Portella Mandrazzi (South Side)

Portella Mandrazzi (South Side)

Portella Mandrazzi is a high mountain pass in Sicily, situated at an elevation of 1,125 meters (3,691 feet) in the Peloritani Mountains. It serves as a natural watershed and gateway between the Tyrrhenian coast to the north and the Ionian coast (near Taormina and the Alcantara Valley) to the southeast. The pass is renowned for its lush oak and chestnut forests and offers breathtaking panoramic views that, on clear days, encompass the smoking craters of Mount Etna to the south and the Aeolian Islands dotting the sea to the north. Historically, the crossing has been a vital link since Roman times, and the current road, the SS185, remains one of the most scenic driving and riding routes in northeastern Sicily. For cyclists, Portella Mandrazzi is a legendary "slow-burn" climb often featured in the Giro d’Italia (notably in 2020 and 2022). Approaching from the south (Francavilla di Sicilia/Ruzzolino), the climb is approximately 15.4 km (9.6 miles) long with a manageable average gradient of 5%, though it features 18 scenic hairpin turns and occasional steeper pitches near 8-9%. While road cyclists enjoy the smooth, winding asphalt of the SS185, mountain bikers often use the pass as a terminus for the "Dorsale Peloritana," a rugged 70 km ridge-line trail.