Van Life Italy: A Comprehensive Guide to Van Life Adventures

Van Life Italy

Van life in Italy is the perfect adventure, whether you're just starting out or already a seasoned traveler. With everything from stunning mountain scenery to bustling cities steeped in history, Italy has something for everyone. Whether you're craving a day in the mountains, relaxing on the beach, or hunting down the best local dishes, Italy has it all, and it’s never far away.

If you’d like to read more about our personal journey, check out Our Adventure for all the details of our Italian road trip.

Considerations for Italy

Parking and Camping
Camping in Italy is fairly straightforward. If you prefer staying at campsites, you’re in luck there’s an abundance of them in most areas. But if, like us, you prefer free camping, that’s also very achievable. We frequently used Park4Night to find free places to park, including spots in cities. You’ll also find Sosta sites scattered around municipalities, which are similar to aires in France. These are usually simple setups offering free parking for motorhomes, with grey and black water disposal points. If you’re lucky, you might even get access to free electricity.

Driving in Italy
Driving in Italy can be an adventure in itself. In cities and towns, you’ll likely end up navigating narrow streets, which can be challenging but also a great confidence booster. Italian drivers can take some getting used to they tend to drive quite close behind you before overtaking. Don’t let it faze you! Stay calm and keep doing your thing.

Toll Roads
Toll roads (autostrade) are common in Italy and can sometimes be a little pricey. Our advice: take toll roads if they significantly shorten long drives, but otherwise, enjoy the scenic slower routes. The landscapes in Italy are worth the extra time. Generally, fuel prices are reasonable compared to the rest of Europe, so long road trips won’t break the bank.

Road Conditions
Overall, driving in Italy is fairly easy once you get the hang of it. Just watch out for occasional bumpy roads and hairpin turns, especially in mountainous areas. These roads offer incredible views but can be a little tricky to navigate if you’re not used to them.

ZTL Zones
One important thing to be aware of are the Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) zones in Italy, which are restricted areas in city centers. Make sure you set your GPS (Google Maps or Waze) to avoid these zones, as driving into one without permission can lead to hefty fines. These zones are usually in historic parts of cities, so plan your routes carefully to avoid getting caught out.

Things to Be Aware Of

Van life in Italy is an incredible experience, but like any adventure, it comes with its own set of issues. These moments, while sometimes stressful, add to the journey and often lead to interesting stories. Here’s a look at some of the things you might face, and how to handle them.

Breakdowns
Yep, they happen and we’ve had our fair share in Italy! From replacing an engine cooling fan to getting our A/C re-gassed and fixing a squeaky wheel, van life does come with its mechanical problems. The good news? Garages are easy to find, and Italians are incredibly helpful. Most of our repairs, aside from the cooling fan, were done in a few hours and for a fair price. The fan repair took a few days, but even that was cheaper than we expected. Our advice: try to avoid breakdowns on weekends when garages are closed, and don’t sweat it help is always nearby.

Language Barriers
The language barrier might seem intimidating at first, but with tools like Google Translate, it’s not much of a problem. Most people speak enough English to help you get by, and when in doubt, a good game of charades goes a long way! We’ve had some funny moments trying to explain what we needed through hand gestures, and it usually led to shared laughs. Learning a few basic Italian phrases will go a long way and is always appreciated:

• Hello: Ciao

• Thank you: Grazie

• Goodbye: Arrivederci

Safety and Security

We never felt unsafe in Italy, but it’s important to take precautions when parking your van, especially in big cities. While there’s always the risk of someone breaking in (that’s part of van life anywhere), we mostly found Italy to be very safe. In cities like Rome and Florence, we opted to pay for parking in lots with security cameras and other vans nearby for extra peace of mind. It might cost around 15 euros a night, but it’s worth it for the freedom to explore without worrying about your van. If we ever didn’t feel comfortable in a place, we simply moved on. It wasn’t common, but trust your gut if a spot doesn’t feel right, it’s not worth a sleepless night.

