Italy is a country made for slow touring: whether you’re cruising through vineyards and silver-green olive groves that dip to the sea in sun-baked Puglia, negotiating hairpin bends on a cliff-hugging road skirting the dramatic island of Sardinia, or making an epic drive along the coast of Sicily. Wind down the window, breathe in the scent of wild herbs on the breeze, crank up the radio and get ready for five of our all-time favorite coastal road trips.
## Amalfi Coast: Sorrento to Salerno (35 miles) – An Extended Exploration
For a generous dose of Italian glamor, nothing quite compares to the Amalfi Coast, nestled within Italy’s captivating Campania region. Prepare to be mesmerized by rugged mountains that stand tall, vertiginous viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramas, and dramatic cliffs that plunge down to a sea of the bluest blue imaginable. This stunning landscape unfolds along the SS163 coastal road, a serpentine route that winds its way from Sorrento to Salerno. Over the course of 35 miles, you’ll encounter gasp-worthy views that demand a pause, a moment to truly absorb the beauty. Yes, conquering this route in a single day is technically possible, but trust our advice: you’ll undoubtedly crave a longer sojourn. We strongly recommend avoiding a visit during the peak of August, when the roads are teeming with traffic and the experience can be somewhat diminished.
Your Amalfi Coast adventure begins in the romantic cliff-top town of Sorrento, a place where palatial hotels cascade down towards the shimmering sea. As you gaze out, the majestic silhouette of Mt Vesuvius looms in the distance, a constant reminder of the region’s volcanic past. Find a charming café on the picturesque piazza and indulge in a glass of zesty limoncello, a local specialty crafted from the region’s celebrated lemons. From here, your journey continues eastward to the super-chic Positano, a village that seems to defy gravity as its houses, painted in vibrant ice-cream colors, cling improbably to the steep cliff face. Next on your itinerary is the namesake town of Amalfi, a historic center nestled amongst lushly wooded mountains. Be sure to visit its stunning Byzantine-style cathedral, an architectural marvel with a striking striped marble façade that reflects the town’s rich past.
Now, take a brief but worthwhile detour inland to the hilltop town of Ravello. Here, you can leisurely wander through exquisitely landscaped cliffside gardens, enjoying ringside views of the sea that stretch out before you. These same views, inspiring in their beauty, fueled the creativity of the celebrated composer Wagner and the insightful writer DH Lawrence. Returning to the driver’s seat, continue along the winding road to Vietri sul Mare. This town offers a unique opportunity to shop for locally crafted pottery, a chance to take home a tangible reminder of your Amalfi Coast adventure. Finally, your journey culminates in the vibrant city of Salerno, where a historic center awaits exploration. Discover charming trattorias offering delicious regional cuisine, and a seafront promenade perfect for a leisurely *passeggiata*, an evening stroll, complete with a scoop of delectable gelato.
## SS125, Sardinia: Orosei to Santa Maria Navarrese (50 miles) – A Deeper Dive
If your time in Sardinia is limited and you can only embark on one coastal drive, let it undoubtedly be the enchanting stretch of the SS125 that showcases the island’s untamed east. This 50-mile drive from Orosei to Santa Maria Navarrese is a true gem, revealing the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf of Orosei. Here, the limestone mountains of the Supramonte region cascade towards the sea, culminating in dramatic cliffs that descend into waters that shift from aquamarine to the deepest sapphire blue. This drive is truly one of the most memorable coastal road trips in Italy.
Be forewarned, however, that the road itself can be a bit hair-raising at times, demanding your full attention. Tight, corkscrewing bends require careful navigation, and you’ll need to keep a watchful eye out for flocks of sheep that may unexpectedly cross your path. To truly appreciate the drive and allow for ample exploration, allocate at least two days. Consider extending your stay if you wish to incorporate some hiking into your itinerary. A comfortable overnight stop can be found in a charming coastal town like Cala Gonone.
