1. Nus de sa Corbata (Sa Calobra Road, Mallorca)

1. Nus de sa Corbata (Sa Calobra Road, Mallorca)

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Where is Pic Blanc?extreme

Where is Pic Blanc?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Isère department of France, you'll find Pic Blanc, a beast of a mountain peaking at 3,305m (10,843ft)! Nestled in the Grandes Rousses massif, this is one of Europe's highest roads, offering seriously epic views... if you dare! The road? Oh, it's unpaved, rough as anything, and brutally steep in sections – we're talking gradients averaging 20%! It's an 8.1 km (5.03 miles) climb from a turnoff on the road to Alpe d’Huez. This one's not for the faint of heart; it winds and climbs relentlessly to a chairlift, but is closed to public vehicles. Word to the wise: even in summer, this road can be impassable. So, make sure you check conditions before attempting this ultimate alpine adventure.

What’s at the summit of Pezinská Baba?moderate

What’s at the summit of Pezinská Baba?

🌍 Slovakia

Pezinská Baba is a mountain pass at an elevation of above sea level, located in the What’s at the summit of Pezinská Baba? , at the summit there is a . It is the closest mountain road to the capital of . This makes it very popular with amateur racers from Slovakia's most populous city and those of nearby countries. The views are Is the road to Pezinská Baba paved? Set high in the western part of the country, the road to the summit is Why is the road to Pezinská Baba famous? choice for organisers of mountain road known for its , which allow drivers to take their vehicles to the . The road regularly claims victims, especially Is Pezinská Baba used for races? The road is used for the European Championships of Vintage Cars — a regular contest organised by the Slovak National Automotive Association . The road is a popular venue for motoring competitions and test runs . The racing drivers usually have to tackle How long is the road through Pezinská Baba? The road through the pass is long, running west–east from How steep is the road through Pezinská Baba? long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is . The average gradient is . And starting from long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is . The average gradient is Road suggested by: Pavol Holčík A paved road to Velicke Pleso in the High Tatras Mountains Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

How to get by car to Desfiladero de La Hermida?moderate

How to get by car to Desfiladero de La Hermida?

🇪🇸 Spain

# Desfiladero de La Hermida: Spain's Most Thrilling Gorge Drive Nestled between Cantabria and Asturias on Spain's rugged northern coast, Desfiladero de La Hermida is an absolute gem for road trip enthusiasts. This stunning gorge, carved out by the Deva River over centuries, features those jaw-dropping vertical walls that'll have you constantly reaching for your camera. The main event is the N-621, a 27.7 km (17.21 miles) rollercoaster ride from Potes to Panes. Fair warning: this route packs about 175 turns into those kilometers, so if you're prone to motion sickness, maybe grab some ginger candy before you go. But trust me, every hairpin turn is worth it for the scenery. Before or after tackling the gorge itself, definitely make time for the charming village of Potes, where dramatic mountain ridges frame everything you see. If you're feeling a bit more cultural, swing by Nuestra Señora de Lebeña to check out the gorgeous Mozarabic church tucked into the landscape. Here's a fun fact: this road has serious history. Back in 1863, entrepreneurs with Belgian and French backing carved out the first route through these gorges to transport minerals and goods like wood and food. What started as a trade route is now one of Spain's most scenic drives. The whole road is paved and well-maintained, so you can focus on soaking in the incredible landscape around every bend.

Where is Col de Mallemort?moderate

Where is Col de Mallemort?

🇫🇷 France

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Col de Mallemort! This wild ride tops out at 2,543 meters (8,343 feet) in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France, nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, not far from Italy. You'll find a military signal station perched at the summit, offering incredible views. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the top is unpaved and seriously rugged – think 4x4 vehicles only. You'll be winding past old military installations on a path barely wide enough for one vehicle, often with sheer drops on either side. Seriously, the photos don't do it justice! Expect a constant barrage of hairpin turns. Many are so tight you'll need to make multi-point turns to navigate them. And once you're committed, there's no turning back! From the paved D900, it's about 9.9 kilometers (6.15 miles) to the summit, climbing over 800 meters (2,600 feet) with an average grade of 8.1%. Built between 1933 and 1939, this historic track is typically closed during the winter months. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!