Travelling by motorhome, caravan or campervan allows you to discover a different side of Italy. Just leave the main tourist routes and you will find yourselves in quiet areas, among rolling hills, mountains and small villages where time seems to slow down.
Inland Italy is made up of unspoilt landscapes, ancient traditions and local dishes that tell the story of each region. Here you can stop in the heart of nature, walk along scenic trails, visit local museums and hidden monuments, or simply enjoy the peace of an overnight stay on a farm.
With Agricamper, you can easily organise simple and free stopovers at Italian farms, ideal for those travelling independently and looking for a genuine connection with the local area. Download the app and try the free demo version for a preview!
Let’s explore together some of Italy’s lesser-known regions, following a north-to-south itinerary that is perfect for your motorhome adventures.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Hills, castles and Alpine traditions
The inland area of Friuli Venezia Giulia is a surprising destination for those travelling by motorhome, caravan or campervan and looking to explore a region that is still off the beaten track.
Starting from the gentle hills of the Collio, you can follow scenic roads through neat vineyards and small villages such as Cormòns, where life flows at a slower pace. From here, continue to San Floriano del Collio and enjoy peaceful walks through woodland and border hills overlooking the vineyards and the Julian Alps.
Heading east, Cividale del Friuli is a must for history lovers. This UNESCO-listed Lombard town features unique monuments such as the Lombard Temple, richly decorated with stucco, and the striking Devil’s Bridge, suspended above the turquoise waters of the Natisone River.
For an even more authentic experience, venture into Carnia, one of the most genuine Alpine areas of the region. In Sauris you will find a mountain village of wooden houses and flower-filled balconies, surrounded by forests and trails. The Water Trail connects Lake Sauris with small hamlets and panoramic viewpoints, offering an easy yet scenic hike.
During your journey through inland Friuli, taste local specialities such as frico with polenta, crispy and flavourful, gubana, a traditional cake filled with dried fruit, and the famous San Daniele ham, a true symbol of the region.
Marche
Rolling hills, historic theatres and Renaissance villages
Inland Marche is perfect for discovering an authentic Italy made of gentle landscapes, charming villages and deep-rooted cultural traditions.
The village of Offida welcomes you with its elegant historic centre. Visit the Serpente Aureo Theatre, one of the most fascinating historic theatres in the region, decorated with wood carvings and velvet details. Nearby, the Church of Santa Maria della Rocca, built on a rocky spur, dominates the landscape with its dramatic position and medieval frescoes.
Nature lovers should not miss the Sibillini Mountains National Park. One of the most scenic routes leads to Lake Pilato, a small glacial lake nestled beneath the peaks of Monte Vettore. In spring and summer, the plateau of Castelluccio di Norcia becomes a colourful mosaic during the famous lentil bloom.
Continuing through the hills, reach Matelica, a historic town surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Visit the Piersanti Archaeological Museum and stroll through quiet squares and historic streets.
In Marche, enjoy traditional dishes such as olive all’ascolana, vincisgrassi, a rich baked pasta, and crescia sfogliata, a warm layered flatbread.
Umbria
Peaceful villages and spiritual landscapes
Umbria is known as the green heart of Italy. Beyond its famous towns, the inland area offers quiet villages, panoramic roads and trails immersed in silence.
In the Umbrian Valley, Montefalco is surrounded by cultivated hills. Visit the San Francesco Museum Church and walk along the town walls for sweeping countryside views.
For walkers and cyclists, a scenic section of the Way of St Francis connects Spoleto and Trevi, crossing olive groves and wooded hills.
Another charming stop is Bevagna, with its beautifully preserved medieval square Piazza Silvestri.
Local specialities include torta al testo, strangozzi with truffle and Umbrian porchetta.
Molise
Ancient drovers’ roads, castles and timeless villages
Molise is one of Italy’s least known regions, yet it offers silent landscapes, gentle mountains and villages where traditions remain alive.
The historic tratturi (ancient drovers’ roads), such as the Pescasseroli–Candela route, cross the region and can be explored on foot or by bike.
In Scapoli, visit the International Bagpipe Museum, while Capracotta offers mountain scenery and the Apennine Flora Garden.
Typical dishes include cavatelli pasta, pezzata di pecora and Molisan taralli.
Basilicata
Clay badlands, rock villages and lunar landscapes
Basilicata surprises visitors with ever-changing scenery, from clay hills to rocky mountains and perched stone villages.
The Aliano Badlands Park offers spectacular lunar-like formations.
In the Lucanian Dolomites, villages like Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa are connected by the scenic Seven Stones Trail.
In Venosa, explore the archaeological park and the Abbey of the Holy Trinity.
Don’t miss peperoni cruschi, strazzata bread and lucanica sausage.
Calabria
Mountains, national parks and Arbëreshë villages
Inland Calabria offers mountains, forests and villages rich in ancient traditions.
The Sila National Park features pine forests and lakes such as Lake Arvo, while the Pollino National Park is home to the Arbëreshë village of Civita.
Near Borgia, the Scolacium Archaeological Park preserves Roman ruins among olive groves.
Local flavours include ’nduja, fileja pasta and traditional sweets such as mostaccioli.
Conclusion
Inland Italy is perfect for travellers exploring by motorhome, caravan or campervan who want to discover authentic places far from mass tourism.
With the freedom of motorhome travel, you can stop where you wish and enjoy peaceful overnight stays on farms, agriturismi or wineries, in direct contact with local producers.
With Agricamper, you gain access to a network of host locations across Italy and can plan trips beyond the usual tourist routes, with simple and free 24-hour stopovers.
Download the app now and try the free demo to see available locations on the map and discover how the service works.
Then purchase your membership and start travelling freely among farms, villages and authentic landscapes throughout Italy.
