
A Grueling Unpaved Road to the Summit of Colla d’Onzo
Italy, europe
7.9 km
843 m
extreme
Year-round
# Colla d'Onzo: A Thrilling Mountain Challenge
Ready for one of Italy's most intense driving experiences? The Colla d'Onzo mountain pass sits at 843m (2,765ft) in Liguria's Province of Savona—and it absolutely lives up to its reputation as a seriously demanding ride.
This 7.9 km (4.90 miles) stretch connecting Nasino to Capitolo-Costa runs straight up the mountainside with a relentless 10.24% average gradient. But here's the kicker: some sections kick up to a brutal 20%, making this pass no joke for unprepared drivers.
What makes it truly gnarly? The road is absurdly narrow—two medium-sized cars literally can't pass each other. You'd better be comfortable with tight reversing maneuvers, because you'll likely need them. Throw in mixed paved and unpaved sections, and conditions that get sketchy after rain, and you've got yourself a serious challenge.
Low-clearance vehicles? Skip this one entirely. The steep, winding terrain demands respect and solid driving skills. But if you're up for it, you'll experience one of northern Italy's most spectacular and unforgiving alpine routes—the kind of drive that gets your heart pumping and leaves you with an unforgettable story.
Where is it?
A Grueling Unpaved Road to the Summit of Colla d’Onzo is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.5212, 10.6083
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 843 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 41.5212, 10.6083
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the 5 most scenic roads of Wales
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Wales is calling! First up: the Black Mountain Road in Brecon Beacons National Park. Trust me, these 5 miles are pure driving bliss – twists, dips, climbs, the whole shebang! Or, cruise past Blaenavon iron works with Pen y Fan views on a chill drive along the Brecon Beacons' southern edge. Feeling brave? Tackle the "Devil's Staircase" from Tregaron to Llyn Brianne reservoir. Hairpin alert! We're talking bends, straights, bridges, crests and views for days. Oh, and keep an eye out for the local sheep! For an epic traverse, venture through Coed-y-Brenin Forest and scale the Oerddrws Pass in the Cambrian Mountains. You'll climb 1,170ft to the summit on this long Welsh road. It's bleak, it's beautiful! Lastly, soak up the vistas near Capel Curig in northern Snowdonia National Park. You HAVE to see the "Ugly House" past Swallows Falls. Legend says a goblin with a seriously warped sense of humour built it!
hardMontejunto
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, picture this: you're in central-western Portugal, craving a killer view. Head to Montejunto, a mountain peak rising to 655 meters (that's 2,148 feet!). Up top, you'll find cool old churches, chapels, and some pretty high-tech communication towers. The road to the summit, Rua do Montejunto, winds through the Montejunto-Estrela range. It's paved, but be warned: it gets a little narrow in spots. Trust me, though, it's worth it, as it’s the highest natural viewpoint around! The panoramic views from the top are simply incredible. The climb is definitely a leg-burner. Starting in Vila Verde dos Francos, you've got about 8.2 kilometers to reach the top, gaining a hefty 461 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of over 5%, so get ready for some serious uphill action. Keep an eye out for the airforce radar station on a neighboring peak, too!
hardIs the TransRarau paved?
🇷🇴 Romania
Buckle up for TransRarau, a real gem in Romania's Suceava County, right in the heart of Bukovina! This isn't just a road; it's one of Romania's awesome high-altitude adventures. Good news – it's paved! Forget those bone-jarring rides of the past; this route got a serious makeover, so the asphalt is smooth sailing. Ready for a challenge? TransRarau winds its way up the Rarau massif, topping out at 1,400 meters (4,593 feet). Get your camera ready for some seriously stunning views, but keep your eyes on the road – those curves come at you fast! This 26.4 km (16.40 mile) beauty runs from Pojorata to Chiril, north to south. And, if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road near the top that climbs even higher, reaching 1,633m (5,357ft). Is it worth it? Absolutely! Known as 'The Treasures Road', it's rumored to be one of the most gorgeous alpine roads in the country. The scenery just gets better and better the higher you climb. Keep an eye out for blind curves, though! The best time to visit is June to September. Plus, this route will take you to cool spots like the Rarau Skete and the iconic ‘Lady’s Rocks’ (Pietrele Doamnei). Parking is a bit scarce along the way, so plan accordingly.
hardHow to drive the wild road to Col d'Arnosteguy between Spain and France
🇫🇷 France
Col d'Arnostéguy is a stunning mountain pass perched at 1,240m (4,068ft) right on the Spanish-French border in the Pyrenees. Sitting west of Col d'Orgambide, this gem connects France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques region with Spain's Navarre province, and you'll find a spacious parking lot at the summit—perfect for those Instagram moments. Here's where things get interesting: the French side features the narrow and seriously steep D428 road, which stretches 32.2 km (20 miles) from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. We're talking gradients that hit 17.9% in places, so your brakes will definitely get a workout. It's an adrenaline-pumping drive for sure. The Spanish side? That's a whole different adventure. It's basically a mule track, meaning it's only passable if you're driving a proper 4x4 vehicle. So if you're planning a crossing, come prepared—or stick to conquering the dramatic French approach for an unforgettable experience.