Piacenza to Polignano a Mare: Italy's East Coast Road Trip Guide

The A1 highway from Piacenza to Bologna follows the ancient Via Aemilia, a Roman road built in 187 BC. This route cuts straight through the Po Valley, where the soil is rich from millennia of flooding. As you pass Reggio Emilia, a peculiar local driving quirk emerges: many roundabouts here are designed with an inner lane that forces you to exit from the right, even when going straight. Keep your eyes peeled.

From Piacenza to Polignano a Mare, the total distance is 680 km (423 miles). The quickest route combines the A1, A14, and SS16, taking around 6 hours and 30 minutes without stops. But the best stops between Piacenza and Polignano a Mare transform this into a multi-day journey. For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, that link offers insights.

Fuel cost for this trip is around €90-110 for a standard sedan, depending on fuel prices and driving style. Italy's A1 and A14 have frequent fuel stations every 30-40 km. In the Apennines between Bologna and the Adriatic, fuel stations are sparser; fill up before entering the tunnels. The topography is mostly flat in the Po Valley, then hilly in Emilia-Romagna and Marche, and finally flat again in Puglia. To improve fuel efficiency, use cruise control on the A14's long straights and avoid heavy acceleration on the climbs near Ancona.

• Estimated fuel cost: €95 (gasoline, 7.5 L/100 km, €1.70/L)
• Key fuel station network: Q8, Eni, and IP are well distributed; fewer on SS16 near the coast.
• Toll cost: A1 and A14 tolls total about €45 for the entire route; pay via Telepass or cash/card at booths.
• Best fuel stops: Area di Servizio Secchia Est (A1, near Modena) and Area di Servizio Esino Ovest (A14, near Ancona) have clean facilities and competitive prices.

The geographical shift from the fertile Po Valley to the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna is subtle at first. You cross the Reno river, then climb into the Apennines near Bologna. The A14 cuts through the Conero promontory, a limestone headland with dramatic cliffs. Further south, the landscape opens into the olive groves and white towns of Puglia. For sunset, stop at Porto Recanati (43.4300° N, 13.6600° E) or the beach at Torre Santa Sabina, where the sun dips directly into the Adriatic.

• UNESCO sites on route: The Ferrara Renaissance city (detour 20 min north of Bologna) and Ravenna's Early Christian monuments (30 min detour). Also, the Trulli of Alberobello near Polignano are a short drive.
• Local goods: Grab Parmigiano Reggiano from a dairy near Reggio Emilia, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and olive oil from the Marche region. In Polignano, look for orecchiette pasta and fresh seafood.
• Roadside stalls: Near Faenza (A1 exit), farmers sell seasonal fruit and homemade wine. In the Marche, ceramic shops in Pesaro offer hand-painted dishes.

The A1 and A14 are well-maintained, with good lighting near cities. In the Apennines, watch for fog and sudden rain; the viaducts can be windy. Night driving is safe but roads near the coast lack illumination. For children, the Oltremare theme park in Riccione (exit Riccione on A14) has dolphin shows and interactive science exhibits. The sea life center in Cattolica is another option. Pet-friendly stops: Area di Servizio Tordimonte (A14 near Macerata) has a designated dog walking area. For fatigue, rest at the Camillianum rest area (A14 km 200) or the Monte Guardia viewpoint with panoramic parking.

• Safety tip: Toll booths accept only cards or Telepass; have cash for smaller exits.
• Hidden off-route spot: The abandoned village of Palazzo di Cugnolo (near Ascoli Piceno), minutes from A14. Explore crumbling stone houses and a medieval tower.
• Rest zones: Area di Servizio Foglia Ovest (A14) has a quiet truck parking area for naps. Do not park on the shoulder.
• Family stop: Kid's Park at Rimini (exit A14) with playgrounds and mini-golf.