Is the Road to Colla d’Onzo Paved?

Is the Road to Colla d’Onzo Paved?

Italy, europe

Length

7.9 km

Elevation

843 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, because Colla d’Onzo in Liguria, Italy is not for the faint of heart! This mountain pass punches its way up to 843m (2,765ft) in the Province of Savona and clocks in at a relatively short 7.9 km (4.90 miles) running from Nasino to Capitolo-Costa.

Think you can handle it? Well, the average gradient is over 10%, but some sections hit a staggering 20%! Oh, and did I mention the road is crazy narrow? Forget meeting another car—unless you're a pro at reversing! Throw in some unpaved bits and the fact that it’s basically a no-go after rain, and you've got yourself an adventure. Low-riding sports cars should definitely sit this one out. But hey, if you're looking for a proper white-knuckle drive with some stunning northwestern Italian scenery, this is your spot!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
7.9 km
Max Elevation
843 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

What’s Bardenas Reales?moderate

What’s Bardenas Reales?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, so you HAVE to check out the Bardenas Reales in northern Spain! It's this crazy, unique desert landscape that feels totally out of place in Europe. Think semi-desert badlands with bizarre clay and sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water. Seriously, the erosion is unreal! You'll see these crazy structures called "cabezos" that stick out like something from another planet. You can totally drive through it! One popular route is the Carcastillo-Figarol road (El Paso), which then hooks up with the track that runs alongside the military shooting range. Yep, you read that right. Another option is the earth track that starts near the petrol station on the edge of Carcastillo and circles the firing range. Just be warned: the area is pretty remote, and vegetation is super sparse. Most of the streams are dry too. Even though it looks barren, it's actually got a surprising amount of natural diversity! Oh, and did I mention they filmed parts of "The World Is Not Enough" here? Talk about an epic backdrop! You can easily spend a whole day cruising around on the many tracks, but definitely bring water and supplies. It’s wild out there!

Where is the Wee Mad road in Scotland?hard

Where is the Wee Mad road in Scotland?

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Coigach coast in the *northwestern* Scottish Highlands, on a road that's basically a 14.8-mile roller coaster. This is the Wee Mad Road, and trust me, the name fits! Starting near Achiltibuie and winding its way up to Inverkirkaig, this loop is pure Highland magic. We're talking lakes, rivers, mountains... the works. But heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect hairpin turns galore and blind corners that'll keep you on your toes. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane, and the whole experience is wild and unforgettable. Just be prepared for a narrow, one-lane road where reversing might be a necessity, and maybe leave the oversized RV at home. Even though it's challenging, this drive is a scenic knockout!

How to drive to Colle di Sampeyre in the Cottian Alps?extreme

How to drive to Colle di Sampeyre in the Cottian Alps?

🇮🇹 Italy

# Colle di Sampeyre: Alpine Adventure Awaits Tucked away in Italy's Piedmont region, the Colle di Sampeyre sits pretty at 2,284m (7,493ft) above sea level in the Province of Cuneo. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's one of the highest paved routes you'll find in the Cottian Alps, and boy, does it live up to its reputation. The 33.6 km (20.87 miles) journey from Stroppo to Sampeyre follows the Strada Provinciale 335, serving as the gateway connecting the Varaita and Maira valleys. At the summit, you'll spot where the paved road meets the legendary Strada dei Cannoni, an unpaved ridge road that'll make your heart skip a beat. Here's the thing: don't let that asphalt mislead you. This road is *wild*. The final descent toward Sampeyre is particularly gnarly, with steep grades and crumbling pavement that demand serious respect. You'll need experience and nerves of steel to tackle it safely. But here's what makes it worth it—the views are absolutely insane. From the summit, you're treated to a full 360-degree panorama of the deep, dramatic valleys stretching out below you. The scenery is pure alpine magic, and the road's legendary status speaks for itself. It's been featured multiple times in the Giro d'Italia and remains a bucket-list challenge for hardcore cyclists and drivers seeking that ultimate high-altitude rush, far removed from the usual tourist circuit.

Sant Mamethard

Sant Mamet

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Sant Mamet is calling your name. This bad boy peaks at 1,391m (4,564ft) in the Noguera region of Catalonia, Spain. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of shaking and bumping. If you're not comfortable off-roading, maybe sit this one out. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4! Up top, you'll find a chapel (also named Sant Mamet) and a small shelter to escape the weather. Be warned, the climb is STEEP and long, mostly winding through woods. But the views? Totally worth it! This drive is a thrill, with scenery that'll knock your socks off. On a clear day, you can see all of Lleida, the Pyrenees, the Cadi mountains, Port del Compte, Montserrat, and, of course, a killer view of the Montsec range right in front of you. Trust me, you'll want to snap a million photos on this unforgettable trip!