
Where is Strada Provinciale 227 di Portofino?
Italy, europe
12.8 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising the Italian Riviera? You HAVE to hit Strada Provinciale 227 di Portofino (SP 227)! This coastal gem hugs the Ligurian coastline southeast of Genoa for about 8 miles (12.8 km) of pure driving bliss.
Picture this: you're winding along paved roads, connecting the charming town of Rapallo (don't miss the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro!) with the ultra-exclusive Portofino. Yeah, *that* Portofino, the one with the yachts and the postcard-perfect harbor.
Expect jaw-dropping views around every hairpin turn. Just a heads up: those narrow sections can get pretty congested in the summer months, so patience is key. But trust me, the scenery is SO worth it. Just make sure you can handle a bit of reversing if you get stuck. This road is NOT for the faint of heart!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.8 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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