Begin your Sardinian adventure in the little coastal town of Orosei, a place where bays are sheltered by pine and juniper groves, and a charmingly low-key historic center exudes tranquility. As you drive south from Orosei, make a point to visit the Grotta di Ispingoli, impressive limestone caves that are home to one of the largest stalagmites in the world, a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder. Take a detour off the main road to discover the remote and utterly gorgeous white-sand beach of Cala Cartoe, where the glass-clear water beckons for a refreshing snorkeling experience. Continuing south, you’ll reach Cala Gonone, a fantastic seaside base for embarking on hikes along the clifftop coastal path. These trails lead to stunning sea grottoes and hidden bays, including the captivating half-moon shaped Cala Luna.
As you continue, the drive intensifies, offering exhilarating views as you ascend to the 1017m Genna e’ Silana pass. Consider pausing here to hike down to the spectacular canyon of Gola Su Gorropu, a true natural marvel. South of the pass lies the mountainous region of Urzulei, where towering crags provide a thrilling challenge for experienced climbers. From Urzulei, the road gradually descends back towards the coast and the town of Baunei, the ideal starting point for exploring the Golgo plateau, home to ancient olive trees and fascinating Bronze Age Nuraghic remains. Don’t miss the insanely beautiful bay of Cala Goloritzè, a true Sardinian treasure. Your trip culminates in the laid-back beach resort of Santa Maria Navarrese, a perfect place to relax and reflect on your Sardinian adventure.
## Italian Riviera: San Remo to Cinque Terre (156 miles) – An Extended Narrative
The expansive arc of the Italian Riviera, gracing the Ligurian coast, stands as one of Italy’s most unforgettable coastal road trips. Situated in the far northwest of the country, near the French border, the Maritime Alps cascade down to the dazzling blue Mediterranean Sea. This creates a landscape that transitions seamlessly into lemon and olive groves, terraced vineyards, cliff-hugging, candy-colored villages, imposing seaports, and swanky yacht-filled harbors. Spring and early autumn offer the ideal conditions for a visit, with mild temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. Furthermore, these seasons offer the advantage of fewer crowds compared to the bustling summer months.
Begin your road trip in San Remo, a vibrant seaside resort renowned for its casino, lavish villas, and flower-filled gardens. As you drive east from San Remo, you’ll arrive in Savona, a buzzy port city with an appealing medieval old town. Be sure to explore its 16th-century fortress, a testament to the city’s rich history. Along the way, you’ll encounter some attractive beaches, such as Varazze, perfect for a relaxing break. Your journey continues to Genoa, a gritty port city that is well worth a visit for its rich maritime heritage. Explore its Gothic-Romanesque cathedral, a magnificent architectural masterpiece, and wander through the mazy, palazzo-filled streets of its Unesco-listed medieval center. Next, head to ritzy Portofino, a charming town with a picturesque yacht harbor. Before continuing, take a refreshing swim at Rapallo’s palm-flanked beach, a perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Edging further south, you’ll arrive at Cinque Terre, a cluster of five preposterously cliff-perched, brightly pastel-painted villages. These iconic villages are undoubtedly one of Italy’s most recognizable and cherished sights. If time allows, consider squeezing in a three-hour coastal walk along the Sentiero degli Dei (God’s Pathway), a breathtaking trail that offers unparalleled views of the coastline.
For a final stop, enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the authentic trattorias in La Spezia’s historic center. Then, conclude your drive in Porto Venere, a truly lovely castle-topped fishing village surrounded by a coastline indented with caves. It’s a great base for discovering the forest-cloaked hills and hidden coves of the Golfo dei Poeti (Gulf of the Poets), a region steeped in history and natural beauty.
## Puglia: Gargano National Park to Taranto (352 miles) – A More Expansive Account
The slender heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia, stands as one of Italy’s great unsung beauties. Situated in the deep, sun-bleached, olive grove-brushed southeast of the country, this region is ripe for off-the-beaten-track road trips. Discover whitewashed towns, sandy beaches, cliff-backed bays, and an abundance of culture, all interwoven into a tapestry of Italian charm.
