The Mille Miglia, affectionately known as “the most beautiful race in the world”, is not merely a motorsport event; it’s a travelling museum, a vibrant festival, and a unique journey through the heart of Italy. For five exhilarating days, from 17th to 21st June 2025, hundreds of pre-1957 classic cars will traverse approximately 1,000 miles, retracing the historic route from Brescia to Rome and back. Witnessing this spectacle is an unforgettable experience, but choosing where to watch can elevate it from great to truly spectacular.
Finding the perfect vantage point allows you to soak up the atmosphere, capture stunning photographs, and appreciate these magnificent machines against Italy’s breathtaking backdrop. Factors to consider include the scenic beauty of the location, the energy of a historic town square, the chance to see cars navigate more technical sections (from a safe distance, of course), and the historical significance of the place itself.
Let’s break down the 2025 route and highlight some potential viewing gems along the way.
Where to see the Mille Miglia 2025 as a visitor
For the official Mille Miglia 2025 route, check out this link for the exact roadmap pdf: 1000miglia.it/mm25-roadmap.pdf
Leg 1: Brescia to San Lazzaro di Savena (17th June)
The journey begins in Brescia, the historic starting and finishing point of the Mille Miglia. Viale Venezia is the traditional start line, offering a fantastic opportunity to see the cars lined up before they depart. The atmosphere here is electric with anticipation. As the cars leave Brescia and head east, the route often skirts the southern edge of Lake Garda, passing through picturesque towns like Desenzano and Sirmione. These lakeside locations offer stunning scenic backdrops against the sparkling water of Garda Lake – perfect for photos. Further along, towns such as Verona, with its Roman arena, and the historic city of Ferrara, offer chances to see the cars pass through vibrant city centres, combining architectural beauty with the roar of classic engines. The leg concludes near Bologna, in San Lazzaro di Savena, marking the end of the first day’s run.
Leg 2: Bologna to Rome (18th June)
Day two sees the cars depart from the Emilia-Romagna region, heading south towards the Eternal City. Leaving the metropolitan area of Bologna, the route ventures into the Apennine mountains before descending into the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria. This is where the scenery truly takes centre stage. Imagine watching iconic cars weave through vineyards and olive groves. Key historic cities on this leg include Florence and Siena. Passing through Florence’s historic centre is a highlight, offering incredible photographic opportunities against world-renowned architecture. Siena, with its unique Piazza del Campo, provides an equally historic and dramatic setting. Further south, towns like Viterbo in Lazio offer medieval charm before the grand arrival in Rome. The arrival in Rome, often concluding near historical landmarks, is a truly monumental moment, filled with energy and history.
Leg 3: Rome to Cervia (19th June)
Departing from the grandeur of Rome, the rally turns north-east towards the Adriatic coast. This leg promises a change of scenery as the route navigates through central Italy. Hilltop towns like Orvieto, perched dramatically on a volcanic plug, offer spectacular vantage points and historical depth. The route may also pass through the stunning Val d’Orcia region (potentially near towns like Pienza or San Quirico d’Orcia), a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its quintessential Tuscan landscapes – rolling hills, cypress avenues, and isolated farmsteads provide unparalleled scenic backdrops. San Gimignano, with its preserved medieval towers, is another potential route highlight offering incredible history and views. As the leg progresses, the landscape flattens towards the coast, leading to the arrival in Cervia, a seaside town on the Adriatic, offering a different, coastal atmosphere.
Leg 4: Cervia to Parma (20th June)
The penultimate day sees the cars head west from the Adriatic coast back into the heart of Emilia-Romagna and towards Lombardy. Starting in coastal Cervia or nearby Cesenatico, spectators can enjoy the cars against a maritime backdrop. The route then heads inland, potentially passing through towns like Forlì or revisiting the area around Imola, famed for its motorsport circuit (though the rally itself won’t race on the track). Crossing the Po River plain towards cities like Piacenza or Pavia offers views of the fertile Italian countryside. The leg concludes in Parma, a city renowned for its history, art, and gastronomy. Watching the cars arrive in Parma’s historic centre promises a sophisticated and atmospheric experience.
Leg 5: Parma to Brescia (21st June)
The final stretch sees the classic cars make their triumphant return to Brescia. Departing from Parma, the route often takes a scenic path through smaller towns in Emilia and Lombardy, such as Salsomaggiore Terme or the historic city of Cremona, famous for its violin-making heritage and beautiful Piazza del Comune. These towns offer a chance to see the cars in a more local, intimate setting. As the cars approach Brescia, the excitement builds. The grand finale is the arrival back in Brescia, culminating in a celebratory parade along Viale Venezia. This is perhaps the easiest and most concentrated spot to see all the surviving cars complete their incredible journey and soak in the final moments of this historic event.
Planning Your Mille Miglia Viewing Experience
Regardless of where you choose to watch, a few tips will enhance your experience:
- Check the Official Route & Timings: The roadbook provides precise timings for each car at control points. Use the official Mille Miglia website (1000miglia.it) and the detailed route map (linked above) to plan your day.
- Arrive Early: Popular spots, especially town squares and scenic pull-offs, get crowded quickly.
- Prioritise Safety: Always stand in designated spectator areas, well back from the road. The cars travel at varying speeds, and safety is paramount.
- Bring Essentials: Water, sunblock, comfortable shoes, and a camera are a must.
- Embrace the Atmosphere: Chat with fellow enthusiasts, enjoy the local surroundings, and savour the unique spectacle.
- Save the Event to your calendar: check out the Event Page for 1000 Miglia and easily save the event to your smartphones calendar
Whether you choose a dramatic hilltop town, a bustling city square, a serene lakeside, or the electric start/finish in Brescia, witnessing the Mille Miglia is a journey through time and Italian beauty. Plan your spot now for the adventure of a lifetime.
