The journey through Italy is an experience built for the open road, a country where winding paths lead to breathtaking panoramas and charming discoveries at every turn. While tales of challenging local drivers might give some pause, the rewards of exploring Italy by car are immense. The landscape itself, a dramatic interplay of coastal cliffs, rolling vineyards, and distant snow-capped peaks, beckons you to explore. With a network of well-maintained roads that trace the coastline, ascend rocky heights, and meander through idyllic farmland towards serene lakes and historic towns, virtually every drive transforms into a scenic odyssey. Here are some of the routes that truly stand out, offering unforgettable experiences even if some demand a bit more driving skill.
Lake Como’s Southern Charm
This one-day drive around Lake Como’s southern shore offers a delightful introduction to the region’s elegant villas and lush gardens, all framed by picturesque Alpine peaks. My family and I decided to rent a convertible for this trip, and seeing Lily’s face light up as we drove along the lake was priceless.
Villas and Water Views
Starting in Como, explore its historic center and the impressive Villa Olmo before heading towards Bellagio. This charming lakeside village is a perfect spot to wander and admire the neoclassical Villa Melzi d’Eril.
Where to enjoy lunch
The Terrazza Barchetta offers a lovely setting for a midday meal with beautiful lake views.
After lunch, a ferry ride to Tremezzo is a must to visit the 17th-century Villa Carlotta and its spectacular gardens. The sheer scale of the gardens impressed even my youngest, Ethan, who usually prefers a playground.
Scenic Lakeside Drive
Returning to Bellagio, pick up your car and follow the scenic lakeside road southeast towards Lecco and then on to historic Bergamo. The drive itself, with the shimmering lake on one side and wooded hills on the other, felt like stepping into a postcard.
Best time to visit
Planning your visit for April or May will reward you with the area awash in spring colors, making the already stunning scenery even more magical.
Bergamo itself offers a charming historic upper town, perfect for an evening stroll and a relaxing dinner before venturing further.
The Dramatic Amalfi Coast
This drive along the Amalfi Coast is an exhilarating experience, renowned for some of Italy’s most spectacular coastal scenery. While the road can be challenging, the views are absolutely worth the effort. My husband Michael was tasked with navigating the hairpin turns, and he rose to the occasion admirably.
Coastal Road Beginnings
Starting your journey from Salerno, head west to Vietri sul Mare, a town famous for its ceramics and the true beginning of the coastal road. As you progress, the road narrows, the curves tighten, and the vistas become increasingly dramatic.
Ceramics and Crafts
Vietri sul Mare is the ideal place to find beautiful, handcrafted ceramics, a perfect souvenir from this visually stunning region.
Around 20 kilometers in, you’ll reach Amalfi, the coast’s main town. Take time to explore the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, a magnificent landmark.
High Perched Villages
From Amalfi, ascend to Ravello, a town situated in the hills above, offering breathtaking panoramas. It’s the perfect spot to pause for lunch and soak in the views.
Panoramic Lunch Spots
Pizzeria Vittoria in Ravello is a great option for delicious pizza with an unforgettable view.
The journey continues to Positano, a chic town known for its colorful houses cascading down steep hillsides. Beyond Positano, the route leads inland towards Sorrento, a lively tourist hub with Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance.
Avoiding Peak Traffic
This drive is incredibly popular, so consider visiting outside the peak season to avoid heavy traffic and enjoy a more relaxed experience. If you have an extra day, continuing north to Naples via the ruins of Pompeii is highly recommended.
The Majestic Dolomites
The Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, or Great Dolomites Road, provides some of Italy’s most exhilarating driving, snaking through the dramatic Dolomites with their craggy peaks and high mountain passes. The sheer scale of the mountains here is humbling.
Alpine Mountain Passes
Beginning in Bolzano, head east towards Ponte Nova for your first glimpse of the Dolomites’ imposing granite formations. Continue into Val di Fassa, a magnificent valley surrounded by forested slopes and towering rock summits.
Reaching High Altitudes
The route ascends to the Passo Pordoi, reaching an altitude of 2239 meters, offering some of the most spectacular vistas.
The descent from Passo Pordoi is slow but incredibly rewarding, with stunning views as you wind down into Val Badia, towards the picturesque village of La Villa.
Chic Resort Town
From La Villa, you can proceed directly to Cortina d’Ampezzo, the chic resort town that marks the end of this route and a future hub for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The blend of natural beauty and sophisticated atmosphere is striking.
