The highest roads in Italy
Here are some of the highest routes the Italian territory has to offer, to those seeking high-altitude driving experiences brimming with spectacular panoramas
“Never climb very high unless you know where you're going”. Honoré de Balzac from "Napoleon's Maxims and Thoughts,” said this in 1838 and with these words, we begin our short-list of the highest roads in Italy. Our selection is based on maximum height reached by the tarmac and if all of the five routes are iconic, some are easier to conquer and others are suitable for a more daring audience, perhaps equipped with adequate means. At the The Drivers Club, we value the pleasure of "driving" and uphill turns are fundamental in enhancing fun and skills, when behind the steering wheel of a powerful car. Spoiler alert; during heavy snowfall, some of the highest roads in Italy could be closed during the winter season.
Colle del Sommeiller
The Colle del Sommeiller - located in the Cottian Alps at an altitude of 2,993 metres - is certainly the most demanding road of our selection. Also, the stretch of winding tarmac leads to nowhere so traffic is usually minimal, while the driving experience offers maximum excitement. Part of the road is off-tarmac a sports might not be suitable for this adventurous Alpine pass between Italy and France. Part of the route connects the city of Bardonecchia (province of Turin) to Bramans (France) but please be aware that on the French side there are no public roads and the highest passage, is only passable from May to November. Providing it doesn’t snow on the warmer months.
Stelvio Pass
As a Mecca for motorcyclists and sports cars enthusiasts, the Stelvio Pass needs no introductions. The road boasts one of the most beautiful sequences of hairpins and turns in the whole nation and views from the summit at 2,758 metres of altitude, are jaw dropping. Another great feature of the drive are the multiple directions to reach the pass as Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige and Swiss roads all lead to Stelvio’s 88 hairpin bends.
Passo Gavia
For a more original but still fascinating alpine route offer made available, the Gavia pass (2,652 meters) connects two of Lombardia’s most famous ski and offers a sequence of looping curves accompanied by sweeping views of the northern Italy mountain range.
Colle dell'Agnello
Piedmont appeases the desire for altitude and amidst the many alpine wonders, the Colle dell'Agnello is a mesmerizing stretch of road, made famous Giro d’Italia cycling competition. Along the many curves that lead to an altitude of 2,744 meters, once can feel the strain of many epic battles from the past. Nestled between the Italian-French border, the pass allows to reach the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Campo Imperatore
If the desire is to immerse oneself in alternative routes while retaining a rugged mountain feel, Campo Imperatore represents a valid alternative for those seeking a driving experience in the central regions of the Bel Paese. The stretch towards L'Aquila is smoother and faster, but regardless of where you intend to climb, landscapes are always enticing and at times, mesmerizing Enjoy high altitude driving and we wish you lots of fun!
Non ci resta che augurarvi buon divertimento!
Cesare Cappa
I wasn't always amidst engines but in the end, I succeeded in making the topic part of my professional career. After graduating as a mechanical engineer, I started contributing for Auto Tecnica, and subsequently fed my portfolio of collaborations with Sole 24 Ore, Messaggero and Corriere della Sera. I’m responsible for car testing at monthly magazine Auto and I enjoy combining the activity of journalist and tester at the Balocco driving center.
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