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
hardIs the road to Monte Faro paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Monte Faro, a hidden gem nestled in Galicia, Spain, straddling the provinces of Lugo and Pontevedra. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a fully paved but narrow and steep road winding its way up to 1,181m (3,874ft)! Located inside the Monte Faro National Park in the northwestern part of the country, the views are simply breathtaking! You'll be treated to panoramic vistas stretching across all four Galician provinces. And at the top? The Ermita do Faro, a charming 17th-century chapel built on the ruins of even older temples. History and scenery? Yes, please! The road itself is about 9.9 km (6.15 miles) long, connecting Asperelo (in Pontevedra) with Requeixo (in Lugo). Up on top, you'll find a decent-sized parking lot and a fire observation tower. You know, because Galicia gets a little toasty in the summer. Keep in mind that you're high up in the Serra do Faro mountains, so expect some rain and maybe even heavy snow some years, but the road is usually open year-round. Happy travels!
hardHow to see Iceland driving the Ring Road?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for the ultimate Icelandic road trip on Route 1, aka the Ring Road! This epic 830-mile loop circles the entire island, connecting all the major towns, including Reykjavík. Trust me, it's a bucket-list drive with scenery that'll blow your mind. Most of the way, it's a smooth two-lane road, but don't get too comfy! You'll encounter blind curves, sneaky summits, charming single-lane bridges, and narrow stretches that'll keep you on your toes. The speed limit's around 55 mph (90 km/h), so take your time and soak it all in. You could technically drive the whole thing in under a day, but where's the fun in that? Plan for 7-10 days to really experience the magic. You'll pass bubbling geothermal springs, dazzling rainbows, adorable Icelandic horses, powerful waterfalls, and rugged mountains that'll leave you speechless. Think remote glacial plains, dramatic lava fields, and cute towns with names you can't pronounce! Timing is everything! Summer (June-August) offers long days, but expect crowds. The shoulder seasons (May/September) are a sweet spot. The road's mostly paved, so most cars can handle it. But if you're traveling between October and April, a 4x4 is a smart move. Keep in mind that some sections might be closed in winter due to snow or even volcanic activity. And always keep an eye on your fuel gauge – those remote stretches can be deceiving! This Ring Road adventure is an experience you'll never forget!
moderateZlate Navrsi is a steep paved climb in the Czech Republic
🌍 Czech Republic
Okay, picture this: you're in the Czech Republic, smack dab in the middle of Krkonoše National Park, near the Polish border. You're heading towards Zlaté Návrší, a mountain peak that tops out at 1,391 meters (4,563 feet). The road up? Totally paved, though the pavement gets a little rough as you climb higher. Trust me, it's worth it. This road winds 10.6 kilometers (6.58 miles) from Vítkovice, climbing 760 meters, so get ready for a solid 7.16% average grade. Keep in mind, though, the road is closed to private vehicles, and snow makes it impassable during winter. But when it's open, the views are incredible! You're high in the Krkonoše mountains, part of the Sudetes range, so expect scenery that will blow your mind.
extremeThe Urban Paradox: London’s Congested Corridors
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: a killer little singletrack stretch connecting Newbiggin and Westgate. It's the kind of road where you feel totally connected to your bike, hugging every curve. Now, let's be real – it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Being a singletrack, you're definitely gonna want to keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic. It's also worth noting that this beauty isn't exactly flat. You'll be climbing and descending, working those gears, so make sure your brakes are in top shape! But hey, the views are seriously worth it. Think rolling hills, maybe some sheep chilling by the side of the road, and that awesome feeling of being out in the middle of nowhere. Just remember to ride smart, stay aware, and enjoy the ride!