1. Nus de sa Corbata (Sa Calobra Road, Mallorca)
Spain, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip aficionados, buckle up! Forget the usual highway humdrum, because we're diving into the twisty world of Spanish "pigtails"—those crazy spots where the road does a full-on knot to conquer some seriously wild terrain.
First up, the iconic Nus de sa Corbata on the legendary Sa Calobra Road (Ma-2141) in Mallorca. Picture this: a 270-degree curve designed in 1932 that loops *under itself* to tackle a massive drop. No tunnels, just pure road-bending genius.
Next, head to the Montes de Málaga in Andalusia for a double dose of pigtail fun! You'll find not one, but *two* of these crazy loops tucked away, a classic example of early 20th-century engineering tackling the steep coastal ranges.
Craving Pyrenean views? The NA-137 at Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, right on the French border, serves up a perfect spiral. This pigtail climbs towards the high pass, delivering both technical thrills and stunning Roncal Valley scenery.
For something truly unique, hunt down the Cuesta del Caracol on the CV-223 in Castellón. This "Snail's Slope" hides its pigtail almost entirely *inside a tunnel* between Eslida and Ahín. A hidden gem, for sure!
These pigtails are rare for a reason. They're complex, expensive, and only pop up where the terrain is *too* much for traditional hairpins. These locations are a testament to the spirit of driving. Time to put them on your bucket list.
Related Roads in europe
moderateA popular curvy road to the summit of Mendel Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Mendola: A Classic Alpine Ride You'll Want to Tackle Perched at 1,362 meters (4,469 feet) in the heart of northern Italy, Passo Mendola is basically the dream route for anyone who loves twisty mountain passes. Straddling the border between Trentino and South Tyrol, this 31-kilometer stretch connects Cavareno to Bolzano and has been drawing adventurers since it was first built between 1880 and 1885. The whole road is beautifully paved as Strada Statale 42 (SS42), and it's a blast to drive. You'll navigate 17 sharp hairpins and sweeping bends with a maximum gradient of 12%—challenging enough to be fun, but totally manageable. The panoramic views are absolutely stunning, and the hairpins are wide enough that you can really enjoy the curves without white-knuckling it. Fair warning though: the cliffs hanging over the road can be a bit sketchy. Stabilization work happened back in 2005, and they keep a close eye on things year-round, especially in spring when melting snow and refreezing create the risk of slides. Also, if you're towing a trailer, this route isn't for you—they're not allowed. The pass has some serious charm. Once a retreat for aristocrats and emperors in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it's now dotted with restaurants featuring sun decks—perfect for a coffee break and taking in the views. The area stays open most of the year, though winter closures do pop up. Hit it on a weekday for a peaceful ride, or tackle it on weekends and bank holidays if you're craving some lively motorcycle and car action.
hardWhere is Maloja Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the Maloja Pass! This beauty winds through the Swiss Alps in Graubünden, practically kissing the Italian border at an altitude of 1,819m (5,967ft). Dating back to Roman times (and maybe even earlier!), this route really came alive in the 1800s as a crucial link between Northern Italy and Engadin. While tunnels later diverted heavy traffic, the Maloja Pass remains a classic. Clocking in at 23.8 km (14.78 miles), Route 3 twists and turns from Silvaplana to Bregaglia. Don't let the "pass that never was" nickname fool you; its unique geography offers a thrilling drive. Expect some steep climbs (up to 11%) and tight hairpin turns that demand your full attention, especially if you encounter a truck heading the other way. Motion sickness sufferers, you've been warned! While usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball. Snowfall can lead to temporary closures, so winter tires are a must. Chains might be a good idea, too! Set aside about 30 minutes for this drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views of Lake Sils (Silsersee) and Lake Silvaplana (Silvaplanersee) are simply breathtaking. Plus, you're super close to the swanky resort town of St. Moritz, making this a perfect side trip.
moderateHow long is Road D-400?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up for the D-400 in Turkey, a coastal road trip you won't soon forget! Picture this: you, the open road, and the stunning Mediterranean stretching out beside you. The real white-knuckle section is about 31 kilometers (roughly 19 miles) between Yeşilköy and the town of Kaş, in the Antalya Province. Those curves heading into Kaş? Seriously tight. Keep your eyes peeled, especially after sunset, because most of the road is pitch black at night. This fully paved road is a marvel of engineering, hugging the coastline in southern Turkey. At times, it feels barely wide enough for a single car. And, get this – in many spots, it's bordered by cliffs that plunge straight into the turquoise waters below! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Yes, you’ll need to pay attention to the road, but those stolen glances at the sea are pure magic. Towering cliffs on one side, the Med sparkling on the other. It’s a seriously dramatic landscape that practically begs you to pull over (where it's safe!) and soak it all in. Plus, you'll pass ancient ruins and incredible scenery along the way. Trust me, this drive is an adventure for the soul.
moderateWhen was General Wade's Military Road built?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness on General Wade's Military Road. This isn't just any road trip; it's a trip through history! Built in the 1730s after the original route proved a bit *too* adventurous in winter, this road follows the path of General Wade's original military road. Keep your eyes peeled for deer—they're often spotted along the way. The road is totally paved, so no need for a 4x4, but don't underestimate it! This twisty road, a mix of the B862 and B852, is narrow, with passing places aplenty. It's not for the faint of heart, with blind bends popping up all over the place, so take it slow and easy. Stretching for 51km (32 miles) between Inverness and Fort Augustus, it's a photographer's dream. Budget about 60-75 minutes of pure driving time, but you'll want to factor in plenty of stops to soak up those views. There's generally not much traffic, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet. Just be mindful when pulling over to park. Trust me; the scenery is worth it!