6 Stunning Road Trips in Italy: Explore the Nation's Finest Routes
Driving along Italy's Amalfi Coast, ideally in a classic Alfa Romeo Spider, is the stuff of travel dreams.
And it's just one of many incredible road trip routes in this captivating, multifaceted country. Don't let tales of aggressive local drivers deter you—the countryside here is perfect for road exploration (with plenty of opportunities to stop and snap photos).
Featuring a vast network of well-kept roads that navigate between snow-capped mountains, hug steep coastlines, and wind through picturesque farmland and vineyards to beautiful lakes and historic towns, nearly every journey in Italy is a scenic adventure. Yet, some trips are especially memorable.
To illustrate, we've selected six iconic road trips, from serene Tuscan drives to thrilling mountain escapades. While some may pose challenges, they all promise unforgettable experiences! Here are the top road trip routes in Italy.
Visit Positano, where vibrant houses tumble down the hillside toward the sea © Getty Images/ EyeEm1. The Amalfi Coast
Ultimate classic Italian coastal road trip Salerno–Sorrento; approximately 75km/46 miles, 1 day
Experience Italy's breathtaking coastal landscapes on this thrilling drive along the Amalfi Coast. Starting from Salerno, the main southern entry point to the coast, head west to Vietri sul Mare, a charming town renowned for its ceramics and the beginning of the scenic coastal route. As you continue, the road becomes more demanding with narrower paths, sharper turns, and increasingly stunning views.
After approximately 20km (12 miles), you'll reach Amalfi, the main center of the coast. Take time to explore the iconic Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and then head up to Ravello in the hills above. Enjoy lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Vittoria and soak in breathtaking views from the town's vibrant gardens.
Then, continue to Positano, an elegant town with colorful houses dramatically cascading down its steep cliffs. Beyond Positano, the route turns inland, traversing the hilly landscape to Sorrento, a bustling tourist destination dominated by the imposing presence of Mount Vesuvius.
Planning tip: Since this drive is quite popular, consider visiting out of season to escape the crowds. If you have an extra day, you can journey north to Naples via the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
Explore the picturesque roads of Tuscany between Florence and Orvieto © Westend61 / Getty Images2. The Tuscan Tour
Top road trip for art and architecture Florence–Orvieto; approximately 210km/130 miles, 2–3 days
This two-day journey explores two of Italy's remarkable medieval cities, the wine gems of Chianti, and stunning Tuscan landscapes, taking you from Florence to Orvieto in nearby Umbria. Begin your adventure by indulging in exquisite art and Renaissance architecture in Florence before heading south to the picturesque Chianti wine region.
Stop for a tasting at Enoteca Falorni in Greve and savor the local specialty, bistecca (steak), at L'Antica Macelleria Cecchini in Panzano. Next, take the backroads to Siena, an enchanting medieval city featuring a breathtaking Duomo and the historic 12th-century Piazza del Campo. Consider staying overnight at Pensione Palazzo Ravizza.
In the morning, visit Montalcino to stock up on Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy's most esteemed red wines. A short drive east leads you to Val d'Orcia, showcasing classic Tuscan vistas with rolling green hills, cypress trees, and charming hilltop towns. Enjoy lunch in Pienza, then continue through Montepulciano to Orvieto, a stunning hilltop city known for its extraordinary Gothic Duomo.
Planning tip: Although you can complete this route in two days, consider extending your stay with an additional overnight stop to delve deeper into the region.
Make a stop at Calamosche beach within the Vendicari Nature Reserve, nestled between Noto and Marzamemi © Andrea Izzotti / Getty Images3. Southeastern Sicily
Ideal road trip for discovering Sicily's quaint towns Catania–Ragusa; approximately 165km/103 miles, 2 days
Embark on a two-day journey to uncover UNESCO-listed baroque gems in Sicily's rugged southeast. Begin in Catania, exploring its majestic historic center and vibrant fish market. After enjoying a seafood lunch, head to Syracuse to wander through ancient Greco-Roman ruins at Parco Archeologico della Neapolis and admire the elegant baroque streets of the Ortygia district. Spend the night at the chic Hotel Gutkowski.
