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Italy is a very diverse land with the ancient monuments of Rome, the stunning canals of Venice, the sparkling waters of Lake Como, the rolling hills of Tuscany, the more barren landscape of Sicily, and the mighty peaks of the alps. If you are looking to explore the lesser-known Italy and venture out to the Italian countryside, a road trip in Italy is certainly for you. Read on to find all the things you need to know to road trip Italy.

Why you should road trip Italy

Italy has so much more to offer than the hustling and bustling cities of Rome, Florence, Milano, and Venezia, which indeed all are very stunning and of course, a must-visit. But with access to a car, you can admire beautiful countryside views along the open road and stop at whatever hilltop village or seaside vista that looks lovely. You should also make sure to spend some evenings in small countryside inns or perhaps even at a Tuscan farmhouse, where you can meet the most friendly locals and taste delicious food. The food in Italy is so diverse and there are so many more dishes to try than the famous pasta, pizza, and gelato. I will come back to the food later, now let’s start with some quick facts.

Italy at a glance

Currency 

The currency in Italy is euros (EUR) like many other countries in Europe. Card payment is today pretty common in Italy, but be aware that there will be places where you will have to pay with cash only. Therefore, I advise you to always keep at least 50€ in cash for such occasions. Also, traveling in lesser-known areas will mean more cash payment, so plan for that. 

Safety

Italy is a safe country, as are most European countries. Be aware of pickpockets in bigger cities though, especially in Rome, Milan, Verona, and Naples. Always keep your belongings close to your body and therefore preferably not in a backpack as you will have a hard time monitoring them while walking. My tip is to have a smaller handbag that you can hold on to or hang diagonally across your upper body. 

Language

The national language of Italy is Italian which is a beautiful language. Most of the younger population can speak English, but it is not the norm overall. In bigger cities and around tourist attractions you will make it through by speaking English but you should not expect that everyone you meet outside of the bigger cities can speak English. Therefore, learning some Italian words or sentences before visiting this country will be to your advantage.

Tip: There is an app called Duolingo that you can use to learn languages. Download this app a few weeks before departure and you will have learned some basic sentences in Italian for sure. I used this app when doing my exchange semester in France and although I was a total beginner at French, I could make myself understood after only a few weeks thanks to Duolingo. I can highly recommend it because it is very pedagogical as you will write, listen and speak the language. 

Italy road trip planning

How to plan a road trip in Italy

When road-tripping Italy, I think the best idea is to plan it by region(s), as you then can focus on a smaller area where you can fully immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and food that this area has to offer. The regions in Italy can vary a lot and each region has so much to offer, so to not overwhelm yourself and take on too much ground, my tip is to plan a two-week long road trip in one to three regions depending on their size and how much time you have available. In this way, you won’t have to drive too long distances between locations which will give you more time to relax. Cause you don’t want to be running around like crazy for two weeks stressing that you won’t have time to see everything. If you plan to hire a car it is much cheaper to start and end your journey at the same place. Both car rental prices and flight tickets will be cheaper if you organize your trip like that. 

If I were to describe my ultimate road trip, I would say that it has a little bit of everything. It has some relaxing at the beach, some adventurous elements in nature like canyoning or a good hike, and some time spent admiring the architecture and monuments in a bigger city. Along with this, there have to be some beautiful views and lots, and then I mean lots of delicious food. If you agree, check out this ultimate 2-week Lazio road trip. It is a winner!

Regions of Italy 

Italy has 20 regions of various sizes and popularity. The most visited regions in Italy are Veneto with the floating city of Venezia, Trentino-Alto Adige which houses the most impressive parts of the alps, Tuscany with its picturesque rolling hills and Emilia-Romagna which is famous for its gastronomic and wine-making traditions. But with the diversity of Italy, I truly find that every region is worth a visit because it is in lesser-known places that you will find the true Italy. If you would like some inspiration on lesser-known places in Italy, I have a library of articles to read here. 

