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
moderateIs Qafa e Asters unpaved?
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, picture this: Qafa e Asters, snaking through the northwestern part of the country, offering a totally mind-blowing mountain panorama. This isn't your average Sunday drive though. We're talking a completely unpaved road to the summit. Seriously, it's rough! This isn't a route for your everyday sedan; you'll need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance to handle the rocky terrain. Some sections are so gnarly, they're impassable for 2WD vehicles. While I don't have the exact length of the road, know that the journey is very remote, quiet, and secluded. Just you, your trusty ride, and some seriously epic views! It's not easy, but if you're up for the challenge, Qafa e Asters is an adventure you won't forget.
extremeWhere is Sella Carnizza Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Sella Carnizza Pass sits way up high at 1,123 meters (that's 3,684 feet!) in the Province of Udine, Italy. You'll find it nestled in the Uccea Valley inside the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Prealpi Giulie, practically spitting distance from Slovenia. This isn't just any road; it's a blast from the past, an old military road dating back to 1916. Now, don't go thinking this is a Sunday drive! This winding beauty, also called Prelaz Karniza, is paved but seriously demanding. Picture this: nine hairpin turns so sharp they'll make your head spin, insane inclines hitting a max of 23.5%, and spots so narrow you'll be holding your breath hoping you don't meet another car. Keep your eyes peeled for potholes and the occasional rockfall adding to the thrill! It's 15.6 km (or about 9.7 miles) from Prato on Strada Provinciale 42 to Uccea on Strada Regionale 646 and winds through dense forests. At the top, you'll find a sweet little chapel called Cappella di Slimanciaza. Oh, and pro tip: this road is usually a no-go in winter.
hardA narrow paved road to Ortzanzurieta
🇪🇸 Spain
# Ortzanzurieta: A Thrilling Climb in Spain's Pyrenees Ready for a proper adventure? Ortzanzurieta sits pretty at 1,570m (5,150ft) in Navarre, Spain, just a stone's throw from the French border. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's the kind of road that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The route, known as NA-2033, kicks off from Puerto de Ibañeta (1,057m/3,468ft) and climbs 6km to the summit. Fair warning: this road's got character. It's fully paved, which sounds promising, but don't let that fool you. You'll encounter broken sections, zero central lines, and a width that'll make you white-knuckle your steering wheel. The grades are relentless too—never dipping below 8%, with some sections hitting a brutal 20% gradient. Set high in the Pyrenees—that dramatic mountain range cutting between France and Spain—this route serves up serious challenges alongside stunning alpine scenery. If you're after something genuinely testing that'll make for an incredible story back home, NA-2033 definitely delivers. Just take it slow, stay focused, and respect what the mountain throws at you.
hardMount Kryoneritis
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Kryoneritis: A Wild Ride to Crete's Eastern Summit Ready for an adrenaline rush? Mount Kryoneritis sits pretty at 1,125 meters (3,690 feet) on the southern coast of Crete, and the road up to it is absolutely bonkers—not for the casual Sunday driver. Starting from Kato Rodakino, you're looking at a 10.7 km assault that climbs 918 meters through 30 hairpin turns. That's an average gradient of 8.57%, and yes, it's as steep as it sounds. The whole track is loose gravel, which means you'll definitely need a 4WD vehicle if you want any shot at making it. Expect a relentless roller coaster of ups, downs, sharp lefts, and tighter rights. The road is narrow—seriously narrow—so forget about passing anyone or anything. Even with a bike, overtaking isn't happening. The twists and turns are genuinely thrilling, especially with those stunning sea views constantly appearing around each bend. But here's the catch: one bit of rain and this place becomes a sketchy loose-gravel nightmare. Night driving or poor visibility? Only attempt it if you know this road like the back of your hand. The payoff? You'll reach the temple of the Holy Spirit and a freshwater spring that inspired the mountain's name. You're standing at the easternmost peak of the White Mountains, Crete's second-largest massif. Just be warned: winters bring unexpected fog and heavy rainfall, and humidity sticks around year-round. This isn't a casual cruise—it's a genuine test of nerve and skill.