A road with several dizzying hairpin bends to Cala Gonone
Italy, europe
9.6 km
322 m
hard
Year-round
# Cala Gonone: Sardinia's Wild Coastal Gem
Tucked away on the eastern coast of central Sardinia in the Province of Nuoro, Cala Gonone is a small beach town that's earned its reputation as one of the most stunning stretches of sand in the region. And honestly? It's the difficulty getting there that makes it so special.
What makes Cala Gonone truly unforgettable is its raw, untamed beauty. This isn't some manicured resort beach—it's wild, unspoilt, and absolutely gorgeous. The road in? That's part of the adventure (and the appeal).
Buckle up, because the drive to Cala Gonone is genuinely intense. We're talking relentless hairpin bends that'll have your heart racing, sections so narrow you'll wonder how two cars could possibly pass, and a concrete surface that's seen better days. The whole experience is thrilling in the best possible way.
Starting from the Strada Statale 125, you're looking at a 9.6 km (5.96 miles) journey that rewards you with absolutely spectacular views of the Golfo di Orosei stretching out below.
The real test? The final 2.4 km. After passing the Nuraghe Buca d'Irghiriai—a fascinating archaeological site sitting at 322 meters elevation—the road becomes seriously steep. You're climbing 245 meters with an average gradient of 10.20%, with some stretches hitting 14%. It's challenging, exhilarating, and unforgettable.
Where is it?
A road with several dizzying hairpin bends to Cala Gonone is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.5240, 13.3683
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 322 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 43.5240, 13.3683
Related Roads in europe
moderateTake the Scenic Route and Discover Valdresflye
🇳🇴 Norway
# Valdresflye: Norway's Alpine Adventure Nestled in the easternmost reaches of Jotunheimen, Valdresflye stands as one of Norway's highest mountain passes at a breathtaking 1,393 meters (4,570 feet). This fully paved route, officially known as the National Tourist Route Valdresflye or Fylkesvei 51, stretches for an impressive 49 kilometers (30.44 miles) from Garli near Beitostølen all the way to Besstrondsæter in Vågå. What makes this mountain plateau drive so special? The journey itself is fairly straightforward—the road is mostly well-maintained, though you'll hit some narrow sections that keep things interesting. The real drama comes from the weather and timing. The pass typically opens in early May and stays accessible well into November, though winter can shut it down unexpectedly when snow decides to reclaim the mountain. Here's the thing about driving up here: conditions can shift faster than you can say "Norse mythology." The weather at the plateau is notoriously unpredictable, so come prepared and keep your wits about you. But if you're chasing that perfect combination of stunning alpine scenery, genuine mountain driving, and the satisfaction of conquering one of Scandinavia's highest roads, Valdresflye absolutely delivers. It's the kind of route that reminds you why Norway's landscapes capture hearts (and camera rolls) worldwide.
hardDriving the challenging steep road to Passo Muazz in Ticino
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Passo Muazz Ready for a Swiss mountain adventure? Passo Muazz sits at 1,700m (5,567ft) in Ticino's Blenio district, right near the Grisons border in the southern part of the region. Starting from the charming town of Ghirone at 1,252m, this 6.1 km (3.79 miles) route is definitely not for the faint of heart. You'll tackle 13 wickedly sharp hairpin turns while climbing 448 meters—that's an average gradient of 7.34%. The road's mostly paved, though you'll hit some gravel sections toward the end. The real magic? You'll pass Lago di Luzzone, a stunning high mountain lake at 1,606m that's home to the world's highest artificial climbing wall on its dam. Then things get serious: the road gets narrow, twists get tighter, and you'll enter the famously claustrophobic Carassina (or Luzzone) Tunnel. Built way back in 1963, it's probably the narrowest tunnel you'll ever drive through on a public road—pretty wild! After emerging from the tunnel, a final 500m of gravel road with a gentle climb gets you to Passo Muazz itself. Park up and soak in the views, or continue on to Lago di Carassino and the Capanna Adula mountain refuge if you're feeling the adventure vibes.
hardDriving the road to Tetica de Bacares is not a piece of cake
🇪🇸 Spain
# Tetica de Bacares Ready for an adrenaline rush? Head to Tetica de Bacares, a 2,050m (6,725ft) peak tucked in the Sierra de Filabres mountains of Almería, eastern Andalusia. This isn't your average Sunday drive—it's an adventure that'll make your palms sweat and your heart race. Most of the road is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's relentlessly steep and narrow, weaving through some seriously gnarly terrain. The real deal happens in that final kilometer, where the gradients punch up to a brutal 14-17% on corrugated concrete. Your brakes will definitely get a workout. The good news? The road stays open year-round, so you can tackle this beast whenever the mood strikes. What makes this climb worth every white-knuckle moment? The views, honestly. As you twist through those hairpin corners, you're treated to miles of jaw-dropping mountain scenery. The summit itself is a working communications hub with towers dotting the peak, but more importantly, it's your front-row seat to Almería's stunning landscape. On clear days, you can spot both the otherworldly Tabernas Desert and the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada National Park stretching out below you. This is mountain driving at its finest—technical, dramatic, and absolutely unforgettable.
moderateWhere is Cerro de la Salchicha?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure awaits in Granada, Spain, at Cerro de la Salchicha, a mountain pass that tops out at a cool 1,546 meters! You'll find this gem nestled in the southern part of Spain, in Andalusia. Up top, there's what looks like a ranger station, keeping watch for any forest fires. The road itself? Total forest track vibes through the Sierra de la Contraviesa range. We're talking unpaved goodness all the way, but usually in pretty good shape. Sadly, it's often blocked by a gate, so only foot traffic gets to enjoy the final climb. This 5-kilometer stretch branches off the GR-5204 road and winds through the Alpujarra Granadina. So, if you're up for a hike with some killer views, this might just be your spot!