
Is SP11 road in Trentino paved?
Italy, europe
105 km
1,381 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol on the SP11, a winding mountain road that's just begging to be explored. This paved beauty stretches for about 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles), climbing from the charming town of Levico Terme (at 520m) up to Vetriolo Terme (1381m), a green oasis known for its unique thermal springs.
Fair warning: it's not a walk in the park! Expect some seriously steep sections that will test your driving skills (the average grade is around 8.3%). But trust me, the views are worth every hairpin turn. Make sure to stop at the lookout point along the way. The panoramic vistas of the valley below are absolutely breathtaking, and there's a small parking area to make it easy. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 105 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,381 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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