25 Hairpin Turns on the Road from Charakopi to Kedros
Greece, europe
9.6 km
369 m
extreme
Year-round
# The Charakopi to Kedros Drive: Not for the Faint of Heart
Ready for one of Greece's most thrilling (and infamous) mountain drives? The route from Charakopi to Kedros in Epirus's Ioannina region is absolutely stunning—but fair warning: if your travel buddies get queasy on winding roads, maybe skip this one.
This nearly 10 km (6 miles) adventure takes you deep into the Athamanika mountains, right through the heart of the National Park of Tzoumerka, Peristeri and Arachthos Gorge. The scenery is genuinely breathtaking, but so is the reputation this road has earned.
What makes it so intense? Picture this: over 25 hairpin turns packed into that short distance, sheer drop-offs hugging virtually the entire route, and a surface that's paved but narrow in spots. The real challenge kicks in after you cross the Arachthos Potamos river at around 369 meters elevation. From there, you're climbing 6.6 km with 487 meters of elevation gain—averaging a steep 7.37% gradient with sections hitting 10%.
Honestly? You'll need solid driving skills and experience to handle this one. Save it for daylight hours and good weather—the sharp bends and steep grades become downright dangerous when visibility drops or conditions deteriorate. And here's the sobering truth: this road has claimed lives. Respect it. Landslides can also shut it down without warning, so check conditions before you go.
This is the kind of drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping and give you stories for years.
Where is it?
25 Hairpin Turns on the Road from Charakopi to Kedros is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 39.3459, 22.5454
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 369 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.3459, 22.5454
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