Where is Colle Bandia?
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a real gem for you: Colle Bandia, tucked away in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Picture this: you're cruising along a roughly 6-mile ex-military track, a natural surface cart track that winds its way up, up, up.
Now, fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking narrow mountain roads that can be a bit of a white-knuckle experience, especially if you're not a fan of heights or tight spaces. But hey, that's part of the thrill, right? And good news, most vehicles *can* make it, especially when the weather's playing nice.
As you ascend, keep an eye out for some seriously cool, obsolete military barracks along the way—talk about a blast from the past! And the views? Absolutely breathtaking! Trust me, reaching the summit is worth every single hairpin turn. Just imagine standing there, soaking in the panoramic scenery.
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Clue de Carajuan?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, about to tackle one of its famous *clues* (canyons). This one's the Clue de Carajuan, snuggled right on the border between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var departments. The D952 will take you through it. It's fully paved, so no need for a monster truck. The river Verdon has carved a limestone canyon here, and the road winds through the narrow canyon. It’s only 2.5 km long, stretching from Le Bourguet to Pont de Soleils. The scenery is absolutely epic, with the Verdon river glinting far below. Word to the wise: this isn't a place to rush. The road is tight, so stopping to soak it all in might be tricky, but totally worth it.
extremeForcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure Nestled in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy, Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo sits at a breathtaking 1,908m (6,259ft) elevation—and trust us, the drive to get there is just as breathtaking. This old military road is not for the faint of heart. What you're getting into: think steep, winding switchbacks that seem to go on forever, with sections so narrow that oncoming traffic becomes a genuine puzzle. In plenty of places, you're essentially driving along a cliff edge with no guardrails between you and a drop that'll make your stomach flip. But here's the kicker—someone recently gave the road a fresh coat of asphalt, which sounds great until you hit those brutal 29% grade ramps covered in loose gravel outside the tire tracks. It keeps things interesting, that's for sure. The route spans just 5.3km from Misurina (extending to 6.3km if you push to where the gravel begins), climbing over three mountain passes: Forcella Bassa, Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo, and Forcella Àuta/Alta before ending at the Rifugio Bois at Monte Piana. The payoff? Phenomenal. You're practically neighbors with the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and the views are absolutely camera-worthy. Plus, Monte Piana is steeped in World War I history—this area saw intense battles between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces, and you'll spot remnants throughout. It's a place where adventure meets history, making for an unforgettable drive.
moderateA nasty road to Kolona Beach
🇬🇷 Greece
# Paralia Kolona: A Hidden Gem Worth the Bumpy Ride Tucked away on the island of Kythnos in Greece's Western Cyclades, Paralia Kolona is one of those jaw-dropping beaches that makes you wonder how it's stayed relatively under the radar. Picture this: crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine golden sand, and a narrow strip of land surrounded by sea on both sides. It's basically paradise. Getting there from the village of Apokrousi is about 2.3 km (1.42 miles) of pure adventure. Fair warning though—this isn't your typical smooth asphalt road. You're looking at a rough, single-lane dirt track that can be pretty gnarly in spots. Honestly, a jeep or sturdy SUV is your best bet if you're driving out here. The road's no joke, and you'll want proper clearance to handle the ruts and bumps. But here's the thing: once you round that final bend and see what's waiting for you, the bumpy ride becomes part of the story. This is the kind of beach that sticks with you, the kind that reminds you why exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations on Kythnos is so worth it. If you're planning a visit to the island, this is absolutely one you can't skip.
hardSchwarzsee
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# The Schwarzsee: Switzerland's Legendary Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Valais in southwestern Switzerland, the Schwarzsee sits perched at a breathtaking 2,588 meters (8,490 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a proper mountain adventure that demands respect. The road itself? Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps. It's narrow, tippy, and genuinely challenging, especially when conditions get wet and muddy. Winters? Completely impassable. Honestly, this is one for experienced mountain drivers only. If unpaved alpine roads make you nervous, save yourself the stress and skip this one. But here's where it gets magical. You'll be rewarded with some of the most dramatic scenery in all of Switzerland, sitting right at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. The lake itself lives up to its name—its waters are genuinely dark, sometimes almost black, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Perched beside the water stands a charming chapel dedicated to "Our Lady of the Snows." Legend has it that two lost travelers from Zermatt made a pact here during a foggy night near the Theodul Pass—if they made it out safely, they'd build a chapel to give thanks. And they did. Fair warning though: this is steep terrain in exposed alpine landscape. If heights make your palms sweat, you might want to admire the Matterhorn from somewhere lower down. But if you've got the skills, nerves, and an appreciation for Switzerland's wildest corners, the Schwarzsee delivers an unforgettable experience.