Col de Scaldasole is the highest road of Corsica
France, europe
N/A
1,938 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Corsica's hiding a gem called Col de Scaldasole, a mountain pass soaring to 1,938 meters. Seriously, this is one of Corsica's highest roads.
Tucked away in the Corse-du-Sud department, between the Prunelli and Taravo valleys, it's a gravelly, rocky, bumpy adventure. Think off-road fun! Be warned: from October to June, Mother Nature might shut it down with snow.
This isn't a Sunday drive; it's steep and requires a 4x4. If heights make you queasy, maybe skip this one. Snow can turn things super slippery, so keep an eye on the weather. This wild ride starts near Serra-di-Ferro, and it's an experience you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,938 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateMonte Camoscio
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Camoscio: A Beast of a Climb in Italy's Lake District Hidden in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province of Piedmont, Monte Camoscio is calling out to serious climbers. This 890m peak offers an unforgettable 4km ascent up a fully paved road—though fair warning, it's currently closed to traffic. Here's what you're dealing with: an average gradient of 16.3% that regularly kicks up to a brutal 30% in sections. Yeah, this isn't a leisurely Sunday ride. Your legs will feel it, and your brakes might too. The real magic? Spectacular views over Lago Maggiore stretching out below you, with the famous Mottarone climb visible to the south. It's the kind of scenery that makes you forget (briefly) how much your calves are burning. The road itself is in good condition—asphalt throughout—so at least you're not fighting loose gravel on top of everything else. But that steep gradient combined with the mountain terrain means you need to be prepared and respect the conditions. Keep an eye on that closure status before planning your visit. When it reopens, this will definitely be worth adding to your bucket list of epic climbs.
easyThe Only Road on Asinara Island: Scenic Drive from Fornelli to Cala d’Oliva
🇮🇹 Italy
# The Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road: Sardinia's Hidden Gem If you're hunting for one of the world's most stunning coastal drives, look no further than the Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road on Asinara Island. This 21.1 km stretch is literally the *only* paved road on this remote Italian island in the Mediterranean, making it pretty special. Tucked into the northwestern corner of Sardinia near the Province of Sassari, Asinara was kept under wraps until 1999 when it finally opened to tourism. The concrete road itself blends beautifully into the landscape, connecting the southern town of Fornelli (where a former maximum-security prison stands as a historical landmark) with the charming northern settlement of Cala d'Oliva, complete with whitewashed houses and buildings that once housed prison staff families. What makes this drive absolutely magical is the incredible biodiversity and scenery you'll encounter. As you wind along the road, you'll pass through the island's most important habitats, catch glimpses of unique wildlife, and witness dramatic coastal panoramas. The route connects several picturesque towns—Fornelli, Tumbarino, La Reale, and Cala d'Oliva—each with their own charm. Spring and autumn are the perfect times to visit, when you can soak in those dreamy turquoise and azure waters, pristine white sand beaches, and some of the Mediterranean's most breathtaking seascapes. Here's the catch though: don't plan on renting a car. Private vehicles are strictly off-limits for visitors. You'll need to hop on a guided tour, rent a bicycle or e-bike, or take an electric cart provided by the park. Parking is limited to designated areas near key spots, and rules are enforced seriously—so respect them!
extremeIs the road to Mengene Dağı unpaved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself in Turkey's Van Province and crave a serious off-road challenge, Mengene Dağı is calling your name. This peak soars to a whopping 3,176 meters (that's over 10,400 feet!), and getting there is no joke. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking a 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) stretch of pure, unadulterated, unpaved wilderness starting from Yolmaçayır. Brace yourself for hairpin turns that'll test your skills, narrow passages that demand precision, and heart-stopping drop-offs that'll make you question your life choices (in a good way, of course!). A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's mandatory. Oh, and did I mention this road is only accessible in the summer? Think snow-capped vistas and breathtaking views... if you dare to look! Mengene Dağı isn't just a drive; it's an unforgettable experience.
hardHow long is the DJ112G Road?
🇷🇴 Romania
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk about a road that'll test your mettle: the DJ112G in the heart of Transylvania, Romania! This beast connects the villages of Zărnești and Peștera in Brașov County, serving as the main artery to the stunning Piatra Craiului Mountains. Clocking in at around 10.5 km (6.52 miles), this isn't your average Sunday drive. Prepare for a rollercoaster of rough terrain and seriously steep inclines, with only glimpses of smooth pavement to tease you. Think potholes galore, sections that are practically riverbeds after rain, and narrow stretches without guardrails where a slip-up could be disastrous. While the views of the Southern Carpathians are absolutely mind-blowing, don't get too distracted! You'll need your wits about you. Though a 4x4 isn't mandatory, anything with low clearance will be crying for mercy. Trust me on this one. Oh, and a word to the wise: this road climbs to a lofty 1,191m (3,907ft). Given the heavy snowfall they get around here, best to double-check road conditions, because it can be impassible at times. It's an adventure you won't soon forget!