Colle Sestriere is a drive worth taking in the Cottian Alps

Colle Sestriere is a drive worth taking in the Cottian Alps

Italy, europe

Length

17 km

Elevation

2,035 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Colle Sestriere: Alpine Adventure in Italy

Ready for some serious mountain scenery? Colle Sestriere is a jaw-dropping high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,035m (6,677ft) in Italy's Piedmont region, just a stone's throw from the French border in the Susa Valley.

This fully paved beauty—officially known as Strada Provinciale 23 del Colle di Sestriere (SP23R)—stretches a fantastic 49km (30 miles) from west to east, linking Cesana Torinese to Perosa Argentina, which sits about 40 km northwest of Turin. The drive is genuinely pleasant, with plenty of curves and twists that keep things interesting while maintaining solid road conditions throughout.

The charming alpine village of Sestriere—home to just 880 locals—sits right at the pass itself and gives the route its name. Nestled in the dramatic Cottian Alps, this pass has serious cycling credentials too: it's been a legendary climbing challenge in both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, making it sacred ground for cycling enthusiasts.

Whether you're a road trip junkie or just looking to experience some of Europe's most spectacular mountain driving, Colle Sestriere delivers stunning views and an exhilarating ride through some truly majestic terrain.

Where is it?

Colle Sestriere is a drive worth taking in the Cottian Alps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.6823, 13.4989

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
17 km
Max Elevation
2,035 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
41.6823, 13.4989

Related Roads in europe

Cerro del Gargantónhard

Cerro del Gargantón

🇪🇸 Spain

Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're near the border of Castile and León and the Community of Madrid in Spain, and you've got a trusty 4x4, you HAVE to check out Cerro del Gargantón. This mountain pass climbs to a cool 1,789 meters (that's 5,869 feet!). The road? Let's just say it's an adventure. Think wide, gravelly, and rocky – you'll definitely feel those bumps! Keep an eye on the weather, though; thunderstorms can turn this road into a serious challenge, or even make it impassable. Also, this area is popular with parachuters, so scan the skies!

Col des Garcinetshard

Col des Garcinets

🇫🇷 France

# Col des Garcinets: A Scenic Alpine Climb Nestled in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Col des Garcinets sits pretty at 1,185 meters (3,887 feet) above sea level. It's the kind of mountain pass that rewards you with incredible views—if you've got the legs for it. The drive up is via the D1 road, a well-maintained asphalt route that connects the small towns of Selonnet to the south and Turriers to the west. Starting from D900b, you're looking at a solid 15.6 km of climbing ahead of you. The elevation gain totals 512 meters, which averages out to a 3.3% gradient—steep enough to keep things interesting, but not so brutal that you'll be white-knuckling the steering wheel the whole way. It's a straightforward, scenic push through the alpine landscape that'll test your patience on the switchbacks but reward you with some serious French Alpine beauty once you crest the top.

Vathi Beach, one of the Greece's top coastal drivesmoderate

Vathi Beach, one of the Greece's top coastal drives

🇬🇷 Greece

# Vathi Beach: A Scenic (and Bumpy) Adventure in Southern Crete Looking for the ultimate secluded beach getaway? Vathi Beach might just be your answer. Nestled near Crete's southernmost tip, this hidden gem sits in a cozy cove at the mouth of a small gorge, framed by dramatic cliff faces. It's the kind of place that feels like your own private paradise. But here's the thing—getting there is half the adventure. The 9 km drive from Monastiri Odigitrias is definitely not your typical beach road. You're looking at a seriously rough trail with a handful of stretches that'll make regular cars sweat. This isn't exaggerating when we say 4x4 is highly recommended (honestly, essential). Expect to encounter gates along the way—don't forget to open and close them to keep the local livestock from wandering off. The silver lining? The drive itself is absolutely stunning. You'll be treated to breathtaking sea views and jaw-dropping karst rock formations that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Just come prepared: this route demands an experienced driver who's comfortable taking things slow, staying alert, and really respecting the terrain. But if you've got the skills and patience, the payoff is a tranquil, virtually untouched beach experience that most tourists never discover.

Lac du Loumoderate

Lac du Lou

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you: Lac du Lou, a stunning mountain lake nestled high in the French Alps at a cool 2,059 meters (6,755 feet)! You'll find it tucked away in the Savoie department, inside the gorgeous Vanoise National Park. Now, fair warning: the road to get there is a bit of a beast. It's a gravel track, so I'd highly recommend having a 4x4 vehicle to tackle the 3.6 km climb from the D117 road. Trust me, you'll want the extra grip! Oh, and plan your trip carefully – this road is usually snowed in from October to June. But the reward is SO worth it! Picture this: crystal-clear lake, surrounded by towering peaks, and a charming mountain refuge called Refuge du lac du Lou waiting for you at the top. There's even a parking lot up there (score!). Get ready for views that will absolutely blow your mind!