National Road 222 is a sensational road of Portugal
Portugal, europe
21.4 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Estrada Nacional 222: Portugal's Legendary Wine Country Drive
If you've never heard of EN222, you're missing out on what was crowned the world's best road back in 2015. Seriously. This 21.4 km stretch between Peso da Régua and Pinhão in Portugal's Viseu district is an absolute gem that deserves a spot on every road trip bucket list.
Here's what makes it special: you're getting a fully paved route with 93 gloriously twisty bends that'll test your driving skills and your nerve in equal measure. Most people tackle the whole thing in about 35-45 minutes—though honestly, you'll probably want to take longer just to soak it all in.
The real magic? You're driving straight through the heart of the Douro Valley, home to some of the world's finest Porto wine. Picture this: terraced vineyards cascading down hillsides, the River Douro snaking through the landscape, and constantly shifting viewpoints that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. By the time you roll into Pinhão, where the river opens up and those dramatic terraced hills embrace you one last time, you'll completely understand why this road earned its legendary status.
The Douro Valley itself has serious credentials—it became the world's first formally demarcated wine region and scored UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001. So yeah, you're not just driving a great road; you're experiencing one of Europe's most historically significant wine regions up close and personal.
Where is it?
National Road 222 is a sensational road of Portugal is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.1742, -8.8268
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.4 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.1742, -8.8268
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Ilgazdagi Gecidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up because we're heading to Ilgaz Dağı Geçidi, a wild mountain pass perched high on the border between Kastamonu and Çankiri in Turkey. You'll find this gem nestled in the Black Sea region, way up in the northern part of the country. The D765 is paved – mostly. There are a few concrete sections as you get closer to the top. Get ready for a seriously winding drive, with some sections that are, shall we say, "cozy." When winter hits, expect snow and ice to make things extra interesting. Heads up, rock slides are a real possibility! The good news is, if you're not a fan of heights and hairpin turns, there's a tunnel that bypasses the summit. Now, for the climb. Starting near Mülayim Yenice, you've got about 8.8 km of uphill action. In that short distance, you'll gain over 600 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of almost 7% (with some spots hitting a grin-inducing 10%!). At the very top, if you're feeling adventurous, a little gravel road will take you even higher to the TRT Vericisi İstasyonu communication tower, topping out at over 2,000 meters. Get ready for some incredible views!
hardNyala Pass: this road is not for timid drivers
🇬🇷 Greece
# Nyala Pass: Greece's Heart-Pounding Mountain Challenge Looking for an adrenaline rush with a side of history? Welcome to Nyala Pass, perched at a jaw-dropping 1,868 meters (6,128 feet) in the southern Pindus Mountains of western Thessaly. This is legitimately one of Greece's highest mountain roads—and it shows. Fair warning: this isn't your typical scenic drive. The road to the summit is completely unpaved, narrow as a ribbon, and climbs at a relentless 20% gradient in places. If you get dizzy looking down from heights, you'll want to keep your eyes glued to the road ahead. Seriously, don't tackle this solo—bring a friend for moral support (and practical reasons). The main assault starts from the charming old village of Agrafa. You're looking at an 18km climb that'll gain you over 1,000 meters of elevation, averaging a stiff 5.58% gradient. The village itself sits at the end of a notoriously rough road, so expect some serious off-roading vibes from the start. Once you've conquered the pass, a stubborn mountain road continues down toward the stunning Plastira Lake. But here's where it gets real: this mountain holds profound historical weight. A Civil War monument near the summit marks one of Greece's most tragic chapters. In April 1947, a guerrilla battalion and hundreds of civilians attempted a desperate crossing of these windswept peaks, fleeing military forces. What started as a strategic march turned into a nightmare—sudden blizzards, plummeting temperatures, and treacherous gorges claimed countless lives. The mountains here have witnessed suffering most of us can barely comprehend. So yes, the drive is tough. But the story—and the views—are unforgettable.
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.
moderateSS1 Via Aurelia is One of the Main Roads of the Roman Empire
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada Statale 1 Via Aurelia (SS 1) Ready for an epic coastal road trip? The SS1 is basically the Italian answer to scenic highway perfection—a legendary route that hugs the coastline from Rome all the way to the French border near Ventimiglia. This isn't just any road; it's got serious historical cred. We're talking about a route that literally traces the ancient Roman Via Aurelia, originally built way back in 241 BC by Gaius Aurelius Cotta. It's one of Italy's most crucial state highways and a genuine piece of Roman Empire legacy. Stretching 697 kilometers (433 miles) of fully paved bliss, the SS1 connects Rome to Ventimiglia in the northern Liguria region, following both the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas as it winds past nine provincial capitals. Fair warning: this is *the* road to drive during peak season, so expect company if you're hitting it during holidays. The real magic happens between Genoa and the French border. This section literally clings to the coastline, serving up absolutely stunning sea views that'll make you want to pull over constantly. The scenery is genuinely distracting—in the best way possible. Plus, here's the bonus: while most Italian highways will drain your wallet with tolls, the SS1 is completely free. Some sections operate as a dual-carriageway highway, but you won't pay a dime for this incredible drive.