
Where is Col de Scalella?
France, europe
21.5 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're on Corsica, right in the heart of the island, tackling the Col de Scalella. This isn't just any drive, it's an adventure!
We're talking serious elevation here, so buckle up. You'll find yourself snaking through villages, particularly in Asco, dealing with super tight, blind hairpin turns. And get this: often, there's nothing between you and a HUGE drop – no barriers, just air!
The road surface is paved, thankfully. The whole thing stretches for about 21.5 km (13.35 miles), climbing from Ponte Leccia up to those incredible heights. It's a north-south route, a leg burner that boasts an average gradient of 7%. The views are, of course, totally worth the white knuckles. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.5 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
easyRoute des Grandes Alpes is a lifetime driving experience
🇫🇷 France
# Route des Grandes Alpes: A Legendary Alpine Adventure Picture this: a 684 km (425 mi) epic road trip that takes you from the pristine shores of Lake Geneva straight down to the glittering Mediterranean coast. Welcome to the Route des Grandes Alpes – basically the ultimate Alpine bucket-list drive that'll have you conquering 16 of Europe's most incredible mountain passes. This isn't some modern invention either. Back in 1909, someone had the brilliant idea to connect the mountains to the sea, and by 1913, this dream became reality. At the time, the Alps were pretty isolated and tough to navigate, so this route was genuinely revolutionary. By 1937 it was fully paved, and in 1950 it officially earned its legendary name. Starting in Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva and ending in the charming coastal town of Menton on the French Riviera, you'll be climbing to a jaw-dropping 2,802 m (9,193 ft) above sea level. The roads today are completely paved with solid quality throughout – though as with any mountain route, you'll encounter some wear and tear from those harsh freeze-thaw cycles nature throws at high-altitude roads. **Timing is everything here.** The route opens fully between June and October after the snow melts. Most passes are passable by late May, but the real monsters – Iseran, Galibier, and Izoard – don't open until mid-June at the earliest. Once winter arrives, those highest passes shut down. Dedicate a couple of days to this drive (though honestly, you'll want more to soak it all in). You'll wind through breathtaking landscapes, charming Alpine villages, and historic sites while rubbing shoulders with locals and immersing yourself in pure natural beauty. This is hands-down the most famous tourist route in the French Alps, and for good reason.
hardGlaspass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Glaspass: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious mountain driving? Glaspass sits pretty at 1,846 meters (6,056 feet) in the heart of Graubünden's Hinterrhein district, and it's absolutely worth the detour. The road itself is fully paved, and here's the fun part—it's packed with hairpin turns that deliver genuinely spectacular panoramic views around nearly every corner. This isn't a race track; it's made for savoring the ride and soaking in the scenery. Heading up from Thusis, the first stretch is smooth and generously wide, perfect for building confidence. But as you climb higher, things get a bit tighter—the pavement quality dips and the road narrows, adding to the adventure. Fair warning: the asphalt actually ends shortly after you summit. The numbers tell you what you're in for: an 11-kilometer climb from Thusis with a hefty 1,145-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 10.4%. Translation? It's legitimately steep, but absolutely doable for anyone with decent driving skills and a sense of adventure. Here's the historical bonus: this pass has been connecting the Domleschg Valley (where Thusis sits) to the remote Safien Valley for centuries. You're literally following ancient trade routes while taking in some of the most breathtaking Alpine scenery Switzerland has to offer. Take your time, enjoy the curves, and make this one memorable.
An iconic paved road to Llac d'Engolasters
🌍 Andorra
Okay, so you're heading to Andorra? Make sure you check out Llac d'Engolasters, a stunning mountain lake nestled high up in the Encamp parish. Getting there is half the fun! The road, CS-200, is a smooth asphalt ribbon that winds its way up from the CG-2. It's only 6.5 km long, but don't let that fool you. You'll be grinding up some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of up to 12.3%! Get ready for 13 hairpin turns as you climb 482 meters. That’s an average incline of 7.41%, so be prepared to drop a gear or two! The road itself is usually in great shape, and you won't find too much traffic, except maybe on weekends or during peak season. It's generally open year-round, but be aware that winter weather can sometimes cause temporary closures. The climb is a popular (and very challenging!) cycling route, with incredible views awaiting you at the top.
hardWhere is Valles Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk Valles Pass, perched high in the breathtaking Dolomites of northeastern Italy. Seriously, the scenery here is next-level gorgeous! You'll find this beauty straddling the border, with a little unpaved side trip heading north to even higher ground at 2,225m. This road, Strada Provinciale 81 (SP81), has some history, too – it was originally built to supply fortifications during the war. Clocking in at roughly, it stretches from Paneveggio (Trentino) in the west to Pie' Falcade (Belluno) in the east. Be ready for some climbing! On one side you'll climb with a steep gradient and on the other side you will do the same. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!