The road to Monte Faudo in Imperia is not for the sissies
Italy, europe
18.8 km
1,149 m
hard
Year-round
# Monte Faudo: A Mountain Adventure in Liguria
Nestled in Italy's Province of Imperia, Monte Faudo rises to 1,149 meters (3,769 feet) and offers one seriously scenic mountain experience. This isn't your typical smooth highway climb—it's a rugged adventure that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve.
The road itself is pretty gnarly. What used to be paved asphalt has given way to rough gravel, creating a narrow, steep service track that's definitely not for the faint of heart. You'll need serious clearance and four-wheel drive to tackle this beast, and heads up—the route is completely off-limits to regular vehicles anyway.
Starting from SP45 near Pietrabruna, you're looking at an 18.8-kilometer push to the summit with a hefty 798-meter elevation gain. That works out to an average grade of 4.24%, but things get genuinely intense on some sections where you'll face gradients hitting 17 percent. In other words, it's steep. Really steep.
Once you finally crest the top, you'll find telecommunications antennas scattered around the peak (so don't expect total wilderness vibes). But honestly? The payoff is worth every white-knuckle moment. From up there, you get sweeping panoramic views stretching toward San Lorenzo al Mare and Imperia—the kind of vistas that make you forget how much your arms were shaking on the way up.
Where is it?
The road to Monte Faudo in Imperia is not for the sissies is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.8569, 11.7352
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,149 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.8569, 11.7352
Related Roads in europe
easyDriving the abandoned streets of Doel
🌍 Belgium
Ever wanted to wander through a real-life ghost town? Then head to Doel, a fascinatingly abandoned village in East Flanders, Belgium, practically spitting distance from the Dutch border! Think just a short jaunt from Antwerp, the ever-expanding port that's kinda...gobbling up smaller towns. Doel is steeped in history, over 700 years worth, but it's facing demolition thanks to the port's relentless growth along the Scheldt river. Word to the wise: officially, you're not supposed to poke around inside the buildings, but…let's just say some people manage. Once buzzing with over a thousand residents, Doel's streets are now eerily deserted, save for a handful of die-hards refusing to leave. Expect a serious dose of creepiness as you wander through this silent, empty place. Just a heads up: you can't drive directly into Doel unless you're a resident.
hardHow to drive the challenging Road F894 (Öskjuvatnsvegur)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
F894, also known as Öskjuvatnsvegur, is a wild ride through the Northeastern Region of Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of Iceland's famous F Roads, so you'll need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance. The road leads to a truly remote and surreal place: the Askja caldera and the Víti crater. This east-west route stretches for 7.8 km (4.84 miles), starting from the F910 road and ending at a car park in Vikraborgir, right near the edge of the Askja caldera, and very close to the stunning Öskjuvatn lake. Expect a rough and challenging experience. The black volcanic surface is what makes it unique but demanding. It’s a completely unpaved track, and gets narrow in spots, with plenty of big rocks, deep potholes, and ruts to navigate. Some sections are pretty steep and bumpy. Seriously, leave the small car at home. This terrain isn't forgiving, but luckily there are no major river crossings. Perched way up in the Icelandic Highlands, this road is usually only open in the summer months (late June to early September), depending on snow and weather. Even then, be prepared for sudden changes – strong winds, storms, or rain can roll in fast. Don't expect crowds – this track is remote, and it's not recommended to travel alone. Cell service is spotty, and you won't find any inhabitants nearby. But the views! Lunar landscapes stretch out around you, with volcanic plains, lava fields, and the towering peaks of Askja. From the Vikraborgir car park, you can hike to the Víti crater and Öskjuvatn lake – some of Iceland's most spectacular sights.
extremeStrada Berbenno di Valtellina-Caldenno
🇮🇹 Italy
# Berbenno di Valtellina to Caldenno: The Italian Climb That'll Test Your Limits Tucked away in Sondrio Province in Lombardy, Italy, this road is seriously one of the gnarliest bike climbs you can tackle. We're talking about a monster ascent that'll push even experienced cyclists to their breaking point. Starting at a modest 389 meters in the village of Berbenno di Valtellina, you'll grind your way up 13.5 km through 40 hairpin turns, eventually reaching Caldenno at a whopping 1,811 meters elevation. That's a total elevation gain of 1,422 meters—and yes, you'll feel every single one of those meters. The numbers tell the real story: you're looking at an average gradient of 10.53%, but here's where it gets wild—some sections hit a brutal 40% slope. It's relentless. The road is mostly asphalt with some concrete sections toward the top, so a mountain bike is definitely your best bet here. Fair warning: some stretches are *insanely* narrow. We're talking barely wide enough for a car, let alone two vehicles passing each other. In winter, expect occasional closures when weather gets sketchy, but the road is generally open year-round for ambitious riders. If you're looking for an epic, leg-crushing challenge in the Italian Alps, this is absolutely it. Just bring your A-game and plenty of water.
hardCollado Ordes
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a wild ride in northern Spain, Collado Ordes in the Picos de Europa is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a seriously steep climb up to 1,147 meters! Starting near Ceneya, the road throws you straight into a 4.8 km ascent with a crazy average gradient of 14.64%. And hold on tight, because you'll be navigating 31 hairpin turns as you gain 703 meters in elevation. Parts of this road are unpaved, with some concrete sections thrown in to help with traction on the really steep bits. Expect stunning views of the Sierra de Amieva range, but keep your eyes on the road — this is one thrilling ride!