Pack your bags, start the engine and hit the road. Road trips by car give you an incomparable sense of freedom, the euphoria of feeling in control of the road, the excitement of continually discovering new places, following only your own desires and fantasies.
So here are a few ideas for a summer road trip along the Italian coast, amidst glimpses of blue and Mediterranean landscapes.
Italy on the road
Amalfi Coast
Western Sicily
Eastern Sicily
From the Riviera di Levante to the Riviera di Ponente, Liguria
From Ancona to San Benedetto del Tronto, Marche
From Cagliari to Carloforte, Southern Sardinia
Trabocchi Coast, Abruzzo
Basilicata coast to coast
From Trani to Gallipoli, Puglia
From San Nicola Arcella to Reggio Calabria, Calabria
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10 itineraries along the Italian coast
Amalfi Coast, Campania
The Amalfi Coast is an enchantment of nature, art and beauty recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Suspended like a terrace between the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the blue sky, the coast has inspired quite a few painters who have tried to capture the great beauty of this landscape. Nicknamed the Divine Coast, it has become a favourite destination for the world's jet set especially since the Second World War. The coast is also the land of orange blossoms and lemons, where the Mediterranean scrub slopes down to the sea among picturesque villages and ancient villas. The Amalfi Coast is traversed by State Road 163, considered one of the most beautiful scenic roads in Italy. It is about 40 km long and winds along the Gulf of Salerno, passing through 14 villages, one more beautiful than the other: Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, Vietri sul Mare and Agerola. Driving along the legendary 163 you will see golden domes, colourful majolica tiles, pastel-coloured houses, villas with lush gardens and lemon trees.
The Amalfi Coast is the perfect destination for an on-the-road trip, ideally to be taken in spring to avoid the crowds of summer tourists, but it is an enchantment in any season.
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Along the coast of north-western Sicily
If you have at least ten days and want to escape to another world while staying in Italy, Sicily is for you. A rich artistic and cultural heritage, fabulous sea and exquisite cuisine make for the ideal summer road trip. But if you don't have a long time to spare, you can consider visiting the west and east coasts in two separate trips. Starting with the former, your trip could start from Cefalù, a charming seaside village in northern Sicily, and then head to Palermo, with a brief stop in Bagheria for film buffs who want to see the places where Giuseppe Tornatore's Baarìa was filmed.
Once in Palermo, take a few days to admire its beauty, discover Arab-Norman Palermo, the striking cathedral of Monreale and the beaches of Mondello. Then get back in the car and head for the Gulf of Castellammare, arguably the most beautiful in all of Sicily. The small coastal town of Castellammare may be worth a stop, but then leave the car and explore the unspoilt Zingaro Nature Reserve. Here the wild coastal landscape is dotted with inviting coves and picturesque rural settlements. Taking a small diversions inland, you can visit the ancient ruins of Segesta. Returning to the coast, see Scopello, a charming little village. Continuing to the tip of Capo San Vito is San Vito Lo Capo, a renowned seaside resort with a beautiful crescent-shaped beach.
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Make your way back to Trapani, whose historic centre lies on a sickle-shaped tongue of land that was once an important crossroads in the trade between Carthage and Venice.
Don't miss a sunset in Erice, a picturesque medieval village overlooking Trapani harbour from the top of Mount Erice. From Trapani you can board a ferry bound for the Egadi Islands, including the unmissable Favignana. Or continue down to the salt pans of Trapani and Marsala, past white expanses and windmills.
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From here take a boat for a short trip to the island of Mozia, home to one of Europe's most beautiful Phoenician archaeological sites. Continue on to Marsala, the capital of one of Sicily's largest wine-growing regions. Go further down to Mazara del Vallo, which was one of the most important cities in Saracen Sicily, and then on to Selinunte, an important archaeological site. You could then make a stop in Sciacca before continuing on down to Agrigento, where you can see the Valley of the Temples and the Scala dei Turchi.
Along the coast of eastern Sicily
The road trip to explore the other coast of Sicily, the eastern one, starts from Taormina, the pearl of Sicily and a must if only to experience the magic of an evening at the Ancient Theatre. It makes a stop in Acireale, known for its carnival, baroque architecture and natural beauty, before arriving in Catania, a treasure trove of baroque palaces and evocative churches, nestled in a valley of citrus trees overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Continuing downhill, you arrive at Syracuse, a city that in antiquity competed in importance and beauty with Athens. Not to be missed in Syracuse, the most fascinating area of Ortigia. Continue down to Noto, the capital of Baroque, and the natural oasis of Vendicari, famous for its Calamosche beach.
