
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
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