When to visit Italy

As mentioned before, Italy has many regions and they all vary in culture, terrain, and climate. Depending on where you are going in Italy, there might be different answers to when it is the best time to visit.

Overall, for most travelers that are looking for a minimum crowd and at the same time want to enjoy warm and sunny days should plan their visit either April-June or September-October. These months are called the shoulder season months as the weather is a bit cooler than the scorching peak season months of July and August, and the crowds are not as big as most tourists usually visit in July and August when they have summer vacations. As there are fewer tourists in these months, you can often find good deals on both accommodation and attractions, and you will also not sweat like crazy in the cities either.

If you however choose to visit during peak season, be aware that prices can skyrocket, especially in places like Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast. Expectedly, driving will also be tougher in the middle of peak season, since the crowds, so try to avoid it if possible. 

How to get around 

Although Italy has an abundance of stunning cities and a good transportation network, one of the best ways to get to know Italy and make the most of your trip is to explore the beautiful Italian countryside by car. I know Italy is known to be like the worst country in Europe to drive in, but it is not as bad as everyone tends to portray it. Read my guides on driving in Italy and 6 things you need to know when renting a car in Italy to get the confidence to start planning your road trip. And check prices for rental cars here!

What to pack for a road trip in Italy

When traveling in Italy during the warmer months, you should pack for warm weather. I always tend to wear dresses and skirts, as I find that more comfortable than shorts. A pair of good sandals is crucial and also a hat that will cover your face from the sun is a good item to bring.

When doing a road trip, there might also be some handy stuff to bring that will make life simpler and help you save money. Items I refer to are a phone holder for the car, napkins, camping cutlery, and a food container for having a packed lunch.

Accommodation in Italy

There are so many different types of accommodation in Italy and they all offer different things for a variety of budgets. Picking the best place to stay can entail hours of research and consideration but I think it is worth the time as you can find places that surely will make your road trip much more memorable. Actually, I make accommodations a big part of my road trip planning as it can change your route, and I often let it, since staying in a glamping tent, a treehouse or a fancy hotel will be a part of the experience. Every accommodation doesn’t have to be something extra, but I like to include two to three fun accommodations in my itinerary. As mentioned there are several types of accommodation in Italy and the ones I recommend are:

Apartments

Renting an apartment is my best tip if you want to save some money on food during your road trip. With an apartment, you will often have all the amenities you need to be able to cook food. And although I am all about trying the local food while traveling, eating out for every meal of the day will be very expensive and can, in my opinion, be a bit overwhelming as well. Making breakfast or lunch at the apartment will be a nice balance to eating out at night and splurging on some good meals.

Agriturismos – Farm stays

This one is actually my favorite type of accommodation in Italy since you can’t find farm stays anywhere else like in Italy. There are hundreds of small independent farms all over Italy and most of them are situated on big properties with several buildings. All agriturismos come in different sizes and shapes but usually, you can rent a room or even a small apartment. Most agriturismos also have an on-site restaurant, owned and operated by the farm, which gives you a chance to eat excellent food prepared with the farm’s fresh produce, local meats, and dairy products. The people we met staying in agriturismos are also just the friendliest ever. You don’t want to miss this!

Hotels

Italy is packed with hotels of different appearances, from luxury hotels to small boutique hotels, all with different price ranges. There is usually a hotel for every budget but hotels are also the more expensive alternative for accommodation. However, breakfast is often included and you will never have to clean the room, which might be good if you are on a tight schedule. 

Hostels

Ostelli is the word for hostels in Italy and they often attract a younger crowd since they usually offer large rooms with bunk beds and shared facilities. However, nowadays, there are many ostelli in Italy with private rooms and quirky decor attracting a cool and hip crowd. Prices can be very cheap and the location is often quite central which might be a disadvantage when doing a road trip since most of them won’t offer to park. Hostels are a great place to meet people from all over the world, so if you want to return home with some fun stories this is the place to be. 

