One Of Italy's Most Dangerous Winding Roads Is Best Avoided By Insecure Drivers

Italy is one country where winding roads are quite common, largely because of its mountainous geography. This is especially true in the Alps and Apennines. As a matter of fact, the country has more than 7,000 mountain passes (among which over 1,000 are paved), making it a viable destination for tourists who may be looking to experience the most awe-inspiring Italian mountain drives. Stelvio Pass is among the most well-known mountain passes in Italy, and it's also the highest paved one (about 9,000 feet above sea level), with winding roads and sharp turns that make it both impressive and dangerous.

Truth be told, the gorgeously zigzagging Stelvio Pass can be quite fascinating to see, especially in a photo. But then, this same zigzag is what has placed it among the most dangerous roads in Europe. The road has over 40 hairpin bends that sharply curl and twist like a snake, and while this doesn't necessarily mean it's impossible to drive here, it really does make it very difficult to navigate for anxious or less confident drivers. And it may, as such, be best avoided.

Apart from the scary curves and the steep, narrow road on this mountain, drivers may also be susceptible to the thin air due to Stelvio Pass's altitude. This can lead to altitude-related illness or discomfort. Then, there's the issue of traffic, as cyclists, motorbikes, and other vehicles weave through the narrow road at the same time. The situation can be really stressful and unnerving, especially during summer or weekends, which would ordinarily be more crowded. As one Redditor notes on a thread in the r/Motorcycle subreddit, "Stelvio Pass is beautiful, but I imagine it's somewhat ruined by having to deal with the traffic on those hairpins."

The unpredictable weather is another reason insecure drivers should stay away from Stelvio Pass. It's possible to come across fog on the road or see snow lingering around, even in summer. There's a reason why the pass is usually closed in winter itself, as conditions can be hazardous when it snows.

While driving through the beautiful Stelvio Pass can be thrilling, the fact remains that it's not an easy ride, and there are many opportunities for things to go wrong very quickly.

The easiest way to experience the winding Stelvio Pass might just be to avoid driving yourself outright. Fortunately, there are guided tours that you may be able to join, like the Passo dello Stelvio Tour through Hotel Melodia del Bosco. If you're able to secure a spot on a guided bus tour, you'll have the chance to soak in the exhilarating alpine scenery without having to fumble with the steering wheel and struggling for dear life. Moreover, it'll be good to check out interesting viewpoints around the mountain pass, like the one near Rifugio Garibaldi. Of course, photos are encouraged to savor the memory of braving one of Italy's most dangerous roads.

If you're confident in your driving and decide to man the route alone, then it's advisable to hit the road as early as possible in the morning, before the spike in the crowd. Go with a smaller car, because larger vehicles like RVs can be a serious pain on this mountain road. Also, remember to keep things slow and steady, and absolutely suppress any urge to overtake on the snaky road, as that increases the risk of an accident. 

Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and check the weather before setting out. Should you ever need to pull over, do so only in safe spots. Finally, don't hesitate to go back if you observe that the road conditions seem unfavorable. If you're thinking of accommodation, Bormio is considered the nearest town, about 19 miles southeast of the mountain pass.