Seeking Italian Off-road Gems for 4Runner

[nathan6g]

Italy has been on my travel bucket list for ages, and with next year looking promising. Thinking about renting a 4Runner for the trip to visit the Dolomites. But I also heard parts of it can be reached by public transport as described here: https://mamalovesitaly.com/driving-in-italy-tips/

Any other off-road destinations in Italy you recommend that would justify the rental of a 4runner? Any tips or stories would be awesome!

 

[nathan6g]

Thanks for the detailed response, @davidly_will! You definitely got me excited about those off-the-beaten-path possibilities. I'm planning to be there for 3 weeks - thinking 1 week in the Dolomites, and now you've got me seriously considering splitting the other 2 weeks between Sardinia and Sicily. Those hidden beaches in Sardinia sound incredible. Would you say summer is a good time for off-roading in those areas, or would spring/fall be better weather-wise? I've heard Italian summers can get pretty intense!

Also wondering if you encountered any parking challenges with a larger vehicle in the smaller towns? I know Italian villages can have some pretty narrow streets. Been watching some YouTube videos about driving in Italy and that seems to come up a lot. I was thinking of getting a private car tour through https://gowithguide.com/Italy, at least for my first day. It would give me a chance to observe how locals navigate and park.

 

[nathan6g]

Glad you found the tips helpful! For off-roading, spring or fall is definitely best milder temps and fewer crowds make for a more enjoyable experience in Sardinia and Sicily. Summer can be intense!
And yep, parking in smaller Italian towns with a large vehicle can be tricky due to narrow streets. A private car tour sounds like a smart move to get a feel for local driving and parking.
Enjoy the adventure!

I really appreciate your advice on the seasons. I think I'll aim for a late September or early October trip for a milder weather and fewer tourists. Thanks again for all your help. This community is awesome!