italy

Spending one day in Rome in soon? Well, I’m incredibly jealous. This ancient Italian metropolis blew my mind when I was there recently! Paying it a visit is a bucket-list activity like none other.

But I suppose it’s also something of a mixed blessing, right?

I mean, it’s called the Eternal City for a reason! This place has been the hustling, bustling heart of Italy for millennia and has amassed a vast array of unmissable attractions along the way.

… And you’ve only got 24 hours in Rome to explore!

Alas, trying to see everything Rome has to offer in that time is a recipe for trouble.

It’s just too big, too wide-ranging, and too full of unforgettable sights to justify rushing around from one thing to the next.

Don’t worry, though. That pesky time constraint won’t stop you from seeing the “best bits”.

In fact, with the right approach, you can actually squeeze a surprising amount into your one day in Rome itinerary! All it takes is a plan…

So, with that in mind, I thought I’d put together a potential itinerary to help you travel Rome in a day. Enjoy!

Rome in a Day – Itinerary Idea

A quick note before we get cracking though:

For the purposes of this post, I’m going to assume you a) have a full day in Rome at your disposal and b) are happy/able to start exploring in the morning!

Feel free to pick and choose from the ideas in this itinerary for Rome if you actually have less time to play with on your visit.

Likewise, this one day Rome itinerary’s pretty full-on, so you should expect a busy morning, afternoon, and evening of sightseeing if you follow it to a T!

If you’d rather slow things down and enjoy a more leisurely time in Rome, then go ahead and miss certain things out along the way.

The nice part of local travel in this wonderful part of the world is that anything you end up doing will deliver an amazing experience!

First Stop: The Colosseum

I reckon the first stop on your one day Rome itinerary should be the inimitable Colosseum, followed by a tour of the Roman Forum next door.

Now, the Colosseum needs no introduction!

This iconic 2,000-year-old stone structure dominates the Rome skyline, features in countless travel guides and adventure books, and draws millions of tourists through its gates each year.

Vast, ancient, and imposing, it’s the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and remains a genuine sight to behold!

Whether you walk around the Colosseum by yourself or pay for an official tour, I encourage you not to miss it. Trust me, this is one of those rare tourist attractions that actually meets up to the hype!

With a spell-binding appeal, you can’t help but wander around in awe. Everything from the scale of the architecture to the knowledge that countless people fought to the death in this space creates a unique and sobering atmosphere.

Top tip: Book your ticket to the Colosseum well in advance and try to go as early as possible! This should a) ensure you get your hands on a ticket and b) help you avoid the crowds that flock here every day.

Better yet, book a skip-the-line ticket!

This will enable you to zoom past tourists who aren’t as in-the-know as you are, and save you time to enjoy your 24 hours in Rome to the fullest!

Book your skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum and Roman Forum here!

Second Stop: Roman Forum

No comprehensive one day Rome itinerary would be complete without mentioning the Roman Forum!

Situated on the doorstep of the Colosseum, this remarkable place was a highlight of my entire trip to Italy.

Contrary to what I’d been expecting, the Roman Forum’s actually a sprawling area of the city, filled with ancient buildings and sites of outstanding historical interest, as opposed to any specific building.

The Forum was essentially the seat of power in the ancient empire and a hub of local life back at the height of Rome’s influence.

Expect crumbling podiums on which famous historical figures addressed the crowds, the remnants of once-magnificent temples, old market places, the legendary Palatine Hill and much more.

Indeed, the hardest part of visiting the Forum will be limiting your time there!

With so much to see, it’ll be tempting to spend ages walking around. With only one day in Rome available, though, try limiting the visit to 2 hours or less.

The best part? Entry to the Roman Forum’s included in the ticket you purchase for the Colosseum. You get to see two unmissable attractions for the price of one (skipping the line along the way if you buy it online!)

Third Stop: Pantheon

Having revelled in the joys of the Roman Forum for a while, it’s time to make your way slowly northwest to the Vatican City… but not without seeing a few more ancient (and all-popular) attractions along the way!

The first of these interim stops is a 1.8 kilometer (1.1 mile), 22-minute walk down the road to the grand cylindrical stone building called the Pantheon.

Another impressive feat of ancient engineering, the Pantheon is 2,000 years old and boasts what’s still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome — unchallenged a full two millennia later!

