Climbing the steep road to Alto de Xorret de Cati in Valencia Region
Spain, europe
20.3 km
1,097 m
hard
Year-round
# Alto de Xorret de Catí
Ready for a proper mountain adventure? Head to the Alto de Xorret de Catí, a seriously impressive mountain pass sitting at 1,097 meters (3,599 feet) in Alicante, Spain's Valencia region. You'll find it tucked away in the L'Alcoià area, nestled within the stunning Sierras del Maigmó y del Fraile mountain range.
The 20.3-kilometer (12.61-mile) route runs between Castalla and Petrer and is fully paved—though fair warning, it can get a bit bumpy in spots. The road, known as CV-817, is generally peaceful and quiet, which is lovely unless you're timing it for a weekend, when you might spot a few other drivers enjoying the same stretch.
Now here's where it gets interesting: this isn't your casual scenic drive. The pass is narrow and genuinely steep, with sections hitting 20-22% inclines that'll really test your nerves and your brakes. It's challenging enough that it's earned a place in Spain's famous Vuelta a España cycling race—pretty cool credentials for a regional road.
The summit is accessible year-round, and there's a bit of quirky local history here. There used to be a monument honoring cyclists at the top—a 300-kilogram sculpture measuring 175x55x178cm. Surprisingly, it vanished in May 2023, stolen despite its massive size and weight. A mysterious loss, indeed!
Where is it?
Climbing the steep road to Alto de Xorret de Cati in Valencia Region is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.5571, -4.4194
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,097 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.5571, -4.4194
Related Roads in europe
hardLiqeni i Balgait
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, so picture this: you're in northeastern Albania, Dibër County to be exact, and you're itching for an adventure. I've got just the spot! It's called Liqeni i Balgait, a high mountain lake sitting pretty at 1,748 meters (that's 5,734 feet!). Now, getting there? That's half the fun (or the challenge, depending on your perspective!). The road is 7.5 km of pure, unadulterated gravel and rock. Think tippy, bumpy, and definitely not for the faint of heart. We're talking a serious climb here, with an average gradient of almost 12% and a total elevation gain of 877 meters. Basically, it's steep! 4x4 is a MUST, and honestly, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. And if you're scared of heights? Yeah, probably not the best choice. The views are insane, though. Just imagine reaching that stunning lake after conquering this beast of a road. Plus, be warned, wet conditions turn this trail into a muddy mess. But hey, that's what makes it an adventure, right?
moderateThe Challenging and Narrow Kazbegi Tunnel
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, picture this: You're cruising the Georgian Military Road (also known as the A301 or E117), right on the Russia-Georgia border, smack-dab in the middle of the Caucasus Mountains. Epic, right? You're basically driving through Kazbegi National Park, which is stunning. Now, there's this little thing called the Kazbegi Tunnel. It's not super long, only 350m, but it's a crucial border crossing point. The road itself? Mostly smooth sailing, especially the newer sections – a real joy to drive. But, heads up, there's a rough patch for about 14 kilometers near the tunnel. Keep your eyes peeled and your suspension ready! It is also unlit. This whole thing sits at 1,253m (4,110ft) above sea level. Be prepared for heavy traffic, especially in the summer – you might get stuck in a jam. Winter can be tricky too, with lane closures for trucks and sometimes the whole road shuts down. The tunnel connects the Georgian village of Dariali with Verkhniy Lars on the Russian side. Inside, it's a tight squeeze – trucks and cars barely fit side-by-side. You'll mostly be sharing the road with trucks trying to beat the border closing at 6 pm. But, hey, even with all the challenges, the views of Mt. Kazbek are totally worth it!
hardWhere is Cerro de Maria Antonia?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Cerro de Maria Antonia! This beast of a peak sits high up in Spain's Almeria Province, Andalusia, clocking in at a cool 1,924m (6,312ft) above sea level. You'll find this beauty in the southeastern, seriously arid part of Spain. Getting to the top is a short but intense 1.6 km (about a mile) off-road adventure, so 4x4 is a MUST. Starting from , you'll be climbing 137 meters with an average gradient of 8.56%. Prepare for a workout! Keep in mind, this is the Sierra de Los Filabres, so winter means snow and crazy winds. Summer? Scorching heat. Plan your trip accordingly! Now, is it worth it? The summit is crowned with antennas and a communication tower, which may not be the most picturesque, BUT the panoramic views of the desert-like landscape are absolutely stunning. Trust me, the bragging rights alone make it worthwhile!
hardVallon de la Gordolasque
🇫🇷 France
# Vallon de la Gordolasque Ready for some serious Alpine elevation? Vallon de la Gordolasque is a stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,689 meters (5,541 feet) in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France. The route up is M171, and while it's paved—which is nice—don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This road gets *steep*, with sections hitting up to 14% gradient that'll have your calves (and your car) working overtime. The dramatic elevation changes and challenging terrain make this a thrilling drive for anyone who loves pushing their limits in the mountains. Expect breathtaking alpine scenery as you wind your way up to the summit. This is the kind of road that rewards your effort with jaw-dropping views and an undeniable sense of accomplishment once you reach the top.