The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Tanarello Pass in the Ligurian Alps
Italy, europe
30 km
2,042 m
hard
Year-round
# Tanarello Pass: A Wild Alpine Adventure
Perched at 2,042m (6,699ft) on the French-Italian border, Tanarello Pass is where the Alpes-Maritimes in France meets Cuneo province in Italy's Piedmont region. But here's the thing—this isn't your typical mountain crossing.
Welcome to Via del Sale, a medieval salt trading route that's been connecting Ventimiglia to Turin since way back when. The locals weren't messing around when they carved this path through the Alps, and honestly, it still feels like stepping back in time.
The 30km (18.64 miles) stretch from Limone Piemonte to Monesi di Triora is pure, unapologetic gravel and dirt. Sure, it gets some maintenance here and there, but don't let that fool you—this road demands respect. You'll spot fragments of old asphalt scattered throughout, but deep potholes and rough patches are the real stars of the show. Bring an off-road capable vehicle with decent ground clearance, or you'll regret it fast.
Fair warning: landslides are practically part of the landscape here, which means the pass can disappear from your route without notice. It's stunning, it's raw, and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart or your average sedan. But if you've got the right vehicle and a taste for authentic alpine adventure? This is the real deal.
Where is it?
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Tanarello Pass in the Ligurian Alps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.4950, 11.7282
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,042 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.4950, 11.7282
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow Long is the Vecchia Strada dei Crozi?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the Strada dei Crozi in northern Italy's Trentino–Alto Adige region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Tucked east of Trento, this 1.8-kilometer (1.11-mile) stretch was once part of the main drag, Strada Statale 47. Picture this: a fully paved road carved directly into the rock face. We're talking seriously narrow sections that will test your driving skills. Back in the day, this route was a vital connection between Trento and Valsugana. Originally built as an "Imperial Work," the construction of this road started in 1844 and took six years, requiring blasting teams who could only advance about 70-80 centimeters per day. Can you imagine the views as you hug the cliffside? Though it was bypassed in 1972, replaced by a viaduct over the Fersina stream due to safety concerns, it briefly reopened (2020-2022). Currently closed to private vehicles (with cycling plans in the works!), this historic road is a testament to engineering feats and a reminder of the challenging landscape of the Italian Alps.
hardTravel guide to the top of Forcella di Pradazzo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella di Pradazzo Tucked away in the Val Brembana region of Bergamo, Lombardy, this mountain pass sits at a seriously impressive 2,225 meters (7,299 feet) and serves up some genuinely wild driving. The unpaved road climbing toward the summit is no joke – it's narrow, steep, and honestly looks a bit sketchy when you first set eyes on it. But here's the thing: it actually gets way better as you climb higher, though you'll still encounter a few rough patches that'll keep you on your toes. The real payoff? The road eventually spits you out at the stunning Lago di Cavia, making all those hairpins and rocky sections totally worth it. If you're the type who lives for high-altitude Alpine adventures and doesn't mind getting a little dirt under your wheels, this is an absolute must-do.
hardWhere is Cleuson Lake?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Lac de Cleuson, a shimmering alpine lake nestled high in the Swiss Valais canton. You'll find this beauty in the Conthey district, hanging out way up in the mountains near the Refuge de Saint-Laurent. Seriously, this place is remote and ridiculously gorgeous. The Cleuson dam, built in the late 40s for hydroelectric power, holds back around 20 million cubic meters of water – pretty impressive, right? Its massive wall looms over everything, a testament to its sturdy reinforced design. Now, about the road... Get ready for a thrilling ride! Starting from Nendaz, you're in for about 11km of mostly paved road that turns to gravel near the very end. This climb is *steep* – we're talking sections hitting 28%! Throw in some narrow stretches, tons of hairpin turns, and tunnels, and you've got yourself an unforgettable drive. Heads up, though – the final stretch is usually closed to public vehicles, reserved only for authorized traffic. Keep in mind that from November to May, this road is totally snowed in. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The road offers incredible views of the Nendaz Valley stretching out below, with the distant Vaud Alps gracing the horizon. And right by the lake, you'll find the charming Chapelle catholique de Cleuson (Saint-Barthélémy), the highest chapel in the area. Trust me; this is a Swiss adventure you won't soon forget.
extremeMount Kudebi, a wild road only for experienced drivers
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Mount Kudebi in eastern Georgia's Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a wild ride up to 2,991 meters (that's 9,812 feet!). Forget pavement; this is a raw, unadulterated, 4x4-only service road clinging to the Gudauri mountains, part of the Greater Caucasus range. Think seriously steep inclines as you climb 900 meters from the Gudauri Ski Resort. This road is around 120km north of Tbilisi. The mountain lift is operated by the resort, which sits along the famous Georgian Military Highway. Summer is your window of opportunity because, let's be real, this road wouldn't stand a chance against winter. Expect absolutely mind-blowing scenery. However, this road is closed to private vehicles, so keep that in mind!