SP22 Road, a sensational drive in Calabria
Italy, europe
15.4 km
1,646 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Calabria, Italy, in the province of Catanzaro, and you stumble upon Strada Provinciale 22. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready!
This mountain road is a total gem, winding its way between the towns of Ciricilla and Buturo for about 15.4 kilometers (or 9.5 miles). The road is paved, but be prepared for some narrow sections, so keep your eyes peeled!
You'll be hugging the edge of Riserva Statale Gariglione – Pisarello and Riserva Statale Coturelle – Piccione, two absolutely stunning nature reserves. The road climbs to a whopping 1,646 meters (that's 5,400 feet!) above sea level, so the views are insane. It's generally open year-round, but keep in mind that winter weather can occasionally cause temporary closures. Prepare for countless tunnels on Ponti di Vara, a place to transport marble to the quarry. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,646 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to get to Arete de Sorebois in Valais?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Arête de Sorebois: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Switzerland's most thrilling high-altitude drives? Head to Arête de Sorebois, a jaw-dropping peak sitting at 2,834 m (9,297 ft) in Valais canton. It's seriously one of the country's highest roads, and the views? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment. Tucked in the southern Swiss Pennine Alps just east of Lac de Moiry, this route has some serious personality. The name itself tells a story—Sorebois comes from the Latin "supra," meaning "above the forest," and you'll understand exactly why once you're up there. Starting from the charming village of Zinal, you're looking at roughly 10 km (6.2 miles) of pure mountain intensity. And we're not exaggerating about the intensity: expect a punishing 30% gradient at its steepest, with a surface that's totally unpaved and covered in loose stones. The higher you climb, the rockier and more technical it gets—this is a chairlift access trail that demands serious respect. Here's the catch: winters are completely off-limits. This road transforms into an impassable frozen gauntlet once the snow sets in, so you'll want to tackle it during the warmer months when conditions are manageable. If you're after an unforgettable Alpine experience that'll test your nerve and reward you with some of the most stunning scenery imaginable, this is it.
moderateWhere does Antrim Coast Road start and end?
🌍 Northern Ireland
Cruising the Antrim Coast Road on Northern Ireland's coast is a must-do! This 40-kilometer (25-mile) stretch is pure eye candy, hugging the coastline from the Black Arch near Larne to the Red Arch near Cushendall. Picture this: you, a winding road, the Irish Sea on one side, and towering cliffs – sometimes as high as 100 meters! – on the other. Built way back in the 1830s, this road isn't just a route; it's an experience. Think historical sites, charming villages, and views that'll knock your socks off. It’s a relatively narrow road with one lane in each direction for most of the journey, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for walkers and cyclists, as there aren't always dedicated lanes or paths. Still, it is considered one of the greatest tourist routes in the world for good reason. It's no wonder this road snagged a top spot as one of the world's most spectacular views, rivaling even iconic spots. If you're after a road trip you'll never forget, the Antrim Coast Road is calling your name!
moderateHow long is the North Coast 500?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: the North Coast 500 (NC500) in the *stunning* north Highlands of Scotland! Think fairytale castles, sugar-white beaches, and ruins whispering stories of old. They call it Scotland's "Route 66", and it's a 516-mile loop of pure, paved road trip bliss hugging the coastline. Honestly, you'll probably clock way more miles with all the detours you’ll want to take! Your adventure kicks off and wraps up in Inverness, the Highland capital. From there, you'll cruise through charming towns like Torridon and Ullapool, hit the northernmost points in Caithness and John o' Groats, then swing back south via Dingwall. So, how long should you set aside? At least 5-7 days to really soak it all in. Get ready for a rollercoaster of ruined castles, pristine beaches, and shimmering lochs, all stitched together by dramatic cliffs and postcard-perfect villages. Highlights? Where do I even begin? The *entire* NC500 is a visual feast, with jaw-dropping mountains and tranquil lochs at every turn. But definitely hit up John O'Groats (the UK's most northerly point), the cozy village of Ullapool, and that seriously steep road leading to Cairngorm Mountain – the UK's steepest! When's the best time to go? Each season brings its own magic! Spring and autumn are fab – decent light, mild weather, fewer crowds, and landscapes bursting with color. Winter is straight-up postcard material with snowy peaks, but be warned – roads can get dicey. Summer's the warmest, but brace yourself for tourists and those pesky midges (think tiny, annoying mosquitoes). Best way to tackle it? A motorhome gives you ultimate freedom to pull over and camp wherever your heart desires. But cars, motorcycles, even bikes work too – just factor in extra time. What else to expect? Keep an eye out for single-track roads with passing places (you'll get the hang of it!), and be aware that internet can be spotty in the north. But mostly, just prepare for wildly changeable weather, the warmest welcomes from the locals, and scenery that will absolutely blow your mind!
hardMount Kouroupa
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Kouroupa: Crete's Epic Mountain Challenge Perched at 980m on Crete's stunning south coast, Mount Kouroupa is calling—but only if you're ready for one serious driving adventure. Fair warning: this climb has crushed the spirits of overconfident drivers, and it's definitely not a beginner's playground. Here's what you're getting into: roughly 5km and 17 hairpin turns of pure adrenaline, with an average gradient that'll make your palms sweat at 10.86%. The road is primarily gravel, deteriorating into sketchy pavement on those final twists to the summit. Four-wheel drive isn't just recommended; it's practically essential. The narrow, winding sections offer zero room for passing—even motorbikes are stuck behind you—and the constant ups, downs, and gut-wrenching turns will test even seasoned drivers. Night driving? Hard pass, especially if you're unfamiliar with the route. Winter brings unpredictable fog and heavy rain, plus year-round humidity makes things slick. And then there are the relentless winds that howl across this exposed peak throughout the year. But here's the payoff: jaw-dropping panoramic views stretch across the Libyan Sea, the dramatic east Sfakia region, southern Rethymnon, and charming villages dotting Western Rethymnon. The twists and turns that scare you off in daylight become pure magic when you're committed to the drive. Not confident? You can park in the tiny hamlet of Atsipádhes and approach on foot. At the summit, you'll find a communication tower and a small chapel—proof that you conquered one of Crete's most legendary roads.