Can you drive to Cristo Redentore di Maratea?
Italy, europe
6.8 km
592 m
hard
Year-round
Ready for an Italian adventure? Head to Maratea, a charming town on the Tyrrhenian coast, and get ready for a climb! You can totally drive up to see the Cristo Redentore di Maratea, a massive Christ statue perched atop Monte San Biágio.
The road is paved the whole way, winding and twisting up to 592 meters (1,942 feet). Once you arrive you can witness the famous Christ the Redeemer of Maratea and the Santuario di San Biagio, it’s really an amazing sight.
The ascent is only 6.8 kilometers (4.22 miles), but don't let the short distance fool you! You'll gain 396 meters in elevation with some ramps hitting an 11% maximum gradient. That's an average gradient of 5.82%, so get ready for a workout for your car (or your legs, if you're cycling!).
The road is a real rollercoaster, throwing you into 18 hairpin turns. The views are incredible! It's a bit of a white-knuckle drive, especially the last few hundred meters, but totally worth it for the statue and the stunning panorama from the top. Just make sure the weather is clear, otherwise you might not see a thing!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 592 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardMirador del Tapadero
🇪🇸 Spain
# Mirador del Tapadero Nestled in Jaén, a gorgeous province in southeastern Andalusia, this natural viewpoint sits at a breathtaking 1,124 meters (3,687 feet) above sea level. If you're craving panoramic views and don't mind a bit of an adrenaline rush, this spot is absolutely worth the drive. The journey starts from the A-6202 and climbs 9.7km upward, gaining 572 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 5.89%. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road—known as Transversal de las Villas—is paved but narrow, winding through 20 hairpin turns that'll keep you alert and focused. Those sharp curves combined with steep dropoffs mean you'll definitely want to take your time and keep your wits about you. The real reward? You'll reach an outcrop perched dramatically on a rock wall with sheer sides plunging about 200 meters down into a chasm. From up there, you get jaw-dropping views of the Sierra de las Villas, and you're surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas National Park. It's the kind of viewpoint that makes all those hairpin turns feel totally worth it—just approach with respect and caution.
hardWhere is Uzungöl Plateau?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Uzungöl Plateau is calling your name with its crazy-high elevation of 10,127 feet! We're talking seriously up there. You'll find this stunner south of Danakiran Road (another high pass at 9,849 feet!) where the provinces of Erzurum and Artvin meet in the northeast of Turkey. Heads up: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the top is completely unpaved and super rough. Prepare for a challenging ride, but so worth it! The climb stretches for about 6.46 miles. Expect some serious elevation gain. Word to the wise: this road is usually closed in winter. Aim for other seasons for the best (and safest) experience! The views from up there are unreal!
extremeMonte Ologno: Driving the steep 13% Giro d’Italia climb in Piedmont
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Ologno: Not for the Faint of Heart Nestled in Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in Italy's Piedmont region, Monte Ologno is a mountain pass that's become absolutely legendary—especially after its starring role in the Giro d'Italia. If you're hunting for hair-raising gradients and technically demanding roads, this is your bucket-list entry. Perched at 1,168m (3,832ft) above sea level in northwestern Italy, this pass overlooks the stunning western shores of Lago Maggiore. The road climbs up from lake level with jaw-dropping views of the water and the surrounding Prealpine peaks stretching out before you. Located near the Swiss border in the steep valleys above Verbania, it's a thrilling but seriously challenging route through dense birch and chestnut forests. The road is fully paved—but calling it "tricky and technical" would be putting it mildly. This isn't your typical mountain road. It's exceptionally narrow (barely wide enough for one car), with precious few places to pull over. Meeting oncoming traffic here is legitimately nerve-wracking. Add in sections where mountain runoff has worn the asphalt and a distinct lack of guardrails on several hairpins, and you've got a recipe for white-knuckle driving that demands total concentration and constant gear management, especially on the way down. The 10.4 km (6.4 miles) climb is merciless. Expect a punishing 9% average gradient with virtually no breaks—meaning your engine and nerves get zero rest. The worst hits right after the first kilometer with a brutal 13% section that basically refuses to ease up. Tight hairpins demand careful speed control to keep the wheels on pavement. The descent? Just as demanding. The narrow, steep road makes engine braking absolutely essential to avoid brake fade. Weather adds another wrinkle. Being this close to the lake means sudden mists and damp conditions can roll in without warning, turning the asphalt slippery in a heartbeat. It's one of those drives that rewards exceptional skill with stunning views over the Northern Alps—but it absolutely demands your A-game.
hardA gravel road to Col de Cibieres in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Cibières: A True Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious off-road excitement? Col de Cibières sits pretty at 2,525 meters (8,284 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, right in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area. This isn't your typical Sunday drive – we're talking about a genuine mountain challenge. The 7-kilometer stretch (4.3 miles) connecting the north side of the paved D234T Road to Col du Granon is entirely unpaved and absolutely unforgiving. Expect a rough ride over scattered rocks and loose terrain that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. Honestly? A 4x4 is basically essential here. Fair warning: once winter rolls around, you can forget about it – this pass becomes completely impassable. But here's the thing – if you've got the right vehicle and some grit, the payoff is spectacular. You're threading through some of the most dramatic Alpine scenery imaginable, reaching heights that most casual tourists never experience. This is the kind of road that separates the serious adventurers from the casual road-trippers.