Table of Contents
Enjoying Italy in a motorhome is an unforgettable experience. In this post we will tell you a summary of a fascinating trip touring the 'boot' in two parts... although... the second could not be.
We began the first part of our journey in the north, disembarking in Genoa. Then, traveling south along its western coast overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, we entered Tuscany and continued through Umbria and Lazio.
On our motorhome tour of Italy we have been to Portofino, Cinque Terre, Florence, Lucca, Arezzo, San Gimignano, Pienza, Montepulciano and Orvieto until finally arriving in Rome.
The idea of the second part was to join the Lost Planet Travel group, which would lead us to the south of the Italian peninsula, and cross to Sicily through the Strait of Messina. But due to circumstances we interrupted it here, Rome being the last stop.
Can you come with us?
First thing: we take the ferry in Barcelona
Our trip through Italy by motorhome begins in the port of Barcelona where we arrived from Alcalá coinciding with the week of the Caravanning Show. Here we meet Tere and Emilio, our fellow travelers.
Finally, the day to board arrives, and we do so with GNV. The ferry from Tangier is packed with Moroccans. Some are lighting shishas in the ship's lounges without any reprimand from the staff. The fare was €345. Twenty hours of crossing and we arrive in Genoa.
Our route through Italy in a motorhome is about to begin!
Italy by motorhome: some tips to start
We tell you several aspects that you must take into account so that your trip to Italy in a motorhome goes well for you.
- CAMPING: in most campsites, they charge a tourist tax per person that can vary depending on the location, it is usually around €1
- ZTL, Zone di Traffico Limitato: Be careful not to enter, they can fine you.
- PETROL STATIONS: they usually have two prices, the Self Service, (you serve it to yourself) and it is the one advertised, and the attended service (they serve it to you) with an extra cost of more than 20 cents per liter. Be careful, they are different pumps at the same gas station.
Consultation websites
Caramaps (Personally, we think it's the best)
CampingCard ACSI Access to the camping map with discounts
Movistar Roaming (we have 50 GB/month with Movistar in the EU, note that this varies by operator)
Genoa: the landing
Genoa is only a landing point and not an object of visit because parking is very complicated, and there are many thefts, even in the motorhome area. It is important to mark the exit from Genoa by toll motorway, since the other option is by a road with a limitation of 2,5 tons, which could later complicate the issue of gauge.
Toll highways in Italy are very cheap, but they're nothing like those in Spain. It's common to find a lane closed for roadworks, and the shoulder or median is often nonexistent.
Rapallo and Portofino: beautiful beaches and luxury hotels
GPS : 44°21'27.7″N 9°12'34.5″E
(44.357688, 9.209585)
Rates : €12,50/AC, €7/person, €3 electricity, €1 tourist tax.
Services : All (dog, wifi, pool and showers, free).
Rapallo is the oldest urban center in this region. It dates back to 700 BC. This port city is considered one of Italy's hidden gems, boasting beautiful beaches, a mild climate, luxury hotels, and historic architecture.
You can circle the Gulf of Tigullio in the direction of Rapallo, walk along the calm waters and the cliffs to see the castles and country houses that are located in front of its beautiful port. Take the cable car to the sanctuary on the mountain, or enjoy the beautiful view and go down the ancient Ponte di Annibale. You can see two castles on the water like the Rapallo Castle.
Portofino is 10 km from the campsite. You can get there by bus or boat. Forget about it if you have a motorhome or campervan; the local police will turn you around. If you're taking the bus from Rapallo, you have to change in Santa Margherita Ligure, a small, ancient town that has remained unchanged over the years. It's a cluster of tall, narrow, multicolored houses arranged along the bay near the famous "Piazzetta," surrounded by lush vegetation.
We tell you that Portofino Park is a place that has become over the years a renowned vacation center, a destination for characters from the world of entertainment, politics and celebrities.
Without a doubt, a charming destination during your motorhome trip through Italy!
Cinque Terre: five colorful villages
AC area in La Spezia La Spezia
GPS: 44º 6'14” N 9º 51'34” E
Rate: €6/AC and €6 electricity
Services: Water change
Cinque Terre is a coastal area in Italy comprised of five villages , hence its name which means Five Villages/Lands. You can discover more about this destination in National Geographic.
We traveled it by train. Each of these towns have their own charm. We covered them from the farthest Monterosso to the closest Riomaggiore.
Monterosso is the largest and flattest of the five villages. The first thing you encounter upon leaving the station is a long, sandy beach, perfect for a day at the beach. Vernazza boasts a collection of colorful houses typical of the region, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio, vineyards, and olive groves.
Corniglia is a place that to get to it you have to climb many stairs from the train station, but the bus that leaves you in the town is included with the train ticket. Already in the town, although there is no beach, you can enjoy the views of the coast.
Manarola boasts a rocky beach adjacent to a natural pool. The water is deep, suitable only for experienced swimmers. Some daredevils jump in from the rocks. Manarola itself is a tourist attraction. We were fortunate enough to be there at sunset. A truly unforgettable experience from our motorhome trip through Italy.
