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Italy is where the road meets the soul. It is a country where every curve tells a story of art, history, and the dramatic verticality of the landscape.
Italy offers some of the most diverse landscape experiences for travelers who believe that the journey is the destination. From the sharp mountain ridges to the coastal horizons, driving in this region is a meditative act. For those in vintage vans or heavy campers, the geography of Italy presents both immense beauty and unique challenges.
The secondary road network here is more than just infrastructure; it is a portal to history. Many of the routes we have selected follow ancient trade paths or historic borders. Unlike the fast-paced motorways, these scenic drives allow you to stop in small villages where time seems to have slowed down.
In Italy, the "Slow Road" philosophy is deeply rooted in local culture. Whether it is a wine-growing region with centuries-old cellars or a high-altitude mountain pass that is only open a few months a year, the pacing of the road dictates the pace of your discovery.
Many roads in this region feature gradients above 10%. If you are traveling in a classic vehicle with a smaller engine, ensure your cooling system is in top shape before attempting the climbs we have marked as "Steep".
Timing is everything in Italy. The high passes are often snow-locked until late May, while the coastal routes shine brightest in the golden hours of early autumn. We recommend allowing at least 25% more time than GPS suggests—not because of traffic, but because you will want to stop for the view.
Our collection for Italy includes 12 verified tracks. Each has been selected for its unique "slow" quality—minimal billboard interference, maximum horizon contact, and a road surface that speaks to the character of the land.
Many of these routes go deep into rural territory. Ensure you have enough fuel and fresh water, as services can be sparse on the secondary networks of this region.
48 hairpins on the northern ramp alone. The Stelvio is the second-highest paved pass in the Alps. It's a rhythmic dance of steering and gear-shifting. In a VW T3, you'll be in 1st gear for many of the tight turns. It's an icon for drivers, offering a raw, high-alpine experience. The views from the top are incomparable.
A world-class UNESCO heritage drive through the pale mountains of the Dolomites. Crossing the Pordoi Pass and Falzarego Pass. The unique jagged peaks create a lunar landscape. WARNING: Significant climbing and many hairpins. Your T3 will need to work, but the panoramic views of the Marmolada glacier and Sella Massif are worth every drop of sweat. Pure mountain magic.
The Tuscany you know from the postcards. Cypress-lined avenues, rolling golden hills, and isolated farmhouses. This UNESCO region around Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia is the ultimate slow travel destination. The roads are mostly gentle slopes, making it easy for any van. Perfect for photography, vineyard visits, and enjoying the Mediterranean sun.
The 'heel' of the Italian boot. This route loops around the Salento peninsula, featuring turquoise waters, whitewashed coastal towns, and ancient olive groves. The terrain is notably flatter than Northern Italy, with gentle coastal curves and minimal inclines. Visit Lecce (the Florence of the South) and the crystal-clear beaches of Gallipoli. Perfect for slow, sun-drenched cruising.
A full loop around Italy's largest lake. This 160km route offers a diverse mix of landscapes—from the dramatic cliffs of the north to the gentle, olive-grove-filled hills of the south. The road (Gardesana) stays mostly at water level, making it very comfortable for classic vans. Expect tunnels, palm trees, and stunning blue water. Best traveled outside high summer to avoid heavy traffic.
Deep in the heart of Piedmont's wine country. This route takes you through the rolling, UNESCO-listed hills of Barolo and Barbaresco. While there are plenty of hills, they are generally gentle and 'sweeping' rather than steep alpine climbs. Perfect for a 50 PS van to chug along while enjoying views of medieval castles and endless vineyards. Home to the world's best truffles and Hazelnuts (Nutella origin!).
One of the world's most breathtaking coastal roads (SS163). Carved into vertical cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Passing through iconic Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. WARNING: The road is incredibly narrow and literally hanging over the sea. In a vintage van, it's slow-going and intense due to heavy traffic and tight curves. Not for the faint of heart, but visually incomparable. Best enjoyed in the off-season.
Explore the stunning late-Baroque towns of south-eastern Sicily. This route connects the UNESCO heritage sites of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa. You'll drive through a landscape of dry stone walls, almond orchards, and dramatic limestone canyons. The terrain is gently hilly with pleasant coastal stretches. Perfect for a cultural journey combined with the best chocolate in Modica and beautiful beaches in Vendicari.
The classic 'Under the Tuscan Sun' drive. This is a slower, meandering road through the Chianti wine region, featuring rolling hills, vineyards, cypress trees, and 'Gladiator' scenery. Stop at Greve in Chianti or Panzano for lunch. Excellent for vintage vans.
The 'Strada Panoramica della Costa del Sud'. A spectacular, relatively flat coastal road skipping between turquoise bays, ancient watchtowers, and wild Mediterranean scrub. Perfect for slow coastal cruising and finding hidden beach coves.
A vast, high-altitude mountain plateau in the Gran Sasso National Park. Known as 'Little Tibet' for its immense, treeless landscapes and surreal, lunar beauty. It's a land of silence, sheep herders, and breathtaking 360-degree mountain views.
Often called the 'Amalfi Coast of the South' but far quieter. The SS18 is an engineering masterpiece carved into vertiginous cliffs. It offers constant, dramatic views of the gulf and the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the sea.
Open our interactive map to get elevation profiles, weather forecasts, and AI co-pilot insights for every single route.
Launch Interactive Map