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Further down the east coast we arrive at Marzamemi, a fishing village that has now become a fashionable suburb.
Slightly inland you reach Modica, where you can taste its renowned chocolate, and then Ragusa, another baroque town in the Val di Noto. Returning to the coast, you reach Punta Secca, which became famous for Il commissario Montalbano. Here, in fact, is the villa that in the series is the home of the protagonist. A short distance away is Donnalucata, once a fishing village and now an important holiday resort. If, on the other hand, you continue towards the west coast, you will arrive in Agrigento.
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From the Riviera di Levante to the Riviera di Ponente, Liguria
From the Levante to the Ponente Riviera, the Ligurian Riviera offers an on-the-road journey amidst the scent of pesto, the blue of the sea and seaside villages to be discovered at leisure. We start in La Spezia, which overlooks the beautiful Gulf of Poets. Then start driving up the coast to reach the Cinque Terre, the famous five villages overlooking the sea, set on the high cliffs of a UNESCO-protected nature area. By car, one encounters in order Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
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Then on to Sestri Levante, known as the 'town of the two seas' for its position between two bays, the Bay of Fairy Tales, so named by Hans Christian Andersen, and the Bay of Silence, so named by Giovanni Desclazo. Continue to Chiavari and its centre rich in history, then on to Rapallo and its verdant hills, and on to the legendary Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli.
Then on to Genoa, where you will discover the charm of the ancient Maritime Republic. And so we reach the Ponente Riviera. One of the first stops could be Celle Ligure, a village renowned for its 18th-century Palazzo Ferri. Continuing along the sea you will then arrive in Savona where you should stop to see at least the two icons of the city: the Priamar Fortress, built in the 16th century by the Genoese to protect the city, and the Brandale Tower.
Continue to Noli, selected among the most beautiful villages in Italy where some of the 72 towers recall its glorious past as a maritime republic. Continue to Baia dei Saraceni and then to Varigotti, a colourful Saracen village and an important tourist resort where you can take a dip in the sea in the summer months. Continue to Finale Ligure, today the capital of free climbing on the numerous granite cliffs, and conclude the itinerary in Sanremo, the city of flowers, if you do not wish to continue to the Cote d'Azur.
From Ancona to San Benedetto del Tronto, Marche
Wild beaches, ancient villages and dense forests, Le Marche is a still little-explored region, ideal for touring by car. Starting from Ancona, a city founded by the ancient Greeks and an important port during the Roman Empire, drive south to the ancient fishing village of Portonovo and the beautiful Conero Park. Here verdant pine forests cover white cliffs silhouetted against turquoise and cobalt waters. Descending further south into the Conero Park, one arrives at the pebble beaches of San Michele and Sassi Neri, completely surrounded by greenery and unspoilt nature.
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Not far away, the historic centre of Sirolo offers a beautiful panorama from the terrace of the piazzetta. Leaving the Conero Park behind and heading inland, reach Osimo, or Auximum at the time of the Roman Empire, where everything tells the story of the ancient colony. Then stop in Filottrano, whose historic centre, enclosed within the castle walls, is rich in suggestive views of the surrounding valleys. Then continue on to visit the ancient villages in the Marche hills, including Montefano, Loreto, Camerano and Recanati, birthplace of Giacomo Leopardi. Each village has its own charm and story to tell.
Returning to the coast, head to Torre di Palme, a romantic village with cobbled streets, stone houses, flower-filled balconies and a spectacular terrace overlooking the sea. Conclude your road trip in San Benedetto del Tronto, a charming town with a strong maritime tradition and the beating heart of the Riviera delle Palme. If, on the other hand, you head north from Ancona, you can reach the historic San Bartolo panoramic road connecting Gabicce Mare to Pesaro. It is a very evocative road to drive along that crosses the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park between the blue of the sea and the broom-covered hills.
From Cagliari to Carloforte, southern Sardinia
Sardinia is all waiting to be discovered, but the southern part is the least known, least touristy and wildest. The south of the island, therefore, is ideal to explore by car, taking the scenic Sulcitana state road that winds along the southern coastline. Starting from Cagliari, overlooking the Golfo degli Angeli and surrounded by the imposing towers and bastions of the Quartiere del Castello, you could drive east along the Sulcitana road, crossing the Costa Rei until you reach Villasimius, renowned for its white beaches and transparent sea. Or you could drive along the coast in the opposite direction, westwards, passing the Caribbean beaches of Chia, Pula, where you can see the important archaeological site of Nora and the ancient nuraghi, and Cala Cipolla, until you get to the island of San Pietro and the charming Sant'Antioco.
