The summer holidays are here: if you still have not made up your mind were to go in Italy in your beloved car, here are five charming road trip destinations.
RIMINI, RICCIONE AND THE ROMAGNA COAST
Rimini and Riccione are two of the most popular summer holiday resorts which are traditionally reached by car: clubs, beaches and international tourism have rightfully made these two cities on the Romagna coast into the strongholds of Italian summer fun for decades.
But beside the bustling night life, how about driving up the coast? Good idea. Rimini is the beginning of a route which heads along the Roman Via Aemilia. It offers beautiful seascapes, great food and certain fun but is also relaxing given the smooth conformation of the road itself. Recommended destinations to be reached by car even only for a summer weekend: Riccione, Misano Adriatico and Cattolica.
HILLS IN TUSCANY
If driving up and down hill through luscious countryside and rugged landscapes is your idea of a good time, then the Tuscan hills are a must-see destination: Strada Regionale 222 rolls from Florence to Siena across picturesque villages in the heart of Tuscany. From Siena, you can drive to Monteriggioni over 12 hills with their characteristic farmhouses, rows of cypress trees and fields and then explore the lanes of San Gimignano, one of the most famous hamlets of the region.
UMBRIA
In central Italy, a mandatory stop in our line-up of five destination to be reached by car is Umbria. Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio and Spoleto are only a few of the charming towns that are well worth visiting on a road trip in hills surrounded by nature. Spello, with its characteristic stone balconies and flower boxes, will add a surreal and romantic touch to your trip.
BASILICATA
Heading south is a region that is truly worth a summer road trip : Basilicata is a little-known gem where green landscapes meet breath-taking beaches.
The white beaches ofMetaponto,the hamlets dug into the rocks of Maratea and the unspoilt Pollino National Park: the region is one of the least known in Italy and has plenty of pleasant surprises for who wants to set off and go where the road takes.
FROM PALERMO TO AGRIGENTO
Expecting to visit all of Sicily in only one holiday is a nearly impossible endeavour because of its sheer size; to maximise your driving experience and also enjoy a bit of well-deserved relax our suggestion is a pleasant trade-off which combines three of the things the island is most famous for: beaches, nature and culture. Driving from Palermo to Agrigento on the panoramic route instead of the faster, more direct main road is an unforgettable experience. You can stop in beautiful places along the way, like San Vito Lo Capo, Marsala and Sciacca, and end your tour in the archaeological Valley of the Temples and on the charming rocky cliff called Scala dei Turchi.
These were only five of the many destinations that Italy has to offer for summer holidays in your car; wherever you choose to go, our first tip is to take care of your tyres before setting off so you can enjoy all the thrills of your holiday. Secondly, it is worth remembering that most Italians choose cars as their favourite means of transport in summer and so it is a good idea to plan your moves "tactically" choosing times when there are fewer motorists on the road so you can enjoy your driving experience without unnecessary stress that could ruin your holiday.