Exploring Side Routes
For a more relaxed journey, consider stopping for the night in La Villa and taking scenic detours the next day. The opportunities for outdoor activities here are endless, from winter skiing to summer hiking.
The air in the Dolomites is crisp and clean, and the silence, broken only by nature’s sounds, is deeply restorative.
The Heart of Tuscany
This two-day route from Florence to Orvieto, crossing into Umbria, takes you through two of Italy’s great medieval cities, the renowned Chianti wine region, and classic Tuscan landscapes. It’s a journey that nourishes both the soul and the palate.
Florentine Art and Renaissance
Start your adventure in Florence, immersing yourself in its magnificent Renaissance art and architecture before heading south into the rolling hills of Chianti wine country.
Tuscan Delicacies
Make a stop for a wine tasting at Enoteca Falorni in Greve and savor the region’s celebrated bistecca (steak) at L’Antica Macelleria Cecchini in Panzano.
From Chianti, follow the backroads to Siena, a stunning medieval city centered around the Piazza del Campo, its famous 12th-century square.
Brunello and Rolling Hills
The next morning, journey to Montalcino to stock up on Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s most esteemed red wines. The drive through the Val d’Orcia afterwards offers quintessentially Tuscan landscapes with its iconic cypress trees and hilltop towns.
Picturesque Hilltop Towns
Enjoy lunch in Pienza, a beautiful Renaissance town, before continuing through Montepulciano to Orvieto, a striking hilltop town crowned by its remarkable Gothic Duomo.
While this route can certainly be covered in two days, adding an extra overnight stop allows for a more in-depth exploration of this enchanting region.
Southeastern Sicily Meander
This two-day tour of Sicily’s rugged southeast is a feast for the eyes, showcasing UNESCO-listed Baroque treasures. The island’s unique history and culture are palpable at every stop, offering a truly immersive experience.
Catania’s Historic Heart
Begin by exploring Catania’s rich historic center and its vibrant fish market, a sensory delight. After a seafood lunch, hit the road towards Syracuse.
Ancient Ruins and Baroque Streets
In Syracuse, you can trawl through ancient Greco-Roman ruins at the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis and then stroll through the elegant Baroque streets of the Ortygia district. The blend of ancient history and flowing Baroque architecture is fascinating.
For an overnight stay, the stylish Hotel Gutkowski in Ortygia is an excellent choice.
Baroque Masterpieces
On your second day, continue to Noto, home to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, arguable Sicily’s most beautiful street, lined with churches and charming cafes. It’s an extraordinary example of urban design.
Chocolates and Canyons
After soaking in Noto’s beauty, turn inland to Modica, a bustling town dramatically situated within a deep canyon. Don’t leave without stocking up on the town’s famous chocolates.
Push on through the rocky hinterland to Ragusa and its handsome historic center, known as Ragusa Ibla. To celebrate the end of this trip, a tasting dinner at Chef Ciccio Sultano’s Duomo in Ragusa is a culinary highlight, so book well in advance.
Highlights of Abruzzo
Just over an hour’s drive east of Rome, the less-explored region of Abruzzo offers a world apart, with wild, empty valleys and unspoiled mountain landscapes. It’s a welcome escape from the city buzz.
Highland Plains and Peaks
From Rome, take the A24 autostrada to Fonte Cerreto and embark on a winding climb up to Campo Imperatore, a vast highland plain overlooked by the Apennines’ highest peak, Corno Grande.
Remote Village Charm
Continue towards Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a remote, semi-abandoned village perched high in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. If you’re visiting on a weekend, the Locanda Sotto gli Archi is a delightful spot for lunch; otherwise, picnic supplies from the village are a good option.
In the afternoon, make your way to Sulmona, a graceful town nestled in the shadow of the Morrone massif. It’s famous for its confetti (sugar-coated almonds).
Exploring the Rugged South
Sulmona serves as a good base for exploring the region’s rugged southern reaches, offering comfortable accommodation at the Legacy Residence and hearty food at local restaurants like Il Vecchio Muro. Spending at least a day, preferably more, in and around Sulmona is highly recommended, exploring the surrounding hills by car or on foot away from the usual tourist crowds.
This region offers a sense of quiet solitude and an authentic glimpse into rural Italian life that is increasingly rare.
Italy’s diverse landscapes and charming towns offer a road trip for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking coastal drama, mountain majesty, or rolling vineyard views, the adventure awaits. Exploring these routes and discovering their hidden corners made for a truly memorable family vacation in 2026.