.
The Strada della Forra
One of the lake’s top attractions is the Strada della Forra, a gorge road that is a must-see for those who are looking for a truly unique drive. Located on Lake Garda’s shore, it burrows into the surrounding mountains and twists and turns its way through a ravine formed by the Brasa River. You might find that you recognise it from films or television, as the thrilling views are a popular choice for directors of action films and car commercials. Note that this road is recommended for experienced drivers and it is also recommended that you drive it with a small vehicle.
Experience the natural wonder of the Dolomites
A popular ski destination in winter, the Dolomites make for a beautiful road trip destination during the warmer months. The Great Dolomites Road, constructed over 200 years ago, allows you to make the 68-mile journey from Bolanzo to Cortina d’Ampezzo. The journey will take between three to five hours to complete, depending on how many stops you make; ensure you fill up on fuel beforehand, as often fuel stations can be shut. The journey will take you through a few small towns, but the main attraction is the views you’ll get of the rocky peaks and steep canyons.
Cortina, Queen of the Dolomites
Nicknamed ‘Queen of the Dolomites’, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a ski resort reachable via The Great Dolomites Road. The resort boasts restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, making it a perfect break point to have lunch before you continue your journey or head back to Bolzano. Lying within the Valle d’Ampezzo, also close to a few natural wonders such as Lago di Sorapiss and Cinque Torri. Whether you stop to stretch your legs or just pass through, Cortina is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Chiantigiana Road
The Tuscan countryside is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The Chiantigiana Road takes you through the region as you travel from Florence to Siena. This trip will be most popular with foodies and wine connoisseurs as the trip takes you into the Chianti Classico wine region.
If you take the trip in September, you’ll find the small villages you travel through celebrating the produce of their region with grape harvests and wine festivals. The trip usually takes under two hours, though of course you should plan to make time to explore the region.
The Stelvio Pass
The second highest road in Europe, it is a challenging road to drive with many twists and turns along the way as it travels as high as 9,045 ft (around 2757 metres) and then all the way back down. The path is only open between June and September as the snow of the Alps blocks the route when winter comes.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
Each fortnight, hosts James and Lucy talk to local experts about the destination they have chosen to call their home, exploring their personal connection to the place, what makes it so special and the best things to see and do.
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