Vanalogue get to grips with the rules of the Italian road
Ah Europe. And, more specifically, Italy. The continent is a mere ferry ride away from the UK and is a whole new adventure. But before you start packing up your things, let Vanalogue explain the ins and the outs of how to wild park around Italy.
The basics
Italy is a top tourist destination and we all know why, that’s simple. But despite being a cultural and culinary powerhouse, it is also a haven for those living the van life. Why, you ask? They have a number of helpful rules that make wild parking just that little easier.
First of all, be sure to check out the Aree di Sosta. These are designated areas where it’s acceptable to park up and relax in the van. These sites are scattered through Italy, but many are situated in Italy’s central regions: Tuscany, Umbria and Marche as well as many more. These parking areas are often located away from popular tourist destinations which enables vanners to experience the real heart of Italy.
Heading to the more coastal areas and you’ll find notably less of the Aree di Sosta. However, there are often car parks situated near villages where overnight parking is perfectly acceptable. In these small towns, restaurants are also more than happy to accommodate those living in their vans (that’s if you buy a piece of their pizza).
Failing that, Italy has a wealth of campsites where vans are more than welcome, we’ve pooled some sites where you can get planning that journey.
Our undiscovered destination
Down on Italy’s heel is the region of Puglia. It’s a relatively undiscovered area that still offers the same mix of classic Italian culture and hearty cuisine.
Head straight for the European mecca of cliff diving that is Polignano a Mare. A small seaside town situated amongst cliffs and crystal clear waters. To find the perfect diving spot, speak to the locals, they know all the best ones, or head down to Polignano a Mare for the Red Bull cliff diving event.