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The island of San Pietro off the coast of Sulcis is a picturesque island with high, jagged cliffs sloping into a crystal-clear sea, enchanting coves and a single town, Carloforte. Sant'Antioco, on the other hand, gives its name to the largest island of Sulcis, which was a Phoenician-Punic colony, a Roman city and today a seaside village with a special charm.
It is a journey on the road in a rugged landscape of lush vegetation and slow time.
Costa dei Trabocchi, Abruzzo
The Costa dei Trabocchi is a stretch of the Abruzzo coastline, stretching along the State Road 16 Adriatica, which can be driven along for a beautiful road trip. The coastline is so called because of the widespread presence of trabocchi, ancient fishing machines on stilts, now converted into restaurants on the water.
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We set off from Vasto, in the extreme south of Abruzzo, to begin driving up the coast towards the Punta Aderci nature reserve, one of the region's most evocative stretches of coastline. We arrive at San Vito Chietino, a small village standing on a rocky spur from which to enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea below. You then reach Ortona, an ancient Roman city, now one of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the Costa dei Trabocchi. Continue up the Abruzzo coast to Francavilla al Mare, a delightful seaside resort, famous since the second half of the 19th century. Then head back towards Pescara, the birthplace of Gabriele D'Annunzio, and then on to Montesilvano, a pretty seaside village. Continue up the coast to Roseto degli Abruzzi.
Basilicata coast to coast
If you have seen the film Basilicata coast to coast by Rocco Papaleo, you will have felt like exploring Basilicata from coast to coast to discover ancient villages, unspoilt nature and beautiful beaches. Some have travelled the route on foot, by bike, motorbike or car, the choice is yours.
It starts in Maratea, pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, climbs towards the mountainous Trecchina, then on to Lauria, birthplace of actor and director Rocco Papaleo, Latronico, a town known for its thermal waters, and Tramutola, where cheerfulness infects the town squares.
Through impervious roads and perched villages we then reach Aliano, the town of confinement of the great poet, writer and painter, Carlo Levi. We then pass Craco, the ghost town, and head towards the Ionian coast, reaching Scanzano Jonico, a well-known seaside resort, once part of Magna Graecia, and then Policoro and Nova Siri.
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From Trani to Gallipoli, Puglia
Puglia is a state of mind, say the Apulians. So immerse yourself in this wonderful land of white villages, olive groves and Caribbean beaches on a perfect summer road trip. We start in Trani, which captivates with its Swabian castle and wonderful cathedral by the sea. Continuing inland, you can quickly reach Castel del Monte with its fascinating octagonal towers, a Unesco site.
Returning to the coast, you reach Bari and then on to Polignano a Mare, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. It then descends to Ostuni, the white city of Salento. Taking a small diversions inland, you can explore the Valle d'Itria or Terra dei Trulli, visiting enchanting villages such as Locorotondo, Cisternino and Alberobello.
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Continue south to Lecce, the pearl of the Salento, and past Torre dell'Orso to beautiful Otranto, the most easterly point in Italy. Then you leave the Adriatic coast to reach the Ionian coast and conclude the itinerary in Gallipoli, where you can get lost among white alleys and dreamy beaches.
From San Nicola Arcella to Reggio Calabria, Calabria
A road trip along the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria will let you discover the beauty of a wonderful but often underrated region. Start in San Nicola Arcella to see the enchanting Arco Magno and then start heading down the coast.
If you wish, make a diversion inland to see Cosenza, a city of decadent charm, and then head back to the coast to Pizzo Calabro, the starting point of the Costa degli Dei.
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The town, known for the so-called Pizzo truffles, has a charming old town perched on the cliffs and wide, often deserted beaches lapped by crystal-clear sea. Continue down the coast past Vibo Marina, from where you embark for the Aeolian Islands, to Tropea, the pearl of Calabria built on a 60-metre high rock overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Explore the beautiful beaches in the surrounding area, not to be missed are those of Capo Vaticano.
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Continue on to Scilla, a picturesque village on the Costa Viola set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea and the Strait of Messina. The oldest and most picturesque part is Chianalea, also known as Little Venice because of the houses floating on the water. Make a brief stop in nearby Favazzina for a dip in the sea and for its renowned lemons to eat with salt. End the itinerary in Reggio Calabria, the oldest Greek colony founded in southern Italy, now a beautiful city where you can see the famous Riace Bronzes at the National Archaeological Museum.
Italy