Entry is 100% free and you can walk around, gaze up at the amazing dome overhead, and see the resting place of the famous artist, Raphael.

Oh, and if you’re hungry, then be sure to check out the square outside, which presents visitors with a bunch of potential places to eat!

Top tip: Stop to admire Piazza Venezia as you go. You literally can’t miss it!

This imposing imperialistic building will be on your left as you walk along Google’s recommended route from the Colosseum to the Pantheon.

Fourth Stop: Trevi Fountain

Quick stopover at the Pantheon complete, make a move to yet another must-see Rome attraction: the Trevi Fountain.

Located in the quaint Piazza di Trevi, it’s a short 8-minute walk away!

Big, beautiful, and ornate, the fountain’s also mightily impressive. However, it’s also another major tourist hotspot. The result?

You can bet your bottom dollar you’ll be sharing the square with crowds of people who flock here throughout the day!

If I were you, I’d stop at the Trevi Fountain for a few minutes, squeeze through the throngs of selfie-snapping people to the front, and take a few photos of your own (for which these travel captions might prove useful!).

Then move swiftly onto the next well-known stop on this Rome 1 day itinerary…

Fifth Stop: Spanish Steps

Ready for another 8-minute walk to a popular part of town?

Head north from Piazza di Trevi, past the bars, cafes, and fancy Italian stores in this neck of the woods, to the much-loved 18th century Spanish Steps.

I can’t lie. This fancy 135-step stairway isn’t, in my opinion, the most extraordinary place in Rome!

But it’s definitely still worth visiting — especially because of its close proximity to the Trevi Fountain.

You could grab a coffee (or a gelato!) and walk up the steps to enjoy the pleasant views you get over the city from there.

Final Stop: Vatican City

With the Spanish Steps done, you’re finally ready to move onto the afternoon’s main activity: exploring Vatican City.

However, it might be worth setting some expectations first…

Basically, as one of the biggest and best tourist attractions in Rome, it’s almost impossible to explore the entire Vatican City in just a few hours.

Not only is it vast and jam-packed with different things to see, but it’s also the last stop on your one day Rome itinerary, meaning you’re sure to be tired already.

So, the amount you get to see/do at the Vatican depends on two things: what time you arrive and how much energy you have left in the tank!

At the very least, you’ll be able to check out St. Peter’s Square. I’d also encourage you to enter the beautiful St. Peter’s Basilica and pay to climb its iconic dome for the incredible views from the top.

I suggest booking a skip-the-line ticket to see the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel ahead of time, so you can skip the massive line of people arriving without a ticket or tour and go right ahead!

If you only have one day in Rome, book for the latest time slot available, which is usually 3:30 PM.

The Sistine Chapel typically closes at 6 and the Vatican Museum at 6:30, so you should have plenty of time.

This should still give you enough time to see the sights, though you’ll want to visit your preferred sight first (I suggest the Sistine Chapel over the Vatican Museum, both because it’s more spectacular and because it closes sooner).

Be sure you book your skip-the-line tickets well in advance, especially if you want that coveted final time slot! This is the #1 attraction in Rome, and choice time slots will disappear quickly.

Book your skip-the-line ticket to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum here!

Tips for Maximizing Your Rome One Day Itinerary

Having a few tips and tricks up your sleeve should help you make the most of your limited time in the Eternal City.

With that in mind, here are a few ideas on how to explore Rome in a cheaper and more convenient manner:

1. Pre-Book Your Tickets to Attractions

I was lucky. Italy was open to UK travellers when I went last year, yet COVID-19 was still causing trouble. The result?

Rome was crazily, gloriously empty (more on this later).

However, that isn’t the norm! As one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, it’s usually chock-a-block with people, which leads to enormous queues at the various attractions there.

Long lines of tourists are notorious at places like the Vatican and Colosseum. You can spend hours simply waiting to buy a ticket.

…Unless you book them in advance. Buying “skip-the-line” tickets ahead of time will cost a little extra, but you’ll avoid such a long and tedious wait on the day of your visit.

And, of course, any time you can save is a big deal when you only have 24 hours to explore!

