SP22 Road, a sensational drive in Calabria

SP22 Road, a sensational drive in Calabria

Italy, europe

Length

15.4 km

Elevation

1,646 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
15.4 km
Max Elevation
1,646 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Col du Souchetmoderate

Col du Souchet

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Souchet Ready for a serious mountain bike adventure? Col du Souchet sits at a impressive 2,365 meters (7,759 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, and it's strictly a gravel road experience. This isn't a place for your regular car – you'll need two wheels and serious mountain biking skills to tackle it. Winter? Forget about it. This pass becomes completely impassable once the snow starts falling, so you're looking at a summer-only destination. The trail itself is absolutely stunning, but it demands respect. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, this isn't your route. But if you're an experienced mountain biker with solid technical skills? You're in for an unforgettable ride through some seriously gorgeous Alpine terrain.

How long is road F206 (Lakagígar)?extreme

How long is road F206 (Lakagígar)?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're hitting Iceland's F206, the legendary Lakagígar route in the Southern Region. This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a 40 km (25 miles) off-road odyssey from the [previous road description] to the Laki car park. Forget pavement; we're talking rugged, unadulterated Icelandic terrain, a landscape shaped by a massive volcanic eruption back in 1783. Plan on about 2 hours to conquer this beast. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance. Expect a bumpy ride with potholes, ruts, and rocks galore! This road is a summer fling only, open from late June to early September. It's remote out here, with sparse traffic and spotty cell service – be prepared to be self-sufficient! And then there are the rivers... Prepare for a dozen crossings! Seriously, only experienced drivers in well-equipped vehicles should even consider this. Always check the water depth *before* you commit, and *never* attempt a crossing during heavy rain. Remember, rental car insurance probably won't cover water damage. But is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be rewarded with some of Iceland's most jaw-dropping scenery. This route plunges you into the Laki Crater Area of Vatnajökull National Park, a surreal, lunar-like wonderland culminating in the magnificent Fagrifoss waterfall. It's an unforgettable adventure!

Driving to Lusia Pass: A high-altitude track in the Dolomiteshard

Driving to Lusia Pass: A high-altitude track in the Dolomites

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo del Lusia Tucked away in the Fassa Valley of Trentino, Italy, Passo del Lusia is a wild mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,005 meters (6,578 feet) deep in the heart of the Dolomites. The route to the summit—locals call it Pas de Lujia—is a gloriously rugged, unpaved track with serious vintage credentials dating back to the late 1800s. You'll kick things off from the paved SS50 near Bellamonte, but here's the thing: this isn't a freeway experience. The unpaved section is just 4.7 km long, but motorized access is tightly controlled. Generally, only authorized vehicles, mountain bikers, and guests with special permits from Rifugio Lusia get the green light to drive it. The climb is short and seriously punchy—we're talking 634 meters of elevation gain crammed into those 4.7 kilometers. Yeah, it's steep. The entire surface is raw gravel and dirt, and good luck attempting this in winter when it transforms into part of the Alpe di Lusia ski slopes. If you do get permission to drive, bring a high-clearance 4x4. This road demands it. Steep pitches and loose gravel mean you'll need serious traction and nerves of steel. The narrow, winding path threads through some absolutely jaw-dropping scenery—think sweeping vistas of the Fassa Dolomites, the Pale di San Martino, and the Lagorai Group. At the summit stands Rifugio Lusia, a historic mountain hut from the late 1800s that welcomed the region's first alpine explorers. During WWI, its prime location near the Austrian front made it a military command post. Today, its weathered stone walls are a testament to a century of mountain stories. Reaching the top rewards you with a 360-degree panorama that'll leave you speechless—iconic Dolomites peaks stretch in every direction. It's a photographer's dream and the perfect launchpad for hiking trails throughout the Alpe di Lusia area.

Padon Passextreme

Padon Pass

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Passo Padon in Northern Italy's Veneto region is a real beast, topping out at 2,427 meters (7,962 feet) in the stunning Dolomiti Range. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a seriously rocky, gravel track where you absolutely need a 4x4. Clocking in at just over 2 kilometers, don't let the distance fool you. You'll gain a whopping 370 meters in elevation, meaning the average incline is a brutal 17%, and in spots, it cranks up to a tire-spinning 25%! At the summit, you're rewarded with Rifugio Padon and incredible views, assuming the altitude and unpredictable mountain weather cooperate. This road's only realistically passable for a tiny window in late summer. Seriously, this climb isn't for the faint of heart – experience and a healthy dose of respect for the mountain are essential. Loose rocks, steep banks, and relentless gradients have humbled many a driver, so know your limits!