From the stunning cites like Rome, coastal regions like Cinque Terre and the incredible villages in southern regions, Italy is one of the most diverse European countries to visit. That being said, it can get pretty bamboozling to plan a trip to see as much as possible. This is so true when there’s so much choice on the best places in Italy to actually visit.

Especially on a road trip! 

Now, one of the best ways I’ve found to explore the best Italian cities and charming spots is by road (or train, if you can’t drive) with the country being well connected by road and pretty great for trains, too.

After we headed on our 900km Italian road trip (in a rickshaw), we really began to appreciate how many of the best places in Italy can be explored when heading down (or up) the spine of Italy. There are so many stopping points and it’s so incredible. 

This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best places in Italy to visit on your trip! Some are relatively easy to get to, others a little more tricky but with a little ingenuity and an explorer’s spirit you’ll make it work. 

Anyway, without going on for ages, take a look at some of the best places in Italy you should really visit on a road trip across the country. Have the best trip!

(1-5) Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is totally iconic and a region of Italy you can’t miss!

For me, it’s one of my favourite coastlines in Italy, especially as it’s relatively easy to visit if you’re near Pisa. 

You see, Cinque Terre is an area around a two-hour drive north of Pisa. The region is characterised by its dramatic, rugged landscape and of course its 5 picturesque terraced towns of; Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Now, the five towns are minutes away from each other by train and it’s quite treacherous to even attempt it in the car.

Now, the reason I say treacherous is that I ended up scratching the side of the car on the way to Vernazza; Yaya won’t let me live it down. As you can expect, when we visited for the second (and third) time, we parked our car in La Spezia and jumped right on that train. It’s honestly the easiest way to visit this region.

1.) Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre

The most western of all the Cinque Terre ‘Lands’ or towns is Monterosso al Mare is easily one of the best places in Italy to visit on a road trip.

You see, Monterosso al Mare is famed for its much larger beach and open spaces than the rest of the towns and is great if you want a day by the sea.

Now, it might not have the same charm as the other towns in Cinque Terre but it’s well worth a visit if you’re already exploring the region.

2.) Vernazza, Cinque Terre

Dating back almost 1000 years, the totally iconic Vernazza still stands today and is a stunning piece of historic history to explore.

Honestly, Vernazza is so beautiful and you really can’t miss hopping off the train here. Oh yeah, on that point, make sure to get one of the day ‘hop on and off’ pass from the train station. This way you can head between the towns when and how you want.

Once here, don’t forget to see the Church of Santa Margherita and Vernazza’s hidden beach just off Piazza Marconi.

3.) Corniglia, Cinque Terre

Unlike the four other Cinque Terre towns, Corniglia is not perched right on the seafront, but some 100 metres high on the cliff-top!

Yaya and I tried to walk this in the blistering heat at midday, too. Let’s just say it was a bad idea! We just ended up sweaty, hot, dehydrated and no doubt in a bit of a mess.

The second time we visited we used the connecting shuttle bus from the train station, it only takes 5 minutes or so and is so much easier. 

A perfect place to enjoy the views across the magnificent region. We love stopping here for lunch, too. There are lots of little restaurants you’ll see lining the streets.

4.) Manarola, Cinque Terre

Arguably one of the most photographed towns in Cinque Terre, Manarola is one of the best places in Italy to visit.

I swear that every time I visit Manarola I pile on that holiday weight. The gelato, seafood, the wine; it’s all just too good! Spend a few hours walking the town, exploring the coastal cliff walks and take a dip in the sea.

It’s a stunning place.

5.) Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

The most southern village of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore is a beautiful town to sit back and enjoy your afternoon.

Grab some local foods (especially fried calamari) from the street vendors and head straight for the rocky harbour front. Yaya and I spent a good few hours dipping our toes into the sea.

This town is a particularly glorious place to watch the sunset from and perhaps even jump into the sea to cool down from the scorching Italian sun.

Now, personally, I’d give it a few days to explore all the five towns in Cinque Terre. Though, if you’re short on time and only have a (long) day, then make sure to plan and arrive early to explore as much as possible.

6.) Trieste

Situated in the Northeastern edge of Italy, Trieste is quite different from the southern Italian towns you might be used to seeing. You see, it has a mix of cultures and heritage that spans centuries.

You see, its turbulent past of being a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (and the largest part of the Habsburg Monarchy) has ensured Trieste has a mix of influences and cultures that’s well worth experiencing. 

If you’re looking for some Austrian schnitzel, some Adriatic aperitifs or even castles (like Miramare Castle), Trieste is a great spot to visit.

Plus, it’s right on the border with Slovenia so it’s a great stopping point before exploring more of the Adriatic Coast around Croatia and Slovenia that’s so close. 

7.) Lake Como

Yup, you might think that Lake Como is just for those snazzy Hollywood celebs but there’s so much more to this destination than its famed visitors.

The glacial Lake Como is only about 1.5 hours away (by car) from Milan.

This is exactly how we visited, by hopping in the car from Milan and exploring all around the northerly region. 

For me, the biggest draw to Lake Como is its natural beauty. This is especially true for those dramatic mountains that always draw me in!

Don’t forget to hop on the boats that cross the lake, it’s a perfect way to explore the beautiful towns surrounding it like Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna, to mention but a few of my favourites.

8.) Aosta

Who doesn’t love a bit of snow, eh? Around 100km or so north of Turin, Aosta is nestled within the Italian Alps. It’s easily one of the best places in Italy to visit on a trip in the north; especially with Gran Paradiso National Park close by!

With over 2,000 years of history in this town, Aosta is the perfect town to explore sites such as the Bridge of Grand Arvo and the ancient town walls that still stand to this day. Don’t forget to pack your skis too, there are some great (but steep) slopes around the region and the ingress at Monte Bianco.

Oh, and on your way north, make a little pit stop in Valle d’Aosta, too.

9.) San Miniato

San Miniato is a totally stunning town to visit that’s perched in the province of Pisa.

Long ago, San Miniato was a major thoroughfare for medieval traders between Rome and the rest of Europe. So, to this day, San Miniato has been shaped by this.

Once here, make sure to explore the Duomo, the Tower of Frederick and the medieval centre of the town itself.

We spent the whole afternoon here filling up on local olives and wine (for Yaya, who wasn’t driving).

It’s totally one of the best places in Italy to visit when in this region and so easy to include on a trip when travelling by car.

10.) Florence

Florence is an incredible Italian city to visit and one of my favourites to explore! We’ve visited four times over the years and each has been amazing. 

Now, once here, park up the car as you won’t need it in the city itself. It’s best explored by foot and will give you a welcome little break from driving, too.

Once here, make sure to explore the best things to do in Florence and see Ponte Vecchio which stretches across the Arno River and the Duomo that proudly stands for all to see across the city.

Oh, and don’t forget to head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for some of the best views across the city.