When Was Via Aurelia Built?
Italy, europe
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hard
Year-round
Ciao, wanderlusters! Get ready for the Strada Statale 1 Via Aurelia (SS 1), a legendary route tracing the Italian coastline from central Italy all the way to the south of France. This isn't just a road; it's a time machine, echoing with the footsteps of Roman traders and modern-day adventurers.
Starting near Rome and winding its way up to Ventimiglia, a city in Liguria near the French border, this beauty stretches for almost 700 km, hugging the Tyrrhenian Sea and passing through nine provincial capitals.
Is it worth the drive? *Assolutamente sì!* The section from Livorno to the French border is pure magic, carved right into the coast. Expect jaw-dropping views of the sea around every bend. Be warned, though: your eyes might spend more time on the scenery than the road!
While parts of the SS1 have been modernized into a four-lane highway, much of it remains a classic two-lane road – a welcome change from the bustling Italian autostrade. Get ready to cruise, soak up the sun, and experience the real Italy, one stunning vista at a time!
Related Roads in europe
extremeA curvy road with 75 hairpin turns to Col de la Lombarde
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Lombarde-Colle della Lombarda Ever dreamed of conquering a legendary Alpine pass? Welcome to Col de la Lombarde-Colle della Lombarda, sitting pretty at 2,354m (7,723ft) on the Italy-France border. This beast connects southeastern France's Alpes-Maritimes with Italy's Cuneo Province in Piedmont, and trust us—it's absolutely worth the detour. Perched high above the Isola 2000 ski resort, this fully paved road is a thrilling roller coaster of 75 hairpin turns that'll keep your hands glued to the steering wheel. The French call it M97; the Italians know it as Strada Provinciale 255 (SP255). Built in 1971, it's typically open to traffic only during the summer months. The full 41.6 km (25.84 miles) stretch from Isola in France to Vinadio in Italy is a white-knuckle adventure that usually takes between 1 to 1.5 hours to drive. Some sections climb at a gnarly 17% gradient, so this isn't for the faint of heart. But here's the payoff: absolutely breathtaking Alpine views at every turn, plus historical WWII ruins—blockhouses and barracks—scattered near the summit. There's a small parking lot at the top where you can catch your breath and celebrate. Fun fact: the Tour de France didn't tackle this beast until 2008, proving that some roads are just too epic to ignore. Ready for the challenge?
hardCol de Portet: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Portet Nestled high in the Pyrenees at 2,215 meters (7,267 feet), Col de Portet sits just west of Saint-Lary-Soulan in France's Hautes-Pyrénées, practically within spitting distance of the Spanish border. This isn't your average mountain pass—it's one of the Pyrenees' most formidable challenges. The road itself is a spectacle carved directly into the mountainside. After getting fully paved in 2018, it's become an even more thrilling (if technically smoother) ride. But don't let that fool you—this 8-kilometer ascent packs serious punch. You'll navigate 14 hairpin turns through sections so narrow they'll make your palms sweat, with stretches hitting a brutal 16.3% gradient. The climb gains 655 meters of elevation at an average of 8.18%, and honestly? You can see almost the entire route from the bottom, which just makes it feel even more intimidating. The vistas start kicking in almost immediately and never stop. The driving is genuinely challenging—this is legitimately one of the toughest climbs in the range, and it sits even higher than the famous Col du Tourmalet. It's earned its stripes in the Tour de France, and for good reason. Summer is your window: the road opens from June through October, though winter completely shuts it down. Fair warning—during summer daylight hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.), the road closes to most traffic except locals, so plan accordingly. When you finally reach the summit, that 360-degree panorama of the surrounding peaks is absolutely worth every hard-earned meter. Just be prepared—this climb might be enough to take it easy for the rest of your day.
moderateWhere is the D656 Road?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Var department of France, right? You stumble upon this little gem called the D656. It’s not a long drive, clocking in at only about 5.2 km, but hold on tight because it's a wild one! This road hugs the mountainside, connecting to the D56 (aka Route des Crêtes!) near the Alpes-Maritimes border. It's paved, thankfully, but don't think that makes it easy. Think hairpin turns, steep drop-offs, and spots so narrow you might want to fold in your mirrors. Seriously, newbie drivers might want to sit this one out, and leave the RV at home – this road has a length restriction. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to stunning vistas as you navigate this thrilling route. It's a real rollercoaster ride, and one you won't soon forget.
hardDriving the paved road to Okraj Pass on the Polish-Czech border
🌍 Poland
Alright, road trip lovers, buckle up for the Okraj Pass! This beauty straddles the Poland-Czech Republic border, clocking in at 1,054 meters (that's 3,458 feet!). Think epic views connecting Lower Silesia (Poland) and the Hradec Králové Region (Czech Republic). Fun fact: the Germans carved this route out back in '37. The road is paved, but don't get complacent – some parts are tight, and you'll definitely feel those inclines hitting a max of 10%! You'll be cruising along Road 368 (Poland side) and Road 252 (Czech side). The whole shebang stretches for about 56.4 km (35 miles), running from Jelenia Góra in Poland to Trutnov in the Czech Republic. Prepare for some killer scenery!