Cap Corse Road is one of the best coastal drives in the world
France, europe
102 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Cap Corse Road: A Coastal Thrill Like No Other
Ready for one of the world's best coastal drives? Head to the northeast corner of Corsica, France, where Cap Corse Road (D80) will blow your mind. This 102 km (63-mile) stretch connecting Bastia to Saint-Florent is the real deal—dramatic cliffs, charming villages, and views that'll make you forget how to breathe.
Built back in the nineteenth century, this legendary route hugs the coastline with some seriously spectacular scenery. The road's completely paved, though it's seen better days—think worn asphalt and tight spots barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass. And we're talking *barely*. When you encounter a bus coming the other direction on those narrow sections with sheer drops? Yeah, you'll need some solid maneuvering skills.
Here's the pro tip: drive north to south. You'll have the ocean on your side, and trust us, the views are absolutely unreal. Those white-knuckle moments staring down at crashing waves below dramatic cliffs? They're worth every heart-pounding second. Plan for an average speed of around 40 km/hour—this isn't a highway run, it's an experience. There's plenty of pullouts for photos, so take your time soaking it in.
Want even more thrills? Try the D33 variant south of Pino village. It's tight, twisty, and sits just meters from the coast but feels even more intense. This road hasn't changed much in decades, so expect raw, unfiltered adventure.
The west coast delivers especially spectacular panoramas across the Gulf of Saint-Florent. Slow down, stay focused, and prepare for a drive you'll never forget.
Where is it?
Cap Corse Road is one of the best coastal drives in the world is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.5390, 1.6680
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 102 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.5390, 1.6680
Related Roads in europe
extremeDriving to Stausee Mattmark is an absolute must for road lovers
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Mattmark See: A Alpine Gem Worth the Drive Tucked away in Switzerland's Valais region near the Italian border, Mattmark See is a stunning high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 2,197m (7,208ft) above sea level. Nestled in the scenic Saas Valley, this is the kind of destination that makes the drive totally worth it. The road up? Absolutely pristine. Built between 1960 and 1965, the fully paved route is in fantastic condition and genuinely fun to tackle. Starting from the charming village of Saas-Almagell (1,673m), you've got a 7.3 km climb ahead with 524 meters of elevation gain. The average gradient sits at a manageable 7.2%, so nothing too brutal for the first stretch. But here's where it gets interesting: save the best for last. The final 2 km really turn up the heat, averaging around 10% gradient. And just when you think it can't get any steeper, the last half-kilometer before the dam hits a serious 14% gradient. It's gloriously steep and straight, making for an intense but incredibly rewarding finale. The payoff? A glacier looming above the finish line and one of those "I earned this view" moments that make mountain driving so addictive. If you're hunting for a short, punchy alpine climb with killer scenery, Mattmark See delivers in spades.
hardAn iconic paved road to Llac d'Engolasters
🌍 Andorra
Okay, so you're heading to Andorra? Make sure you check out Llac d'Engolasters, a stunning mountain lake nestled high up in the Encamp parish. Getting there is half the fun! The road, CS-200, is a smooth asphalt ribbon that winds its way up from the CG-2. It's only 6.5 km long, but don't let that fool you. You'll be grinding up some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of up to 12.3%! Get ready for 13 hairpin turns as you climb 482 meters. That’s an average incline of 7.41%, so be prepared to drop a gear or two! The road itself is usually in great shape, and you won't find too much traffic, except maybe on weekends or during peak season. It's generally open year-round, but be aware that winter weather can sometimes cause temporary closures. The climb is a popular (and very challenging!) cycling route, with incredible views awaiting you at the top.
moderateWhy is it called Gerlitzen Alpine Road?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Gerlitzen Alpe Panoramastraße, a seriously scenic toll road hugging the north shore of Lake Ossiach in gorgeous Carinthia, Austria. "Gerlitzen" apparently comes from an old word meaning "burnt place," which is a little ominous but don't worry, it's beautiful now! This baby is about 12km (7.45 miles) long, all paved but let’s be honest, the pavement has seen better days. It’s also pretty narrow at only 5 meters wide, but the views of Lake Ossiach make it all worthwhile. Starting near the lake in Bodensdorf, you'll climb, and I mean *climb*, up to the panorama car park near the Feuerberg Mountain Resort at a whopping 1,773m (5,816ft). That's a 1,258-meter gain! Expect an average gradient of over 10%, with some sections hitting a thigh-burning 13%. Is it worth the toll? Absolutely! The Gerlitzen Panoramastraße serves up some seriously breathtaking views of central Carinthia. Just imagine the photos!
hardHow long is Aurlandsfjellet?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Vestland county in Norway, on Road 243, also known as Aurlandsfjellet. This isn't just any road trip; this is a National Tourist Route, people! Clocking in at 47 km (29 miles) between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdal, this road is a total rollercoaster. Fair warning, though: parts of the road are steep and narrow – think single-car-width territory. And keep your eyes peeled because there might be traffic heading towards Aurlandsfjorden from Stegastein. Bus drivers, take note: max length is 12.4 meters. Heads up: this beauty is closed during winter. Its peak hits 1,305m (4,281ft) above sea level, earning it the nickname "Snow Road" since snow lingers even in summer. But the stretch to Stegastein viewpoint from Aurlandsvangen stays open year-round. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Imagine conquering 20 hairpin turns, surrounded by insane scenery, a landscape that shifts from lush to barren in a blink. Driving from Lærdal, you’ll be gobsmacked by the fjord views around Aurland. And Stegastein? Forget about it! This award-winning viewpoint juts 30 meters out, suspended 650 meters above the fjord. Along the way, there are tons of spots to pull over and soak in the fjords, waterfalls, and forests. Just remember that winter closure on the mountain pass (between Aurland/Lærdal boundary and Nalfarbakkane). Trust me, this drive is an adventure you won't forget!