Planning a motorhome or campervan journey to Italy? Want to tour a few of the most lovely countryside in Europe? Here’s the whole lot it’s good to know to go campervanning or motorhoming in Italy, step-by-step.
Don’t overlook to obtain your FREE Europe motorhome journey guidelines beneath that will help you plan your Italy driving vacation even simpler.
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Motorhoming in Italy- why you need to go!
If you’re on the lookout for someplace in Europe to go to with a motorhome or camper, and also you need unbelievable surroundings, lovely climate and food-so-good-you’ll-put-on-a-stone-in-a-week, head to Italy.
We’ve explored a number of occasions now with our motorhome and we will’t wait to return once more. The final time we went, we spent just a few days exploring the Dolomites; presumably essentially the most breathtaking place we’ve even been in our van and we’ve been touring Europe by motorhome for some time now! (You can try our Dolomites itinerary concepts right here)
We’ve additionally loved different highway journeys in Italy, like Cinque Terre, the Italian Lakes, Rome, Florence and the jaw-dropping Amalfi coast. We love the historical past, the surroundings and the food- I’m fairly positive I might reside on pizzas, calzones, spaghetti and Italian gelato eternally extra.
In this put up, we’re going to share with you the whole lot it’s good to know to go motorhoming in Italy, together with attending to Italy and how you can plan your route, the place to remain (motorhome campsites, sostas or wild tenting together with your camper), some highway journey itineraries and locations to go to in North and South Italy, driving suggestions and different sensible recommendation that will help you have an incredible Italian driving vacation.
If that is your first campervanning journey to Italy (or Europe!), don’t overlook to seize your free motorhome journey guidelines which can provide help to plan and organise the whole lot you want.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Campervanning in Italy- Where to go
When planning a motorhome journey to Italy, the very first thing it’s good to do is determine the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you could have to your Italian journey!)
If you’re driving from the UK to Italy (we’ll cowl that shortly), it’s good to enable at the least a day to get from arriving in France (by both ferry or Eurotunnel) right down to the north of Italy. Of course, in case you solely have per week’s vacation, that solely permits just a few days to discover the nation, so we’d recommend staying to the north of the nation.
If you could have 10-14 days or longer to tour Italy, you may get rather a lot additional south, actually so far as Naples/ Pompeii and presumably even additional in case you’re glad to drive day by day.
The extra you tour round Italy, the extra you’ll realise there’s are some huge variations between North and South. There’s way more wealth within the north. There are additionally extra mountains and extra huge cosmopolitan cities. Southern Italy is far much less developed, with some unbelievable seashores and several other islands so that you can discover (or camp up subsequent too in case you can!)
When to go motorhome touring in Italy
As with all European highway journeys, WHEN is nearly as vital as WHERE.
On our very first motorhome journey to Italy, we headed straight for the Italian lakes (one of the fashionable areas in Italy) in August.
Funnily sufficient, there have been folks EVERYWHERE. It was so crowded, we might barely discover a Sosta with any room and all of the campsites close to the lakes had been fully-booked for months.
That was our fault- we hadn’t deliberate forward.
On the flip facet, after we did our tour from Rome to Florence (by way of Pisa), we went in February. There was snow on the bottom, it was freezing chilly, however the lack of individuals when visiting the sights made up for the coolness issue. We virtually had a few of the museums and fashionable websites to ourselves!
For us, our favorite time to discover Italy is both later Spring or early Autumn. We toured the Dolomites in early October and the climate was good. Obviously, the additional south you go the hotter it will likely be. Sicily is the place the Italians go to flee the chilly temperatures within the north. Of course, if you wish to go snowboarding together with your motorhome, keep within the Dolomites and revel in a few of the greatest slopes in Europe.
TOP TIP: Many campsites shut in winter (usually at finish of September or center of October) and don’t re-open till Easter. If you’re planning to tour Italy in a camper between these occasions, you’ll want to make use of Sostas or public companies to get contemporary water and empty waste.
