There are places in Italy that look like they were built for the movies: sun-drenched cobbled streets, colourful houses overlooking the sea, squares where time seems to stand still, and tiny terraces where summer nights stretch on forever. It’s no coincidence that so many directors have chosen Italian villages as the backdrop for stories of love, travel, and new beginnings.
Films like Call Me by Your Name, shot amidst the landscapes of Lombardy, orUnder the Tuscan Sun, which turned the hills and hamlets of Tuscany into an absolute dream, have inspired millions of travellers to imagine their perfect Italian holiday: a car, an open road, and the freedom to discover hidden gems.
Because Italy isn’t just about its big cities. The true essence of the country often shines through in its villages: in the quiet coastal harbours, the medieval towns tucked away in vineyards, or the clifftop settlements overlooking the sea.
Going on an Italian road trip this summer is one of the best ways to experience it all. Hiring a car lets you plan your own route, escape the usual tourist crowds, and discover some of the most beautiful villages in Italy completely at your own pace.
Northern Italy is home to some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, with villages perched right on the water's edge. The region boasts major lakes like Como, Garda, and Maggiore, all next to towns that blend medieval architecture, historic villas, and protected natural surroundings.
Tucked away in the Veneto region, Borghetto sul Mincio is a tiny village that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Sitting on the banks of the River Mincio, this hamlet is famous for its ancient watermills and stone houses.
One of its main landmarks is the Visconti Bridge, an impressive medieval structure that spans the valley. It offers some of the best views of the village, especially as the sun goes down.
Borghetto sul Mincio makes the perfect pit stop on a northern Italian road trip. Plus, its location means you can easily combine your visit with other brilliant spots in the Veneto region, such as Verona or Lake Garda.
This is where having a hire car makes sense, giving you the total freedom to get around in comfortably.
On the Ligurian coast you'll find Portofino, one of the most famous seaside villages in Italy. Its colourful houses by the harbour, the small boats, and the scenery of the Italian Riviera have made this place one of the most photographed spots in the country.
Even though it’s small, Portofino has plenty of places to see. It’s well worth walking around the harbour, going up to Brown Castle for the stunning views, and exploring the paths around the town.
A road trip through Liguria lets you see other nearby coastal villages and discover one of the nicest parts of the Italian Mediterranean. The seaside roads offer great views and make the drive a big part of the trip.
Often seen as one of the prettiest towns on Lake Como, Bellagio is a must-see on any trip through northern Italy. It sits right where the different branches of the lake meet.
The charm of Bellagio is in its streets, its steps filled with shops and restaurants, its gardens, and its elegant historic villas. Just wandering around the town centre is one of the best ways to enjoy the place.
During the summer, Lake Como is a great destination to explore by car, letting you combine Bellagio with other nearby towns while enjoying roads with amazing views.
Another great find in northern Italy is Sirmione, a town located on a small peninsula on Lake Garda. Its mix of history, scenery, and summer atmosphere makes it one of the most highly recommended visits in the area.
Scaliger Castle, a medieval fortress sitting right by the water, is one of its most famous landmarks. The Roman ruins at the Grotte di Catullo archaeological site and the local thermal springs are also real highlights.
Thanks to its location, Sirmione is a perfect stop on a road trip around Lake Garda, which is one of the most complete destinations in northern Italy.
Central Italy is exactly what people picture when they think of films set in the country. The rolling hills of Tuscany, the stone villages of Umbria, and the inland medieval towns offer a quieter, more rural side to Italy.
San Gimignano is one of the most famous villages in Tuscany and a must-see for anyone exploring Italy by car. Known as 'the city of a thousand towers', its stone towers dominate the skyline and look back to the town's importance during the Middle Ages. Wandering through its squares, visiting its churches, and taking in the views from its lookouts are all things you can't miss here.
On top of that, San Gimignano fits perfectly into a Tuscan road trip, alongside cities like Siena and Florence, or tiny villages surrounded by vineyards. To complete this route, a hire car is pretty much essential. If you want to find the best prices, check out DoYouItaly, it's the best car hire comparison site for your Italian holiday.
Right in the middle of the Val d’Orcia valley sits Pienza, a small town famous for its Renaissance architecture and stunning landscapes. Its smart streets, historic buildings, and views over the Tuscan hills make it one of the most special places in central Italy.
Pienza is also a brilliant spot for food lovers. The area's famous pecorino cheese is a huge highlight and a big part of the experience of visiting the town.
Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most surprising villages in Italy. Perched on a volcanic hill, it looks like it's floating in mid-air, an effect caused by centuries of erosion reshaping the surrounding land.
To reach the village, you have to cross a footbridge that offers spectacular views. Once inside, the streets are narrow, the houses are made of stone, and it has a medieval feel that you rarely find anywhere else.
It’s the perfect stop if you're looking for a different side of Italy that is full of history and less crowded.
Spello is one of those villages that has a surprise around every corner. With its streets full of flowers, Roman walls, and medieval architecture, it's widely seen as one of the prettiest towns in Umbria.
As well as enjoying the quiet atmosphere, it’s well worth visiting its churches and discovering its charming little corners. It’s an excellent alternative for anyone wanting to include lesser-known spots on a road trip through central Italy.
Southern Italy offers a great mix of coastal scenery, whitewashed villages, and local food packed with flavour. It’s an ideal area to explore by car during the summer, letting you enjoy the beaches and the most authentic towns.
In the Puglia region you'll find Polignano a Mare, one of the most beautiful and famous seaside villages in the country. Its white houses built directly on the cliffs and its views over the Adriatic Sea are its main draw.
Its viewpoints, the narrow streets of the old town, and its hidden coves make it a perfect destination for a summer break.
Matera, in the Basilicata region, is one of the most unique places in southern Italy. Its famous Sassi, ancient neighbourhoods carved right into the rock, form a unique urban landscape recognized for its historical value.
Walking through its streets at sunset is an unforgettable experience. Plus, its location means you can easily combine your visit with other spots in the south during a road trip.
Tropea is one of the most popular destinations in Calabria, thanks to its dramatic spot overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its crystal-clear beaches, old town, and panoramic viewpoints make it a must stop.
The town is also famous for its food, especially the local red onions, which you'll find in many traditional dishes.
Tucked high up on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello offers some of the best panoramic views of the Italian Mediterranean. Its gardens, like Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, are two of its main highlights.
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