Driving In Italy part 4 — Autostrade Rest Areas

The Autogrill and Ciao chain of highway rest stops started in Italy in 1946 and has spread to 43 countries around the world from Singapore to the United States. They are now found in airports, train stations, museums and major city centers. This global enterprise is owned by Bennetton. Bennetton is also a major stakeholder in Italy’s privatized highway system.  

If you are hungry for a cooked meal follow signs bearing a knife and spoon symbol. The best time to dine at one is around 1 pm and 8 pm. You will know the best ones by the number of big rigs that stop there. Everything is served cafeteria style, making it easy to load up on just the items you like. You can pay at the register by credit card. If the cashier says: caffè and you agree, you will be charged for an espresso that you may retrieve at the bar area on your way out by simply showing your receipt.

The beauty of the Autogrill is that they stay open late 7-days a week (some are open 24 hours) and that there's always another Autogrill a few miles away on the Autostrada. There are a number of smaller chains along Italy’s Autostrade bearing different names. Quality and selection may vary but the concept is the same. A main function of these roadside oases for travelers is providing a clean rest room. Don’t be surprised to see an attendant sitting at a desk with a small gratuity plate as you enter the lavatory. Leave a few cents if you can, as it is this person’s responsibility to keep the bathrooms clean and stocked.

Look for coffee cup signs on the highway if you just need a jolt of espresso, a bathroom, fuel, beverages, snacks or sandwiches. To scout locations along your route visit this Autogrill site before you travel. Click on the map locations and then click on each yellow icon to learn more about each rest area along your projected route. Just remember that at the bar, you must pay the cashier first. Give the receipt to counterperson to retrieve your order. The little plate on the bar serves a similar purpose to the one in the lavatory, so leave a few cents here as well.