Planning a driving route from UK to Italy
There are a number of methods to get from the UK to Italy. The first query to ask your self whenever you’re planning a motorhome journey in Europe is are you cheerful to pay tolls, or do you need to take the slower however cheaper again roads?
For us, we’re often driving to Italy from France and we’re glad to pay the tolls/ tunnel cost and get there faster, so we head to Mont Blanc at Chamonix (don’t miss the possibility to cease in a single day in your motorhome on the foot of Mont Blanc and get the cable automobile up the Aiguille de Midi– it’s spectacular!) From right here, it’s straightforward to drive by way of the Mont Blanc tunnel and then you definately’re in Italy!
Best Motorhome Route to Italy Through France
If you’re planning a highway journey by way of France to Italy, we’ve put collectively a few of the greatest driving routes for motorhomes, campers, caravans and automobiles (full with estimated toll costs)
Another route we’ve pushed within the motorhome is by way of the Verdon Gorge, French Riviera after we visited the Menton Lemon Festival in February after which drove alongside the coast to Cinque Terre.
Lastly, on our very first journey, we returned by way of the Swiss Alps, by leaving the Italian lakes and heading north. From there, we drove by way of Switzerland, detoured into Liechtenstein, previous Strasbourg, then up into Luxembourg and Belgium the place we paid our respects on the Last Post Ceremony on the Menin Gate.
Don’t overlook, in case you take your campervan into Switzerland, you’ll need to purchase a vignette on the border.
Other motorhome and campervan routes into Italy
If you’re not driving from the UK, there are a few different choices.
From the west, in case you’re already motorhoming in Spain, you may get certainly one of 3 ferries from Barcelona to numerous locations in Italy, which saves a number of driving time.
From the East, you may get a ferry from Greece to Italy (or vice versa!) There are a great deal of route choices, so discover one which works for you.
If you don’t need to do a ferry, do what we did in reverse and go motorhoming by way of Croatia and Slovenia into Northern Italy- it’s an exquisite journey.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Hiring a motorhome to tour Italy
Of course, in case you’re hiring a motorhome, you’ll produce other elements to think about. If you’re flying in, you’ll want to choose an airport close to the realm you need to discover. Then you’ll must discover a rent firm with a base close to there and plan how you can get from the airport to the campervan.
If you’re driving after which hiring, be certain the rent firm has someplace safe to park your automobile while you’re off touring round Italy in your camper.
READ MORE: 10 important inquiries to ask whenever you rent a motorhome.
Campervanning in Italy- motorhome in a single day parking
In Italy, there are a number of varieties of motorhome and campervan stopovers you should use.
- Campsites
- Sostas (which is what the Italians name aires)
- Free authorised motorhome parking locations
- Motorhome Wild tenting
Motorhome Campsites in Italy
Campsites in Italy are very like campsites anyplace else in Europe. Some are rustic and have primary services, others are all singing, all dancing ones with swimming pools, personal seashore entry and boat rent.
If you’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, we extremely advocate shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership– you’ll save some huge cash as we discovered the campsites in Italy to be fairly costly.
Expect to wish a token for the bathe (sure, at extra value) This occurs even on ACSI websites, though chances are you’ll get the token supplied without spending a dime. Be warned- the new water within the bathe is on a timer- often between 3-5 minutes per token.
Sostas/ Aires in Italy
Sostas are what the Italians name Aires- authorised motorhome and campervan in a single day parking locations. They are sometimes paid, though you will see some in additional distant areas that are free to make use of in a single day. Many of them have companies, though you’ll discover the standard varies dramatically, particularly from north to south.
READ MORE: Discover how we discover and use Sostas, Aires and in a single day parking locations when motorhoming in Europe
Below Rome, sostas and repair factors are a lot rarer, though free tenting can also be simpler in lots of locations. Camperonline.it is an efficient place to look if Park4Night isn’t being useful.
Normally, there’s a one or two day cease restriction- they’re designed so that you can see an space, after which transfer on- not keep for per week in a single place.
We don’t advocate you employ the aires on the motorways- they’re infamous for being unsafe.