Riomaggiore has a very picturesque historic center . From the train station to the town, you have to go through a tunnel where the Via dell'Amore (the Way of Love) begins. This is a pedestrian path with sea views.
Lucca, Tuscan charm
GPS: 43° 51′ 0″ N 10° 29′ 9″ E
43.85006 10.48584
Rate: €25/day
Services: all, including electricity (dogs allowed).
Lucca is a medieval marvel in the heart of Tuscany. Giacomo Puccini is Lucca's most beloved son, and the city has a special affinity for music. There are several ways to experience Lucca. You can take guided tours from the tourist office that visit important sites in Puccini's life, including his House Museum; you can simply drift along the bustling shopping streets; or you can lose yourself in the narrow alleyways and along the city walls. Travel isn't just about seeing; it's also about savoring what you see and experience.
Touring Italy in a motorhome is an experience full of pleasant surprises!
Italy by motorhome: the wonderful Florence
GPS : 43°45'55.4″N 11°18'54.6″E
(43.765404, 11.315134)
Rates : €35 AC, €6 electricity
Services : All
Florence was the capital of Italy between 1865 and 1871 and was the birthplace of the Renaissance. As you know, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world for its architecture. Here you can visit its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where medieval and Renaissance masterpieces stand out, such as the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Ponte Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Pitti Palace, and museums like the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo's David.
On your motorhome trip through Italy, you will soon discover that the heart of Florence is the Piazza del Duomo, with a monumental ensemble that includes the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi's majestic dome, the Baptistery of St. John, a magnificent example of Florentine Romanesque architecture, and Giotto's Campanile, a masterpiece of Florentine Gothic architecture.
Behind the cathedral is the Santa Maria del Fiore Opera Museum , where you can admire a beautiful collection of works from the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Campanile. Other must-see destinations include Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the majestic Uffizi Gallery , home to one of the world's most important museums, featuring works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and many other great artists.
Between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria lie architectural treasures such as the Orsanmichele Church and the Bargello Palace. Don't miss the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo and the magnificent Palazzo Strozzi.
Crossing Europe's oldest stone bridge, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), a symbol of Romanticism, originally occupied by butchers and slaughterers and later replaced by goldsmiths' workshops, you reach the Oltrarno district. Here you'll find the grand piazza that houses the Pitti Palace , the imposing and sumptuous palace that was once the residence of the Medici family. In Oltrarno, it's worth climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best view of Florence and the surrounding hills.
To say that Florence is a beautiful city is an understatement.
Useful links
On your trip through Italy by motorhome, when you visit Florence, do not forget these links that can be very useful:
Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence Opera House
San Gimignano: recognized by Unesco
Parcheggio per Camper Saint Lucia
GPS : 43º27´7” N 11º3´20” E
Rate: €11/day (other €1/hour)
(43.451944, 11.055556)
Services: Parking only
Rate and service: loading and unloading outside the area.
San Gimignano is famous today for its medieval architecture, especially its towers, of which there are as many as thirteen in the town center. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Interestingly, in the walled towns of medieval Tuscany, wealthy families competed to build taller towers, which symbolized power and wealth. These towers also served as inns and fortresses. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, they were a stopping point for Catholic pilgrims traveling to Rome. You'll learn this and more on your motorhome trip through Italy.
Arezzo: life is beautiful
Duccio di Buoninsegna Parking Area
GPS: 43° 27′ 13″ N 11° 52′ 44″ E
(43.45353 11.87894)
Rates: €8/day (€0,8/hour)
Services: Black and grey water disposal, lighting included. Refill at 10 cents/liter
Arezzo is the birthplace of illustrious citizens such as the poet Petrarch. Throughout history, Arezzo suffered extensive damage during World War II, and today its main industry is the production of gold jewelry.
Arezzo Cathedral , dedicated to Saints Peter and Donatus, sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Another artistic gem is the Piazza Grande, with its blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural elements. It's famous for having been the filming location for Roberto Benigni's 'Life Is Beautiful' . This is just one of the many fascinating discoveries you'll make on your motorhome trip through Italy.
If we stand in the center of the Piazza Grande and look around, we will see the beautiful Romanesque apse of Santa Maria della Pieve, with the Baroque Palace of the Tribunal; the Palace of the Fraternity of the Laity , Gothic below and Renaissance on the upper floor, and the arcades of the Logge Vasari , from the 16th century.
Piece: from film
GPS 43° 4′ 42″ N 11° 40′ 52″ E (43.07832 11.68101)
Rate : Blue zone from 8 a.m. to 22 p.m. €1,7/hour with the possibility of €5 for 6 hours or €14/day
Services : all except electricity
Pienza is another beautiful destination on our motorhome trip through Italy. Its Renaissance historic center led to its declaration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of Pienza's important historical and artistic heritage is concentrated in the evocative piazza dedicated to Pope Pius II. The Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is the most striking feature of the space . With a facade in the purest Renaissance style, its interior showcases Gothic elements.