Here is a quick bullet list of skip-the-line tickets to some attractions you may be interested in in Rome. We covered some of them above, but here they are again:

• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket (not on this itinerary, but doable in between the Pantheon and the Vatican if you get a really early start)
• Borghese Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket (not on this itinerary, but a good alternative for art lovers or people who have visited Rome before and already seen the main sights!)

2. Go Early, or Late

As you can probably imagine, the most popular things to do in Rome tend to be busiest in the middle of the day, when everybody’s out and about.

So, with the crowds and queues heaving from around late morning to mid/late afternoon, the best times to visit these top attractions is usually early in the morning or later in the day (just be aware of final entry times!).

That said, with things starting to close in the early evening, my advice is to go as early as possible.

This gives you the best of both worlds: fewer people and shorter queues without the pressure of looming closing times.

3. Time Things Right

There are a couple of exceptions to my previous point though!

Sometimes, the best strategy for avoiding the crowds and having Rome’s top attractions to yourself is to go late, like really late…just before they close.

It all depends on the attraction in question. Some, like the Colosseum, are so epic that you could (and arguably should) spend hours exploring them.

For these, I reckon going earlier is best. Yet there are certain “essential things to do in Rome” for which you really don’t need as much time.

The Pantheon’s a good example. A hugely impressive ancient building and an important part of Rome’s history, you have to go.

But in all honesty, I was ready to move onto something else after 30 to 40 minutes. Knowing that, you could skip the crowds by visiting 45 minutes or so before it shuts at night, without missing out on much experientially.

4. Avoid Busy Touristy Restaurants

The food in Italy is, of course, awesome. If you’re a foodie, it’s going to be mightily tempting to spend your one day in Rome simply sampling the endless culinary delights on display around town!

Want my advice, though?

When you’re looking for somewhere to grab lunch or dinner, do yourself a favour and skip the most tourist-centric restaurants.

These eateries usually sit in close proximity to the main sights, have the tell-tale tri-color flag of green, white, and red on display everywhere, and play stereotypically Italian music through the speakers.

There are a few reasons I recommend looking elsewhere.

First, these restaurants are always more expensive.

Second, the food’s usually better (and definitely more authentic) in smaller places where the locals eat.

And third, they’re so busy you could wait ages for a table (time you could be spending exploring instead!).

Have Fun on Your One Day in Rome

There you have it, then: exactly how to spend one day in Rome!

Now, Rome wasn’t built in a day and, in all honesty, it probably shouldn’t be explored in one either!

You could quite easily spend a week or more here, immersing yourself in the atmosphere and embracing its many sublime ancient offerings.

Nevertheless, you can still see an impressive amount of its main attractions in just 24 hours!

With any luck, the ideas in this post will help you do exactly that. Keep this sample itinerary in mind and you should be one step closer to enjoying the best of Rome in one day.

—

About the Author: Danny Newman

Danny Newman is currently writing and travelling his way around the world in a bid to figure out exactly what he’s doing with his life. He’d love you to follow along with his journey over at What’s Danny Doing and on his Facebook.

Guest Contributor

From sparkling turquoise coastlines to rugged alpine peaks, taking a road trip through Italy is one of the greatest joys of traveling in Europe.

Taking an Italy road trip to enjoy the Mediterranean country’s spectacular landscapes and charming little towns is certainly worthy of its spot on your bucket list; but where to go?

If you’re not sure what the must-see places in Italy are and how best to organize them on an Italian road trip, don’t worry!

You’re in the right place to discover some of the best itineraries for road trips in Italy — we’re about to hit you with 9 of our favorite Italy road trip itineraries.

From breathtakingly beautiful beaches and perfectly jagged mountain ranges to azure lakes and picturesque little towns, you’ll find a little of everything in this compilation of the best road trips in Italy.

Every Italy road trip itinerary covers a specific region, listing all the the highlights you shouldn’t miss on a road trip ranging from four to eight days.

To make things simpler for your travel planning, each of these Italy road trips start and end in a big city served by an international airport, so you can easily book your car rental and discover some of Italy’s most popular places and a few hidden gems.

And of course, while these Italy itineraries are rather jam-packed, don’t forget to savor the little things that make Italy’s la dolce vita so grand.

Remember, you always have enough time to stop at one of the cute corner cafés for an espresso or an inviting stand for a scoop (or two!) of gelato!