It’s at all times value investing in a e book of aires, in addition to an internet app- simply in case you end up with out web in your motorhome (or and not using a wifi sign). Of course, the draw back with any e book is that it goes old-fashioned, however don’t fear if it’s solely a 12 months or two out- most details about aires received’t change an excessive amount of
Here are some we advocate:
Wild tenting in Italy for motorhomes and campers
Can you wild camp in Italy with a motorised car?
Wild tenting in Italy is technically prohibited, though every area in Italy has their very own laws. It could also be attainable to get permission from the native governor in case you ask on the city corridor.
However, with somewhat frequent sense and staying throughout the restrictions, it’s usually attainable to remain off-grid together with your motorhome or campervan.
- Don’t try to wild camp on the coast except you’re someplace REALLY distant (extra prone to be allowed within the South)
- Having mentioned that, wild tenting within the National Parks (just like the Dolomites) is strictly managed, though we did handle it at Val di Funes.
- Don’t try to wild camp in busy/ fashionable areas- just like the Italian Lakes- except you’re visiting within the lowest of off-season
- Get the permission of the landowner if attainable
- Don’t keep inside 1km of a built-up space, or inside 100m of historic buildings
- Don’t park inside 50m of nationwide routes or inside 150m of the place consuming water is extracted
TOP TIP: You can use Park4night or camper contact to search out locations. Learn how you can wild camp with a motorhome right here
We’ve heard of some individuals who have been approached and requested to pay a safety fee- to make sure their motorhome/ camper is ‘left alone and undisturbed’ while wild tenting. This appears to occur principally when motorhome touring in southern Italy and in Sicily. I strongly recommend you pay this or transfer on- saying no isn’t going to finish nicely!
Want to remain off-grid together with your motorhome?
Grab our FREE wild tenting guidelines and make it straightforward for your self. Everything it’s good to do, deliver or keep in mind whenever you keep off-grid.
Other authorised in a single day motorhome parking schemes in Italy
If you’d prefer to keep away from campsites and sostas, however don’t need to threat staying off-grid, there are two schemes which supply locations to stick with a motorhome or campervan.
The first is AgriCamper Italia, which has fantastic hosts all around the nation, together with farms, vineyards and artisans. Membership prices 29€ for the 12 months.
The second possibility is In Camper con Gusto, which does the identical factor however focusses on the provinces of Piacenza, Parma and Reggio Emilia. Membership prices 35€/ 12 months.
Motorhome and campervan service factors in Italy
If you’re used to touring in France and Germany, you could be stunned on the poor state of a few of the motorhome service stations in Italy, particularly within the south of the nation.
Often, there’s both no black waste emptying point- or it’s blocked. The drains are in ridiculous locations the place it’s inconceivable to get over- having a bucket or pipe will likely be helpful.
Driving suggestions for Italy
The Italians are identified for being… exuberant with their driving. I’m on no account going to remark, however I’ll say that we have now been very grateful for our motorhome wing-mirror protectors each time we go to!
The scariest factor concerning the Italian driving fashion is that they typically appear to overhaul, on a blind bend and simply hope that nothing is coming the opposite means. So our recommendation is to take it slowly, count on the surprising, and be ready to slam on the brakes at any second.
We routinely simply let folks overtake, particularly if we’re towing a trailer with our motorhome– it’s simpler than worrying about which blind nook they’ll attempt to kill themselves on subsequent! They appear to have little or no idea of how lengthy it takes for a big car like a motorhome to gradual to a cease, so attempt to depart a number of braking room.
Speed limits in Italy
Speed Limits are as follows (except in any other case signed!)
- 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways
- 110km/hr (68mph) on main roads
- 90 km/h (50 mph) on minor roads (out of city)
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas
Motorhomes with trailers or caravans:
- motorways 80 km/h (50 mph)
- main out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph)
- minor out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph)
- built-up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes and beneath 12 tonnes:
- motorways 100 km/h (62 mph)
- main out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- minor out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- city areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Horns
Italians love their horns. They’ll beep to say hello to one another, they’ll beep to inform one another off, they’ll beep to let they’re barrelling round a blind nook in your facet of the highway…! They additionally prefer to flash their headlights at you once they’re on YOUR facet of the road- as in case you hadn’t seen them!