Food lovers will also find themselves in their element here, savoring the delights of *cucina povera* (literally ‘food of the poor’). This culinary tradition offers simple yet delicious dishes, including specialties like orecchiette pasta, served with broccoli, spicy sausage, and garlic. Another must-try is the deliciously simple *riso, patate e cozze* (baked rice, potatoes, and mussels), a hearty and flavorful dish.
Your road trip begins in Gargano National Park, where lush coastal forests give way to dramatic cliff-flanked bays lapped by the azure Adriatic Sea. These bays are often honeycombed with captivating sea grottoes, adding to the region’s allure. Whitewashed, clifftop Vieste makes a pretty base for exploring the national park and surrounding areas. Pause for a wander along the marina in seafaring Trani before driving south to the quaint fishing harbor of Molfetta, characterized by its herringbone-shaped medieval old town.
The gritty port of Bari has undergone a recent makeover and now merits a stop for its lively piazzas, bustling bars, and down-to-earth trattorias. Slightly south of Bari lies Polignano a Mare, a charming town straddling cliffs that are pockmarked with fascinating caves. From here, make a brief detour inland to Alberobello to glimpse the *trulli* (beehive-like dry-stone huts) that are emblematic of this region. Also, visit the stunning, chalk-white town of Locorotondo, nestled in the heart of wine country.
Bypass Brindisi as you make your way south to Lecce, a chilled university town renowned for its compelling baroque architecture. Continue to Otranto, home to a magnificent medieval mosaic housed within its cathedral. Gain an uplifting sea view from the very tip of the heel at Punta Ristola, before making your way to Gallipolli’s pristine baroque center and unspoiled coves overlooking the Ionian Sea. Your final stop is Taranto, a city founded as a Greek colony and now home to a must-see archaeological museum.
## Sicily Circuit: Catania, Syracuse, Cefalú, and More (650 miles) – A More Detailed Itinerary
We’ve saved one of the best for last: The dreamy coastline of Sicily offers one of Italy’s most enthralling road trips. As you traverse this captivating island, you’ll encounter vibrant port cities, ancient sites steeped in history, white-sand beaches that beckon for relaxation, renowned wineries, medieval hill towns that exude charm, bustling markets selling spicy street food, and, of course, Italy’s highest and most active volcano, Mt Etna. Sounds good, right? To truly do this journey justice, you’ll want to allocate a generous two weeks.
Begin your Sicilian adventure in the upbeat port city of Catania, where the mighty Duomo chimes in the baroque historic center. Head to one of Italy’s biggest fish markets in the morning to catch the action firsthand. Drive south, then, to Syracuse for a history overload at its archaeological park and Greek theater, before indulging in a swimming stop at the lovely white-sand bay of Fontane Bianche.
Pass through the vineyards of Avola, which produce full-bodied Nero d’Avola reds, en route to the pretty baroque town of Noto. A short hop south is Vendicari Natural Reserve, adorned with stunning beaches like tranquil Calamosche. Savor freshly caught tuna in the nearby fishing village of Marzamemi, then detour inland to Unesco-listed, spectacularly baroque Modica.
On the south coast, drive west to Agrigento, gateway to the Valley of the Temples, Sicily’s standout archaeological site. Further west lies Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, with sublime, little-visited beaches frequented by sea turtles. Tick off the historic fishing port of Sciacca en route to vine-striped Marsala.
In the northwest, pass through windmill-dotted salt flats before reaching Trapani, where a short detour inland leads to the alluring walled medieval town of Erice. Back on the coast, meander east to the fabulous beaches of San Vito Lo Capo for a swim and a *granita* (semi-frozen dessert). Limestone cliffs plunge to half-moon coves, caves, and crystal-clear waters at Zingaro Nature Reserve. From here, make the drive east to multicultural Palermo for street food in souk-like markets.
Topped by a mighty crag and a ruined Norman castle, Cefalú is visually striking. Drive on from here to Greek-rooted Taormina, which spills down a mountainside. To the south spreads Etna National Park, dominated by the smoldering crater of Europe’s largest active volcano, the majestic 3350m Mt Etna. Reach the summit on foot or by cable car, before commencing the drive back to Catania.
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