Passo la Colla | 479 METER | Ciaixe Dolce Aqua

The Passo la Colla is situated in the hinterland of Ventimiglia, near the French border. The road is typically Ligurian – narrow, rugged and winding. The southern approach (from Ventimiglia via Ciaixe) climbs steeply straight up from the coastal town. The road is narrow, bumpy, often blind and winds its way through olive groves, pine forests and past old stone houses. However, it is easily passable all year round.

As the Alpine pass lies so close to the coast, in many places you can look straight through the pine trees to the deep blue Mediterranean and the bays of Ventimiglia (Italy) and Menton (France).

Tiny hamlets such as Ciaixe are scattered around the Passo la Colla. The region is famous for producing excellent, mild Taggiasca olive oil. It’s well worth stopping off at a local producer.

Historically, the Passo la Colla is the “Gateway to the Ligurian Border Ridge”. It has always marked the strategic transition from coastal civilisation to the rugged mountain world.

Tour tip: If the “Ligurian Border Ridge” (LGKS) is your destination, taking the Passo la Colla allows you to avoid the traffic along the coast. This makes it an alternative entry point to the off-road classic if you’re starting from the south.

Why not give the route planner “Alpine Passes Atlas” a try, put together a route, generate a roadbook and download the GPX data.