Parking in cities and cities
Parking in most built-up areas is hard. You’ll see automobiles, buses and lorries parked in essentially the most ridiculous locations, usually blocking the highway completely while they unload or conduct their enterprise.
If you’re parking, white traces appear to indicate free parking locations, blue traces imply it’s good to pay (often at a meter close by).
I strongly advocate you don’t take your motorhome right into a metropolis, however even a city you may wrestle discovering someplace to park. We usually discovered an aire or campsite close to a practice line and used that to visit- like we did at Cinque Terre.
Dogs are allowed on public transport- extra on that later.
Road Conditions
Most roads within the north of Italy are of first rate quality- just like France or the UK. There is a noticeable distinction between the roads within the north and south- they get steadily worse as you go down.
There are often roadworks on the foremost motorways and sometimes crash limitations and security options are lacking, so drive fastidiously.
Fuel Stations in Italy
First factor to know- Buy gasoline anyplace aside from on the principle roads- it’ll be cheaper. Fuel costs are similar to France. and barely cheaper than the UK.
Secondly, there’s a ‘two-tier’ cost system in Italy. A less expensive possibility in case you fill your self, and a dearer fee in case you get a forecourt attendant to do it for you. BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PULL UP- they get very upset in case you park at an attended service gasoline pump after which don’t need it. There’s usually a logo of a person with a pump, however ‘con servicio’ or servizio for service and ‘self’ for self-service.
Many stations shut in a single day and on Sundays. Chiuso means closed in Italian and Aperto means open.
Low Emission Zones and ZTL’s in Italy
Many main cities and cities are attempting to cut back air pollution ranges by proscribing automobiles into the centre. This is a ‘Zone Traffico Limitato’ or ZTL. Most ZTLs are for residents solely, so in case you drive your motorhome right into a ZTL you’ll obtain a effective by way of the put up. Also, NO rented automobiles are allowed in a ZTL at any time.
Low Emission Zones have gotten extra frequent all through Europe. If you do determine to drive your camper or motorhome right into a metropolis with no ZTL, test if there’s an LEZ or congestion cost to pay. Alternatively, park exterior town and use public transport to entry the centre.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Some fast suggestions for driving in Italy:
- Italy drives on the best, like a lot of Europe
- Motorways are GREEN, twin carriageways are blue (reverse to the UK and far of Europe)
- The most velocity for personal automobiles beneath 3.5t is 130kph (81mph) on motorways however velocity limits are decrease for automobiles towing caravans and for motorhomes over 3.5t in weight.
- When on two-lane motorways, dipped headlights should be used.
- If driving by way of cities and villages, solely use the horn in an emergency.
- Buses and trams have proper of means.
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- In-car velocity digital camera detectors and motorhome sat-nav programs warning of the presence of radars are unlawful (whether or not they’re in use or not!)
- Using a cell phone whereas driving is prohibited, however you should use a hands-free unit.
- Minor site visitors offences can lead to on-the-spot fines.
- UK driving licences are completely acceptable to make use of and also you in all probability received’t want an IDP (discover out the adjustments made to driving in Europe after BREXIT)
- You will want a inexperienced card to show you have motorhome insurance coverage cowl when travelling in Italy.
Tolls in Italy
Italy doesn’t have a vignette- it has tolls (pedaggio). You gather a ticket on the machine as you enter the highway system and pay (both an individual or machine) on the finish in money or on a card. Tolls are usually dearer than Spain however cheaper than in France.
You can use a tollpass/ telepass (like e-Movis) or you may pay-as-you-go by money or card (we at all times advocate carrying some cash- simply in case!) Signs point out the technique of cost accepted on every lane.
Most motorhomes are calculated for sophistication B, whatever the variety of axles. You can calculate the toll value of your supposed route right here
Petrol/ Diesel
Petrol and diesel for propulsion are discovered at gasoline stations throughout Italy.
