Where is the D22 Road?
France, europe
18.5 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Clinging to the cliffs of the French Riviera, the D22 is a wild ride you won't forget. This iconic balcony road zig-zags skyward from Menton, near the Italian border, offering heart-stopping views of the Côte d'Azur.
The D22 is a local legend, a training ground for cycling pros testing their mettle. Don't let that fool you — it's a challenging 18.5 km climb with gradients hitting 12%! The pavement's smooth, but the road is seriously narrow, often without center lines or guardrails. Expect blind corners and five unlit, single-lane tunnels carved right into the rock. And be prepared for sunshine – this road bakes in the summer heat!
As you ascend, the D22 snakes past Col de Bausson (732m), Col de la Madone de Gorbio (927m), and Col de Saint-Pancrace (673m). The higher you get, the narrower it becomes, but the panoramic vistas are your reward. Picture this: the Mediterranean shimmering below, Monaco gleaming in the distance, all framed by stunning mountain scenery. Grab your camera; you'll want to capture every moment of this unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.5 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the Beautiful LP-4 Road in the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# Carretera del Roque: La Palma's Epic Mountain Drive If you're looking for one of Spain's most thrilling high-altitude drives, the Carretera LP-4—better known locally as the Carretera del Roque—needs to be on your bucket list. Tucked away in the northern reaches of La Palma Island in the Canary Islands, this incredible route climbs all the way up to 2,306 meters (7,566 feet) above sea level. The fully paved 49.9 km (31 miles) stretch winds its way from Santa Cruz de la Palma to Hoya Grande, cutting right through the dramatic landscape of Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Along the way, you'll climb toward Roque de Los Muchachos, the island's highest peak, and the views? Absolutely jaw-dropping. Panoramic vistas unfold around nearly every bend. Now, here's the thing—this road is *steep* and seriously winding. Sharp turns and hairpin bends keep things interesting (okay, intense), and you'll notice traffic is refreshingly light up here. But that mountain character demands respect. You'll want to take your time, keep your speed down, and stay sharp throughout. The altitude and terrain mean this isn't a casual cruise; it requires careful, deliberate driving. If you're up for the challenge and don't mind white-knuckling through some stunning scenery, the Carretera del Roque delivers an unforgettable adventure.
extremeA wild unpaved road to Val Viola Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Val Viola: Alpine Adventure at Its Most Raw Sitting pretty at 2,432 meters (7,979 feet) above sea level, Passo di Val Viola is a serious Alpine crossing that straddles the Switzerland-Italy border. This isn't your typical mountain pass—it's the kind of route that separates the casual drivers from the true adventurers. Here's the thing: the Italian side is absolutely gnarly. We're talking gravel, narrow switchbacks, steep grades, and surfaces that turn treacherous the moment rain hits. Winter? Forget about it—the pass becomes completely impassable when snow rolls in. And just when you think you've conquered it all, those final stretches narrow down to barely more than a hiking trail. The pass connects the Swiss town of Poschiavo (in Graubünden) with Valdidentro down in Italy's Lombardy region. If you're coming from Switzerland, you'll find the approach is strictly a mountain path—no driving here. But that Italian side? That's where the real challenge lies. This is peak "bucket list" territory for those who live for mountain driving experiences. The scenery is absolutely stunning, the elevation is legitimately impressive, and the sheer rawness of the experience makes it unforgettable. Just make sure you know what you're getting into before you attempt it.
hardWhere is Truskmore located?
🌍 Ireland
Truskmore, at 647m (2,123ft), is supposedly one of Ireland's most challenging climbs! You'll find this beast straddling the Sligo and Leitrim county line in the northern part of the country. Yep, it’s the highest point in both counties. The road? Paved, but hold onto your hat – it's seriously narrow. Think of it as one of the highest routes you can drive in Ireland. Plus, it's home to the Truskmore television transmitter. Starting from Ballaghnatrillick, the road winds up for 9.0 km (5.59 miles), gaining a hefty 599 meters in elevation. Don't let the gentle beginning fool you. The average gradient is around 6.65%, but the last 4km are a real leg-burner, averaging 11% and hitting a max of 22%! Be aware that the final stretch is private property, owned by RTE, and blocked by a barrier. The views, though? Totally worth it. You'll be treated to sweeping panoramas of the surrounding countryside, even catching glimpses of the Slieve League sea cliffs on a clear day. Parking is limited and the wind can be fierce, so check the forecast before you head up!
moderateHow long is Pico do Areeiro?
🇵🇹 Portugal
Pico do Areeiro is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.804m (5,918ft) above sea level, located in Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. At this elevation, it is one of the highest roads in the country How long is Pico do Areeiro? The road to the summit, also known as Pico do Arieiro, is totally paved. Starting at the paved ER103, on Paso do Poiso, it’s 6.6 km (4.10 miles) long. How steep is the road to Pico do Areeiro? The road to the top, the third-highest summit on the Island of Madeira, is very steep, with an 11% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The elevation gain is 421 meters. The average gradient is 6.37%. Is Pico do Areeiro open? Located in the center of Madeira, in the central mountain range, and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery with jagged peaks, the road is typically open all year round. Fog is common, and the top of the mountain is often above cloud level. Is Pico do Areeiro worth it? The summit hosts a large car park, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and an Air Defense Radar Station built in 2011. It’s one of the most visited peaks on the island, due to its easy access, extraordinary views, and well-known nature paths to Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo. The footpath northwards towards Pico Ruivo is an important tourist attraction, with a daily average of 1,000 tourists trekking on it. On the way to Pico do Arieiro, one can admire a unique stone-built pit (looks like a huge igloo) known as “Poço da Neve,” built by an English family who once used to store ice, snow, and hail from the mountains. With good weather, it is possible to see Porto Santo, the neighboring island, 30 nautical miles to the north. The road to Alto de Torre-Serra da Estrela, the highest point of Mainland Portugal Estrada Nacional 2 is the Route 66 of Portugal Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.