
Where is Cima Bianca?
Italy, europe
N/A
2,977 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cima Bianca! This epic peak, soaring to a cool 9,767 feet, is tucked away in northern Italy's Lombardy region, practically spitting distance from the Swiss border. At the top, you'll find a mountain hut, perfect for soaking in the views.
Originally built for construction, this road now serves as a service trail to get you to the chairlift. The journey starts smooth, but the pavement fades to gravel before you hit Chalet dei Rododendri – Chalet La Rocca Ristorante Pizzeria at 7,710 feet.
The whole shebang is about 8.9 miles long, climbing a whopping 5,775 feet with an average gradient of 12%. Fair warning, in winter, this road's completely snowed under, making it one of the country's highest.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,977 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardBocca di Forca is one of the hardest climbs in Italy
🇮🇹 Italy
# Bocca di Forca: Italy's Brutal Mountain Challenge Tucked away in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, Bocca di Forca is a beast of a mountain pass sitting at 1,402 m (4,597 ft) above sea level. Fair warning—this isn't your Sunday cruise road. It's widely considered one of Italy's toughest climbs, rivaling legendary challenges like the Mortirolo and arguably even harder. The paved route, Via Sant' Andrea, climbs 9.9 km (6.15 miles) from Possagno, gaining a punishing 1,132 meters of elevation. With an average gradient of 11.44% and sections hitting 20%, your engine (and nerves) will be working overtime. Add to that 30 hairpin turns—tight, technical, and tricky—and you've got yourself a seriously demanding drive. Here's where it gets gnarly: the road is narrow. Like, "two medium-sized cars can't pass each other" narrow. The hairpins are relentless and technical, demanding serious driving skills. Throw in thick overhead foliage that casts shadows and hides potholes and rough patches, and you've got plenty of opportunities for heart-stopping moments. The descent? Even less fun than the ascent. And here's the kicker—this is a remote stretch with virtually no traffic, no houses, and no bars along the way. If something goes wrong, help is far away. Definitely not recommended as a solo mission. This is one for experienced drivers only. Think you've got what it takes?
hardProphet Elias Church
🇬🇷 Greece
# Prophet Elias Church Road Nestled in the rugged western reaches of Karditsa, Greece, this mountain chapel sits at a seriously impressive 1,743 meters (5,718 feet) above sea level—making it one of the country's highest accessible roads. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're driving straight into the clouds. Hugging the foot of the Pindus mountains, this route is definitely not for the faint of heart. We're talking steep, narrow pavement that's seen better days—think weathered asphalt that'll test your driving skills. The good news? It stays open year-round, though winter weather might force brief closures when conditions get gnarly. The actual climb is delightfully compact at just 3.1 kilometers, but don't let that fool you. You'll gain 207 meters of elevation while navigating three sharp hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged with some seriously rewarding views. The average gradient sits around 6.67%—nothing too extreme, but paired with the narrow road and those tight bends, it demands respect and attention. Start from the Epar.Od. Karditsas-Argitheas road and prepare yourself for a genuinely thrilling ascent. This is quintessential mountain driving in Greece—beautiful, challenging, and absolutely unforgettable.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Puerto del Connio
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto del Connio: A Scenic Mountain Adventure in Asturias Tucked away in the heart of Fuentes del Narcea in northern Spain's Asturias region, Puerto del Connio is a gorgeous high-altitude pass that sits at 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) above sea level. It's the kind of place that makes your drive worthwhile. The route up is straightforward enough—you're looking at the AS-348, a fully asphalted road that's definitely on the narrower side. Here's the good news: it's generally accessible year-round, though Mother Nature does have the final say. When winter dumps heavy snow, the pass can close temporarily, so it's worth checking conditions before you head out. Starting from Ventanueva, you're in for an 18.6 km climb that'll gain you a solid 769 meters of elevation. That works out to an average gradient of around 5.65%, which is pleasantly rideable without being overly brutal. The winding ascent rewards you with stunning mountain scenery as you gain altitude, making every switchback feel earned. Whether you're chasing that perfect driving road or just want to experience the raw beauty of the Asturian mountains, Puerto del Connio delivers on both fronts. Pack layers, take your time on the curves, and soak in the views—this pass is a gem worth experiencing.
hardHow to get by car to Old Tragjas, the Abandoned Village Destroyed by Bombs
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, picture this: you're in Albania, about 25km from Vlora, heading to a ghost village called Tragjasi i Vjetër. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! The road? Let's just say "unpaved" is an understatement. We're talking rugged, narrow, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or your motorhome). A higher-clearance car is your best bet for this adventure. The road kicks off from the new Tragjas village and stretches for about 5.1 km (3.16 miles), climbing 263 meters. That's an average gradient of 5.15%, so buckle up for a climb. The scenery, though? Totally worth it. Think jaw-dropping vistas and panoramic views. You'll wind your way up to the Pass of the Tombs – a spot named for the ancient tombs scattered around. This shaped hill offers insane views of Orikum and the coastline. Tragjasi i Vjetër is an old village in ruins located in Vlorë County, Albania. It's structurally dangerous and you should proceed with caution. The town was bombed in 1943 because of partisan sympathies. This place oozes history and the architectural remnants are seriously cool. If you're into exploring ruins and soaking up some seriously epic scenery, Tragjasi i Vjetër needs to be on your radar!