Italy is a country where every road leads to something extraordinary, whether it’s a sun-drenched coastline, a quiet medieval village, or a city steeped in centuries of art and culture. Travelling by car lets you experience these treasures on your terms, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure. With the freedom to explore beyond train stations and tourist zones, you'll discover how Italy’s charm reveals itself in the details, such as the winding backroads, vineyard-dotted hills, and spontaneous roadside stops. If you're dreaming of a trip where every turn holds something special, these ten must-see destinations are a perfect place to start.
Winding along dramatic cliffs above the Mediterranean, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Europe. Towns perched on sheer headlands, like Positano or Ravello, offer spectacular sea views, pastel-hued houses, and narrow lanes sprinkled with cafés and boutiques. Driving this coast demands patience: steep, switchback roads and limited parking require care. Yet, with a car, you can stop at viewpoints, sip limoncello overlooking the water, and stray from the main route to quieter beach coves.
Central Tuscany offers a rewarding drive through rolling vineyards, open farmland, and hilltop towns that feel like stepping back in time. Visit places such as San Gimignano, with its medieval towers reaching skyward, or Montepulciano and its famous wines. Smaller gems like Volterra are tucked away from the usual tourist routes. The road network here is low in traffic, allowing relaxed drives through olive groves and sunflower fields. Whenever you’d like a scenic detour, there’s always a farm shop or vineyard to stop at, glass in hand.
Lake Como in northern Italy combines high-altitude panoramas with elegant lakeside living. Towns such as Bellagio and Varenna offer harbour-side promenades, ornate villas, and quiet gardens. Driving around Como involves navigating narrow lakeside lanes edged by stone walls and water, but parking areas are plentiful if you plan a stop. With a car, you can base yourself on one side of the lake and explore others at your leisure, hopping between towns by boat or crossing via ferry when you fancy a different perspective.
The Dolomites are a dramatic mountain range in northeast Italy where sheer peaks meet green valleys. Scenic routes such as the Great Dolomite Road take you past alpine meadows, jagged ridgelines, and sleepy mountain villages. These roads are best experienced during late spring to early autumn, when snow clears and wildflowers bloom. With a car, you can stop at viewpoints, visit rustic refuges, and ascend high passes like the Gardena or Sella. Be prepared with proper tyres if visiting outside summer, and revel in alpine tranquillity and local mountain cuisine.
Florence may be a compact city best explored on foot, but driving to Florence opens the doors to Tuscany’s surrounding wonders. Historic hubs such as Siena, Pisa, and Fiesole lie just a short drive away. The city itself features restricted traffic zones, so most drivers park outside the centre and walk or use shuttle services. Once parked, you can enjoy world-renowned Renaissance art at the Duomo or Uffizi Gallery, and later take the car to nearby landscapes without hassle.
Cinque Terre’s five cliff-hugging villages aren’t accessible by car, but driving to nearby towns such as La Spezia or Levanto makes visiting easy. From there, you can take famous trains or boat rides to the villages. The coastal views remain dramatic, and inland roads offer peaceful scenery. With a car, you can stay in quieter hillside accommodation, stock up on local produce, and return later to walk or take the train along the iconic coastal path.
A drive from Naples leads to the archaeological marvel of Pompeii and the mighty volcano of Mount Vesuvius. At Pompeii, well-preserved ruins let you step into Roman life frozen in ash. Nearby, you can drive uphill to the volcano’s edge and look into its crater. Ample parking is available at both sites, and with a car, you can plan your day strategically, visit early to avoid crowds and heat, linger over lunch in a hillside vineyard overlooking the bay, then descend via scenic roads overlooking the sea.
Driving into Venice itself is not permitted, but a rental car allows you to explore the wider Veneto region, rich in historic cities and rolling Prosecco hills. Towns such as Verona, home to Juliet’s balcony; Padua, and Vicenza host Roman theatres, elegant palaces, and open-air piazzas. Drive through the terraced vineyards of Prosecco country, stopping at wineries and hillside viewpoints. Base yourself in Mestre or Treviso and venture out each day to avoid the traffic rules inside Venice proper.
Sardinia is perfect for exploring by car, offering a mix of golden beaches, rugged mountains, and charming traditional villages. Driving gives you the flexibility to reach some of the island’s most stunning coastal areas, such as Costa Smeralda and La Pelosa Beach, which are difficult to access by public transport. Inland drives lead to granite mountains, shepherd towns, and folkloric festivals. Having a car makes it easier to experience the island’s full range of landscapes and local life.
South of Siena lies Val d’Orcia, a region of perfect cypressed lanes, golden hills, and serene vistas that define Tuscan charm. Towns like Pienza, Montalcino, and Bagno Vignoni blend art, wine, and thermal springs. Driving the route is idyllic with vineyard-lined roads, hilltop castles, cheese farms, and remote viewpoints abound. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over a picnic of local pecorino or unwind in a natural hot spring without ever feeling rushed.
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Italy's diverse regions at your own pace. Final Rentals makes this process easy and reliable with its user-friendly platform and strong local partnerships. Whether you’re planning a city break, a countryside escape, or a coastal drive, here’s what to expect when booking through Final Rentals:
Driving in Italy offers an incredible way to see the country at your own pace, but it's important to understand the local rules and customs before hitting the road. From speed limits and toll roads to restricted zones and meal-time habits, knowing what to expect can help you drive confidently and avoid unnecessary fines or delays.
Your choice of car sets the tone for the road ahead. For coastal drives and small towns, a compact or mid-size car is easy to park and manoeuvre. If you're touring Tuscany or driving into mountain areas, an SUV or estate car gives space and comfort for luggage and gear. Families might prefer a van or larger SUV for more passengers and room for child seats. Eco-conscious travellers can choose a hybrid or electric vehicle, useful for cities with low-emission zones and increasingly supported by Italy’s expanding charging infrastructure.
Timing your journey can influence everything, even the car you choose. Summer months bring beach crowds and peak highway traffic; autumn offers harvest colour and quieter roads; winter in northern Italy demands snow tyres or chains for alpine travel. Booking your vehicle ahead of time means you lock in better rates, get your preferred vehicle type, and confirm extras. You’ll also have time to check cancellation policies in case your plans shift.
A road trip in Italy blends history, culture, cuisine, and stunning scenery in a way that nothing else can match. With your vehicle, you decide when to stop, what detours to take, and how long to stay in each village or vista. Whether you're journeying through the lakes of the north, beaches of the south, or vineyards of the centre, planning well and choosing the right vehicle makes the difference between a rushed itinerary and a memorable adventure. When you’re ready, rent a car in Italy with Final Rentals for an easy, dependable, and family-friendly solution that suits every itinerary and stle of travel. Begin your adventure through Italy with confidence!