Picking Your Rental Car for Italy

I always use Discover Cars when I’m traveling to find the best prices on my rental car.

I like that their pricing is very straightforward (and the best around) and it’s easy for me to read recent reviews to weed out any rental agencies that aren’t as reputable as the others.

Plus, Discover Cars offer the lowest prices on full coverage insurance, which isn’t legally required to buy, but is extremely good to have in Italy.

Typically, their full coverage prices are only around $7 per day, a small price to pay for peace of mind!

The Best Road Trips in Italy

Puglia

Recommended Road Trip Itinerary: Bari > Polignano a Mare > Monopoli > Ostuni > Alberobello > Bari

Rent a Car in: Bari

Recommended Time: 5-7 days

Puglia Road Trip Map:

Start your Puglia road trip in Bari, Puglia’s capital city and one of the most important cities in Southern Italy.

Luckily, Bari is a major hub for a lot of low-cost airlines, so you’ll find that it’s easy to arrive at this Apulian capital if you’re already in Europe.

Spend two nights in Bari to explore the lovely historic center with its impressive churches, experience delicious local food, and enjoy a walk along the waterfront promenade.

Along the narrow alleys of Bari Vecchia, stop by the local ladies selling all kinds of local goods, from traditional orecchiette (hand-made ear-shared pasta) to delicious taralli, a type of ring-shaped cracker that can be either sweet or savory.

From Bari, drive south to Polignano a Mare, an exceedingly charming small town best known for its picturesque beach, Lama Monachile.

The small pebble beach with views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea is enclosed between dramatic cliffs topped by white houses.

It’s a charming spot, althogh note that it is very crowded during summer months, especially because the beach is so small.

Fun fact: the spot is a popular location for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series!

From Polignano a Mare, keep driving south to reach Monopoli, a fascinating seaside town dating back to ancient times and featuring a charming historical center and a gorgeous Baroque cathedral.

Further south, stop by Ostuni, also known as the White City, to admire its famous whitewashed houses of the historical center.

Explore the little alleys of the old town, check out ancient landmarks, and dine at a cozy osteria.

On your way back to Bari, don’t miss the chance to stop in Alberobello!

The little town looks like something out of a fairytale, with the adorable trulli, whitewashed round houses with conical roofs.

Spend a night in a trullo for a trulli unforgettable experience of Puglia!

(Sorry for the world’s worst pun: I couldn’t resist).

Stop at Grotte di Castellana between Alberobello and Bari to visit a stunning karst cave system dating back roughly 100 million years!

After this last stop, drive back to Bari, where you can end your road trip by dropping your car rental back at the airport or first spend one more afternoon visiting its museums and sampling more delicious food.

Bonus: While technically not in Puglia and instead in the region of Basilicata, Matera is also a frequently visited destination that can be easily tacked onto a Puglia road trip, as it’s located just a 50-minute drive away from Bari.

Amalfi Coast

Recommended Road Trip Itinerary: Naples > Pompeii (optional) > Sorrento > Positano > Amalfi > Cetara > Salerno > Naples

Rent a Car in: Naples

Recommended Time: 5-8 days

Amalfi Coast Road Trip Map:

A road trip on the Amalfi Coast is one of the best experiences you can have in Italy!

But first, spend a couple of days in Naples (pick and choose some activities from this Naples itinerary).

Spend your time in Naples exploring the lively historic center, eating delicious pizza (it’s the hometown of famous Neopolitan-style pizza, after all), and visiting its beautiful churches and landmarks.

You may also want to visit some sights near Naples, like Pompeii or Herculaneum if you like Roman ruins, or perhaps Mt. Vesuvius if you’re curious to see this historically destructive, now-peaceful volcano.

These destinations are all on the way to the next stop, Sorrento, a charming town on the Sorrentine Peninsula overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Spend at least half a day in Sorrento to explore the historical center and sample some limoncello and/or lemon granita before moving on to the first stop on the Amalfi Coast, Positano.

By far the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is best-known for the colorful houses perched on the cliffs enclosing a charming little beach.

While it may be pricy to stay the night in Positano, you must spend at least one night here to wake up to a wonderful view overlooking the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea!

