A roller coaster road to Cristo Redentore di Maratea
Italy, europe
6.8 km
592 m
hard
Year-round
# The Wild Ride to Christ the Redeemer of Maratea
Perched on the Tyrrhenian coast in southern Italy, the hilltop town of Maratea is home to one of Europe's most impressive Jesus statues—Cristo Redentore di Maratea. This stunning marble creation, sculpted by Florentine artist Bruno Innocenti in 1965, ranks third among Europe's largest Christ figures, trailing only Poland's Christ the King and Lisbon's Cristo-Rei.
Getting to the top of Monte San Biágio is half the adventure. The fully paved route climbs 6.8 km (4.22 miles) from town with a relentless average gradient of 5.82%—and yes, it hits a brutal 11% in some sections. You're gaining 396 meters (1,942 feet) of elevation, ending at 592 meters above sea level.
But here's the real thrill: the road is basically a roller coaster in asphalt form. Eighteen hairpin turns snake up the mountainside in a dizzying pattern that'll make your knuckles white if you're not comfortable with tight curves. The last few hundred meters are particularly intense, running along concrete columns that feel genuinely precarious—especially if you're unfortunate enough to be driving a tour bus up here. It's legitimately unnerving.
That said, this isn't a road to tackle in bad weather. Low clouds will completely rob you of the spectacular views that make the white-knuckle drive worthwhile. Pick a clear day, embrace the adrenaline rush, and reward yourself with those panoramic vistas and the awe-inspiring statue waiting at the top.
Where is it?
A roller coaster road to Cristo Redentore di Maratea is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.9481, 13.2394
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 592 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 43.9481, 13.2394
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col de la Met?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Col de la Met in the Savoie region of France. This peak soars to a whopping 2,750 meters (that's over 9,000 feet!), and the views from the top? Seriously stunning. You're looking at the gorgeous Lac de Mont Cenis and a panorama of surrounding mountains that'll blow your mind. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the summit is completely unpaved – think rugged, wild, and totally 4x4 territory. This is basically a chairlift access trail that's only open during the summer months. It's a rough ride, super steep in sections, and ranks as one of the highest roads you'll find in France. The climb starts from the D1006 and clocks in at just 6 kilometers (a little under 4 miles), but don't let the short distance fool you. You're gaining 679 meters in elevation, which means an average gradient of over 11%! So, if you're up for a challenge and have the right wheels, Col de la Met promises an unforgettable experience.
extremeWhat You Need to Know About Driving the Road F232 in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for an Icelandic adventure on the F232, also known as Öldufellsleið! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking serious 4x4 territory in the Southern Region, near the Vatnajökull National Park, north of the Myrdalsjökull glacier. Forget smooth asphalt, this is a rugged roller coaster through Fjallabak's lunar landscape of black sand and lava dunes. Spanning from Road 209 near Hrífunes to Road F210 by the Hólmsá river, this summer-only (late June to early September) track serves up a healthy dose of potholes, ruts, and boulder fields. Seriously, leave the sedan at home! We're talking full-size 4x4 with high clearance. The scenery? Unbelievable. Think volcanic vistas and that otherworldly, desolate beauty Iceland is famous for. But be warned: you're on your own out here. This road is remote, with few fellow travelers, and cell service can be spotty, so make sure your vehicle is in top condition. And speaking of solo… those river crossings? Yeah, they're for real. The Bláfjallakvísl river is one of the challenges here, and tackling these icy rivers requires experience and a properly equipped jeep. River conditions can change quickly, so check depths and don't even think about it during heavy rain or alone. Remember, rental car insurance usually doesn’t cover water damage, so proceed with caution. Amazing by day, potentially treacherous by night – this is one Icelandic adventure you won’t forget!
hardLago Torrei
🇮🇹 Italy
Lago Torrei is a mountain reservoir perched at 874m (2,867ft) in the heart of Sardinia, Italy. The 4.8 km stretch leading up to this alpine gem sits within the stunning Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu, and honestly? It's every bit as thrilling as it is beautiful. Fair warning though – this road has earned its notorious reputation for good reason. While the asphalt is decent enough, it's narrow and unforgiving, with those classic hairpin curves that'll have you gripping the wheel. The real kicker is the exposure: sheer dropoffs plunge hundreds of meters straight down on either side, and there's barely a guardrail in sight to ease your nerves. It's the kind of drive that demands your full attention and respect. If you've got the nerve and the driving skills to match, the views are absolutely worth the adrenaline rush. Just take it slow, stay focused, and you'll have an unforgettable Alpine experience in one of Italy's most dramatic mountain regions.
hardRefugi Borda de Sorteny
🌍 Andorra
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you’re heading to Andorra's Ordino region, you HAVE to check out Refugi Borda de Sorteny. Perched way up at 1,965 meters (that's 6,446 feet!), this mountain refuge offers insane views. The road in, Carretera de Sorteny, is mostly paved, but hold on tight because it gets STEEP. The final 2 kilometers turn to gravel and seriously narrow down – think rugged! A 4x4 is your best friend past the lower parking area. Fair warning: Mother Nature usually shuts this road down between October and June with snow, so plan accordingly. Trust me, the scenery is worth the white-knuckle drive!