Insider’s Look on The Joys of Driving in Tuscany

When people think of Tuscany, they picture rolling hills, cypress trees, vineyards and cute little towns on hilltops. It’s no surprise that so many tourists come to this pretty part of central Italy. The best way to see Tuscany is probably to take your time and wander from one charming village to the next. But driving through Tuscany is special in it’s own way. When you have your own car, you have the freedom to go wherever you want and the beautiful scenery makes it an unforgettable experience.

Why Drive in Tuscany?

If you want to see everything Tuscany has to offer, renting a car and driving yourself is probably the best way to do it. In the countryside, there might not be a lot of public transportation options. And while organized bus tours can be a good way to see a lot in a short time, they have a set schedule that might not give you enough time to explore lesser-known spots at your own pace.

When you have your own car, you can make your own itinerary based on what you’re interested in. You can spend as much or as little time in each place as you want. You can go wherever you feel like, whenever you feel like it. Driving also lets you go deep into the Tuscan countryside, away from the crowded tourist spots.

Of course, driving on the winding roads and in the old city centers can be a bit tricky. But if you take it slow, it’s definitely worth it.

Hitting the Road

Before setting out to conquer Tuscany on four wheels, let us overview what you can expect when driving in the region:

Winding Roads

Many roads in rural Tuscany follow the natural contours of the land. This means lots of switchbacks and hairpin turns as you travel up, down and around hillsides blanketed in vineyards, olive groves and oak forests. Drive slowly and cautiously in order to fully appreciate the scenery. Also be on the lookout for bicyclists and passing cars coming from the opposite direction around tight blind curves.

Narrow Streets

Within ancient villages, roads often become cobblestone pedestrian streets scarcely wide enough for a single car to squeeze through. Drive at a snail’s pace, yielding carefully for pedestrians and other vehicles. Park outside the historic center whenever possible and continue on foot. If parking within village walls, be prepared for extremely tight spaces and tiny garages suitable only for compact cars.

Country Roads

While major highways like the A1 autostrada connect major cities like Florence and Siena, much of your driving in Tuscany will likely be along winding, two-lane country roads. Most have very little shoulder, if any at all, so pull over carefully if stopping. Be alert for tractors or other slow-moving vehicles. Also keep an eye out for loose livestock, deer or wild boar near wooded areas.

Gas Stations

Fueling up is easier in cities and large towns. But gas stations become fewer and far between in rural areas and may close for riposo (afternoon break). Let your tank get low and you could be sputtering along praying for a petrol station to materialize around the next bend. Instead, get in the habit of fueling up often, even if you have half a tank.

Signage

Italian road signage generally conforms to international symbols and conventions. But the signs themselves may be small and easy to miss, especially when traveling quickly. Keep a close eye out for signs indicating upcoming turns to avoid missing your exit. Also be aware that destination names on signs may reference the next large town, not necessarily the specific village you are headed towards. It helps to study maps beforehand and know the names of smaller hamlets along your route.

Top Destinations for Scenic Drives

Now that you know what to expect on the roads, where exactly should you drive once in Tuscany? The list of possibilities in this beautiful region goes on and on. But here is a selection of some especially scenic routes and destinations to consider:

Chianti Wine Region

What trip to Tuscany would be complete without meandering through Chianti’s gentle hillsides blanketed in vineyards? The iconic postcard views here do not disappoint. Cruise along the Chiantigiana road (SS222) connecting Florence to Siena. Stop to sample exceptional wines at charming wineries and estates along the way.

Base yourself for a few nights in romantic hilltop villages like Greve in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti or Radda in Chianti. Then set off each morning to explore more winding backroads lined with ancient stone farmhouses, cypress trees and rolling vineyards fading into the horizon.

Val d’Orcia

The Val d’Orcia valley south of Siena delivers quintessential Tuscan vistas at their best. One could even argue this landscape defined the very look of Tuscany we still romanticize today. Lyrical scenes of hay bales scattered across fields, dense oak forests clinging to hillsides and noble villas reigning over farms and vineyards unfold around each bend.

Meander along the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage road connecting Italy to Rome, which runs through the peaceful Orcia River valley. Soak in dreamy views of iconic towns like Pienza, Montalcino and Bagno Vignoni, where thermal hot springs still flow through the center of town into ancient baths.

Volterra & San Gimignano

The stunning hill towns of Volterra and San Gimignano have retained their medieval appearance and rural charm through the centuries. As you approach either town jutting dramatically upward from the rugged countryside surrounding them, you’ll understand why Hollywood frequently uses them as cinematic backdrops.

Wander the narrow pedestrian lanes of San Gimignano’s well-preserved historic center showcasing towering defensive towers. Nearby, Volterra’s windswept setting spreads across a high rocky ridge forming the backbone of a vast national park extending to the sea. Grab your camera – the views overlooking the dramatic gullies and valleys below these towns are sure to impress.