Plus, the sunsets here are unreal, especially if you get to watch it from your very own balcony.

From Positano, move on to the town that gives the name to the coast, Amalfi.

A minimum of one night in Amalfi is a must, so you can also visit the surrounding towns of Atrani and Ravello.

In Amalfi, wander around the narrow alleys and get lost on the many stairways offering gorgeous coastal views.

Walk along the coast to nearby Atrani before continuing on in your car to visit Ravello to check out the awe-inspiring Villa Cimbrone Gardens.

The next town on the coast is Cetara, a quintessential Mediterranean fishing village.

The atmosphere here is more laid back than in the other more famous towns, so you can relax at the beach, stroll around town, and eat delicious seafood.

From Cetara, drive towards Salerno, but make sure to stop for a couple of hours in Vietri sul Mare for more stunning views.

Finally, explore the historical town of Salerno, stroll along its promenade, and discover the lovely botanical garden Giardino della Minerva.

You can drive straight back to Naples from Salerno in less than one hour if you avoid the coastal route, or you can take the scenic road back and stop at any Amalfi Coast villages you missed on the way down!

Dolomites

Recommended Road Trip Itinerary: Venice > Belluno > Cortina d’Ampezzo > Lago di Braies > Bolzano > Verona > Venice

Rent a Car in: Venice

Recommended Time: 5-7 days — read our full 7 day Dolomites itinerary here!

Dolomites Road Trip Map:

The Dolomites, or Dolomite Alps, are a picturesque mountain range in northeastern Italy and home to the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For the most convenient way to start your Dolomites road trip, fly into Venice, the nearest city served by an international airport.

Optionally, start your trip with a few days in Venice, taking a gondola ride and sightseeing Venice’s key landmarks, before heading onto the Dolomites.

Alternately, you can explore a bit of the Prosecco wine region near Venice, or you can just get going right away!

If you spend a few days in Venice (check out our 3 day Venice itinerary here), we don’t recommend you rent a car until you are ready to leave Venice — it won’t do you any good in the city of Venice!

Drive from Venice to Belluno, the gateway to the Dolomites located in the eastern portion of the park.

Spend a night in the town and explore some of the national park’s hiking trails for incredible views!

Next, drive to the ski resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, a wonderful town to base yourself in and explore the surroundings.

From Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can easily reach the Cristallo massif, the turquoise Lake Sorapis, and the dramatic chain of mountains Croda da Lago.

If you have enough time, hike around the Cinque Torri rock formations — it’s a relatively easy hike with some fantastic views!

Spend the next day driving from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Lake Misurina, then make your way to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a set of three dramatic peaks surrounded by hiking trails.

This is one of the most iconic sights of the Dolomites, so make sure not to miss it!

Finally, end the day at Lago di Braies (also known as Pragser Wildsee), a scenic lake with crystal clear water reflecting the snow-covered Dolomites — one of the most Instagram-famous sights in all of Northern Italy!

As you make your way back south, stop in Bolzano, the capital of the South Tyrol region.

This city features a lovely historic center, the 13th-century Castel Mareccio, and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology famous for housing the body of Ötzi the Iceman!

On your way back to Venice, you can pass by Verona to spend a few hours exploring the charming historic center and paying a visit to Juliet’s House, or even spend a night or two in the city before ending your Dolomites road trip.

On the way to Verona, you may also want to make a stop in Trento, the capital of the Trentino region and home to the Brenda Dolomites.

Tuscany

Recommended Road Trip Itinerary: Florence > San Gimignano > Siena > Montepulciano > Arezzo > Florence (Read a full road trip itinerary here)

Rent a Car in: Florence (Read this guide to renting a car in Tuscany here)

Recommended Time: 4-6 days

Tuscany Road Trip Map:

The Tuscan countryside is one of the most charming areas in Italy, offering a little of everything.

A road trip here is guaranteed to reward you with dreamy sights, a gastronomy scene that will satisfy even the most discerning foodies, and rich Renaissance history.

Start your road trip in Florence, where you can spend anywhere from one day to three days in Florence visiting the city, depending on how much time you have and if you’ve already been there.

Make some time to see essentials like the Florence Duomo and the Statue of David.

Florence is also a great base for day trips — but if you’re doing a road trip, you might as well not head back to Florence in between destinations!