Bed & Breakfasts

B&Bs in Italy can vary quite much in appearance. From unpretentious places offering a room for the night with a simple breakfast in the morning to truly refined establishments with antique furniture and a grand breakfast buffet. This accommodation is a good option if you want a more personable stay as this gives you a chance to communicate directly with the owner. They will have the best recommendations for restaurants, hidden gems, and directions to the main sights so don’t be afraid to ask a few questions. 

Beyond the ones mentioned, you should always keep an eye out for special accommodations. The region of Basilicata is for example known for cave houses and you can’t go to Alberobello in Puglia without staying in a Trullo. Other examples of accommodations that are fun to incorporate into your road trips are glamping pods, treehouses, and castles.

Where to book accommodation in Italy 

Italy is a very popular destination so to be sure that you get the accommodation you want, it is important to book ahead of time. Depending on what type of accommodation you are looking for, different websites might be best for you. Booking.com is my favorite website to find good hotels, but they also have apartments with good standards. When searching for agriturismos, agriturismo.it is a very good website to browse. If you are looking for more special accommodation, my best tip is to search around on airbnb.com. Here you can find all different kinds of accommodations like glamping pods, agriturismos, hotel rooms, and cave houses. I even found a windmill on Airbnb after some digging. If hostels are your thing, hostelworld.com is a great website. 

Tip: When on a road trip, always check the parking situation with your accommodation before getting there. Free parking included is of course your best bet, but parking on the street or a small parking fee might also be options you will have to go with when road-tripping Italy. See more parking tips here.

What to eat in Italy

The food in Italy varies as much as the regions do, which is why I highly recommend you to visit all regions. Of course, you will be able to find most of the dishes in other regions too, but I really think it is something special about eating the regional dish in its original region, town, and appearance. They were, after all, invented there for a reason. Check out my Lazio food guide and the top 17 regional dishes to try in Rome.

Italy does have some staple dishes which can be found almost everywhere. The ones I refer to are pizza, pasta, gelato, cheeses, and charcuterie. Below is a little taste of what you should look for on the menu.

Pizza

Pizza is the dish that I think represents Italian cuisine the most. Just a few ingredients will come together in a simple but tasteful pizza. The Margherita is just that, bread, tomato sauce, some cheese, and basil – and it is delicious. You should definitely be sure to eat this when in Italy. Then there are loads of different toppings you can add to your pizza but I would try to keep it simple as that is the way Italian pizzas are supposed to be.

Pasta

Pasta dishes can be found everywhere and I don’t even know how many different shapes and sauces they come in but you should really try to taste them all. Some pasta dishes are of course more regional varieties but it won’t be hard to find a pasta al Pomodoro or Penne all’Arrabbiata anywhere in Italy. However, don’t eat pasta at any restaurant you can find in Italy, especially not in restaurants in tourist areas, as the quality won’t be as good as in more hide-away places.

Gelato

Gelato is Italian ice cream and wow it is good! It’s made from milk and is stirred very slowly during the freezing process which makes up for the creamy consistency that the gelato has. The Italian ice cream can come in many different flavors and in the bigger cities, there are gelato stands on almost every corner. The colors of the gelato will tell you if it is a good place or not since too vibrant colors are artificially made so stay away from those. It is okay to eat a gelato a day when in Italy.

Italian cheeses

There are over 400 types of cheeses in Italy, yes you read correctly. You have probably heard about mozzarella and parmesan before but as you can understand there are so many more to try. Every region has its own varieties and production methods, and many different kinds of milk can be used as well – from buffalo and cow’s milk to goat- and sheep’s milk. Some might not be your favorite taste but I challenge you to at least try as many as you can find.

