Why is it called Passo Tre Croci?
Italy, europe
11.9 km
3,221 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Strada Regionale 48 delle Dolomiti in Italy's Veneto region, heading up to Passo Tre Croci. This fully paved road winds its way through the breathtaking Dolomites for about 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) from Cortina d’Ampezzo towards Misurina.
The climb isn't too crazy – mostly gentle bends, though you might hit a 14.5% gradient in spots. The pavement's pretty smooth, but keep an eye out for a few bumps along the way. Even though you're in the Dolomites, the traffic's usually not too bad!
Why "Pass of the Three Crosses," you ask? Legend has it, a mom and her two kids tragically perished in a storm here way back in the 1700s, and three crosses were put up in their memory.
Once you reach the top at 1,811 meters (5,941 feet), you're rewarded with killer panoramic views of Monte Cristallo. There are hotels, restaurants, and plenty of parking. History buffs, take note: you can even explore old WWI military bunkers that were part of a defensive line against Austria. This pass is so awesome, it's even been featured in the Giro d'Italia! Cyclists and motorcyclists adore it. Definitely worth the trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,221 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhat are the best roads in Mallorca? Top 5
🇪🇸 Spain
# Mallorca's Mountain Roads: A Driver's Paradise Beyond the Beach Forget everything you think you know about Mallorca. Sure, the beaches are stunning, but hidden in the Serra de Tramuntana—a UNESCO World Heritage site—lies some of the most thrilling driving in the entire Mediterranean. This is where the real adventure happens, and honestly, it's absolutely worth the detour. ## Sa Calobra Road: Engineering Meets Art This 12.2 km ribbon of asphalt is pure genius. Built way back in 1932 by Antonio Parietti without a single tunnel, it tackles elevation through an iconic spiral bridge called the "Nus de sa Corbata"—the Tie Knot—that'll make your jaw drop. The narrow, steep descent to the sea is no joke though; those legendary hairpins demand your full attention, especially when you're squeezing past tour buses coming the other way. It's intense, but unforgettable. ## Far de Formentor: Cliffs and Drama The 10.9 km drive to this historic 1863 lighthouse sits on the northernmost tip of the island, perched 200 meters above the sea. The views are absolutely epic, but here's the catch—during summer, they restrict private cars to manage the crowds. Expect relentless wind, wild goats wandering freely, and some of Spain's most jaw-dropping coastal scenery. ## The MA-10: The Ultimate Mallorcan Road Trip Ready for the long haul? This 110 km beast stretches from Andratx to Pollença and is basically one continuous adrenaline rush. Mountains, tunnels, forests—it's all here, and driving it properly takes at least 2 hours of pure concentration. Watch out for cyclists and the surprisingly bold goats that claim the asphalt as their own. This is where you'll see Mallorca's wild, unfiltered side. ## Puig Major: High-Altitude Thrills At 6.9 km, the climb to Mallorca's highest accessible point doesn't sound long, but those 8 massive hairpins and 11% gradients will keep your hands firmly on the wheel. Built in 1958, this technical masterpiece acts as a gateway between lush valleys and stark, rocky terrain—the tunnel at the top marks where everything changes. ## MA-1131: Valldemossa to the Sea If tight, nerve-wracking descents are your thing, this 5.7 km plunge from Valldemossa to its port is calling your name. With a brutal 16% gradient and 9 hairpins squeezed into a claustrophobically narrow road, there's barely anywhere to pull over and catch your breath. The Mediterranean views are stunning, but yeah, your passengers might be gripping their seats.
hardHighest roads of England
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in England, right? Forget the rolling green hills and cozy villages for a sec. We're heading North and West, where things get *epic*. Think dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, and seriously awesome driving roads. I'm talking about places like the Lake District and the Pennines, where the terrain is seriously challenging, but the views? Totally worth it. It's up here, winding through these remote moorlands and over high mountain passes, that you'll find England's highest paved roads. These roads aren't just high, they're an experience. York's Hill will test your brakes with some of the steepest gradients in the country. Then there's Buttertubs Pass, a real showstopper and arguably the most spectacular road in England, twisting and turning through stunning scenery. Get ready for an adventure!
extremeWhat is the climb to Col de la Roubine like?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in southeastern France, deep in the Mercantour National Park, about to tackle Col de la Roubine. This isn't just a drive; it's a 4x4 adventure back in time. This high mountain pass sits way up there, splitting the Tinée Valley from Italy, and the views? Totally worth the white knuckles. Built in the 30s as part of a military defense network, the road's a bit rough around the edges. Think rocky, loose gravel snaking through a crazy, lunar landscape. It's mostly silent up there, save for the wind that's ALWAYS howling. The climb kicks off from the Isola 2000 ski resort, but don't be fooled – this is no ski bunny trail. It's a gnarly service track, and you NEED a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously. The road is bumpy and tippy, especially on those hairpin turns. It's shorter than some of the other passes around here, but don't underestimate it. The gradient is brutal, hitting 20% in spots. With loose stone everywhere, traction is a challenge, and engine braking is your best friend on the way down. Best time to go? Aim for late July to September. The rest of the year, it's snowed in. And watch the weather! Rain turns the rocks into an ice rink, and those high winds can be downright dangerous. Check in with the Isola resort folks before you head out to make sure the tracks are open. Trust me, this is one for the books.
moderateA Brutal Race with Deep Roots
🌍 Belgium
Alright, picture this: you're in Flanders, on the outskirts of a charming city, about to face a legend. It's called the Koppenberg, and it's not just a hill; it's a cycling *nightmare*. This beast is only 600 meters long, but those meters are paved with slick cobblestones that have humbled even the biggest names in cycling, forcing them to walk their bikes like some mere mortal. Seriously, legends have had to dismount here! We're talking about a climb that averages 11.1% but throws punches up to 20% in places. It only tops out at 76 meters above sea level, but don't let the numbers fool you. The cobblestones are always greasy, damp, and waiting to send you sliding. They call it "the steepest hill in the world," not because of its height, but because it's just *brutal*. There aren't many curves, but the road is covered with large, round cobblestones – some say they look like skulls buried in the mud, which pretty much sums up the experience. So, why do even the pros end up walking? It's a perfect storm. Everyone's fighting for position, and the leaders usually make it, but if someone stumbles mid-pack, it's a domino effect. Plus, it's short enough that some riders just hop off and run, figuring it's faster than trying to muscle through the chaos. And get this, this climb, which this year is located 44 km from the finish line, was actually *removed* from the Tour of Flanders for a while. A director's car ran over a cyclist's bike on it, and then, after a renovation, some thought the cobblestones weren't gnarly enough! But fear not, thrill-seekers! The Koppenberg is back, ready to test cyclists and leave spectators in awe.