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Holidays by car: the ten most beautiful roads in Italy
Travelling by car along some of the most fascinating state roads of the peninsula: from Cortina to Bolgheri here are which ones
Italy offers an extraordinary natural landscape and the cool days of September are the ideal time to embark on a journey along some of the country's most beautiful roads. This top ten offers routes that cross the peninsula, from the Alps to the islands, highlighting the pleasure of driving immersed in nature. Whether they are provincial roads at high altitude or twisting ribbons of asphalt in remote territories, these itineraries are united by good quality asphalt, wide carriageways and low traffic, making them perfect for a memorable driving experience.
1. The Cypress Road
Starting from the majestic cypress trees of Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, the SR68 retraces the ancient salt routes. Heading east, the route passes through plowed fields, medieval ruins and rolling hills, until reaching Volterra and Castel San Gimignano. This route, characterized by a magnificent sequence of wide curves and straights on the ridges, leads into the green heart of the Val d'Elsa.
2. Costa Rei in Sardinia
Nestled between the sea, bays, sandy shores and rock faces, the legendary SS21 connects Costa Rei to Olbia, running parallel to the eastern side of Sardinia. The route passes through various ecosystems, including Dorgali, Barbagia and San Teodoro, offering along the way glimpses of uncontaminated nature and the sweet scents of the Mediterranean scrub.
3. Madonie Park
The triptych composed of SS120, SP24 and SP9 evokes the challenges of the Targa Florio, transporting travellers to the ancestral atmospheres of the Madonie. This region, among the sunniest and wildest in Sicily, offers breathtaking landscapes made of sharp rocks, hilltop villages and steep cliffs adorned with orange blossoms, evoking pure poetry.
4. Po Delta
When the sun sets, the Oasis of Cà Melo and the surrounding placid estuaries are tinged with the fiery hues typical of sunsets on the Mekong. The memorable destination can be reached by taking the SP38, a road suspended over the brackish waters, flanked by fish farms, stilt houses and a flora and fauna unique in the world.
5. Recanati-Conero Park
The most beloved road by motorcyclists in the Marche is probably the “panoramica” of Pesaro, dear to Valentino Rossi, but for a route that touches the most iconic places in the region, it is advisable to choose the SP34 and the SP2. These roads connect the lonely hill of Recanati, home of the poet Giacomo Leopardi, to the white cliffs of Conero.
6. The Amalfi Coast
When it comes to seaside cliffs, nothing can compete with the epic drama of the landscape that stretches from Punta Campanella to Amalfi. Although traffic is omnipresent, the slow pace dictated by the lack of space and the high tourist influx offer a perfect opportunity to calmly admire the geological wonders and fully savor the local joie de vivre.
7. The Terminillo
The raid to the highest peak in Lazio is another driving test particularly appreciated by motorcyclists. The climb offers a variety of curves and hairpin bends and, once you reach two thousand meters of altitude, you find yourself surrounded by a magnificent and silent plateau, ideal for trekking, walks and moments of relaxation.
8. State Road 51 of Germany
The most fascinating stretch of this road, which is almost always wide and well maintained, connects Dobbiaco to Cortina d'Ampezzo, winding through coniferous forests, alpine lakes and the pink reflections of the Dolomite rocks. Along the way, numerous war relics add a further level of fascination to the experience.
9. Norcia-Castelluccio
In the green heart of Italy, the most magical time to travel is the end of June, when the flowering of Castelluccio colors the plateau on the Sibillini Mountains with dreamlike shades of purple, red and periwinkle. The route, which varies from 500 to 1,500 meters above sea level, begins in the shady Valnerina and then climbs along the SP477 to the National Park dominated by Mount Vettore.
10. Gargano Coastlines
The hinterland dotted with centuries-old olive trees and citrus trees, along with the white villages perched on the cliffs, are just some of the timeless attractions that you encounter along the Vieste-Mattinata coastal road. Although the surface of the SP54 is not the best, the discomfort is largely compensated by the sound of cicadas and the surf that accompany the passage on bays and inlets sculpted by the elements.
SAFE RENTAL
Renting a car to travel these roads is the best choice
Featuring breathtaking scenery and well-maintained roads, these itineraries are perfect for those who want to explore Italy while enjoying the pleasure of driving.