From Florence, start driving south to your first Tuscan destination, the picturesque town of San Gimignano.

The most picturesque road is the S22, also known as Via Chiantigiana — this is the kind of road that shows you that the journey is just as important as the destination.

You’ll be driving by beautiful vineyards and through charming towns such as Strada in Chianti and Greve in Chianti until you reach Castellina in Chianti.

As you can guess by the town names, they’re all known for their wine production, especially — you guessed it — Chianti!

Finally, reach San Gimignano, a hilltop town known for its many towers and beautiful historic center.

After one night in San Gimignano, drive to beautiful Siena and dedicate at least one or two nights here.

Spend your time wandering around the old town, admiring the gorgeous Piazza del Campo, and visiting spectacular landmarks like the Siena Cathedral and the Basilica of San Domenico.

Your next stop is Montepulciano, famous for the grape variety with the same name and, of course, its wine.

But on the way, be sure to stop at the Val d’Orcia near Pienza — it’s one of the most scenic parts of the Tuscan countryside.

Once you arrive in Montepulciano, dedicate a day to visit the town and make sure to go on a wine-tasting tour!

Finally, make your way to Arezzo to visit beautiful churches like the Arezzo Cathedral and the San Francesco Basilica.

Visit the Medicean Fortress for sweeping views of the city and Tuscan countryside. From Arezzo, drive back to Florence.

Lazio

Recommended Road Trip Itinerary: Rome > Castelli Romani > Tivoli > Viterbo > Bracciano > Rome

Rent a Car in: Rome

Recommended Time: 4-6 days

Lazio Road Trip Map:

If you’ve already visited Rome and its many landmarks, it’s worth exploring its surroundings to discover some of the lesser visited places in Lazio!

Start your road trip by driving south of Rome, towards the Regional Park of the Castelli Romani.

Castelli Romani translates to Roman Castles, and it’s an area comprising of the lakes of Albano and Nemi, surrounded by charming small towns, many of which had castles and palaces belonging to noble families and popes.

Around Lake Albano, visit the picturesque Castel Gandolfo, home to the pope’s former countryside retreat, and Albano, with its beautiful baroque cathedral and lovely lake views.

On Lake Nemi, the two towns not to miss are Genzano and Nemi.

The bigger Genzano is known for its beautiful historic center and the 18th-Century Palazzo Sforza Cesarini, whereas the smaller Nemi features splendid gardens, a charming historic center, and impressive views of Lake Nemi.

From the Castelli Romani, drive north to Tivoli to discover the spectacular Villa d’Este, a 16th-century villa and UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular fountains and gardens.

Just outside Tivoli, pay a visit to the ruins of the 2nd-century Hadrian’s Villa.

Drive further north to reach Viterbo, a city with a rich history that you can witness in the well-preserved medieval center.

Viterbo is better known for the Papal Palace, which served as the pope’s residency for roughly two decades.

Spend a night in Viterbo, then start driving back south towards Rome. Along the way, stop to visit the medieval center of Ronciglione.

Your last stop before making your way back to Rome is Bracciano, a small town on the shore of the homonymous lake, better known for housing the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle and offering gorgeous views of the lake.

Spend an afternoon in Bracciano or stay overnight. Finally, drive back to Rome, only one hour away.

Sicily

Recommended Road Trip Itinerary: Palermo > Marsala > Agrigento > Ragusa Noto (optional) > Siracusa > Catania (and Mt. Etna) > Taormina (optional) >Palermo

Rent a Car in: Palermo [psst: read this full guide to renting a car in Sicily here]

Recommended Time: 6-8 days

Sicily Road Trip Map:

Sicily is probably the most lively and charming Italian region, so unique it’s not comparable to the mainland.

The island — the largest in all of the Mediterranean — will awaken all your senses with beautiful landscapes, delicious food, the pervasive citrus smell, and the constant presence of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea!

Start your road trip in the capital Palermo, home to historical landmarks like the 12th-century Cathedral of Palermo, the 9th-century Norman Palace, and the Baroque Quattro Canti Piazza.

Spend at least one or two nights in Palermo (for more detail, read the first two days of this Palermo itinerary) before driving west to your first destination, Marsala.

