How to rent a scooter and get to the sea from Florence?

I tried to prepare for my first vacation days in Italy as best as possible. The Internet helped me a lot: I studied various travel portals and forums where travelers shared their experiences about trips to this amazing country. Nevertheless, I did not manage to avoid common mistakes that others made. Some of the data I found turned out to be incorrect, some were outdated, and some simply had no practical application for my trip. For example, it was difficult for me to find out how to get from Florence to the sea by scooter, but I was determined to do it.

Florence is an amazing city.

Florence is a city with an amazing history. And it's not just about the famous sculptor Michelangelo, whose work David attracts attention in the Uffizi Gallery. For me, this city became interesting because of its proximity to the sea, which allows for a combination of cultural experiences and beach relaxation. The distance from Florence to the Ligurian coast is only 90 kilometers, and this is why we chose to rent a scooter, as this mode of transport is very popular in Italy.

How to rent a scooter in Italy?

Let's take a closer look at how to rent a scooter in Italy. This process is not as complicated as it may seem at first glance. First, you need to choose a company that offers rental services. It's important to keep in mind that not all firms rent out scooters—many of them only offer cars. We decided to go with City Car Rent, as most agencies were closed on weekends, and those that were open had already sold out of scooters.

Indeed, mopeds have become a kind of symbol in Italian cities: on the streets you can find a huge number of these small vehicles, on which people of all ages and social groups travel. In addition, buying a scooter here is quite easy, as prices for some models start fromthousands of euros.

The cost of renting a scooter

The cost of renting a scooter varies depending on the season and the week, ranging from35 to 75 eurosIn a day. The price mainly depends on the day of the week: it is higher on weekends and holidays, as well as on the engine size. I noticed that these nuances need to be taken into account during the rental.

• A deposit is required — just provide your passport and credit card.
• A certain amount will be blocked on the card for the duration of the rental.
• In our case, the deposit amounted to300 eurosand this amount was deducted at the time of the rent payment.

Rental conditions

Scooters are usually provided with a full tank of gas. According to the rental companies, this should be enough for about150 kilometers. However, one must be mindful of the mileage limit - you should not exceed it200 kilometersper day. Every extra kilometer will cost0.20 eurosper kilometer. Now that I have all the information I need, I'm ready to set off on new adventures and habits on Italian roads!

Initially, I would like to note that our trip to the sea and back turned out to be longer than we expected. In one day, we traveled an additional approximately 50 kilometers. It's funny, but we didn't have to pay extra for it, and the reason remains a mystery.

The road to the sea

The road from Florence to the coast takes about one and a half to two hours. We were riding a Piaggio Typhoon 125cc scooter, maintaining a speed of 60-70 km/h. Despite the compact size of our vehicle, we were quite comfortable riding together. The scooter has a powerful engine, and even in strong winds, it stays on course very well. Additionally, it handles climbs excellently, which is an important factor in our journey.

Routes to the coast

There are two main ways to get to the sea from Florence:

• First— this is the direct FI-PI-LI highway, leading straight to Livorno.
• SecondThe option includes a stop in Pisa.

Although the distance is slightly longer in the second case, you will have the opportunity to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once you have seen this architectural marvel, you can continue to the coast, as there is nothing else to do in Pisa except visit the local markets, which offer inexpensive copies of famous watches.

Pointers and locals

Throughout the city of Pisa, there are signs that say "mare," which translates to "sea." Thanks to these signs, it's easy to find the right direction.

Scooter trip during the holidays

If you decide to go on a scooter trip and your travel time coincides with weekends or holidays, which is quite common in summer, you should take into account that you may not see a single person at gas stations - only gas stations. You should not panic in such a situation, as each gas station has special terminals that allow you to pay for fuel yourself.

You just need to approach the machine, insert money using cash or a bank card, and then select the appropriate pump for refueling. The amount of gasoline you can fill will depend on the sum you inserted or how much space is left in your tank. In some cases, you may end up paying more than the amount of fuel you actually filled. In such situations, the machine will provide you with a receipt that will include the total payment amount, the volume of gasoline dispensed, and information about any change.

Refund at the gas station

It should be noted that unused funds can only be refunded at the same gas station. This means that even if you plan to refuel at a well-known gas station network in another town or in a different area of the same city, returning the neutralized funds will not be possible. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your route in advance to make sure you can return to the same gas station on a working day, or to deposit smaller amounts to avoid any surprises with refunds.

Parking in Florence

As for parking in Florence, even for a scooter it can be a real challenge. This stunning city is famous for its famous sights, numerous galleries, fountains and, of course, pedestrian zones. Traffic in these areas is strictly restricted and fines for breaking the rules can be as high as €95.

• When unexpectedly arriving in such places on your scooter, be prepared for the possibility that the police may require you to leave your vehicle and continue on foot.
• You will have to carry the scooter yourself.

Experience of a random stop

We had a case when we accidentally drove into such an area and stopped right in front of two Italian policemen. Fortunately, they were patient enough to explain that such actions were unacceptable. We were fortunately not fined, but it is possible that other law enforcement officers may react differently.

Leaving the scooter overnight

It can also be difficult to leave a scooter overnight anywhere near the hotel, especially if your accommodation is located in the historic part of the city. In this situation, the only solution often turns out to be paid parking in a garage.

In Florence, there are quite a few such places, and almost every hotel has a partnership agreement with a specific garage. You will have to pay around €19 for an overnight stay for your scooter in such a place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said that a scooter trip brings a lot of positive emotions and pleasant experiences, but it requires prior planning and awareness of local rules to avoid any troubles.Scooter tripopens up new horizons and allows you to get to know the city better if you follow all the necessary cautions and recommendations.

Conclusion

In concluding my article about my first Italian vacation, I want to highlight that the trip to Florence and the Ligurian coast opened up a world for me not only of picturesque architecture but also of absolute freedom of movement.

Renting a scooter became that essential step that took my trip to a new level. I realized that traveling around Italy on a moped is not only convenient but also incredibly exciting.

We raced through the vibrant streets of Florence towards the sea, enjoying the fresh air and magnificent landscapes. Each winding road offered new experiences, and stops at picturesque spots allowed us to take a break and admire the beauty of the world around us.

Tips for future travelers

• Plan aheadbut don't be afraid to improvise.
• Keep an eye on the locals — they can be great landmarks.
• Never hesitate to ask questions — Italians are very friendly.

At the beach of Marina di Pisa, I realized that the true atmosphere of relaxation is not just about comfort, but also about the opportunity to be a part of local life. There were only a few tourists around me, mostly Italians who were enjoying their time by the shore.

Despite the lack of sandy beaches, the pebble embankments and crystal clear water did not leave me indifferent. Yes, walking on the seabed may have been a bit uncomfortable, but for me it was part of a unique experience that will be remembered for a long time.

Enrichment through experience

In conclusion, I want to say that such trips enrich not only our knowledge of culture and traditions but also provide the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective.

I hope that my experience will inspire others to explore Italy, discover new horizons, and not be afraid to make mistakes. After all,Every mistake is a new step towards discovering and understanding the beautiful.