Where is Col d’Artzatey?
France, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Spanish-French border in the Pyrenees Mountains. You're headed for Col d’Artzatey, a mountain pass sitting pretty high up.
Now, the road to get there? Let's just say it's an adventure! Starting from the parking lot at , you've got a drive. The whole thing is unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy, narrow and challenging ride!
But hey, you're rewarded with some seriously stunning views along the way. Just take it slow and steady, and you'll conquer this mountain pass in style!
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Col du Grand Colombier?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about the Col du Grand Colombier! This stunner of a mountain pass sits pretty at 1,501m (4,925ft) in the Ain department of France, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. You'll find this paved beauty, also known as the D120, tucked away in the Jura mountains, just north of the Alps. It's a 30 km (19 miles) stretch of near-deserted road that winds from the D69 down to Culoz. Cyclists, take note! This climb is no joke, with sections hitting a brutal 19% gradient and hairpin turns galore. The Lacets du Grand Colombier, in particular, will test your legs. But trust me, it's all worth it for the views from the top. There's a big parking lot where you can soak in the scenery – we're talking panoramic vistas of the Rhône valley, Lac du Bourget, the Gorges de Val-de-Fier, and even the distant Alps. Prepare to be wowed!
hardHow to get to Pizzini Refuge in Lombardy
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Pizzini: A High-Alpine Adventure in Italy Perched at a serious 2,706m (8,877ft) in Italy's Lombardy region, Rifugio Pizzini is the real deal for mountain enthusiasts. Located in the Province of Sondrio up in the Cedec Valley, this is legitimately one of Italy's highest accessible refuges. And if you're feeling extra adventurous? There's a gnarly little 4x4 trail beyond the hut that climbs even further up to Laghi di Cedèc at 2,833m (9,294ft). The refuge's story is pretty epic. The original Capanna Cedeh was built back in 1887-88 but got destroyed during World War I. After being restored in 1924, it was rebuilt in 1926 and renamed Rifugio Pizzini in honor of Luigi E. Pizzini, a respected Milanese mountaineer. His friends were so dedicated to his memory that they donated the whole place to the Milan CAI section. It's been continuously improved over the decades—the Milan group restored and expanded it again in 1948, added an auxiliary building called Zeledria in 1963, and later renovations honored General Carlo Frattola and his son Augusto. Fast forward to 2002, and the refuge got a complete modern overhaul. Now you're looking at comfortable rooms, some with private bathrooms and hot showers, plus proper central heating. Definitely not roughing it. Here's the catch: the road up is 100% unpaved, super narrow, and properly steep—4x4 only, no exceptions. Starting from I Forni, it's 4.4 km (2.73 miles) with 520m of elevation gain and an 11.81% average gradient. This isn't a beginner route. The refuge sits within the stunning Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio and is typically open mid-June through mid-September, with access limited to authorized vehicles only.
hardWhere is Platigliole Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Passo delle Platigliole, a seriously high-altitude pass in the Italian Alps! We're talking Sondrio province, up near the Swiss border. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This 1.93km (1.2-mile) stretch of road climbs up to a staggering 2,908m (9,540ft). You'll want a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Starting near Rifugio Piccolo Pirovano, just south of Bormio, this old military road winds its way up, with a couple of super steep sections (think 25% gradient!). Keep in mind, this is the Alps! Winter is harsh, so expect the road to be closed when the snow flies. But when it's open, the views are incredible, especially looking over the famous Stelvio Pass. The road climbs up to 3,018m (9,901 ft), where it ends where the snow, skiers, and glacier start. You'll find hotels nearby, making it a great base for exploring. Be prepared for varied conditions, from smooth sections to rocky climbs, but the views are SO worth it!
hardWhere is Cofete?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, itching for an adventure. Forget your sandals and grab your hiking boots (or better yet, rent a jeep!), because you're heading to Playa de Cofete. This ain't your typical beach stroll. The road to get there, Carretera de la playa de Cofete, is a wild 10.5 km (6.52 miles) of pure, unpaved awesomeness. Starting from Morro Jable, it's a climb, baby! You'll ascend to the Mirador de Cofete, a viewpoint that sits 231m (757ft) above sea level, offering views that will blow your mind. Now, this isn't a Sunday drive. The track gets super narrow, think one-car-only in spots, with some serious drop-offs. But trust me, the views are worth the white knuckles. Oh, and did I mention the conspiracy theories? The road was supposedly built back in the late 1930s, during some shady times involving Hitler and Franco. Some even say political prisoners were used to build it. And then there's Villa Winter, a mysterious house along the way, rumored to be a Nazi hideout, maybe even a place where they got secret makeovers! Who knows what really went down? So, if you're up for a bumpy ride, stunning scenery, and a side of historical intrigue, Cofete Beach is calling your name. Just be prepared for an adventure unlike any other!