Italian charcuterie

Around 600 types, no way? Well, that is a challenge I can accept. Same as with the cheese, most of these charcuteries are very region specific and many of them are also similar but prepared in a slightly different way and therefore can be called different. For example, there is Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto Toscano, and Prosciutto di San Daniele, which are all the same cut of meat but from different regions in the country. The same is with salami. However, there are indeed many different types of charcuterie and my favorites so far are Bresaola, Coppa, and prosciutto di Parma.  

Do you have some insecurities about entering a restaurant in Italy? Do I need to order all five courses from the menu? Is it okay to have coffee with a meal? And how much should I tip? Read my post about how to eat like an Italian. 

The best Italian road trip destinations

Lazio

Lazio is home to the eternal city – Yes it’s Rome I’m talking about, the capital of Italy! If you haven’t been to Rome yet you have to get there ASAP. Rome is full of archaeological treasures and magnificent piazzas that reflect the good old days and you can spend days just wandering the streets and discovering new delights around every corner. Rome is also a foodie heaven and you can’t leave the city without trying the roman dishes of Cacio e Pepe, carbonara, and Supplì. Check out my blog post about foods to try in Lazio and the top 17 regional dishes to try in Rome.

When you are done exploring Rome (if you ever will be?) you should head out of the city to Viterbo and its surroundings. Spend some time hilltop village-hopping and bathing in thermal pools. It is then time to continue inland to the beautiful rolling hills of Sabina where olives are widely grown. Try some renowned Sabina extra virgin olive oil on the way to Rieti where you the next day will climb the highest mountain in the region. Beach time is now well-needed, so head out to the coast of Lazio. On the way, you can stop by a monastery carved into a rock wall and the picturesque village of Piglio where you can find the special Cesanese del Piglio wine. Then, take the ferry over to Ponza which houses stunning beaches that you can’t miss exploring. Finish the road trip in another food-centered area, which is Castelli Romani. The famous Porchetta di Ariccia originates from here and the area also has some delicious wine. See the full itinerary for The Ultimate 2-week Lazio Road Trip. 

Umbria

Umbria is the region to visit if you want to find some good charcuteries and truffles. There are truffles on everything there so if you love it you will be in heaven. Start your road trip in Terni where you will admire the Marmore waterfall and then head to Trevi and Norcia where the truffle hunt can begin. Umbria is a region with incredible nature, mixed with picturesque little villages so be sure to stop in Spello, Assisi, and Gubbio before continuing on to Perugia which is famous for its chocolates. The last stop of this road trip will be Orvieto which has some really interesting history and monuments as well as stunning nature all around. Don’t miss out on stopping by Todi which has been appointed to be the most livable city in the world once. Why you ask? Well, let’s go and find out.

Campania

The Amalfi coast might be the most breathtaking drive in Italy with charming hillside villas and crystal-clear water. Road-tripping the Amalfi Coast has distinct advantages over a more traditional visit, including a chance to escape the crowds, discover offbeat vistas and coves, and explore lesser-visited villages. The drive can actually be made in a day but be sure to take your time so you can really enjoy the stunning scenery. After a week spent on the Amalfi coast with overnight stays in Amalfi, Positano, the island of Capri and Sorrento, stop by Pompeii to see an ancient city frozen in time by a blanket of ash, before heading over to Isola d’Ischia. This is a quaint little island just outside of the coast of Naples. The perfect way to end this road trip is a few days in Naples where you can’t miss out on Neapolitan pizza and a cuoppo of fried fish.

Emilia-Romagna

The region of Emilia-Romagna is known for its elegant medieval cities, sun-soaked Adriatic beaches, and some of the best cuisine in Italy. Bologna is famous for its pasta and meat sauces, Parma for its ham and Parmigiano cheese, and Modena for the world’s finest balsamic vinegar. This road trip is a foodie’s dream come true, as it is the foodiest region in one of the foodiest countries in the world. Between your delicious meals, you will have time to hit the beach in Rimini and visit a whole new country. The micro country of San Marino is located in this region and is easily accessible with your own car. Also, make time to venture out into the countryside to explore the diverse nature this region has to offer.

