Driving the Exhilarating SP 227 di Portofino on the Italian Riviera Coastline
Italy, europe
12.8 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Strada Provinciale 227 di Portofino: Italy's Riviera Gem
Ready for one of the world's best coastal drives? Head to the Genoa province in northern Italy, where the stunning SP 227 hugs the Italian Riviera coastline southeast of the city.
This fully paved 12.8 km (7.95 mile) route connecting Rapallo and Portofino is an absolute dream for road trippers. Sure, some sections get narrow—keep your wits about you—but the payoff is unreal. The drive unfolds against jaw-dropping coastal scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Fair warning though: summer brings serious traffic, so time your visit wisely if you can.
Starting in Rapallo, a charming town anchored by the hilltop Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro, the road winds its way toward the exclusive and picturesque town of Portofino on the Gulf of Tigullio. This famous fishing village and vacation hotspot is the kind of place postcard dreams are made of—pastel-colored buildings tumbling down to sparkling waters, Italian dolce vita at its finest.
This isn't just a drive; it's a memory in the making.
Where is it?
Driving the Exhilarating SP 227 di Portofino on the Italian Riviera Coastline is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.3440, 11.3915
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.8 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.3440, 11.3915
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow long is Estrada Nacional 222?
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Portugal's North Region on Estrada Nacional 222, specifically the 21 km (13.29 miles) stretch from Peso da Régua to Pinhão. This isn't just any road; it was crowned the world's best back in 2015! Give yourself around 35-45 minutes to soak it all in, and prepare for a wild ride with 93 bends that'll keep you on your toes. This road plunges you straight into the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of Porto wine country. Imagine driving through terraced hillsides, vineyards cascading down to the river—it's jaw-dropping scenery at every turn. The road offers insane views over the river as you approach the charming wine town of Pinhão. It's an experience that’s totally worth it, blending thrilling driving with postcard-perfect landscapes. Just be prepared for some seriously steep climbs!
extremeWhere is Col du Gollet?
🇫🇷 France
Col du Gollet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France. Situated at the coordinates , it serves as the gateway to the higher ridges of the Valmorel ski area. Where is Col du Gollet? The pass is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, within the southeastern part of the country. It sits at the top of the Valmorel ski resort, serving as a critical junction on the ridge. From this point, the track continues its ascent toward the more demanding Road facts: Col du Gollet Unpaved / Two-track / Loose Rocks 4x4 or High-clearance vehicle Is the road to Col du Gollet unpaved? Yes. The route is a rocky two-track service road used primarily for chairlift maintenance and mountain access. As seen on-site, the surface is composed of embedded stones and loose gravel with vegetation growing between the tracks. While it appears stable in dry conditions, the uneven nature of the terrain and the presence of loose scree require a high-clearance vehicle. Standard cars risk bottoming out on the central ridge of the track. How long and steep is the road to Col du Gollet? Starting from Les Avanchers-Valmorel, the ascent covers 4.6km (2.85 miles). The climb is constant and features several open hairpins. Beyond the pass, the road narrows significantly and the terrain becomes more aggressive as it leads towards the higher peaks of the Vanoise range. Is it open year-round? No. Set high in the Massif de la Vanoise, the road is typically impassable from late October to early June due to heavy snow accumulation. During the summer, it is a popular route for hikers and mountain bikers; motorized drivers should exercise extreme caution and yield to non-motorized users on the narrowest sections. Col Saint-Bernard road in Castellar: A brutal 4WD climb in the Alpes-Maritimes How to drive the curvy road to Col de la Taillade in the Pyrenees Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardMount Ida
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Ida: Crete's Ultimate Mountain Challenge Ready for an adventure? Mount Ida towers at a jaw-dropping 1,897 meters (6,223 feet) in central Crete's Rethymnon province, making it one of Greece's highest drive-to peaks. Locals also call it Idha, Ídhi, Idi, Ita, or Psiloritis—take your pick. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit is pure gravel with relentless hairpin turns that'll test your nerve and your vehicle. You'll absolutely need 4WD, and if heights make you queasy, this one's not for you. The terrain is seriously steep, and loose gravel can catch you off guard at any moment. Weather is your biggest wild card here. Winter brings heavy snowfall that can shut the whole road down without warning, so check conditions before heading up. Even a light rainstorm can make things dicey, and the road demands respect year-round. Pro tip: temperatures stay at least 10°C cooler than sea level even in summer, so bring a jacket even in July and August. The payoff? Absolutely stunning views and the historic Timios Stavros—a tiny stone church with a cross marking the summit. Plus, you're standing on legendary ground. One of Crete's ancient caves lies on Mount Ida's slopes, where mythology says Zeus was born. Come prepared, respect the mountain, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.
moderateA classic road trip to Col de l’Homme and Notre-Dame de la Salette
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Homme: A Pilgrimage Drive with a View Tucked away in France's Isère department, Col de l'Homme rises to 1,766 meters (5,793 feet) in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It's a spot where spirituality meets stunning Alpine scenery—the summit is crowned by Notre-Dame de la Salette, a gorgeous 19th-century basilica that's been drawing pilgrims for generations. You'll find a gift shop, some charming buildings, statues, and a substantial parking lot once you reach the top. The drive itself is a pleasant surprise. The 14.3-kilometer (8.88-mile) Route de la Salette (officially D212C) climbs steadily from the village of Corps, but it's done in the friendliest way possible. Fully paved, nicely wide, and peppered with gentle curves, this road won't have your knuckles white on the steering wheel. You'll gain 822 meters of elevation at an easy 5.74% average gradient, and traffic is refreshingly light. The area has a poignant history too. In 1950, a tragic plane crash claimed 51 lives near the nearby Grande Tête de l'Obiou peak—49 of the victims were Canadian. A memorial cemetery a few kilometers along the road honors those lost. It's the kind of drive that rewards you with both inner peace and mountain-top views.