Portugal: National Road 222 The road known as the N222 is one of the most scenic in Portugal and connects Vila Nova de Gaia to Alemendra. The meandering Douro River serves as a backdrop for much of the 230 kilometres that also leads motorists past three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the prehistoric rock arts sites of Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa. If you only have an afternoon to spare, check out the 27 kilometres between Peso da Regua and Pinhao, where the route tours the heart of wine country and contains no less than 93 bends.
Ireland: Copper Coast Named for the many copper mines operating in this part of Ireland in the 19th century, the Copper Coast is 25 kilometres of stunning coastline starting at Tramore and Ending at Dungarvan. Drivers are treat- ed to diverse rock formations and endless beach and ocean landscapes and taken through six picturesque villages along the way. The geologically diverse area is actually a designated UNESCO European Geopark and is considered an out- door museum containing natural records of ancient volcanic activity, mountain building and the last ice age.
Britain: Snake Pass Located in the Peak District of England, Snake Pass is accessed via A57 and is 42 kilometres of sweeping, off-camber tarmac. Linking Sheffield and Manchester via the Pennines, the drive takes place 512 metres above sea level and as a result provides some amaz- ing views of the mountain range and the Lady Bower Reservoir. Note: the higher elevation makes the road prone to in- clement weather and heavy fog in the colder months. Check ahead to see if there are any warning notices posted.
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