Better known for the Saline of the Laguna Marsala and the fortified Marsala wine, the city is on the westernmost tip of Sicily.

Visit the salt pans at the Stagnone Nature Reserve, eat delicious seafood, and taste some wine before moving on to Agrigento.

The main reason to visit Agrigento is the impressive Valley of the Temples, an archaeological site featuring imposing ruins of incredibly well-preserved Greek temples.

However, don’t skip a tour of Agrigento’s historic center, with picturesque alleys, stairways, and gorgeous churches.

From Agrigento, keep driving east to reach Ragusa, a hilltop city with beautiful baroque buildings, the gorgeous Duomo di San Giorgio, and the serene Giardino Ibleo.

Spend a night in Ragusa or explore it during the day and continue to Siracusa, where spending at least one night is a must.

You can make an optional stop in Noto along the way, famous for its beautiful architecture and laid-back pace.

Some famous stops you can make are the recently renovated Noto Cathedral, the Palazzo Ducezio with its famous Hall of Mirrors, and the Palazzo Nicolaci.

Siracusa has a lot to offer, with its beautiful historic center on the Island of Ortigia, boasting ancient ruins and historical palaces.

There’s also the Neapolis Archaeological Park with the Roman Amphitheater and the limestone cave Ear of Dionysius.

From Siracusa, drive to Catania for 2 days, which you can use as your base for hiking Mount Etna, a must when in Sicily.

Explore the historic center of Catania and plan a day trip to the Etna National Park.

You can take a cable car up close to the summit of Mt. Etna, hike along the trails, or do a combination of both.

After some time exploring the heights of Etna, why not stop by the one of the gorgeous beaches near Catania?

Finally, you can drive straight back to Palermo to end your Sicily road trip.

Alternately, make an additional stop in Taormina for a day or two and the beaches near Taormina for some of the best coastal views in Sicily before returning back.

Sardinia

Recommended Road Trip Itinerary: Cagliari > Bosa > Alghero > Stintino > Porto Cervo > Nuoro > Cagliari (Check our 7-day Sardinia itinerary here)

Rent a Car in: Cagliari

Recommended Time: 6-8 days

Sardinia Road Trip Map:

A road trip around Sardinia could take many weeks and still barely do the island justice, but don’t worry, you can fit some of the most scenic spots in a week-long trip.

Start in the island’s capital Cagliari, which has the best flight connections to many European cities.

Cagliari has a lovely historic center worth exploring, but you can easily see the most important sights in one day and start driving north.

On your way to Alghero, stop for a few hours in Bosa, a colorful gem of a town considered one of the most beautiful in Sardinia!

Spend at least one night in Alghero to explore the old town and check out a few nearby beaches, like Le Bombarde and Punta Negra.

From Alghero, drive north to Stintino, on the northernmost tip of Sardinia.

This area boasts gorgeous beaches with blue waters like La Pelosa or Spiaggia del Gabbiano.

If you decide to spend the night, go on a boat tour to Asinara National Park, a small island just off the tip of Sardinia with incredible landscapes!

From Stintino, drive along the northern coast to Porto Cervo, a seaside resort and capital of the Costa Smeralda, better known for its nightlife and exclusive beach clubs.

While the resort town is better known for attracting the yachts of millionaires coming to party and enjoy the turquoise waters, there is a lot you can do in the area, even if you’re not part of the jet set!

Enjoy amazing beaches like Grande Pevero or Spiaggia del Principe (also known as Poltu Di Li Cogghj), try water sports, and drive along the Costa Smeralda to fall in love with the coastal views.

As you drive south from Porto Cervo back towards Cagliari, stop by Nuoro and the Complesso Nuragico e Nuraghe di Noddule where you can admire the nuraghe, ancient megalithic constructions dating as far back as 1900 BCE!

Ligurian Coast & Cinque Terre

Recommended Road Trip Itinerary: Genova > Rapallo > Portofino > Monterosso al Mare > Manarola or Riomaggiore > Vernazza or Corniglia > La Spezia > Porto Venere > Genova

Rent a Car in: Genova

Recommended Time: 4-5 days

Liguria & Cinque Terre Map:

One of the loveliest Italian road trips is in the Liguria region, through the famous Cinque Terre!

