Our Blog

Best driving roads South and North Europe

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Discover best sea side road in Italy and Norway

At thecarspec.com we love to drive car in fun driving roads and the gorgeus Costiera Amalfitana is one the best in Europe.

The Amalfi Coast Drive, also known as Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana or SS163, is a breathtaking coastal road that winds along the stunning Amalfi Coast in Italy. Let’s explore this iconic drive:

  1. Route and Length:
    • The Amalfi Drive stretches approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Sorrento in the north to Amalfi in the south, with Vietri sul Mare near Salerno marking its end. This scenic route hugs the coastline, offering mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged cliffs12.
    • Choose the right direction: A drive is only truly fun from Sorrento towards Salerno. That way you’ll always have the sea on the right side and can enjoy the phenomenal view.
    • Use the parking bays: There are always small parking bays along the Amalfitana, where you can stop briefly for photos or a short break. Stop as soon as you see a free spot. There is not always a free parking space, so it’s a question of good luck. Waiting on the side of the road is not an option, because of the narrow lane and the other traffic.
    • Without stops or traffic, it takes about two hours to drive the entire length of this road2.
    • Scenic Beauty: The Amalfi Coast drive is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful and thrilling sightseeing roads. Its dramatic landscape is protected by UNESCO, making it a unique opportunity to create lasting memories.
    • Along the way, you’ll encounter charming villages such as Amalfi, Positano, Scala, and Vietri sul Mare. Each stage of the drive offers picturesque vistas that will leave you awe-struck1.
  2. Hairpin Bends and Zigzags:
    • The iconic road is famous for its hairpin bends, zigzags, and narrowness in some sections. It winds along the cliffs, built at a steep angle, creating a thrilling zigzag pattern.
    • As you navigate these twists and turns, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the sea and the rugged coastline1.
  3. Challenges and Thrills:
    • Driving the Amalfi Coast can be both stressful and thrilling. Tour buses, cars, and scooters all vie for space on the narrow road’s hairpin turns high above the sea.
    • With steep cliffs on one side and the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean on the other, this daredevil drive offers stunning views at every corner. It’s an unforgettable experience, but not for the faint of heart1.

Taking a road trip along one of Italy’s most exciting roads is certainly on quite a few bucket lists.

The Amalfi coast is an amazing experience and you should definitely plan one or more nights in the area.

Be aware that the Amalfi coast is one of the most expensive vacation spots in Italy and especially in summer, a lot of places book out quickly, Tt’s highly recommended to book early to get the best options both for hotels or b&b costiera amalfitana.

The Amalfi Coast is known for its particularly aromatic lemons and the Amalfitana is full of nice spot with small stalls from local vendors. On the roadside, you can buy lemons and all kinds of products like lemon candies. Just scratch the peel of a lemon and smelled it, or enjoy a lemon candy, and your queasy stomach will be calmed: Lemons are an old household remedy against travel sickness.

As you drive through Positano and the town of Amalfi take care of little space on the road when other cars come from opposite direction that may be needs to have side mirrors retracted. However, it usually goes well, and you will be able to continue moving forward. Beautiful? Yes. Chaotic? Absolutely.

 

Moving extremely north in Europe, in Norway, located in the southwest of Norway, there is Lysevegen (FV500), a very popular tourist road in the high mountains of Rogaland and Vest Agder.

Lysevegen, promises breathtaking views and hair-raising twists. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Location and Length:
    • The Lysevegen (also known as FV500) is located in the southwestern part of Norway, spanning the high mountains of Rogaland and Vest Agder, the road is totally paved.
    • This road features 27 hairpin turns and a curvy narrow tunnel that can accommodate only one car at a time. It’s not just any road; it’s one of the most famous hairpinned roads globally.
  2. Scenic Beauty and Challenges:
    • The road winds its way from an elevation of 640 meters (2,100 feet) above sea level down into the valley where the village of Lysebotn lies.
    • Drivers must navigate 27 sharp hairpin bends, an average gradient of 9.4%, and twists and turns on a single-track road.
    • Drivers need to be extremely careful, twisting and turning the whole way down and must take their time and be exceedingly careful driving this endlessly winding road.
    • The road drops nearly 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), culminating in an impressive tunnel that turns 340 degrees before emerging in the quiet town of Lysebotn.
  3. Seasonal Availability:
    • The Lysevegen road is only open for five months each year, typically from May to October/November, depending on snow conditions.
    • It’s a narrow road that can be dangerous, so it’s only accessible when it’s ice-free and safe.
  4. Highlights and Must-See Spots:
    • Apart from the exhilarating road itself, two main reasons to travel this route are:
      • Kjerag: A popular hiking destination with stunning views.
      • Lysefjord Ferry: Take a ferry back towards Stavanger and enjoy the fjord’s beauty.