Rolling Hills, Ocean Views and More: The Best Italian Road Trips for Your Bucket List

In this article I share what I think are the 10 best Italian road trips in the country. If you have any questions about any of these amazing destinations, leave a comment below.

Get ready to experience Italy like never before with our list of the top 10 best road trips in the country. From the winding coastal roads of the Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany, we’ve got you covered for the ultimate Italian road trip adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor ,or a seasoned traveler, these scenic drives will take you to some of the most beautiful and historic towns in the country. So, pack your bags, hop in your car, and let’s hit the road!”

THE AMALIFI COAST IS ONE OF THE TOP ITALIAN ROAD TRIPS

The Amalfi Coast is a must-see destination for any road tripper visiting Italy. The winding coastal road offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the colorful towns of Positano and Ravello. Along the way, you can stop at charming seafood restaurants, hike to secluded beaches and enjoy the local culture. The Amalfi Coast is a perfect blend of stunning scenery and Mediterranean charm, making it one of the most memorable road trips in Italy.

TUSCANY IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ITALIAN ROAD TRIPS

Tuscany is one of the most iconic regions of Italy, renowned for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and world-renowned wineries. The region offers a perfect blend of art, history, and nature making it a must-see destination for any traveler. The charming towns of Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano offer a glimpse into the past with their ancient architecture and art. The region is also known for its beautiful countryside, picturesque vineyards and olive groves, and charming farmhouses that you can rent for a truly authentic Tuscan experience. Tuscany is also home to some of the best food and wine in Italy, making it a perfect destination for foodies and wine enthusiasts. Click the following link for a complete guide, including a video, on visiting Undiscovered Tuscany.

CINQUE TERRE IS ONE OF THE MOST COLORFUL PLACES IN ITALY

Cinque Terre is a beautiful stretch of the Italian Riviera that is home to five colorful coastal towns that are connected by hiking trails and train. The towns – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and charming Italian culture. The towns are built into the cliffs, offering a unique perspective of the Mediterranean sea and the surrounding landscape. The hiking trails that connect the towns offer even more stunning views of the sea and the towns. The towns are also known for their delicious seafood and local wines. Cinque Terre is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway, with a touch of adventure.

DOLOMITES ARE A SIGHT TO BEHOLD

The Dolomites is a mountain range in northeastern Italy, offering a dramatic contrast to the rolling hills of Tuscany. The twisting roads and alpine scenery make for a memorable drive, with endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The Dolomites are known for their jagged peaks (reminds me of Grand Teton in Wyoming), towering spires, and stunning vistas. The area is also rich in history, with picturesque villages, charming huts, and traditional architecture. The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. It’s a perfect destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers and those who appreciate stunning landscapes. The Dolomites are not just a road trip destination but also a place to experience the beauty of nature and the culture of the local people.

LAKE COMO MADE FAMOUS BY GEORGE CLOONEY

Lake Como is located in Northern Italy, it is a serene and picturesque destination known for its charming towns and stunning villas. The lake is surrounded by the alps, creating a perfect setting for a leisurely drive around the lake. Visitors can admire the views of the water, the surrounding mountains and the beautiful villas that line the shore. The towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo are must-visit destinations, known for their historic architecture, picturesque streets and local markets. The lake is also known for its luxurious villas, which can be visited and admired from the outside. Lake Como offers a perfect getaway for those looking for a peaceful and scenic destination, with a touch of luxury.

UMBRIA

Umbria, located in central Italy, is a great road trip destination for its beautiful landscapes, charming towns and villages, and rich cultural and historical heritage. The region is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque countryside dotted with charming farmhouses and vineyards. It is home to many ancient towns such as Assisi, Perugia and Spoleto, all of which offer a wealth of history and art to explore. Additionally, Umbria is renowned for its delicious local cuisine, including truffles, olive oil, and wines, making it a great destination for foodies. Overall, Umbria offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and delicious food making it an ideal Italian road trip destination.

PUGLIA IS A GREAT ROAD TRIP DESTINATION FOR FOODIES

Located in the heel of Italy, Puglia is a great Italian road trip destination. The region is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque countryside dotted with charming farmhouses, olive groves and vineyards. The region’s long coastline offers a variety of beaches, from sandy to rocky, with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Puglia is also home to many ancient towns such as Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” and Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli houses. Additionally, Puglia is renowned for its delicious local cuisine, including seafood, pasta dishes and wines, making it a great destination for foodies. The road trip through Puglia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and delicious food making it an ideal road trip destination in Italy.

SICILIAN COASTLINE

The Sicilian coastline is a fantastic region for Italian road trips, it offers a diverse range of landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine. The coastline offers a variety of beaches, from sandy to rocky, with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The region is home to many charming seaside towns, such as Taormina, Cefalù, and Syracuse, all of which offer a wealth of history and art to explore. The Sicilian coastline is also home to many ancient ruins, such as the Greek Theater in Taormina and the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina. Additionally, Sicilian cuisine is renowned for its delicious seafood, pasta and wines. A road trip along the Sicilian coastline offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and delicious food, making it an ideal Italian road trip destination.

THE APENNINE MOUNTAINS

The Apennine Mountains, located in central and southern Italy, is one of the best Italian road trips in this region of the country. The mountain range offers a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged peaks, dense forests, and picturesque countryside. The region is home to many charming towns and villages, such as Abruzzo, Molise and Basilicata, which offer a glimpse into traditional Italian life. The Apennine Mountains is also home to many natural parks, such as the National Park of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, which offers a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. Additionally, the Apennine Mountains is renowned for its delicious local cuisine, including cheeses, truffles and meats, making it a great destination for foodies. Overall, the Apennine Mountains offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and delicious food making it an ideal road trip destination in Italy.

THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

Located off the coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands is an unforgettable experience. The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. One of the best ways to explore the islands is by renting a car or scooter (or you can take a ferry with your own car) to discover hidden beaches and coves, and take in the breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The islands are also home to charming villages, such as Lipari and Salina, which offer a glimpse into traditional Sicilian life. The Aeolian Islands are also famous for their rich cultural heritage, including ancient Greek ruins and medieval castles. The islands are also renowned for their delicious seafood and wines, making it a culinary destination. Road tripping to the Aeolian Islands is a perfect way to explore the natural and cultural beauty of the region.

NOTE: There are several companies that operate car ferry services from mainland Italy to the islands, including Siremar, Ustica Lines, and Liberty Lines. The most common departure points for car ferries to the Aeolian Islands are Milazzo and Messina in Sicily. It is important to note that not all ferries allow cars on board. Another way to reach the Aeolian Islands is by taking a hydrofoil or a fast ferry from mainland Italy or Sicily, which usually do not allow cars on board.

ITALIAN ROAD TRIPS CONCLUSION

These are just some of the many amazing Italian road trips available in the country. Each one offers a unique and unforgettable experience, whether you’re looking for stunning coastal views, charming hilltop towns, or rugged mountain landscapes. If you have any questions about any of these Italian road trips, leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…