Aside from the popular five villages to which this area owes the name, this Northern Italian road trip will take you through several other coastal towns that are just as pretty — and far less crowded!

Before starting your road trip, spend one or two nights in Genova.

Sample delicious pasta with pesto Genovese at the Caruggi (historical district) restaurants, explore the harbor area of Porto Antico, and visit the city’s key landmarks and museums, such as the famous Aquarium of Genoa.

From Genova, drive south to your first destination, the town of Rapallo, and enjoy views of the Italian Riviera from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro.

Near Rapallo, visit the gorgeous Portofino, a small fishing village with colorful houses, boutiques, and great restaurants.

After Rapallo, it’s time to visit the actual Cinque Terre!

Note about accessing the Cinque Terre by car: The villages of the Cinque Terre are all car-free, but there are car parking areas available near each village. This can be expensive, with parking fees ranging from about 10 Euro to 25 Euro daily. Additionally, the roads are quite steep and winding — great if you love scenic drives, terrible if you’re afraid of heights or get motion sickness. If this all sounds like a lot of headache, it’s best to leave your car either at the Levanto or La Spezia train station, visit the Cinque Terre by car, and then continue on your road trip.

Drive along the coast to Monterosso al Mare, the first village from the north.

If you have enough time, plan to spend one night here and another in Manarola or Riomaggiore.

From these two, you can easily explore the other two villages, Vernazza and Corniglia.

If you only have one night, stay in Corniglia, which is right in the middle.

But really, all five villages are lovely, with colorful houses, great restaurants, and picturesque coastal views. It’s hard to go wrong here!

End your road trip in La Spezia, a beautiful port city home to the 14th-century San Giorgio Castle and cool museums.

If you have enough time, take a day trip to Porto Venere to visit the gorgeous Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere, a protected natural area with stunning landscapes.

For the best views over the coast, check out Doria Castle!

Finally, make your way back to Genova.

Lake Garda

Recommended Road Trip Itinerary: Milan > Desenzano del Garda > Sirmione > Saló > Limone sul Garda > Riva del Garda > Malcesine > Garda > Verona > Milan

Rent a Car in: Milan

Recommended Time: 4-6 days

Lake Garda Map:

If you’re looking for a short road trip from Milan, your best choice is to explore the picturesque villages and towns on the shores of Lake Garda!

(Note: I have a full guide to a Lake Garda itinerary here!)

Starting in Milan, make sure you visit its key sights, like the Last Supper and the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral).

From Milan, you can reach the first town, Desenzano del Garda, in just over one hour.

Make this your first base and explore its surroundings, including the charming Peschiera del Garda and the lovely Sirmione, where you can catch boat tours of the lake.

Spend one or two nights in Desenzano del Garda, then drive north to Limone sul Garda, passing through Saló, where you can stroll along the pretty lakeshore promenade or go hiking to enjoy lake views from beautiful scenic points.

In Limone sul Garda, go swimming in the lake, explore the many hiking paths, and discover the lovely San Giovanni Waterfall.

The next stop, Riva del Garda, is the best town on the lake for sailing and water sports.

The town is also known for the nearby Cascate del Varone, a beautiful natural park with stunning waterfalls. For gorgeous lake views, climb to Bastione di Riva.

From Riva del Garda, drive back south along the lake to enjoy more lovely views as you pass through Oriental Gardesana Integral Nature Reserve and other charming towns like Malcesine and Garda.

A great addition to this road trip is a stop in Verona, the romantic city home to Juliet’s House, the Verona Arena, and the historic Piazza delle Erbe.

After exploring the historic town, take the cable car to Castel San Pietro for the best city views from above.

Spend one or two nights in Verona, depending on how much time you have, then drive back to Milan to conclude your road trip.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

While of course, you’ll want to make sure you have rental car insurance covered, don’t forget to cover yourself, too!

Rental car insurance covers the car and your general liability on the road, whereas personal travel insurance covers your health and your trip in general.

I use SafetyWing to cover me on all my trips — their Nomad Insurance program is very affordable and covers basically all you’d need: medical assistance and evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, etc.

And when I say affordable, I mean it: I paid just $18 USD for my most recent 10-day trip!

Get a travel insurance quote for your upcoming trip here!

Roxana Fanaru

Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.