On the second day, make your way to Noto, famed for its stunning Corso Vittorio Emanuele, lined with beautiful churches and inviting cafes. After soaking in this urban masterpiece, head inland to Modica, a lively town nestled in a deep canyon. Stock up on the renowned local chocolates before continuing through the rugged landscape to Ragusa and its charming historic district, Ragusa Ibla.
Planning tip: To cap off your trip, make a reservation and indulge in a meal at Ristorante Duomo, one of Sicily's premier dining spots, featuring dishes crafted by chef Ciccio Sultano.
La Villa is among the many picturesque villages nestled in breathtaking locations throughout the Dolomites © Rebecca E Marvil / Stockbyte / Getty Images4. The Great Dolomites Road
Ideal road trip for breathtaking mountain views Bolzano–Cortina d'Ampezzo; approximately 125km/78 miles; 2 days
The Grande Strada della Dolomiti offers some of Italy's most thrilling drives. Stretching from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo, it showcases stunning landscapes as it weaves through jagged peaks and ascends high mountain passes in the Dolomites.
Starting in Bolzano, journey eastward toward Ponte Nova, where you'll first encounter the towering granite formations of the Dolomites. Continue into Val di Fassa, a breathtaking valley surrounded by lush forests and towering cliffs, before tackling the 2,239m (7,345 ft) Passo Pordoi. The descent may be gradual, but you'll be rewarded with spectacular vistas as you wind down to La Villa in the beautifully positioned Val Badia.
While you could head straight to Cortina d'Ampezzo, the fashionable destination marking the route's conclusion, consider enjoying a leisurely night at Dolomit B&B and exploring scenic detours around La Villa on your second day.
Planning tip: This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering excellent winter skiing and fantastic summer hiking.
Make sure to take frequent breaks to soak in the stunning lakeside views while driving along Lake Como © Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images5. The southern shore of Lake Como
Ideal spring road trip Como–Bergamo; approximately 112km/70 miles; 1 day
Nestled among Alpine peaks and lush forests, Lake Como (Lago di Como) is Italy's most stunning northern lake. This leisurely one-day drive showcases elegant art nouveau villas and verdant waterfront gardens along the lake's southern edge.
Begin your journey in the town of Como itself. After exploring its charming historic center and the nearby Villa Olmo, take the winding road up to Bellagio. Stop in this lovely lakeside village to wander the grounds of the neoclassical Villa Melzi d'Eril and enjoy lunch at Terrazza Barchetta.
Feeling refreshed, leave your car behind and hop on a ferry to Tremezzo, home to the 17th-century Villa Carlotta and its magnificent gardens. After returning to Bellagio, grab your car and head southeast along the scenic lakeside road to Lecco and onward to the historic town of Bergamo, where you can relax in comfort at the Hotel Piazza Vecchia.
Planning tip: Visit in April or May to see the area burst into vibrant spring colors.
6. Highlights of Abruzzo
Best road trip for untouched landscapes Rome–Sulmona; approximately 240km/150 miles, one day
Just over an hour's drive to the east of Rome, the lesser-known region of Abruzzo offers a stark contrast to the bustling city, featuring wild, open valleys and pristine mountain vistas. Start your journey on the A24 autostrada to Fonte Cerreto, then navigate the winding roads up to Campo Imperatore, a vast highland plain dominated by the Apennines' tallest peak, Corno Grande (2,912m/9,553ft).
Next, head to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a secluded, semi-abandoned village nestled within the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. If you visit on a weekend, you can enjoy lunch at the Locanda Sotto gli Archi; otherwise, stock up on picnic supplies in the village.
In the afternoon, continue to Sulmona, an elegant town located beneath the Morrone massif. Renowned for its sweet specialty confetti (sugar-coated almonds), Sulmona serves as an excellent base for discovering the rugged southern areas, offering comfortable stays at Legacy Casa Residencia and hearty meals at local eateries like Il Vecchio Muro.
Planning tip: We highly recommend spending a day or more in Sulmona, allowing you to explore the surrounding hills by car or on foot, away from the tourist crowds.
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