A curvy road with 75 hairpin turns to Colle della Lombarda
Italy, europe
41.6 km
2,354 m
extreme
Year-round
Col de la Lombarde-Colle della Lombarda is a seriously epic high mountain pass sitting at 2,354m (7,723ft) right on the border between Italy and France. It's the perfect gateway connecting the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France with the Province of Cuneo over in Italy's Piedmont region.
Perched high above the Isola 2000 ski resort in the Alps, this road is absolutely wild — we're talking 75 wickedly sharp hairpin turns on a completely paved road that demands serious respect. The French call it the M97, while the Italians know it as Strada Provinciale 255 (SP255). Since its completion in 1971, it's been a summer-only adventure for most vehicles.
Plan on spending about 1 to 1.5 hours driving it without stopping. The views? Absolutely stunning. You'll spot remnants of WWII scattered around the upper sections — blockhouses and barracks that tell their own stories. There's a small parking area at the summit where you can catch your breath.
The full route stretches 41.6 km (25.84 miles) from Isola on the French side down to Vinadio in Italy, running south to north. Oh, and this is a proper bucket-list pass — the Tour de France didn't tackle it until 2008. Fair warning though: some sections hit a gnarly 17% gradient, so you'll definitely feel your engine working for every meter of elevation gained.
Where is it?
A curvy road with 75 hairpin turns to Colle della Lombarda is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.3479, 12.7043
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 41.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,354 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.3479, 12.7043
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Gorges de Rebenty?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French countryside in the Aude department, heading for the Gorges de Rebenty – a seriously stunning canyon carved by the Rebenty River. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure, snaking through the heart of southern France within the Pyrenees Mountains. The route through the gorge is just a hair over 12 kilometers, but don't let the short distance fool you. There's a notoriously twisty section called the "Chaos," and let me tell you, it lives up to the name! Keep your eyes peeled for super-narrow spots where cars can't pass each other – so, get ready to do some maneuvering! Oh, and a word to the wise: you might find yourself reversing around a blind corner or two. Honestly, I'd suggest ditching the car and exploring this canyon on foot or by bike. The road demands all your attention, and you'll want to soak in the breathtaking scenery without having to focus on the hairpin turns. Trust me, it's worth it!
hardA high mountain road from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, specifically in the Erzurum Province. You're headed from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ on a wild, unpaved road that climbs all the way up to a staggering 2,701 meters (that's 8,861 feet!). This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a full-on 4x4 adventure through the İspir District. The whole route is about 30.3 km (18.82 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-roading, snaking its way south-north. Give yourself around 2 hours to soak it all in – without stops! Prepare for some serious hairpin action – we're talking 30 turns that'll have you grinning (or gripping the wheel!). And hold on tight, because this route isn't shy about steep climbs. You'll hit gradients of up to 21% in sections. Just a heads up: when winter rolls around, this place transforms into a snowy wonderland. So, make sure to be ready for slippery conditions if you're planning a trip then!
moderateWhere does Carretera de la Arrabassada start and end?
🇪🇸 Spain
Cruising the Carretera de l’Arrabassada near Barcelona, Spain is an absolute must if you're a thrill-seeking driver! This beauty, officially the BP-1417, stretches for about 11.4 km (7.08 miles) between Barcelona and Sant Cugat del Vallès, carving its way through the Collserola mountain range and peaking at the coll de l'Erola, a mountain pass sitting at 396m (1,299ft). Be warned, though – this road's got a reputation. It's seriously winding, thanks to the rugged terrain, and you'll find yourself navigating hairpin turns like the infamous Paella curve. It's a haven for motorcyclists looking to test their skills, but with its popularity comes heavy traffic, especially since it leads to the Tibidabo amusement park. Beyond the adrenaline, the scenery is incredible. Keep an eye out for cool spots like the Arrabassada casino ruins, the Font Groga, and the Rabassada viewpoint. Just be aware that, despite its beauty, the Carretera de l’Arrabassada has a history of accidents and illegal races. So, while you're soaking in the views and enjoying the ride, remember to stay alert and drive safe!
extremeWhere is Strada Provinciale 18?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Italy's Autonomous Province of Trento, and you stumble upon the Strada Provinciale 18. This isn't just any road; it's carved right into the rock, hugging the cliffs high above the Laghi valley. Locals call it the Panoramica di Ranzo, and trust me, the views live up to the name. Just 20 km from Trento and 35 km from Riva del Garda, this 7.5-kilometer stretch of paved road winds its way from Ciago (just north of Vezzano) up to the charming town of Ranzo. It's a less-traveled route that plunges you straight into the stunning Paganella massif. Now, let's be real, this road isn't for the faint of heart. There are parts so narrow that two cars can barely squeeze by. And yes, there's a risk of rockslides – it's literally carved into a cliffside! But don't let that scare you off completely. The SP18 is famous for a reason. It's a total nail-biter, but those views! You'll be staring down at Vezzano, Fraveggio, Monte Terlago, Ciago, and Lon. Keep an eye out for the panoramic viewpoint near Ranzo; it's the perfect spot to pull over and soak it all in. Built in 1948 to connect isolated towns, the road used to be quite treacherous. Landslides were a serious problem. Thankfully, safety improvements in 2016, like rockfall barriers and netting, have made the drive much safer, but still exciting.