The Palazzo Piccolomini was the residence of Pope Pius II and his family. Next, Corso Rossellino is the main street. Walk its entire length, from Porta al Murello to Porta al Ciglio , and don't miss any of its palaces: Palazzo Salomone Piccolomini, Palazzo Ammannati, Palazzo Jouffroy, Palazzo Gonzaga, and the Palazzo Cardinal Atrebatense. Many of them were built to house the cardinals of the papal court, who wished to make Pienza his summer residence.
Pienza has also been a filming location for movies, such as Gladiator . The English Patient was also filmed in Piazza Pio II, and it appears in the ball scene at the end of the war. A Midsummer Night's Dream , starring Kevin Klein, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Rupert Everett, features many shots of the countryside surrounding Pienza and also under the Tuscan sun.
Tuscan cuisine is highly regarded. Don't forget the Pecorino di Pienza cheese and a good plate of pici , the local pasta. They recommend eating at La Buca delle Fate , right on Corso Rossellino.
One of the great charms of your trip through Italy in a motorhome is gastronomy.
Montepulciano: perched on the hill
GPS: 43º 5'47” N 11º 47'13” E
43.096389, 11.786944
Rate : €10/day
Services: All except electricity
Montepulciano is perched atop a hill, has the characteristics of a medieval village in the shape of an "S," and is surrounded by three rings of walls, all built around the 14th century. Of Etruscan origin and a home to vampires… but in film, as scenes from the Twilight saga were filmed here, specifically from the movie "New Moon," in which its characters frantically roam the city's historic center.
For the visit, we took a bus up to the highest point, the Medici fortress. From there, it's all downhill to reach the town. We started at Piazza Grande , the heart of Montepulciano. The square is a monumental ensemble with the fountain of griffins and lions (1520) that guard the cathedral. We also saw the Palazzo Comunale. The beautiful palaces and sumptuous residences caught our eye at every turn. That's how beautiful our trip through Italy in a motorhome is!
Orvieto: volcanic origin
Area Renzo Battistelli
GPS: 42º 43´ 32” N 12º 7´38” E
(42.725556, 12.127222)
Price: €18/day (it was going up to €20 in 2022)
Services: All
Orvieto stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the plain through which the Paglia and Chiani rivers flow shortly before joining the Tiber. This enormous platform of volcanic tuff, rising fifty meters above the surrounding terrain, was created by the activity of several volcanoes.
It was an important Etruscan city and is an example of a fascinating destination. The entire rock of Orvieto is pierced by more than a thousand man-made shafts, galleries and caverns on various levels, some of which are accessible to tourists.
You can't miss Il Duomo , the city's cathedral and undoubtedly its most famous monument, as it's one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture you'll discover on your motorhome trip through Italy. The cathedral's interior is richly decorated and features an incredible array of colors in the chapel paintings and the large stained-glass windows. Other attractions include St. Patrick's Well , the Albornoz Fortress , the Moorish Tower , the Etruscan Necropolis , and the underground city.
Rome, the capital
GPS: 41°52'09.0″N 12°30'08.2″E
41.869155, 12.502268
Rate: €25/day
Services: all
Here in Rome we meet with the motorhomes that travel guided by Lost Planet Travel through the south of the Italian peninsula and Sicily, coming from Genoa, others come from touring Greece and Turkey, and some more from Barcelona. We shared these days in Rome with them and then headed for Spain.
Rome, as the capital of the Roman Republic and Empire, became the first great metropolis of humankind, the center of one of the most important ancient civilizations. It influenced the society, culture, language, literature, music, art, architecture, philosophy, gastronomy, religion, law, and morality of subsequent centuries. Over the course of its history, spanning three millennia, it extended its dominion over the entire Mediterranean basin and much of Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.
Currently, it is the city with the highest concentration of historical and architectural assets in the world. We were in Rome a few years ago, a very touristy express visit where we visited the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain and a little more. Enough to know that Rome existed. This time in our trip through Italy in a motorhome with a little more calm and more cultured we have visited the complex formed by the Colosseum, the Forum and Palatine Hill. Guided by Tere and Emilio, the most seasoned in this city, I walked through Trastevere, visiting the Church of Jesus (Gesù), Piazza Navona, Hadrian's Temple, Agrippa's Pantheon,... It is clear that we must return. Touring Italy in a motorhome is a must.
You can't miss the Colosseum, the forum, the Palatine Hill , Hadrian's Temple and the Church of Jesus (Chiesa del Gesù).
The trip through Italy in a motorhome is over
The trip through Italy in a motorhome comes to an end, we head to Civitavecchia to take the ferry to Barcelona with the Grimaldi shipping company, a better ship and organization than GNV. It cost us €350.
Which site did we like the most?
Removing Florence, we are left with Orvieto. As for the overnight points, we have prioritized that they be monitored and have a light point, to spend less gas, since in Italy the issue of LPG is complicated, not for lack of gas stations that offer it, but they only serve it to vehicles use it as fuel for the engine.
What change would you make on the trip?
At the overnight point to Visit Cinque Terre, instead of parking in La Spezia (south of Cinque Terre), I would do it in the north, parking in a campsite in Levanto, and spend a few more days.
A good trip. Better to see it once, that they tell you a thousand times.