Italy, with its towering mountain ranges, is home to some of the higher road passes of Europe, offering unforgettable experiences to cycling, motorcycling, motoring enthusiasts and tourists. So all you have to do is find out what they are highest roads in Italy and travel them to see wonderful landscapes, but also – in some cases – to ski during the summer months.
Stelvio Pass
The Stelvio Pass is located well 2,758 meters above sea level, making it the highest asphalted road in Italy and the fifth in Europe. Its history dates back to the nineteenth century, but it was only asphalted in the twenties of the last century. The initial idea was to connect Austria to Milan and they were well designed to do this eighty-eight hairpin bends.
The SS 38, also called the Stelvio, starts from the upper end of Lake Como, crosses the entire Valtellina passing through places such as Bormio, and then the famous hairpin bends begin at the entrance to Trentino-Alto Adige. Near the Stelvio it is also possible skiing in the summerapproximately from May to November.
Gavia Pass
Located at an altitude of 2,621 meters, the Gavia Pass connects Valtellina with Val Camonica and represents one of the most challenging and spectacular climbs in Italy. Not far from the Stelvio, the Pass was born on a medieval route, but was made safe and accessible only during the last century. The history of the Gavia Pass is full of anecdotes, often linked to the world of professional cycling; it is no coincidence that it has been included in the Giro d’Italia route several times.
Its current route, which is located on the SS 300connects the provinces of Sondrio and Brescia, to be precise between the towns of Bormio and Ponte di Legno, passing through Santa Caterina Valfurva, appreciated ski destination. Also in this case, the highest part is closed for the winter.
Colle del Fauniera
Immersed in the Cottian Alps, Colle del Fauniera is located well 2480 meters above sea level, with winding roads and wonderful views. The road connects the municipalities of Castelmagno and Demonte in the province of Cuneo, it is perfectly asphalted and has a length of approximately 23 kilometers.
Again, the mountain road is known for the cyclinggiven that it was ridden during the 1999 Giro d’Italia. Even today there is a monument in memory of Marco Pantani who distinguished himself by winning the Maglia Rosa during that race.
Colle Valcavera
A variant of the Colle del Fauniera is the Colle Valcavera which branches off at a certain point along the route. The road, at 2416 meters above sea level, reaches up to to the Meja-Gardetta Plateau.
Precisely because of its panoramic location and the significant differences in height, it is much loved by cyclists and motorcyclists. The best way to get here, always in summer, is leave the SS21 from Demonte and enter the mountainous area.
Esischie glue
The Colle d’Esischie, still among the mountains of Cuneo, is in fifth place among the highest roads in Italy. About 2370 meters above sea level, connects Castelmagno and Marmora, with a maximum gradient of 9% and a length exceeding 23 kilometres.
Like the other passes in the area, this one is also one cycling destination very interesting, climbed twice also by the Giro d’Italia. During the summer it is a very interesting destination if you are visiting southern Piedmont.
The highest pass in Italy not accessible by car
Making a high mountain road passable for cars is certainly not easy, which is why there are some roads which – despite reaching high altitudes – are not accessible to cars.
An example is the Chaberton Military Road, built in the 19th century to connect a military outpost. The road, which stands at 3131 meters above sea level, is currently asphalted up to Fenils and passable up to a certain point, when it is no longer safe to proceed. To go up to the fort the only way is therefore from Claviere.