
Aradena bridge is one of the world’s highest Bailey bridges
Greece, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Aradena Bridge: Crete's Most Jaw-Dropping Crossing
Picture this: you're standing on the south coast of Crete, Greece, staring at one of the most spectacular bridges in the entire world. Welcome to the Aradena bridge—a wooden-planked marvel that's absolutely not for the faint of heart.
Built in 1986, this engineering gem stretches an impressive 275 feet (84 meters) across the dramatic Aradena gorge, suspended a dizzying 138 meters above the canyon floor below. It's actually one of the world's highest Bailey bridges, which is pretty wild when you think about it. The structure serves as the only link between the edges of this wild, rugged canyon, offering adventurous souls access to the hauntingly beautiful abandoned village of Aradena perched on the other side.
The whole experience feels straight out of an adventure movie—crossing weathered wooden planks while the wind whips through the gorge and the sheer drop tests your nerves. If you're hunting for one-of-a-kind road trips and heart-pounding moments, the journey to reach this iconic bridge and cross it is absolutely unforgettable. Just be prepared for some serious adrenaline and incredible views.
Where is it?
Aradena bridge is one of the world’s highest Bailey bridges is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 38.1862, 21.8435
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.1862, 21.8435
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Port de Cabús?
🌍 Andorra
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits at Port de Cabús! Straddling the border between Andorra and Spain, this epic mountain pass climbs to a whopping 2,308 meters (that's 7,572 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Pyrenees, linking La Massana in Andorra with the Pallars Sobirà region of Spain. What makes this spot so cool? Well, aside from bragging rights for conquering one of the highest roads around, the summit boasts a huge parking area and some quirky art – keep an eye out for "The Storm," a giant teacup sculpture! No need to worry about border patrol here. Heads up, this was once a sneaky smuggling route! Planning your trip? Aim for June to October. Winter brings heavy snow, making the road impassable. From La Massana, Andorra, it's a 17.8 km (11 miles) paved climb (CG4). Don't underestimate it – some sections are seriously steep, hitting almost 12%! The last stretch is paved but without barriers, so take it slow. The Spanish side (Carretera de Tor) is a different beast entirely: 7.5 km (4.66 miles) of unpaved, rugged terrain. A 4x4 is your best friend here, especially with those 9 hairpin turns. The gradient is equally intense, maxing out around 12%. Word to the wise: avoid it after storms. Remember, this is a protected natural area, so convoys are limited to 4 vehicles. The views? Absolutely stunning. The challenge? Totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateLavarella Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Dolomites, smack-dab in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. You're heading to Rifugio Lavarella-Berghütte Lavarella, a mountain hut chilling at 2,045 meters (that's 6,709 feet!). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The 10.3-kilometer road up from Strada Provinciale 27 is unpaved and rugged – think 4x4 territory only! Private vehicles aren't allowed, so plan accordingly. The road climbs 391 meters, with an average gradient of around 3.79%. Keep your eyes peeled; the scenery is epic, and the hut, built way back in 1912, has some serious history!
hardMalanser Alp
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Malanser Alp: A Serious Alpine Challenge Ready for something that'll get your adrenaline pumping? Malanser Alp sits pretty at 1,840 meters (6,036 feet) in Switzerland's St. Gallen canton, and let me tell you—this isn't your typical Sunday cruise. Starting from the Gigerwaldsee parking lot, you're looking at a punishing 3.5 km climb that'll test both your nerves and your car's suspension. We're talking 10 hairpin turns and a relentless average gradient of 14.14%. In just 3.5 kilometers, you'll gain nearly 500 meters of elevation. It's absolutely brutal. The road itself is gravel and narrow—no room for error here. Sheer dropoffs are a constant companion, and rockslides are a genuine hazard you need to respect. But here's the payoff: jaw-dropping views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona make the white-knuckle drive worth every twist and turn. Fair warning though: this is serious mountain driving. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes impassable when snow rolls in. Plan your visit for warmer months, take your time, and focus on the road. This is one where you need all your attention and a healthy dose of caution.
hardWhere is la Petite Clue?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: the Passage de la Petite Clue, a super short and sweet mountain road tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France. We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur vibes, inside the stunning Mercantour National Park. Seriously, the River Cians carved this insane gorge with ridiculously red rock – it’s a photographer's dream! So, this little gem is only about 1,500 feet long. It used to be part of the old D-28, and you'll find the entrance near a parking area right before a tunnel. Paved, yes, but hold up – it's crazy narrow. Two cars passing? Forget about it. But hey, that just means you can really soak in the views: think colorful rock formations, a babbling stream with cute waterfalls, and nature doing its artistic thing. Now, the catch: this road is officially closed. Like, permanently. Why? Well, it's narrow, a bit sketchy, and Mother Nature throws tantrums with landslides and rockfalls. You'll probably see some fallen rocks along the way. The Tunnel de la Petite Clue bypasses it all, so if you want to drive through this area, take the tunnel. However, if you park and walk this section, the scenery is worth it.