
Where is Strada Statale 18?
Italy, europe
8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising along the Strada Statale 18, from Sapri to Acquafredda in Italy? Get ready for a treat! This coastal route hugs the Tyrrhenian Sea between Campania and Basilicata, offering views that have made it a star in movies (like Bond's "No Time to Die") and luxury car commercials.
This stretch of the SS 18 is just under 5 miles of pure driving bliss, but don't let the short distance fool you. Carved right into the cliffs since 1928 (and revamped in '53), the road is a twisty, turny adventure. The road is a bit on the narrow side, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic, especially when passing.
But the views? Absolutely insane. Think dramatic coastal scenery, with the iconic Torre dei Crivi – a 16th-century tower you might recognize from that Bond flick. Just maybe pack some motion sickness pills if your passengers are prone to feeling queasy, because those bends are no joke! But trust me, the combination of stunning views and impressive engineering makes this one of Italy's most unforgettable drives.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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