Petrol (Unleaded) is Benzina senza piombo/ “Benzina verde”.
It’s additionally known as Normale (95) or Speciale (98) and will likely be inexperienced handles on the pump.
Diesel is Gasolio / Diesel and will likely be black or yellow on the pump.
Prices in Italy are often barely increased than France or Germany- about equal to the UK.
Getting LPG in Italy
LPG (GPL) might be discovered at chosen petrol stations and at autogas stations. If shopping for from a petroleum station, chances are you’ll want to attend for an attendant to show the system on for you.
Some folks have apparently had hassle filling their refillable motorhome gasoline bottles. This is right down to alternate tax charges for gasoline used for home heating and cooking, and the garages are involved concerning the paperwork. Apparently, issues are worse in case you have an inside fill level, which we do, however we’ve not had any troubles.
READ MORE: Learn how we discover LPG in Europe for our motorhome
Red/ White striped warning reflective boards in Italy
If your motorhome has something overhanging on the rear, (like bicycles or a tow bar field) it’s good to have a reflective plate fitted, warning different drivers of the hazard. If you solely have a bicycle rack however no bicycles, you don’t want a board- so long as the rack is completely fitted. A non-permanent bike rack wants a board always.
These boards are diagonal purple and white striped, reflective, and measure 50 x 50cm. In Italy, they MUST have a steel backing (not plastic).
The stripes should level into the centre of the highway, like this:
Driving in Italy- what to do within the occasion of a highway site visitors accident
You ought to have a European Claim Form supplied by your insurer earlier than you permit. In the occasion of an accident, all events full and signal the shape on the scene after which ship a duplicate to your insurer for evaluation.
What to do on the scene:
- Stop your car instantly however safely- out of the move of site visitors if attainable.
- If a car is obstructing the highway, use hazard lights and put the purple warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching site visitors
- Exchange your particulars with the opposite concerned events. Be positive to get:
- Name and deal with of all of the folks concerned within the accident
- Vehicle registration numbers of all events
- Insurance firm particulars of all events
- Take pictures of injury utilizing a digital camera, GoPro or telephone
For extra particulars, learn our step-by-step information on coping with a highway site visitors accident in Europe
Other important issues to hold whereas campervanning in Italy
In Italy, as with all international locations in Europe, there are particular belongings you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan, equivalent to a reflective vest (one per individual) and a warning triangle.
Italy asks for much less equipment than France, however don’t overlook, if you’re driving down by way of France, you want all of the equipment for there as nicely.
If you’re motorcycling in Italy, crash helmets are obligatory.
If you’re travelling between 15 October and 15 April, you’ll need to have winter tyres and/ or snow chains fitted as situations dictate.
Make positive you carry the next paperwork:
- Passport/ authorised ID card
- Valid Drivers licence (sure, your UK driving licence is allowed for use)
- Proof of Vehicle insurance coverage (inexperienced card)
- Vehicle registration doc (unique)
Motorhoming in Italy- Itinerary concepts and locations to go to
Obviously, it’s inconceivable for us to know the way lengthy you could have, the place you’re arriving from and the kinds of belongings you need to do throughout your campervanning tour of Italy.
So listed here are a few itinerary ideas for you, which gives you start line to construct on. Don’t overlook to seize our FREE highway journey planner, which can provide help to create a route and itinerary based mostly on what YOU need to see.
Suggested Driving itinerary for Northern Italy
If you want nationwide parks and unbelievable surroundings, that is for you. You can squeeze it into per week, or add in some further bits in case you have longer.
Gran Paradiso National Park
Start your journey at Gran Paradiso National Park. You might simply spend just a few days right here. If you could have time, pop right down to Cinque Terre– we stayed at a close-by campsite known as Camping Valdeiva, which was beautiful and open out-of-season (we visited in February)
Italian lakes
Then (so long as it’s not excessive season) head to the Italian Lakes. They’re all fairly, however our favourites are Maggiore and Garda. If you could have one other car with you (like a bike or automobile, or a pushbike in case you’re REALLY match), don’t miss the Gorge highway close to Garda– it’s spectacular. Sirmione can also be nicely value a go to.
