SS62 - Cisa Pass

A wonderful mountain pass between La Spezia and Parma.

Cisa Pass (or Passo della Cisa) is a classic Italian mountain pass that has been around for at least a hundred years. Connecting the Tuscan and Liguran coast with Emilia-Romagna, it was the main road between the regions for decades until the highway was built.

Starting from the south, the fun will begin near the village of Aulla, driving along the river Magra at the very bottom of the valley. Once you pass Pontremoli things really kick off in a dramatic way.

Here starts a fast hillclimb. The road becomes much steeper, and you can attack the serpentines quite well. This part from Pontremoli, up until the peak just after Montelungo village, is pure bliss.

After this, the road opens up a little bit, there are very few serpentines, but it remains a stunning experience with the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, while the road allows a faster pace. One epic part of the pass is after the peak, near Boschi di Bardone, when you will suddenly see the entire plain below and the city of Parma, before driving the serpentine road down the hill.

Nearby

Grand Hotel Portovenere

The best in Portovenere - the five star Grand Hotel.

Locanda Lorena

A brilliant seafood restaurant on the island of Palmaria near Portovenere

SS1 - Bracco Pass

A fantastic road between La Spezia and Sestri Levante.

Trattoria da Iseo

The best seafood restaurant at the Mediterranean.

SP13 - Vestito Pass

A mountain pass that was made famous from the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace.

SoleMare Monterosso

A cozy bed and breakfast in Monterosso al Mare, one of the five villages in Cinque Terre.

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