Last updated: October 30, 2026. Rental prices below come from current listings of scooter and motorcycle rental shops in Sorrento, Alghero, Milan and Rome on the Riderly booking platform, checked on that date. Prices change by season, so treat them as a guide, not a quote.
Italy’s coastline is one of the best places in the world to ride: tight cliff roads above the sea, quiet island highways and villages where a scooter is easier to park than any car. Below are six coastal routes worth planning a trip around, plus what renting a scooter or motorcycle really costs and the rules American riders need to know.
The routes at a glance
| Route | Region | Best for | Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amalfi Coast (SS163) | Campania | Iconic views, scooters | Very heavy in summer |
| Sorrento Peninsula & Agerola | Campania | Mountain views over the coast | Moderate |
| Bosa – Alghero (SP105) | Sardinia | Flowing curves, sea cliffs | Light |
| East coast (SS125 Orientale Sarda) | Sardinia | Long mountain-and-sea ride | Light to moderate |
| North coast, Palermo – Messina (SS113) | Sicily | History, towns, Etna views | Moderate, busy near cities |
| Cinque Terre high road | Liguria | Panoramic stops above the villages | Narrow, busy in summer |
1. Amalfi Coast (SS163)
The Amalfitana runs about 50 km from Positano to Vietri sul Mare through Praiano, Amalfi, Atrani, Minori and Cetara, with a detour up to Ravello. It is narrow, full of hairpins and shared with large SITA buses, which honk before blind corners. Give them room and never try to squeeze past on a bend.
Why a scooter is the smart choice here: In busy periods, cars on the SS163 fall under an alternate license-plate rule (odd and even plates on alternate days, roughly 10:00–18:00). Motorcycles and scooters are exempt, and parking a scooter in Positano or Amalfi is far easier than parking a car.
Tip: Ride early in the morning. By late morning in summer, the road can turn into a slow line of buses and cars.
2. Sorrento Peninsula and the road to Agerola
Many guides call this the “Path of the Gods” route, but the Sentiero degli Dei is a hiking trail, not a road. What you can do is ride up from the Amalfi Coast to Agerola (Bomerano), where the trail starts, park, and hike part of it for some of the best views in Italy. Combine it with a loop around the Sorrento Peninsula toward Massa Lubrense and Punta Campanella for quieter roads and views of Capri.
3. Sardinia west coast: Bosa to Alghero (SP105)
If the Amalfi Coast is crowded, this is the opposite. The SP105 runs about 45 km between Bosa and Alghero along empty cliffs above the sea, with long, flowing curves and very little traffic outside August. From Alghero, add the short ride out to Capo Caccia for the dramatic cliffs at the end of the peninsula.
Watch for loose gravel on the edges, strong wind gusts and the occasional animal on the road.
4. Sardinia east coast: SS125 Orientale Sarda
For a longer ride, the SS125 between Dorgali and Baunei (and on toward Tortolì) climbs into the mountains of Ogliastra with views down to the Gulf of Orosei. It is less a beach road than a mountain road with sea views, and one of the classic motorcycle roads of Sardinia. Plan fuel stops, as villages are far apart.
5. Sicily: Palermo to Messina (SS113)
The old coastal state road links Cefalù, small fishing towns and long beaches on the north coast. It is slower than the parallel autostrada but much more interesting. Finish by crossing toward Taormina on the east coast for views of Mount Etna. Traffic around Palermo and Messina is chaotic, so plan to start and end your riding days outside the city centers.
6. Cinque Terre: the high road
The five villages of the Cinque Terre are mostly closed to non-resident traffic and parking is very limited, so this is not a ride through the villages. Instead, ride the panoramic road along the ridge above them, stop at the viewpoints and walk or take the train down into the villages. Outside summer, it is a beautiful half-day ride from La Spezia or Levanto.
Puglia: a bonus for a slower trip
For gentle coastal riding, the road along the Salento coast from Otranto south to Santa Maria di Leuca passes cliffs, watchtowers and swimming spots. Combined with the trulli of Alberobello and the white towns inland, it suits riders who prefer views over hairpins.
What renting really costs
| Vehicle | Example location | Price per day |
|---|---|---|
| 125cc scooter (SYM, Kymco, Honda SH) | Sorrento | €35–55 |
| 125cc scooter | Alghero | €30–51 |
| Vespa GTS 300 / 300–400cc scooter | Sorrento / Alghero | €60–90 |
| BMW F 700 GS / R 1200 GS | Alghero airport | from €103 / €133 |
| BMW R 1300 GS | Milan / Rome | €140–161 |
Source: rental listings on Riderly, mostly for 3-day rentals, checked October 30, 2026. Expect higher prices in July and August.
Check the details before you book, because the extras add up:
- Security deposit: often €250–800 on a credit card for scooters, more for big bikes.
- Insurance: basic liability is usually included. Damage waivers (CDW) and theft cover often cost an extra €18–25 per day.
- Mileage limits: some motorcycles include only 100–250 km per day, with charges for extra kilometers. Not ideal for a long island loop.
- Helmets: mandatory in Italy. One helmet is normally included, a passenger helmet sometimes costs extra.
Rules for American riders
- License: for anything above 50cc you need a valid US license with a motorcycle endorsement plus an International Driving Permit (IDP, available from AAA). Italian law requires the IDP even if the rental shop does not ask for it.
- Age and experience: many shops require riders to be at least 19–21 and to have 12 months of riding experience.
- ZTL zones: most historic town centers are limited traffic zones. Entering one without a permit triggers an automatic camera fine, which the rental company forwards to you, often with an admin fee.
- Tolls: motorcycles pay tolls on the autostrada, though usually less than cars.
When to ride
May, June and September are the best months: warm, mostly dry and without the August crowds. July and August are very hot and the Amalfi Coast is packed. In spring and fall, Sardinia and Sicily are especially pleasant, and rental prices are usually lower (see our off-season price test).
Planning the rest of your trip? See our Rome cost guide for flights and hotels.
FAQs
Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride in Italy?
Yes. With a US license, Italian law requires an IDP, and for motorcycles and scooters above 50cc your US license must include a motorcycle endorsement.
How much does it cost to rent a scooter on the Amalfi Coast?
In Sorrento, 125cc scooters were listed at about €35–55 per day for a 3-day rental, and larger 300cc scooters at about €60–90 per day, plus deposit and optional insurance.
Do the Amalfi Coast plate restrictions apply to scooters?
No. The alternate license-plate rule on the SS163 applies to cars. Motorcycles and scooters are exempt.
Is the Path of the Gods a motorbike road?
No. The Sentiero degli Dei is a hiking trail. You can ride to Agerola, where it starts, and walk from there.
What is the best coastal route for experienced riders?
For flowing curves and little traffic, Sardinia’s SP105 between Bosa and Alghero and the SS125 on the east coast are hard to beat.