Tips for Driving in Italy

Here are a few key pieces of practical advice for navigating Italian roads without incident:

• Get an International Driving Permit: While your valid license from home allows you to legally drive in Italy for short visits, traveling with an IDP adds an extra (essential) level of documentation in case questions arise or documents get lost or stolen. IDPs are easy and inexpensive from travel organizations like AAA in the US or CAA in Canada.
• Review Road Rules: Brush up on unique Italian driving rules before getting behind the wheel. For example, yielding to vehicles entering the roundabout from the left – not those already driving within it. Headlights must also be turned on while driving on the autostrada, even during the daytime. Reflective safety vests are compulsory in case of breakdowns.
• Drive Defensively: The charming chaos of Italian roads means defensive driving skills become critical. Expect other cars and motorbikes to veer into your lane and tailgate aggressively. Pass slower vehicles cautiously. Also watch out for vehicles backing out suddenly from driveways or parking spaces along narrow streets.
• Get an Automatic: Downshifting a manual transmission over and over while navigating hilly Tuscan roads gets tiring quickly. Consider splurging for an automatic car – even if you can drive stick shift fluently. It makes driving the region much less tedious and stressful.
• Use a GPS: While Google Maps works reasonably well for navigating major highways, coverage fails in rural areas. Consider renting a GPS from your rental agency or buying an Italian SIM card for supplemental navigation assistance. Offline maps apps like Maps.me can also provide backup guidance if you lose signal driving through remote country areas.
• Consider a Smaller Car: The tiniest European subcompact may feel cramped on highways, but proves perfectly nimble for maneuvering narrow village lanes and squeezing into microscopic parking spaces in town centers. Just be careful driving tiny cars on twisty rural roads surrounded by much larger vehicles.

Alternatives to Driving

If maneuvering Italian country roads on your own seems too daunting, take heart. Other convenient transportation options exist beyond a rental car. So even without a vehicle, the magic of Tuscany remains highly accessible:

• Trains: Rail travel in Italy is fast, affordable and efficient, especially between major cities like Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca in Tuscany. Timetables are frequent, fares are reasonable and many stations are centrally-located. Regional trains connecting small towns run less regularly but cost only a few euros.
• Buses: Buses pick up service to smaller towns where trains do not run. And regional bus lines like SITA serve popular tourist destinations within Tuscany not accessible directly by rail. Just know schedules can be sporadic in rural areas and trips often require multiple transfers.
• Tours: If you still want to sit back and sightsee, guided bus tours from Siena or other hubs visit key vineyards, villages and attractions across Tuscany on daily basis. Multi-day small group or private driver tours offer an even more customized experience with your own guide and itinerary.
• Taxis: Taxis come with a hefty price tag in rural Italy but provide the ultimate flexibility for customizable regional wine tasting, site seeing or transfers between towns and cities. Consider splurging on taxi transfers between key destinations then rely on other modes of transport for shorter jaunts and day trips.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Freedom & Flexibility – With your own vehicle you can go anywhere at your own pace on your own customized itinerary. Not restricted by public transport routes or schedules.
• Reach Remote Areas – Venture beyond major tourist hubs. Explore small villages, secluded vineyards, country backroads and lesser-known rural gems across Tuscany’s beautiful interior.
• Spontaneous Stops – Pull over on a whim anytime something catches your eye – a charming hill town, market, castle, scenic viewpoint, etc. Or just stop to soak in those iconic rolling Tuscan vineyard scenes.
• Road Tripping Adventure – Driving itself through such beautiful landscape is extremely enjoyable, from winding vineyard lined back roads to dramatic coastal drives. Roll the windows down and cruise along!
• Carry More Gear – Easily transport luggage, food/drink coolers, camping equipment, etc to far-flung destinations not otherwise easily accessible without a personal vehicle.

Cons:

• Navigating Challenges – Narrow cobblestone village streets with tight parking, highways without shoulders combined with Italian drivers require defensive driving skills and patience.
• Manual Transmission – Constant gear shifting required on hilly terrain gets physically draining, especially in traffic. Automatic cars cost more but provide relief.
• Gas Expense – Fueling an entire trip from your own wallet rather than a tour company can add up, especially if covering long distances across the region.
• High Risk Zones – Some mountain or coastal routes have steep drop offs, tight switchbacks and areas rockfall. Rain can make narrow rural roads muddy or prone to wash outs.
• Parking Scarcity – Finding accessible parking, especially for larger vehicles, can be extremely scarce in historic village centers. Expect tickets or towing if rules not followed.

FAQs

The Allure Endures

If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, you’re in for a treat. It doesn’t matter how you get around – by car, bus or even on a donkey (hey, it could happen!) – you’re gonna experience the real deal when it comes to Italian culture, food and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Europe. Sure, you could take a quick peek at the highlights from a big ol’ tour bus, but where’s the fun in that?

Here’s the secret: Do like the Italians do and embrace “la dolce vita.” That’s right, take it slow, baby! Forget about rushing around like a headless chicken. Instead, take your sweet time and savor every moment. Sit down for a long lunch and chow down on some hearty ribollita soup and a glass (or two) of smooth Chianti Classico. Get lost in the charming cobblestone alleyways and bask in the golden glow of the afternoon sun. Take a moment to appreciate the timeless village scenes that haven’t changed much in generations. Just let Tuscan life happen around you at it’s own leisurely pace.

If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and hit the road! Tuscany is a driver’s paradise. But if you’d rather kick back and relax, that’s cool too. No matter what you choose, Tuscany will cast a spell on you that’s impossible to resist. Just make sure you come with an open heart and an empty stomach, because trust me – you’ll never want to leave this magical place.