Why was the road to Colle d’Ancoccia built?
Italy, europe
37.1 km
2,533 m
hard
Year-round
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 37.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,533 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Vielha Tunnel?
🇪🇸 Spain
Nestled high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Catalonia's wild northwest corner, you'll find the Tunel de Vielha. This isn't just any tunnel, though. We're talking about a 5.2km (3.25 mile) stretch of paved road boring through the mountains, connecting Vielha, the Aran Valley's main hub, with the Alta Ribagorça region. A bit of history: Before this tunnel, the Aran Valley was pretty cut off, especially in winter. The original tunnel, once the world's longest, got a bit dicey safety-wise, so the updated Juan Carlos I Tunnel was opened in 2007. The road itself? It's part of the N230, with two lanes heading south and one going north, so be aware of the traffic flow! Expect some steep climbs inside, with gradients hitting up to 7.5% in places. The elevation peaks at 1,635m (5,364ft) above sea level. You can usually cruise through year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – it might close briefly in heavy winter storms. If you're coming from Vielha, it's a 12.3 km climb, gaining 664 meters in elevation (averaging 5.4%). Coming from Villaler, it’s a longer, gentler 18.7 km climb with an elevation gain of 656 meters (averaging 3.5%). Prepare for some beautiful mountain scenery!
hardWhere is Costalunga Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along in the gorgeous Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy, heading up, up, up to Costalunga Pass. This isn't just any mountain road; it's a scenic masterpiece! The summit isn't a sharp peak but more like a wide, panoramic plateau where you can soak in incredible views. We're talking a near-360-degree vista that will blow your mind! Up top, you'll find places to eat, shops selling local crafts, and even a farmer offering horseback rides—how cool is that? Now, the road itself is fully paved and generally well-maintained, known locally as Strada Statale 241 (SS241). But don't get complacent! This isn't a highway; it's a winding, turning adventure with some narrow sections and seriously steep slopes that max out at 11%. Spanning roughly , this west-to-east route connects . Cyclists love this climb, so watch out for them as you navigate the bends! Get ready for a drive you won't soon forget!
hardDriving the wild road to Stogovo
🌍 Macedonia
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Stogovo! This wild ride in western North Macedonia climbs to a breathtaking 1,900 meters (6,233 feet), perched between the Black Drin and Sateska rivers. Forget paved roads, this is a full-on, unadulterated dirt track! Winter? Forget about it. This baby is impassable when the snow flies. If you're a seasoned off-roader, this is your playground. Newbies beware: this mountain road isn't for the faint of heart. You *need* a 4x4, and a good head for heights. The trail is seriously steep in places, we're talking gradients of up to 20%! If it's been raining, expect a muddy, slippery challenge. Your reward at the top? A communication tower and views that'll blow your mind. Get ready for an epic, untamed experience on the road to Zare Lazarevski!
extremeA-472: between Seville and Sanlucar la Mayor (Andalusia)
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up! Spain's got some roads that'll give you chills – and not just from the scenery. We're diving deep into the land of haunted highways and ghostly getaways. **A-472: Seville to Sanlucar la Mayor (Andalusia):** This ain't your average Sunday drive. Dubbed the "Cuesta de las Doblas," this short 2.3 km stretch is infamous for a tragic number of accidents. Legend says a girl in a red jacket appears, hitchhiking just before a deadly curve... Spooky! **EX-204: Aceitunilla to Nuñomoral (Extremadura):** Nestled in the mysterious Las Hurdes region, this winding road is said to be the most terrifying in Spain. We're talking women in period costumes with monstrous babies, ghost children from a nearby cemetery, and red-eyed creatures chasing cars. The remote setting definitely amps up the creep factor. **N-340: Tarragona to Castellón (Catalonia):** This is one seriously eerie stretch of asphalt. Drivers report seeing silent figures – men, women, and children – staring from the roadside near the Los Alfaques campsite. This is where a catastrophic tanker explosion killed hundreds in 1978. Is it suggestion or something more? **AS-17: Mengollo to Blimea (Asturias):** Keep an eye out for a dark-haired woman who suddenly appears from behind a sign. Spooky! **A-5 Highway km 174: Valparaíso, Extremadura:** Legend says a girl returning from her first communion fell from a carriage and disappeared. Now, drivers claim to see her in her communion dress, clutching a rosary. **A-457: Lora del Río to Carmona (Andalusia):** Watch out for shadowy figures, some missing limbs, of a towering presence over 1.90 meters! **EX-370: Pozuelo de Zarzón to Monterhermoso (Extremadura):** Locals call this "the stretch of death." Despite good visibility, accidents are frequent. Some say it's the ghost of a 17-year-old girl who was tragically killed on the spot. Keep an eye out for red stains on the pavement... **CA-631: Vega de Pas to Estacas de Trueba (Cantabria):** Deep in the Cantabrian mountains, the Engaña Tunnel is said to be haunted by the spirits of political prisoners forced to build it. Apparitions and eerie sounds are common. **A-360: Seville to Morón de la Frontera (Andalusia):** Strange things are happening on this road! Drivers report seeing lines of children in school uniforms disappearing, glowing faces, humanoid figures, and even UFOs. And with a major air force base nearby, who knows what's really out there? **N-240: Puente de la Reina to Jaca (Huesca):** Be careful – a pilgrim, complete with staff and canteen, has been spotted throwing himself at cars. **T-704: Vilaplana to La Mussara (Catalonia):** Before it was stolen, this was considered Catalonia's most haunted road, leading to the ruins of La Mussara. Permanent fog, strong winds, and pure desolation make for a chilling experience. Satanic rituals, disappearances, time jumps, and encounters with strange beings are all part of the lore. Electromagnetic interference has even been measured in the abandoned town!