Also, in case you like heights, there’s a zipwire close to Lake Maggiore which has been on my bucket checklist for some time!
Motorhome campsite/ sostas at Lake Garda
We parked our motorhome at Densenzano del Garda, a sosta which prices 17.50€/ evening (not together with electrical). It was good sufficient, however there are a few nicer campsites round. You may want to get one with a pool, as there are sturdy rumours that swimming within the Italian lakes is dangerous to your well being!
Some of the opposite fashionable motorhome campsites at Lake Garda embody:
- Camping Il Faro- full with 25m swimming pool. Can be blissfully quiet out of season
- Camping Baia Verde- very fashionable and sometimes very noisy!
- Camping Cappuccini- with unbelievable lake views in case you’re fortunate
From right here, you could have a selection North, East or South.
Dolomites (North)
North takes you to the Dolomites together with your motorhome and you’ll take pleasure in take pleasure in unbelievable locations just like the Great Dolomites Road and Tre Cime di Lavaredo
See our full Dolomites highway journey itinerary
Verona and Venice (east)
Verona is legendary for the Romeo and Juliet balcony and the outdated city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Venice is without doubt one of the most well-known cities on this planet and nicely value a few days of your itinerary. Avoid in excessive summer- it’s simply too crowded to see something. If you’re exploring Europe in February, don’t miss the Venice Carnival – it will likely be loopy busy however spectacular!
Best Motorhome campsite close to Venice
Camping Fusina is the solely camp web site within the area that overlooks the Venetian Lagoon and offers a view of Venice from its japanese edge. There is a passenger ferry which can take you throughout the water to Venice and again.
Address – Via Moranzini, 93, 30176, Venezia
GPS co-ordinates of campground: 45˚ 25’ 9” N, 12˚ 15’ 21” E
Florence and Rome (south)
Florence– I really like this metropolis. There are so many unbelievable issues to do right here. Stay at Camping Firenze, which is simple strolling distance to town, however avoids the ZTL No-Driving Zone.
Rome– It’s uncommon we return to a spot twice, however we have now with Rome. Stay at Village Flaminio- 11km north of town centre. It’s an ideal campground for campervan and motorhome house owners who need to depart their car someplace safe whereas they go to town.
You can discover extra particulars of all of the greatest motorhome campsites in Northern Italy right here
Of course, in case you have the time, prolong your motorhome journey in Italy additional south and revel in unbelievable locations just like the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Herculaneum, Sicily and Matera
Campervanning in Italy- safety
We extremely advocate paying further consideration to your motorhome safety when travelling in Italy. You may even want to match an further camper habitation door lock and by no means depart your car unattended in an unsecure space.
More helpful issues to know when campervanning in Italy
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you the whole lot
Police 113
Fire Brigade 115
Ambulance 118
Language– Italian. English often spoken in campsites and in vacationer areas, however not usually elsewhere
Currency– Euro
Cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Express is just taken in giant shops (not at tolls and sometimes not at gasoline stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Tipping– Service is often included in a restaurant, however do test. It’s frequent to tip different companies, like taxi drivers
Shops– Many outlets shut on Sundays. Bigger supermarkets could also be open, however will shut at lunchtime. If bakeries open on Sundays, they’re usually closed on Mondays as a substitute. Many outlets and companies additionally shut for a protracted lunch (between 12-2pm) and a few won’t open on Wednesday afternoons.
Doing Laundry in Italy whereas touring
We struggled to get our motorhome anyplace close to a laundrette (which are sometimes within the centre of cities and cities). We ended up placing it on the again of our motorbikes, or particularly selecting a campsite with laundry services.
Touring Italy with a canine
Italy is fairly dog-friendly and they’re extensively accepted on public transport. Take a muzzle and their pet paperwork, such because the AHC- though we’ve by no means been requested to point out this.
Read extra: adjustments affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
We additionally discovered canine have been allowed on the seashores besides in excessive season, which is sensible and so they’re usually allowed in eating places in the event that they’re well-behaved and on a brief lead.