Veneto

Venice is one of the most popular cities for tourism in the world and I understand why since it is a truly unique city built on 117 islands, connected by several bridges. It is worth a visit so start your road trip here with a gondola ride and a self-made Cicchetti tour. Then head on out to the prosecco region to try some local bubbles in Valdobbiadene with some stunning rolling hills filled with vines as a view. Continue on to the Dolomites and Cortina d’Ampezzo to see the stunning Lago di Braies and Tre Cime Lavaredo.

After some active days in the mountains, you will continue this road trip at the famous lake Garda. Relax at the various lakeside towns to catch a glimpse of local Italian culture and hire a kayak to see the area by water. The setting of the lake’s crystalline waters with mountains in the backdrop surely is a view that will stick to your mind forever. If relaxing isn’t for you there are several activities to do around the lake like canyoning, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and windsurfing. Finally, discover the romantic settings of Verona reminiscing about the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Tuscany

Tuscany is a special region that offers foodies and wine-lovers a special treat and driving in Tuscany is the perfect way to stop at all the bistros, eateries, cafes, and vineyards there are. The idyllic Tuscan countryside, from the beautiful hilltop villages to the seemingly endless rows of grapevines and olive trees, and the delight of a Tuscan hot spring will blow your mind. Start your road trip in Florence with some leisure days of eating and exploring the city.

Then pick up your car and head out to Pisa, to take a picture at the leaning tower, and keep on going to Isola d’Elba at the coast. After some soaking in the sun, it’s time to explore the beautiful hilltop villages and also take a swim in the famous Saturnia hot spring. More quaint villages, like Volterra, Monteriggioni, and San Gimignano will stand on the itinerary and the perfect base for exploring these are Siena. Be sure to enhance the Italian experience with a unique farm stay at one of the wonderful agriturismos in the region.

Liguria

The region of Liguria is located in the west, bordering France, and holds the Italian riviera. Set amongst some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet, the beautiful, colorful villages of Cinque Terre in Liguria are truly a sight to behold. Spend several days here to explore the five villages and their surrounding nature slowly. End your last day with a sunset cruise to see the villages from the sea and then head on over to Rapallo. Discover some hidden beaches and the picturesque town of Portofino before continuing further down the Italian Riviera.

In Liguria, the beaches are accompanied by mountains in the near distance which means hikes with stunning viewpoints of the coast. Explore some picturesque mountain villages like Airole, Bajardo, and Apricale, and stop by the swimming pond of Laghetti di Rocchetta with refreshing crystal blue waters. Make your way back to the region’s capital of Genoa with welcoming piazzas, decorative palaces, and a fine dining scene.

Puglia

Puglia is the region that is the heel of the Italian boot. It is quite a large region and it is mostly famous for its white-washed beach towns, craggy cliffs, unique architecture, tasty seafood, and plenty of sunshine. Puglia is still a lesser-known destination in Italy which makes it even more fun to explore, but be aware that the tourism scene is growing. This road trip will mostly focus on the sun and sea, but in Bovino and Viestre you will also find lush landscapes that are perfect to explore on foot. You should stop by the unique Trulli houses of Alberobello (these unique cone-shaped buildings that can be found throughout the region but are most highly concentrated in this village), the stunning beach at Polignano al Mare, and the gorgeous villages of Ostuni and Otranto.

Don’t forget to explore the food scene and try the region’s delicacies which are bread in many forms like Puccia, pane di Altamura and Focaccia, Burrata which is a soft cheese similar to mozzarella and Orecchiette which is the signature pasta shape in Puglia.

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I hope this guide made you intrigued to go explore Italy on a road trip. As mentioned, there are so many perfect destinations in Italy for road trips so you can’t go wrong. To find some more inspiration check out my posts about Italy here.

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