What are the most spectacular roads in Italy?

Located in the southern part of Europe, Italy is a dream for drivers as it hosts the mountain passes (the Alps), coastal drives (Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Ligurian), and some of the most famous scenic routes in the world.

Choosing only a few roads to drive in the country is nearly impossible, as there are about 600 spectacular routes. Stelvio Pass is Europe's most famous road. At an elevation of 2,757m (9,045ft) above sea level, the pass is located in the northern part of the country. It's one of the highest roads in Europe. Featuring 48 hairpin turns, the road through the summit is a marvel of engineering.

If you prefer coastal drives, you must experience the breathtaking Amalfi Coast Road. The road follows the shoreline from Sorrento south to Salerno. The road has been featured in films since cameras started rolling at 24 frames per second. If you want to feel like James Bond, don’t skip Strada della Forra. A small car with a functioning horn is recommended. For skilled drivers only. The drive is known by motorcyclists from all over Europe, as it is impressive and not without danger in a few narrow and steep spots. If you prefer roads with a story, don’t miss the Strada delle 52 Gallerie, a WWI military mule road. Built on the massif of Pasubio, it was constructed in this position to stay away from Austro-Hungarian artillery fire.

Colle del Garezzo is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.795m (5,889ft) above sea level, located in the mountainous and hilly province of Imperia, in the Liguria region of Italy. 

The Tunnel du Mont-Blanc, located on the French-Italian border within the Alps, is one of the most significant engineering feats of the 20th century. The tunnel runs beneath Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe.

Schlüsseljoch is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,212m (7,257ft) above sea level, located in the Zillertal Alps. Situated in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol) in northern Italy, it lies very close to the Austrian border.

Colle Blegier is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,381m (7,811ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Torino, Italy. It’s the fourth pass on the Assietta Road.

Dosso dei Galli is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.188m (7,178ft) above sea level, located in the province of Brescia, in Italy. The pass is traversed by the challenging SP345B.

Plöckenpass-Passo di Monte Croce Carnico is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 1.370m (4,494ft) above sea level, located on the border of Austria and Italy.

Saint-Barthélemy is a high mountain town at an elevation of 1,647m (5,403ft) above sea level, located in the Aosta Valley region of Italy.

Rifugio Madriccio-Madrisch Hütte is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2,828 m (9,278 ft) above sea level, located in South Tyrol, Italy.

Monte Cesen da Valdobbiadene is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.504m (4,934ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Treviso of Italy.

Colle Margherina is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,420m (7,939ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Cuneo, in Italy.

Col du Fréjus is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.546m (8,353ft) above sea level, located on the Franco-Italian border.

Pian del Re is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 2,020m (6,627ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Cuneo, in Italy.

Galleria di Rosazza is a frightening, unlit tunnel at an elevation of 1,497m (4,911ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Biella, in the northern Italian region of Piedmont.

Sebina Occidentale is one of Italy's most scenic and challenging roads. Located in the province of Bergamo, the road runs along the western shore of Lake Iseo, the fourth-largest lake in the region. It's a beautiful route from Sarnico to Lovere, passing through the narrow streets of picturesque coastal towns.

Passo del Pura is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.445m (4,740ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Udine, in Italy.

Brennergrenzkammstraße is an old high mountain military road located along the border of Italy and Austria.

Colle di Sampeyre is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,284m (7,493ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Cuneo, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is one of the highest paved passes in the Cottian Alps, famous for its dramatic drops and stunning alpine scenery.

Spanning the Campania and Basilicata regions of Italy, the iconic Strada Statale 18 from Sapri to Acquafredda is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The road has been featured in movies, high-end auto commercials, and advertisements.

Punta Sa Berritta is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1,362m (4,469ft) above sea level, located in the Gallura region of Sardinia, in Italy.

Rifugio Fodara Vedla is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 1,980 m (6,496 ft) above sea level, located in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano in Italy. It is said to be the steepest climb in the Alps.

Passo Furcia is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,789m (5,869 ft) above sea level, located in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in Italy.

Passo d’Alpisella is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,285m (7,497ft) above sea level, located in the province of Sondrio, in Italy.

Passo del Dasdana is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,086m (6,843ft) above sea level, located in the province of Brescia, Italy. The pass is traversed by the challenging SP345B Road.

Passo di Vizze-Pfitscherjoch is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,276 m (7,467 ft) above sea level, located on the border of Italy and Austria.

Sella dell’Auccia is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.108m (6,916ft) above sea level, located in the province of Brescia, in Italy. The pass is traversed by the challenging SP345B.

Passo Duran is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,601m (5,253ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Belluno, in Italy.

Colla d’Onzo is a mountain pass at an elevation of 843m (2,765ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Savona in the Italian region of Liguria. The climb is simply brutal, with a 10.24% average gradient.

Passo della Gardetta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,442m (8,011ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Cuneo, in Italy.

Bivacco Carmagnola is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2.840m (9,317ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Cuneo in Italy.

Sant'Anna di Vinadio is a high mountain sanctuary dedicated to Sant’Anna and Gioacchino, the parents of Mary, located at an elevation of 2,000m (6,600ft) above sea level in the Province of Cuneo, in Italy.

Passo di Cimabanche is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,530 m (5,029 ft) above sea level, located in Italy.

Passo Cibiana is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,535 m (5,036 ft) above sea level, located in the province of Belluno in Italy.

Passo di Lavena is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.992m (6,535ft) above sea level, located in the province of Brescia, in Italy. The pass is traversed by the challenging SP345B.

Valico Poffa di Rondenino is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.012m (6,601ft) above sea level, located in the province of Brescia, in Italy. The pass is traversed by the challenging SP345B.

Predel-Passo di Predil is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 1.156m (3,793ft) above sea level, located on the border between Italy and Slovenia.

Colle dell'Assietta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.472m (8,110ft) above sea level, located in the Metropolitan City of Turin, in Italy.

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