Where is Gole del Saggitario?
Italy, europe
15.9 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for a wild ride through the Sagittarius Gorges in Abruzzo, Italy! This road, snaking through the Apennines, is a total stunner, but don't let the views distract you.
We're talking Strada Regionale 479 (SR479), a fully paved 15.9 km (9.87 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting Anversa degli Abruzzi and Scanno. Built way back in the late 1800s, this road is a feat of engineering, clinging to the sides of the gorge, following the river's every twist and turn. It squeezes through super narrow spots where it feels like there's barely room for anything but the river and your car!
The road winds and winds and is full of cars and even trucks, so go slow. One of the coolest parts is Galleria Foce Giardino, a short, one-lane tunnel perched high above the gorge. It’s only 94m long, but it's a highlight of the route. It is an amazing drive, but be prepared for a challenging and unforgettable experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.9 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateMytikas-Palairos Road
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mytikas-Palairos: Greece's Hidden Coastal Gem If you're hunting for one of Greece's most stunning coastal drives, the Mytikas-Palairos road in northwestern Akarnania absolutely needs to be on your list. This 14.7 km stretch connecting the charming villages of Mytikas and Palairos is a legitimate hidden gem—the kind of route that makes you wonder why it's not packed with tourists. The road itself is in great condition with solid asphalt, but here's the thrill: it clings to the coastline like it's got nowhere else to go, with some seriously dramatic drops down to the sea. You'll be threading through wonderfully remote territory, which means the road feels like it's all yours. And the views? Absolutely worth the drive. As you snake along the western edge of the Acarnanian Mountains, you're facing straight out toward the Ionian Sea. On a clear day, you can spot the peaceful islands of Kalamos and Kastos dotting the horizon—it's the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over and just sit for a while. This is quintessential Greek coastal driving: winding, scenic, peaceful, and utterly rewarding. Whether you're a road-trip enthusiast or just looking for a breathtaking slice of Greece away from the crowds, this one delivers on all fronts.
moderateThe Wild Road to Selleries Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Selleries: A Mountain Adventure in Northwestern Italy Tucked away in the Metropolitan City of Turin, near the French border, Rifugio Selleries sits pretty at 2,023m (6,637ft) in the stunning Piedmont region. This relatively new refuge—opened in 2006—is a year-round gem nestled within Parco Naturale Orsiera Rocciavrè, where alpine meadows and dramatic ravines create an unforgettable landscape. Getting there is half the fun. Starting from Strada Provinciale 23 del Colle di Sestriere (just south of Fenestrelle), you've got a 12.9km (8.01 miles) drive ahead. The journey begins on smooth asphalt with a series of sweeping bends as you steadily climb toward the old Agnelli Sanatorium. After a couple more curves, things level out briefly—but don't get too comfortable. At the Forte turnoff, keep your eyes peeled for the Selleries Refuge crossroads and hang a right. Here's where it gets real: that final 5km transitions to dirt track, and the ascent in the middle section is no joke. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it demands respect and attention. But push through, and you'll be rewarded with mountain air, alpine scenery, and a refuge that feels like a proper adventure destination rather than just another pit stop.
moderatePuerto de Palombera is an Absolute Must for Road Lovers
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Palombera: A Scenic Mountain Adventure in Cantabria Ready for a thrilling mountain drive? Head to Puerto de Palombera, a stunning high mountain pass sitting at 1,260 meters (4,133 feet) in Spain's Cantabria region. This beauty is tucked inside the gorgeous Saja-Besaya Natural Park in northern Spain, right at the eastern edge of the Sierra del Cordel range. The route, known as CA-280, stretches 33.8 kilometers (21 miles) of fully paved road running south to north between the towns of Espinilla and Valle. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road gets genuinely steep, with grades maxing out at 8.7% in some sections that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping. Starting from Espinilla, you're looking at a solid 6-kilometer climb that'll gain you 323 meters in elevation—that's an average gradient of 5.4%. It's intense but totally doable, and the Cantabrian Mountain scenery makes every switchback worth it. The good news? The pass stays open year-round, though you might encounter brief closures during winter months. So whether you're a driving enthusiast chasing that perfect mountain road or just someone looking for an unforgettable Spanish adventure, Puerto de Palombera delivers the goods.
moderateTuc de Salana is a chillout in high mountains
🇪🇸 Spain
# Tuc de Salana: A High-Altitude Alpine Loop You'll Want to Experience Nestled in the stunning Aran Valley of Catalonia, Spain, the Tuc de Salana pass climbs to a breathtaking 2,143 meters (7,030 feet) and sits right within the gorgeous Aigüestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park. The best part? The entire route is paved, making it accessible for most drivers. The scenic loop, called Camino de Pruedo, stretches 27.5 kilometers between the charming villages of Salardú and Arties. You can knock out the whole drive in about an hour and a half (assuming you don't stop to gawk at the views—though we totally understand if you do). Fair warning: this road gets pretty gnarly during winter months and becomes nearly impassable, so plan your adventure for warmer seasons. What makes this drive genuinely special is the scenery. You're treated to incredible alpine vistas as the road winds through the landscape, eventually leading you to the jaw-dropping Circ de Colomèrs—essentially a massive rock amphitheater—and the pristine Lac Major de Colomèrs alpine lake. It's the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over constantly with your phone out. One thing to keep in mind: this region is prone to avalanches, especially in certain seasons, so stay alert and respect any closures or warnings you encounter along the way.