23 hairpin turns on the road from Paos to Kontovazaina
Greece, europe
13.1 km
1,157 m
extreme
Year-round
Tucked away in Arcadia in the heart of Greece's Peloponnese, the road from Paos to Kontovazaina is an absolute adrenaline rush—and not for the faint of heart. This 13.1 km stretch is a wild, twisting mountain adventure that'll test your driving skills like nothing else.
Expect hairpin turns galore (we're talking 23 of them!) with some sections climbing at a brutal 12% gradient. The road tops out at 1,157 meters on the Afrodisia Mountain, offering incredible views if you can take your eyes off the road for a second. The pavement is there, sure, but it's seen better days—puddles and the occasional pothole keep things interesting.
Here's the real kicker: the road gets seriously narrow in spots, making you feel like you're going twice as fast as you actually are. When you meet another car coming the opposite direction, one of you has to pull over and wait. There are no safety barriers on those cliff-edge sections, so this isn't the route for casual Sunday drives or anyone prone to motion sickness.
This is pure, unfiltered Greek mountain driving at its finest. Come prepared, take it slow, and respect the road. It's magnificent, but it demands your full attention.
Where is it?
23 hairpin turns on the road from Paos to Kontovazaina is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 38.6581, 22.0708
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,157 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.6581, 22.0708
Related Roads in europe
extremeAlpe Galm, One of the Hardest Roads of the Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Alpe Galm: A Breathtaking Alpine Challenge Nestled in Switzerland's Valais region, Alpe Galm rises to a stunning 2,231 meters (7,319 ft) above sea level. At the summit, you'll find a handful of charming houses and the adorable Galm Chapel, originally built way back in 1681. This tiny religious gem, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, showcases the humble faith of centuries past and has been lovingly restored over the years. Here's where things get real: the road to the top is mostly paved (except the final 1.5 km of gravel), but it's narrow and brutally steep—we're talking sections exceeding 12% gradient. The good news? During summer, most regular cars can handle it. Plus, you'll find what might be Central Europe's highest roundabout up there, which is pretty cool. This is legitimately one of the Alps' toughest climbs. Starting from Guttet-Feschel, the 10.7 km (6.6-mile) push gains a whopping 1,001 meters of elevation. The average grade sits at 9.35%, but brace yourself for some stretches hitting 14%—that's serious business. What makes it worth the effort? The entire route wraps you in stunning alpine pastures and passes through quaint mountain villages. As you climb, the valley and surrounding peaks unfold beneath you in increasingly spectacular views. It's tough, it's thrilling, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
moderate25 bridges and tunnels to Susten Pass in the Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Susten Pass: One of the Swiss Alps' Most Iconic Drives If you're a road trip enthusiast, the Susten Pass needs to be on your bucket list. Sitting pretty at 2,264 meters (7,428 feet) above sea level in Switzerland, this legendary Alpine route connects the Reuss Valley with the Hasli Valley, straddling the border between Uri and Bern cantons. Near Innertkirchen, it links up with the Grimsel Pass—making it part of the famous "Big 3" passes that every Alpine driver dreams about tackling. The history here is seriously cool. What started as a 17th-century mule-train trading route evolved into something special. Construction began in 1938 and wrapped up in 1945, then the road officially opened on September 7, 1946, as the very first Alpine pass road purpose-built specifically for cars. And boy, did they build it right—25 bridges and 25 tunnels of engineering marvel, including a 300-meter tunnel right at the summit. At the time, people called it one of Europe's most beautiful roads, and honestly? They weren't wrong. The 44-kilometer (27-mile) route runs east-west from Wassen to Innertkirchen on the fully paved Road 11, and it's a seriously fun drive. Expect plenty of hairpin turns, dramatic gradients hitting 10%, and some genuinely heart-pounding moments. Both approaches are equally thrilling, though the eastern side is slightly longer and a touch gentler. The real showstopper? The stunning views of the Stein Glacier on the southern slopes—absolutely worth the white-knuckle driving. Fair warning though: the pass closes from November through June, and daily closures happen from 6 PM to 8 AM. Plan accordingly, and you'll have an unforgettable Alpine adventure.
hardWhere is Pico Bandama?
🇪🇸 Spain
Craving incredible views in the Canary Islands? Head to Pico Bandama, a volcanic cone reaching 566 meters (1856 feet)! You'll find it next to the Bandama Caldera, that stunning volcanic crater nestled between Santa Brigida, Telde, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The caldera itself is a sight to behold – a massive depression formed thousands of years ago, once used for farming and now perfect for exploring. The name? It comes from Daniel Van Damme, a Flemish merchant who bought the land back in the 16th century to grow grapes. Getting there is part of the adventure! The GC-802 road, built in the 40s, winds for about 7 km (4.34 miles) from the GC15, north of Montebravo, right to the top. Just a heads-up: this paved road can be narrow and steep as it cuts through the vineyards of Tafira Alta. Rockslides can happen, so check if it's open before you go. Trust me, the drive is worth it. At the summit, you'll find a parking lot and the Mirador del Pico de Bandama, a natural viewpoint that will blow your mind. From there, you can soak up the panoramic views of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Bandama caldera, and most of the northeastern part of the island. There’s even a Tourist Information Point, making it super convenient.
moderateHow to get to Mount Kékes?
🌍 Hungary
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Hungary's Mátra mountains, heading for Kékestető, the summit of Mount Kékes. This is Hungary's highest paved road, folks! Starting in Mátraháza, get ready for a short but intense 3.9 km (2.42 mile) climb on road 24134, built back in '33. You'll gain 307 meters, averaging a gradient of almost 8% – with some spots kicking up to a leg-burning 11%! It's been featured in the Tour de Hongrie, so you *know* it's a decent climb. Word to the wise: the road surface can be a bit rough in places, so watch out for potholes, especially if you're tempted to put your foot down. So, is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The summit is a buzzing tourist spot with hotels, restaurants, shops and even skiing in the winter. And you can't miss the Kékestető TV Tower, a giant transmitter towering almost 600 feet. The views from the top are pretty special, and this road is way more fun than taking the M3 motorway (although that's an option if you're coming from further away). Just remember to grab a vignette for the motorway!