10 roads in italy to travel by motorcycle at least once in a lifetime

There is certainly no shortage of roads to travel in Italy, and that’s probably one of the reasons why motorcyclists in our country are so numerous. From Trentino to Sicily, from Veneto to Liguria, each region has its own unique charm that should be experienced on two wheels at least once in a lifetime.

SS14: TRIESTINE COASTAL ROAD, FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA

• Location: From Sistiana to Miramare
• Road: SS14
• Length: 11 km
• Curiosity: Its construction dates back to the 1920s

The Triestine coastal road offers a marvelous view of the entire Gulf of Trieste. The area can be summed up in the Swiss German word “flysch” (meaning slippery slope), which refers to its characteristic geology. From the Karst plateau to the Adriatic Sea, the landscape transitions from the brown and gray shades of the rocks to the deep blue of the sea.

SP44: ADRIATIC PANORAMIC ROAD, MARCHE

• Location: From Gabicce to Pesaro
• Road: SP44
• Length: 26 km
• Curiosity: The road is closed to traffic every Sunday from 6:30 am to 11:30 am.

The scenic SP44 road traverses the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park and is an extraordinary blend of art and nature. It is a must-visit route that takes you through the medieval village of Gabicce Monte, the Vallugola bay, the village of Casteldimezzo, and the imperial villa of Pesaro.

LITORANEA OTRANTO – SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA, PUGLIA

• Location: From Otranto to Leuca
• Road: SP87 – SP177 – SP358
• Length: 60 km
• Curiosity: During the journey, you will come across numerous watchtowers, some dating back to Roman times.

The SP358 is one of the most scenic roads in all of Salento and Puglia. It runs along the coast and passes through splendid areas such as Porto Badisco, Santa Cesarea Terme, and Castro.

SS715: PANORAMIC ROAD OF THE CRETE SENESI, TUSCANY

• Location: From Taverne d’Arbia to Sinalunga
• Road: SS438
• Length: 38 km
• Curiosity: Don’t miss the many panoramic viewpoints

One of the most scenic points in this enchanting region is the Crete Senesi. This wonderful hilly route is located in the province of Siena, southeast of the city, along the Via Lauretana. In the landscape of cypress trees, you will find the Castle of Leonia and the village of Mucigliani.

STATALE DELLO STELVIO NATIONAL ROAD, LOMBARDY – TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE

• Location: From Piantedo to Bolzano
• Road: SS38
• Length: 230 km
• Interesting Fact: A motorcyclist’s paradise, the Stelvio road challenges drivers with its 48 hairpin bends on the Alto Adige side.

The SS38 Stelvio road connects the Valtellina region with the Val Venosta region, passing through the Stelvio Pass (2,758 meters above sea level). From Val Venosta, it continues through Alto Adige until reaching Bolzano. Be cautious of the maximum slope (%): 7.1 – 7.7%

SS48: GRANDE STRADA DELLE DOLOMITI (GREAT ROAD OF THE DOLOMITES), TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE – VENETO

• Location: From Bolzano to Cortina
• Road: SS48
• Length: 110 km
• Interesting Fact: Inaugurated in 1909 and initially built for military purposes.

One of the most beautiful roads in the world, it winds through the spectacular Dolomites (Tofane, Marmolada, and Sella). Amidst unique landscapes, you can admire the beauty of Val d’Ega, Val di Fassa, Val Gardena, and Val Badia. Along the route, ancient mountain passes such as Passo Falzarego and Passo Pordoi can be crossed, and you can visit some of the most famous Alpine locations like Moena, Vigo di Fassa, Ortisei, and Canazei, as well as heavenly spots such as Lake Carezza and Lake Ghedina.

SP38: STRADA DELLA FORRA (THE GORGE ROAD), LOMBARDY

• Location: Tremosine, Lombardy
• Road: SP38
• Length: 11 km
• Interesting Fact: The Strada della Forra has been described by Winston Churchill as the eighth wonder of the world.

To reach Tremosine sul Garda, motorcyclists are advised to take the spectacular Strada della Forra: a breathtaking route that winds through the wild gorge carved by the Brasa Stream, from the lake to Pieve di Tremosine sul Garda.

SS163: AMALFI COAST ROAD, CAMPANIA

• Location: From Positano to Vietri sul Mare
• Road: SS163
• Length: 37 km
• Interesting Fact: Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a perfect example of a Mediterranean landscape with exceptional cultural and natural value.

Characterized by steep cliffs and a rugged coastline dotted with small pastel-colored beaches and fishing villages, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is usually very busy with traffic, but the stunning view of the Gulf makes it truly worthwhile.

SS80 VALICO DELLE CAPANNELLE AND SP86 CAMPO IMPERATORE, ABRUZZO

• Location: From Teramo to L’Aquila
• Roads: SS80 – SP86
• Length: 75 km
• Interesting Fact: The peaks that border and surround Campo Imperatore (commonly referred to as the “Little Tibet”) are among the highest and most picturesque in the Apennines.

The Valico delle Capannelle is something unique in the world. In the initial stretch of the road, the landscape is divided between the beautiful valley that houses Arischia and Pizzoli on one side, and the mountain range of Gran Sasso on the other. As you ascend, facing slopes between 3% and 5%, you will immerse yourself in the valley and admire Gran Sasso with its green fields among the mountains.

Upon reaching the top, you have several options: turning right on SP86 towards Campo Imperatore (approximately 50 km) passing through Assergi, going straight and continuing on SS80 towards Teramo, or turning left later on towards Lake Campotosto.

SP71: COSTA DEL SUD – SARDINIA

• Location: From Porto Teulada to Chia
• Road: SP71
• Length: 25 km
• Interesting Fact: Along the route, you will find the remains of the ancient city of Nora, founded (according to legend) by the mythical hero Norax, the son of Hermes and Gerione.

Enchanting beaches, the emerald transparent sea and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Costa del Sud (South Coast) of Sardinia will leave you speechless. The beautiful coastal area of Teulada, with its high promontory, is nestled between a vast hinterland of wooded mountains and the coastline.

Selecting just 10 roads in Italy has truly been difficult. Here are a few more that can’t be missed:

• The Panoramic Road from Taormina to Siracusa in Sicily: A splendid stretch along the Ionian Sea passing through the towns of Giarre, Acireale, and Augusta.

• Val Taleggio, between San Pellegrino and Vedeseta in Lombardy: Situated halfway between Valsassina and Val Brembana.

• Statale 340 Regina in Lombardy, from Como to the small town of Valsolda.

• Panoramica Zegna in Piedmont, from Villanova Biellese to Bocchetto di Sessera.

• The Coastal Road of the Cinque Terre in Liguria, from La Spezia to Chiesanuova.

Each road offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who love the beauty of nature and the unforgettable landscapes of Italy.