As for valuables, we always kept them locked away or hidden, and when we left the van, we made sure everything was secured, doors locked, and curtains closed. It’s simple stuff, but it gives you peace of mind while you’re out adventuring.

Best Italian Destinations

We spent three months exploring Italy, and while we didn’t manage to cover the entire country, we visited some truly breathtaking spots. As we mentioned earlier, Italy has something for everyone whether you’re looking for history, culture, or nature. Here are our top destination recommendations, traveling from north to south, along with some natural beauties that should be on your list.

Cities to Explore: From North to South
If city life and cultural experiences are what you’re after, these cities offer a mix of stunning architecture, history, and charm:

• Genoa: A bustling port city with rich maritime history.

• Chiavari: A charming town nestled along the Ligurian coast.

• Pisa: Famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, but there’s more to discover.

• Florence: A must visit for art lovers, with its Renaissance treasures.

• Viterbo: A lesser known place with medieval charm and thermal baths.

• Rome: The Eternal City, packed with ancient history, vibrant neighborhoods, and plenty of pasta.

• Tropea: A cliffside town in Calabria with stunning beaches.

• Reggio Calabria: Known for its coastal beauty and rich history.

Sicily

Sicily’s laid back vibe and gorgeous beaches are hard to resist. These cities are well worth exploring:

• Messina: The gateway to Sicily from mainland Italy.

• Catania: A lively city at the foot of Mount Etna.

• Agrigento: Home to the Valley of the Temples, an awe inspiring archaeological site.

• Marsala: Famous for its sweet wine and beautiful coastal views.

• San Vito Lo Capo: Known for its beautiful beach and nature reserve.

Puglia (Apulia)

We hadn’t planned to visit Puglia, but it quickly became one of our favourite regions. Its coastal beauty and historic towns kept us there for a whole month:

• Taranto: A historic port city with ancient ruins.

• Brindisi: A key stop for anyone exploring the region.

• Bari: A vibrant city with a picturesque old town.

• Monopoli: A beautiful coastal town perfect for relaxing.

• Ostuni: Known as the “White City” for its whitewashed buildings.

• Gallipoli: A seaside town with crystal clear waters.

• Lecce: A stunning Baroque city often called the “Florence of the South.”

Nature Lovers’ Paradise

If you prefer to immerse yourself in nature, Italy has plenty of options to satisfy your soul:

• Tuscany: Famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and thermal baths. It’s a perfect spot for scenic park-ups and hikes.

• Amalfi Coast: A must-drive destination with jaw dropping views. Just remember to take it slow the scenery will try to steal your attention from the road!

• Sicily: Beyond its beautiful beaches, Sicily’s interior offers tranquility and peace with its rugged landscapes and hidden gems.

• Apuglia: From olive groves to rugged coastlines, this region captured our hearts with its laid back charm and beautiful beachside camping spots.

• Abruzzo: Nestled in central Italy, this mountainous region is often overlooked by tourists. Its remote landscapes, hiking trails, and peaceful vibes make it perfect for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.

Friends on the Road

One of the best parts of van life in Italy is the sense of community you’ll find among fellow travelers. We met so many incredible people along the way there’s an openness and friendliness that makes it easy to connect with others. Whether you’re parked up at a beach, a campsite, or just passing through a small town, you’ll often find yourself chatting with other van lifers over a coffee, or more likely, a beer or ten!

A simple smile and a “ciao” go a long way, and before you know it, you’ll be swapping stories and tips with people from all over the world. For us, it felt like every new place brought new friends, and those shared moments laughing, cooking, and just living life on the road are what made our time in Italy so special.

Is Van Life in Italy for You?

So, after hearing about all the highs and the occasional challenges, you might be wondering is van life in Italy right for me? Well, if you’re up for an adventure filled with beautiful landscapes, delicious food, historic sites, and a touch of the unexpected, then Italy might just be your perfect destination. The key is to plan ahead, be prepared for a few bumps along the way, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of the journey. With its friendly locals, stunning scenery, and rich history.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Looking for more van life tips and Italian adventures? Don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more insights and stories from Our Adventure.

Safe travels and buon viaggio!