An Awe-Inspiring Paved Road to Costalunga Pass

An Awe-Inspiring Paved Road to Costalunga Pass

Italy, europe

Length

23 km

Elevation

1,745 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Passo di Costalunga: A Alpine Adventure in South Tyrol

Ready for some serious mountain scenery? Head to Passo di Costalunga (also called Karerpass) in Italy's South Tyrol region, sitting pretty at 1,745m (5,725ft) above sea level. This isn't your typical pointy peak—the summit spreads out like a plateau, which means you get almost a full 360° view of some seriously impressive mountains: the Ortler, the Cevedale massif, and the Adige Valley stretching below.

The 23km (14-mile) route runs west-east from Ponte Nova to Vigo di Fassa, and while it's fully paved and well-maintained, don't let that fool you. This is a legit driving challenge with narrow sections, countless hairpin turns, and steep slopes that hit gradients up to 11%—demanding enough that it's been featured in the Giro d'Italia cycling race.

At the summit, you'll find everything you need to break up the drive: cozy hotels, restaurants serving up authentic Alpine fare, souvenir shops, and even a farmer renting horses if you fancy a different kind of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned mountain driver or just looking for stunning views with a side of adrenaline, Passo di Costalunga delivers both in spades.

Where is it?

An Awe-Inspiring Paved Road to Costalunga Pass is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.2866, 12.8251

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
23 km
Max Elevation
1,745 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.2866, 12.8251

Related Roads in europe

The Wild Road to Büyükagara Lakehard

The Wild Road to Büyükagara Lake

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Büyükagara Lake, nestled way up in Turkey's Black Sea region, in Artvin Province. We're talking serious altitude here, nearly 8,818 feet above sea level! Now, getting to this alpine paradise isn't exactly a Sunday drive. The gravel road is bumpy, to put it mildly, and you'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle it. It's a steep climb, and things can get dicey after even a little rain. Plus, with that kind of elevation, expect snow in winter – it can close the road anytime. But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth the challenge!

Things to Know Before Driving the Paved Road to Laroucomoderate

Things to Know Before Driving the Paved Road to Larouco

🇵🇹 Portugal

Larouco, a sky-high peak at 1,527m (that's over 5,000 feet!), sits right on the Portugal-Spain border. Named after a Celtic god, this mountain is steeped in history and legend. You'll find a huge parking lot at the top with incredible views – plus a launch spot for paragliders! Monte Larouco, shared by both Portugal and Spain, isn't just a pretty face. It's known for amazing paragliding conditions thanks to the unique thermals. Back in the day, people believed a pre-Roman god lived here, and Romans even built altars to him on both sides of the mountain! The road to the summit? Totally paved since 2014, so no need for a monster truck. It’s fairly straight and well-kept, but get ready for some steep climbs! Keep an eye out for cattle chilling on the road – they love the mountain pastures. Starting in Montalegre, it's about 11.2 km (7 miles) to the top, climbing 571 meters (almost 1900 feet). That's an average gradient of about 5%. Perched in the Serra do Larouco mountains, part of a bigger range, expect snow in the winter! And be super careful of the strong winds at the top. The last part of the road snakes along the mountainside with no trees, so you're completely exposed. No wonder it's a paragliding paradise!

Where is the steepest street in England?moderate

Where is the steepest street in England?

🇬🇧 England

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for a wild ride through England's most vertical streets! Forget leisurely Sunday drives; we're talking about roads that practically point straight to the sky. Our headliner? Vale Street in Totterdown, Bristol. This beast isn't just the steepest street in England; it's the UK's reigning champ. Prepare for a serious leg-day workout if you're on foot, and maybe give your car a pep talk before you attempt the ascent! But Vale Street isn't alone in its gravity-defying glory. We're showcasing the top five, so get ready for a tour of inclines that'll leave you breathless. Keep in mind, Porlock Hill is the steepest A road in England. And don't forget about Lindisfarne Causeway, the road that disappears twice daily beneath the waves! So, whether you're a thrill-seeking driver or a hiking fanatic, these roads offer stunning views – assuming you can catch your breath long enough to enjoy them!

Collado del Alguacilhard

Collado del Alguacil

🇪🇸 Spain

# Collado del Alguacil: A Sierra Nevada Lung-Buster Ready to test your nerves and your car's engine? Collado del Alguacil sits pretty at 1,896m (6,220ft) in Spain's stunning Sierra Nevada range, nestled within Andalusia's national park. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Starting from Pinos Genil, you're looking at a 17.2km climb with an average gradient of 6.6%—but don't let that fool you. The road itself is narrow and brutally steep, with gradients hitting a tooth-gritting 20% at their worst. The real drama unfolds in the final two kilometers, where things get seriously gnarly. The second-to-last kilometer? That's where the pass dishes out its meanest punishment, with the steepest pitches of the entire ascent. The asphalt's decent, at least, but grip that steering wheel tight. On the flip side, the views are absolutely worth your white knuckles. As you climb, you'll be rewarded with magnificent vistas of the snowy peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta dominating the horizon—genuine, breathtaking Sierra Nevada scenery that'll remind you why you're putting your driving skills through this beautiful punishment.