Campervan Hire in Italy

The price of a holiday in Italy varies greatly depending on what region you visit, how much sightseeing you do, and how clever you are with stretching your budget. Follow these simple tips on how to save money in Italy so that you can make the most of your trip:

• 1. Choose Low-Cost Campsites: Italy is packed with free and low-cost campsites that are perfect for budget-conscious campers. These camps are always located in beautiful surroundings and offer at least the basic amenities.
• 2. Book Early to Get Discounts: In a popular holiday destination like Italy, many campsites, campervan rentals, and attractions will offer Early Bird Discounts to those who book well in advance.
• 3. Cook Your Meals in Your Camper: Eating out can be expensive in Italy, especially in tourist hotspots. Cooking in your campervan can help you save money and allow you to try some of the delicious local produce.
• 4. Take Advantage of the Free Activities: Many cities have historic attractions and locations that can be explored for free. You can enter the Pantheon in Rome and walk along the ancient Via Appia road. Or view the austere splendour of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and the jagged spires of Milan’s Duomo Cathedral.

Summer is Italy’s peak tourist season, and many popular destinations can be crowded and expensive. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to visit, indeed the summer weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures in Rome reaching up to 35°C, which is ideal for both beach getaways and exploring all of the outdoor ruins and historical sights, not to mention spending a day boutique shopping around Italy’s many old towns.

Spring and autumn are excellent times to visit Italy, with milder temperatures between 5°C and 15°C, far fewer crowds, and much lower prices. The countryside is vibrant and green in the spring, and the fall foliage coats the landscape in fiery hues. These seasons are also ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

Winter in Italy can get cold, with temperatures dropping to -5°C in the north of the country, although Rome can still reach 15°C, meaning some of the more rural campsites might close down entirely until spring arrives. However, Winter is the best time to go skiing in Italy, as the Alpine ski resorts come to life under the freshly fallen snow.

If you want to visit one or two of Italy's top destinations, such as Rome, Florence, or Venice, you could plan a trip for 7-10 days. However, if you want to explore more of the country, spend extra time in each destination, and travel to some off-the-beaten-path locations, you will need at least 2-3 weeks.

Italy has tolled motorways and tunnels, known as pedaggi on the autostrada network, and the toll fees vary by route, operator, and vehicle class rather than being a fixed rate per mile. The Alpine tunnel roads that run between Italy and its bordering nations cost between $13 and $59 to use. You can pay by cash or card at the entry and exit tolls or pay in advance online.

In Italy, campervan parking rules and regulations can vary depending on the region, city or even the specific area you are in. You can generally park in rural areas and private car parks, so long as there are no signs prohibiting campervans, you pay any fees necessary, and your vehicle is not height-restricted.

On-street parking in city centres can be more challenging, especially in a historic centre with narrow streets. In these cases, it’s best to find an underground car park or leave your campervan at a much cheaper parking lot on the outskirts and use a shuttle bus to enter the city.

You can also park your campervan in roadside Sostas, or rest stops, which can be free but often charge a small fee and allow you to spend a day or a night to recharge before continuing your drive.

Wild Camping is illegal in Italy, but there are roadside rest stops called sostas, where you can park overnight for very low prices, sometimes for free. However, you may prefer to stay in a budget-friendly campsite to take advantage of their comforts and amenities.