Why is Mount Etna famous for?
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Ever dreamt of conquering a volcano? The road up Mount Etna in Sicily is calling your name! Locally known as Mongibello, it's Europe's biggest, baddest volcano, constantly rumbling and putting on a show.
Built to service the Osservatorio Etneo - Letterio Villari, a volcanic monitoring center, this isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll need a 4x4 to tackle this unpaved beast that climbs to some of the highest altitudes in Europe.
Starting from Rifugio Sapienza on Strada Provinciale 2, this 17.2km route heads north into the wild heart of Etna. Expect to be blown away by stark lava flows, extinct craters, and pine woods, with panoramic views that stretch for miles.
Fair warning: this road is usually closed to private vehicles, so you'll need to hop on authorized or guided transport. Closures are common due to volcanic activity, strong winds, or heavy snow, so check conditions before you go! And maybe skip this one if you have respiratory issues — volcanic fumes aren't exactly air freshener! But if you can brave the elements, the otherworldly landscape and constant volcanic symphony are worth the trek. The views overlooking the region are something else.
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hardNational Tourist Route Valdresflye is a scenic drive in Norway
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hardSella di Russis: A Narrow Alpine Journey through the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Sella di Russis: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for a serious adrenaline rush? Sella di Russis sits pretty at 1,729m (5,672ft) in South Tyrol's stunning Dolomites, and it's honestly one of those hidden gems that'll make your heart race in the best way possible. This mountain pass—also called Russiskreuz—connects the picturesque Isarco Valley with the gorgeous Gader Valley, winding through the rugged Plose mountains in the Bolzano region. The whole experience is 45 km (28 miles) of pure Alpine drama, stretching from Bressanone to San Martin de Tor. Here's the real deal: while the Strada Provinciale 29 (SP29) is completely paved and well-maintained, it's absolutely not for the faint-hearted. This road is famously narrow and twisty—we're talking serious hairpins that demand your full attention and respect. Some sections are carved directly into steep mountainsides, which means rockslides are a legitimate concern, especially when bad weather rolls in or during spring melt season. The views? Absolutely spectacular. But there's a catch: winter basically shuts this pass down from November through May due to avalanche risk. The good news? The southern side stays open year-round to keep the Plose ski resort accessible, so you've got options depending on the season. This is a road that separates the casual drivers from the confident ones. If you're up for the challenge, you're in for an unforgettable ride through some seriously beautiful terrain.
hardHow long is the SH75 road?
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moderate2 roads in Ireland listed in Lonely Planet's Top 50 Epic Drives of the World
🌍 Ireland
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