Driving a Wild Paved Road to Majelletta in the Abruzzo
Italy, europe
3.6 km
1,897 m
hard
Year-round
# Majelletta: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Central Italy
Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Majelletta is a high-altitude pass that'll test your driving skills and reward you with stunning views. Sitting at 1,897m (6,223ft) in Chieti province, this beauty is nestled right within Abruzzo's incredible Parco Nazionale della Majella.
The 3.6km (2.23-mile) ascent from Cima Mammarosa on SP64 doesn't mess around—you're gaining 250m of elevation with some sections hitting a brutal 15% gradient. The average climb sits at about 7%, and there are six hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Good news though: the road is completely paved and in excellent condition, freshly improved in recent years. Just note that winter weather typically shuts this route down from November through April.
At the summit, you'll find a solid mountain refuge (Rifugio Bruno Pomilio), parking, and communication towers. If you're feeling extra ambitious, a paved continuation heads up to nearby Blockhaus at 2,072m (6,797ft).
Here's the cool part—this isn't just any mountain road. Majelletta earned its legendary status as a Giro d'Italia classic, especially during the seventies when it was known for absolutely destroying riders. Even Eddy Merckx famously collapsed here during an early stage. So if you conquer this climb, you're following in the wheel tracks of cycling history.
Where is it?
Driving a Wild Paved Road to Majelletta in the Abruzzo is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.6590, 12.6586
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,897 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.6590, 12.6586
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Route de Presles?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Route de Presles! This isn't just a road; it's a wild ride through the heart of the French Alps in the Isère department. This 8.9 km (5.53 miles) strip of pavement connects Pont-en-Royans to Presles, running south to north, and it's got "balcony road" written all over it. Think open tunnels and sections carved straight into the rock face. Prepare for narrow lanes, blind corners and possible rockfalls. Seriously, keep your horn handy for those tight spots (and slow down, obviously!). This route is popular with cyclists and pedestrians so keep your eyes peeled. Speaking of being prepared, this road sometimes closes for maintenance due to landslides, so check conditions before you go. And while you're cruising, watch for any rocks that have made their way onto the road. The best time to experience this beauty is May to September. The Route de Presles winds its way up along the edge of the Cirque de Choranche. The views? Unbelievable! You'll be driving through a mix of pine, boxwood, and oak trees, with a hint of Mediterranean aroma thanks to the cliffs creating a microclimate. The road snakes through hairpin bends, climbing above the Gorges de la Bourne with views of the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors. Make sure you stop at the belvedere of Col de Toutes Aures for a panoramic view across the south Vercors and the Isère plain.
hardUmbrail Pass is an iconic Alpine road with 35 hairpin turns
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Umbrail Pass: Switzerland's Hidden Alpine Gem Perched at a breathtaking 2,506 meters (8,221 feet), Umbrail Pass sits right on the Swiss-Italian border and claims the title of Switzerland's highest paved road—a seriously impressive feat in the Alps. Straddling the Province of Sondrio in Italy's Lombardy region and the Swiss canton of Graubünden, this pass (also known as Giogo di Santa Maria) takes its name from the stunning Piz Umbrail peak nearby. You'll spot a simple but moving war monument on the right as you climb—a poignant reminder of the area's history. What makes this pass special? It only recently got fully paved in 2015, and honestly, it's one of the best-kept secrets in the Alps. While its more famous neighbors draw crowds, Umbrail remains refreshingly quiet—perfect for riders seeking authentic alpine adventure. Fair warning: this pass is a winter sleeper, closing entirely from October through June. Vehicle restrictions apply for anything over 18 tons, 2.50m wide, or 10m long. The 13.2-km climb from Santa Maria packs serious elevation gain—1,126 meters of pure alpine ascent. You're looking at an average gradient of 8.5%, with some sections hitting 14.0%, all while navigating a jaw-dropping 35 hairpin turns. The road is narrow, unguarded in places, and features some vertigo-inducing drops mere meters from the asphalt. The ride's asymmetrical too—the north side from Santa Maria offers the real challenge, while the southern slope barely stretches a kilometer. The pavement is solid, but rain demands extra caution on those hairpins. Fair heads up: Swiss customs patrols these roads hunting smugglers, so stay on your toes. Moderate difficulty, extraordinary scenery, and unforgettable memories await.
hardCollado de la Espina is like riding up a wall
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Spain, in the gorgeous Cantabria region, ready to tackle the Collado de la Espina. This mountain pass climbs to 968 meters (3,175 feet), and let me tell you, it's a BEAST. It’s no wonder the Vuelta a España bike race has taken on this climb – you're basically battling gravity on a massive rock face. This 14.1 km stretch of paved (and sometimes concrete!) road connects San Roque de Riomiera and Bustablado. Also known as Paso de Porracalina, Alto de Somo and Colláu Espina, it twists and turns through the eastern Cantabrian Mountains, offering incredible views (if you can catch your breath to enjoy them!). Just a heads-up: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. We're talking gradients up to a savage 31% in places. Winter weather can sometimes close it, and let's be real, this road has crushed the spirits of many seasoned drivers. It's narrow, steep, and relentless, but if you're up for an epic challenge, the Collado de la Espina will definitely deliver!
extremeCol des Frettes
🇫🇷 France
Col des Frettes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.386m (7,828ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The road is extreme. It’s gravel and follows the unpaved ski-lift service roads. The surface is rocky with lots of slippery gravel, but never ridiculously steep. With such a high summit altitude the road can be closed anytime due to snowfalls. Pic: Fred Marchadier. http://www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/offre/fiche/panoramic-col-de-la-chal/717564 The Legendary Climb to Avoriaz: A Tour de France Icon in the Alps Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.