
Where is Malga Palazzo?
Italy, europe
8 km
1,571 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Scanuppia-Malga Palazzo in Trentino, Italy! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a climb to 1,571 meters (that's 5,154 feet for my American friends) of pure, unadulterated adrenaline.
Nestled in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, this hidden gem, also called Salita Scanuppia, kicks off near Besenello. The stats? A mere 8 kilometers (or roughly 5 miles), but don't let the distance fool you. You'll be wrestling your way up 1,317 meters with an average gradient of 18.1%.
Why is everyone talking about it? Because it's rumored to be the steepest paved climb in Europe (or even the world!). Seriously, there are sections that hit a mind-blowing 42.8%.
And the road itself? Well, it's paved...sort of. Think concrete with a seriously wavy surface – like giant ripples built in for extra grip, especially useful when snow and ice hit the Dolomite mountain range. So, get ready for a bumpy, breathtaking, and utterly unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,571 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
Kotor Serpentine
🌍 Montenegro
# The Kotor Serpentine Ready for one of Europe's most jaw-dropping drives? The Kotor Serpentine starts in the charming medieval town of Kotor, nestled along the stunning Bay of Kotor, and winds its way up to the village of Njegugi before continuing to Cetinje, Montenegro's historic royal capital. This isn't your average mountain road—we're talking 25 hairpin turns carved right into the limestone cliffs, climbing 1,000 meters of pure elevation gain. The switchbacks are tight, dramatic, and absolutely unforgettable. As you ascend, the views just get better: that deep blue bay shrinks below you, the red-roofed old town becomes a postcard, and the surrounding peaks reveal themselves in all their glory. The road itself is a relic from the 19th century, built back when the Austro-Hungarians were running the show. It's kept that thrilling, edge-of-your-seat character ever since. But here's where it gets really cool—once you crest the top, everything changes. The Mediterranean vibes give way to the stark, beautiful karst plateau of Lovcen National Park. Suddenly you're surrounded by sparse, dramatic landscape instead of lush coastal vegetation. Honestly, it's wild how much scenery transforms in such a short drive. You go from picture-perfect Mediterranean charm to wild, windswept mountain terrain in just a few hours. That's what makes this one of Europe's most visually stunning routes.
hardWhy was the road to Colle d’Ancoccia built?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Colle d’Ancoccia in Italy's Piedmont region is calling! Nestled in the province of Cuneo, this high mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,533m (8,310ft). Originally built for military use (spot the abandoned bunkers!), this route south of Rocca la Meja and Lago della Meja is not for the faint of heart. We're talking 37.1 km (23.05 miles) of unpaved, rocky terrain that starts from the SP113 south of Marmora. You'll need a trusty 4x4 with high clearance to tackle the precipitous sections and those crazy 25% inclines! Keep in mind, this beauty is tucked high in the Cottian Alps, so expect it to be closed during the winter months. But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery and a proper off-road adventure!
moderateThe road to Alto de Torre-Serra da Estrela, the highest point of Mainland Portugal
🇵🇹 Portugal
# Alto de Torre: Portugal's Sky-High Adventure Want to touch the roof of mainland Portugal? Alto de Torre is your destination. Sitting pretty at 1,996 meters (6,548 feet), this mountain peak marks the highest point you can drive to on the Portuguese mainland, straddling the line between the Guarda and Castelo Branco districts. Nestled in the stunning Serra da Estrela Natural Park up in the northeastern corner of the country, this isn't some sketchy mountain track—the entire 50-kilometer (31-mile) route from Seia to Covilhã is fully paved. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. The road gets seriously steep, with gradients hitting 10.4% in places that'll definitely keep your attention. The summit itself is basically a little mountain village. There's a chapel, a couple of shops, a restaurant to refuel, and these quirky radar domes that give the place a sci-fi vibe. Oh, and there's a historic stone tower right in the middle of the roundabout—a monument King John VI commissioned way back when. Weather-wise, the road stays open year-round, though winter storms occasionally shut things down. Fair warning: this spot holds the record for Portugal's coldest temperatures. On the flip side, winter turns Serra da Estrela into the country's only skiing destination. Clear day? Prepare to be blown away. The views stretch all the way to the Atlantic Ocean over 160 kilometers away. And fun fact: only Mount Pico in the Azores sits higher than this—making Alto de Torre the second-most elevated point in all of Portugal.
extremeWhere is the road to Monte Bartolo?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Costa del Azahar in Castelló, ready for some serious views. You're heading up, up, up to Monte Bartolo, and let me tell you, the road delivers! This isn't just any drive; it's a pilgrimage to one of the most stunning viewpoints in eastern Spain. Once you hit the top, you're rewarded with a full-blown 360-degree panorama. Think rugged mountains tumbling towards the shimmering Mediterranean – pure magic. So, where exactly is this road to Bartolo-heaven? Tucked away in the Desert de les Palmes Natural Park. You'll peel off the CV-147, near the Monastery of Desert de les Palmes, practically spitting distance from the beach town of Benicàssim. Now, the ascent itself? It's only about 4 km from the junction, but don't let the short distance fool you. This is a relentless climb, testing both your car (and your nerves!). Seriously, this road is so epic (and tough) that it even featured in the 2026 Vuelta a España! Driving-wise, prepare for a high-intensity experience. The road is SKINNY, like barely-one-car-wide skinny. And steep! While the average gradient is already high, some spots hit a crazy 17.2%. The road surface is also a bit rough around the edges, with some old asphalt and patches thrown in for traction. And oh yeah, guardrails? Nope, not really. But here's the kicker: on a clear day, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. You can see the Columbretes Islands and maybe even the island of Ibiza shimmering in the distance! Word to the wise, though: access for cars is often restricted to protect the Natural Park, so check the local rules before you head up. The last 2 km are often closed, which is why it's such a popular spot for cyclists and hikers looking for a challenge.