
Driving Coll de Soller: a thrilling road experience with 52 hairpin turns in Mallorca
Spain, europe
10.7 km
508 m
hard
Year-round
# Coll de Soller: Mallorca's Ultimate Mountain Pass Experience
If you're cycling through Mallorca, Coll de Soller is absolutely on the must-do list. Perched at 508m (1,666ft) in the stunning Tramuntana range on the island's northern coast, this 10.7 km (6.64 miles) stretch along MA-11A is genuinely unforgettable.
Fair warning: this isn't a gentle cruise. You'll navigate 52 hairpin turns with gradients reaching a leg-burning 12.7%, so if you're prone to motion sickness, maybe take it slow or grab a co-pilot who doesn't mind white knuckles. The road's totally paved, though you'll spot some cracking here and there. Oh, and watch out for goats casually hanging out on the asphalt—they're part of the charm!
The views? Absolutely worth every switchback. You'll ride with sea views to the north and sweeping vistas of Palma and the island spreading out below you to the south. It's the kind of panorama that makes you forget how much your legs hurt.
Since the fancy Sóller-Palma Tunnel opened in 1997 (sorry, cars only!), this winding beauty has become beautifully quiet—mainly just cyclists now. Most riders take 25-35 minutes to summit, though summer crowds and holidays can slow things down. The road stays open year-round, and there are a couple of summit restaurants (Dalt d'es Coll and Ca'n Topa) for well-deserved refueling, though they keep seasonal hours. Ready to conquer it?
Where is it?
Driving Coll de Soller: a thrilling road experience with 52 hairpin turns in Mallorca is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 38.3475, -3.6059
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 508 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.3475, -3.6059
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhat’s at the summit of Mauria Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through northern Italy, right on the border of Veneto and Friuli, heading up Mauria Pass. We're talking serious altitude here! At the very top, you'll find a cool wrought iron cross – a memorial to local heroes from WWII. It's a somber, but powerful spot, with a parking area and a restaurant nearby for a quick bite. Just south of the pass is where the Tagliamento River kicks off its journey! The road itself is the SS52, and while paved, it can get a little tight in places. It’s not crazy steep, but be prepared to hug those curves! From Pelos di Cadore, it's about 10.6 km to the top, climbing with an average grade of 4.5%. From Forni di Sopra, it's about 10.8 km and climbing with an average gradient of 4.4%. It's a stunning drive, so take your time, enjoy the views, and maybe grab a bite at the summit!
hardIs Strada dei Cannoni paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern Italy, ready for an epic off-road adventure on the legendary Strada dei Cannoni! This former military road snakes its way through the dramatic landscapes of the Province of Cuneo, climbing from a modest 680m all the way up to a breathtaking 2,287m. Also known as the Varaita-Maira-Kammstraße, this route follows the ridge between the Maira and Varaita valleys, treating you to insane views of the Maritime and Cottian Alps. You'll cruise past iconic spots like the official start near Busca, the lower forested section, the panoramic high-altitude areas, and the major junction near Marmora (famous for the Giro d'Italia!). The western terminus is the highest point, offering unparalleled vistas. Just a heads-up: this isn't a Sunday drive. The Strada dei Cannoni is a serious off-road challenge. Think coarse gravel, super tight hairpin bends, and ridiculously steep climbs. Plus, many sections have unprotected drops of hundreds of meters, so you'll need to keep your eyes on the road. Access is also regulated, with closures to motorized vehicles on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during peak season and at night. Winter? Forget about it—it's usually buried in snow. This road has some serious history, too! The Piedmontese army built it back in the 1740s, and later modernized by the Army Corps of Engineers to adapt the mule track for motorized transit. Keep an eye out for the old military barracks scattered along the way—they're a cool reminder of the road's past!
hardMonte Gran Costa: A historic military peak along the Assietta Road
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Gran Costa: Italy's Alpine Military Marvel Perched at 2,615 meters (8,579 feet) in the Cottian Alps, Monte Gran Costa is basically Italy's answer to "how high can you go?" It's one of the country's most breathtaking high-altitude drives, and the views? Absolutely worth the trip. ## Getting There You'll access Monte Gran Costa exclusively via the legendary Strada dell'Assietta (SP173), a ridge road that's equal parts thrilling and historic. The peak sits snugly between Colle d'Assietta and Colle Lauson. From the main ridge road, a short unpaved military track branches off and leads you up to the summit plateau where all the fascinating ruins await. ## A Step Back in Time Here's where it gets really cool: Monte Gran Costa was a major military hotspot back in the late 1800s. The Batteria del Gran Costa—a fortress built in the 1880s—still dominates the landscape. You can wander through the remains of the Casermaggio, an absolutely massive barracks that once housed hundreds of soldiers. Sure, the roofs are long gone, but these stone structures tell an incredible story of 19th-century alpine military engineering. ## The Views Are Unreal From the flat summit plateau, you're looking at a full 360-degree panorama. The Susa Valley spreads out to the north, while the Chisone Valley stretches south. It's genuinely one of the best viewpoints in the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Park, and the plateau itself makes for a perfect pit stop to soak it all in. ## What to Expect The unpaved gravel track is narrow, rocky, and definitely demands a high-clearance vehicle. Summer is your window—the road's only open during those months. Be ready for thin air, surprise weather changes, and potentially slippery conditions. It's challenging, but absolutely doable if you're prepared.
hardCol de Plantara
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're heading to the Drôme region in southeastern France? Sweet! You absolutely HAVE to check out Col de Plantara. This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,002 meters (that's about 3,287 feet). The road, known as the D627, is paved, but be warned – it's a bit of a rollercoaster! Think narrow, steep stretches that will definitely keep you on your toes. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? And get this – you'll even pass by the Fort de la Grande Maye. The scenery is killer, so keep your eyes peeled (but on the road mostly, haha). It’s a must-do if you’re in the area!