Road SP35
Italy, europe
18.5 km
1.001 m
hard
Year-round
# Strada Provinciale 35 - A Thrilling Alpine Shortcut in Calabria
Ready for an adrenaline rush? The Strada Provinciale 35 in Calabria's rugged south is calling your name. This 18.5km beauty connects the quaint towns of Castagnelle and San Fili (both on the Strada Statale 107 in Cosenza province), and it's anything but a boring drive.
What makes this route so epic? For starters, you're climbing from a modest 364m to over 1,000m elevation, with some stretches pushing a jaw-dropping 12% grade. The road features a wild 16 hairpin turns that'll keep your hands gripped to the wheel and your heart racing. It's relentless—up, down, left, right—with barely a moment to catch your breath between curves.
Fair warning: the asphalt has seen better days, and things get seriously tight in spots. You'll encounter sections where two cars passing each other simply isn't happening. Skill behind the wheel isn't just recommended; it's essential.
But here's why it's worth every white-knuckle moment: the views are absolutely breathtaking. As you snake your way up and around those hairpins, the Tyrrhenian Sea unfolds beneath you in stunning fashion. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why you love road trips in the first place.
Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely worth the experience for adventurous drivers.
Where is it?
Road SP35 is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.5252, 13.3834
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.001 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.5252, 13.3834
Related Roads in europe
extremeTravel the nerve-shredding Mamisoni Pass
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Mamison Pass! This insane road straddles the border between Georgia and Russia's North Ossetia–Alania, clocking in at a dizzying 9,304 feet above sea level. Nestled inside the Racha-Lechkhum-Kvemo Svaneti National Park, it’s part of the old North Ossetian Military Road, linking Kutaisi to Alagir. Spanning almost 21 miles from Shovi, Georgia, to Kamskho, Russia, this isn't your Sunday drive. Forget pavement; you're talking super narrow, hairpin turns, bone-jarring bumps, and seriously steep sections hitting gradients of up to 17%! The scenery? Epic! You're smack-dab in the heart of the Greater Caucasus, at what some consider the Europe/Asia border. The cherry on top? A meteo station chilling near the 9,340-foot summit. Word to the wise: this is 4x4 territory, and it's only open for a few glorious months when the snow gods give us a break. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Wild Road from Val Thorens to Orelle
🇫🇷 France
# Val Thorens to Orelle: Europe's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Tucked away in the stunning Tarentaise Valley of southeastern France, this unpaved mountain road is an absolute beast—and we mean that in the best way possible. Stretching 28.3 km from Val Thorens (Europe's highest ski resort at 2,300m) down to the charming village of Orelle, this ski-lift service road is basically a bucket-list item for serious drivers. Here's what you're getting into: a nail-biting route that climbs through three incredibly high passes. You'll crest at Col de la Montée du Fond (3,007m), followed by Col de Rosael (2,993m) and Col de Caron (2,996m). We're talking about one of Europe's highest drivable roads, set dramatically in the Massif de la Vanoise range with views spanning across France, Switzerland, and Italy that'll take your breath away—literally, given the altitude. The road demands respect. It's exclusively for 4x4 vehicles, features a gnarly average gradient of 10.4% (hitting 17-18% on some corners), and comes equipped with a mind-blowing 55 numbered hairpin turns. And here's the kicker: there are no guardrails, no painted lines, no safety nets—just raw mountain terrain with spectacular cliffs dropping off beside you. Only tackle this in summer (July and August mainly), when conditions permit. Winter? Totally impassable. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it's an adrenaline-fueled alpine challenge that'll test your driving skills and nerves in equal measure.
hardThe Wild Road to Vranica
🌍 Bosnia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Vranica Pass in central Bosnia and Herzegovina is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about a wild, unpaved route that claws its way up to 2,047 meters (6,715 feet) in the Dinaric Alps. Think rugged terrain and stunning panoramic views… if you dare to look! This track is definitely one for experienced off-roaders only. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, steer clear. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. The road gets super steep, and when it's wet, expect a muddy, slippery challenge. Oh, and did I mention it's usually a no-go in the winter? Basically, if you're afraid of heights or a little dirt, this probably isn't your cup of tea. But if you're chasing that adrenaline rush and crave some seriously epic scenery, Vranica is waiting!
hardA paved narrow road to Guspessa Pass in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo di Guspessa is a thrilling alpine pass sitting at 1,824m (5,984ft) in the province of Brescia, Italy. Tucked away in the Lombardy region near the Swiss border, this is one seriously challenging ride. Fair warning: this is an old military track that'll keep you on your toes. Yeah, it's fully paved, but the surface is rough and unforgiving, with some sections hitting 20% grades that'll make your palms sweat. Speed limits are capped at 20 km/h—and for good reason. Big rigs are completely banned here, so it's just you, smaller vehicles, and the mountain. The 21.5 km (13.35 miles) stretch runs north to south from the legendary Mortirolo Pass down to Galleno, rewarding you with absolutely stunning alpine scenery. Just be extra careful navigating oncoming traffic, making passes, and taking those hairpin corners. One wrong move and you'll regret it. Head up here in summer or early fall if you can—winters turn this road into an impassable snow-covered nightmare. But if you time it right, you're in for an unforgettable alpine adventure with views that'll take your breath away.