
How do you reach Dingli Cliffs by road?
Malta, europe
N/A
252 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising along the western edge of Malta, near the super chill village of Dingli, you absolutely HAVE to hit up the Dingli Cliffs. Seriously, these are the highest point in all the Maltese Islands, shooting up to 252 meters (826 feet)!
The road that takes you there, Triq Panoramika (aptly named!), is paved, but be warned, it gets a bit narrow in places and the hills are no joke. Some sections are seriously steep, like a 12% grade! But trust me, reaching the top is SO worth it.
The views from Dingli Cliffs are insane. Think endless blue sea stretching out forever. Just be prepared for some wind – it can get pretty blustery up there. Oh, and fun fact: the highest point, Ta’ Dmejrek, is home to this giant radar station that looks like a golf ball, or "Il Ballun" as the locals call it.
Seriously, go at sunset! It's magical. You can see the whole coastline, the terraced fields below, and even the tiny, uninhabited island of Filfla in the distance (which, by the way, used to be a bombing target for the British back in the day!). And don't miss the cute little chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene right on the edge of the cliff. It's picture perfect!
Road Details
- Country
- Malta
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 252 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardColl de Creu
🇫🇷 France
# Coll de Creu: A Pyrenean Adventure Ready for a proper mountain challenge? Coll de Creu sits pretty at 1,708 meters (5,603 ft) in the heart of the Pyrenees, that stunning mountain range that forms the natural border between France and Spain. The road itself is quite the character. Starting from Olette, you're looking at a 22.7 km climb that'll test your driving skills. The first part treats you to smooth asphalt, but once you pass Col de Jou, things get properly rugged—the road turns to gravel and narrows considerably as it steepens. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The numbers tell the story: you'll be gaining 1,100 meters of elevation over those 22.7 km, averaging 4.85% gradient. The steepest sections hit 9.0%, so low gears and steady nerves are your friends here. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention but rewards you with incredible mountain scenery and the satisfaction of tackling one of Europe's more challenging passes.
moderateWhere is Col d’Olivier?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about the Col d'Olivier, a sweet mountain pass nestled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France. We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur vibes, people! You'll find it chilling in the Verdon Natural Regional Park, practically waving hello to the Var department. This pass climbs to a chill 711 meters (that's 2,332 feet for my American friends). The whole thing is paved, smooth sailing on the D952. This road is basically the VIP entrance to the Verdon Natural Regional Park, so expect amazing views. Make sure your camera is charged because you'll be pulling over *constantly*. It's open all year, but fair warning: weekends and holidays can get a little congested. Keep your eyes peeled for other travelers. The pass stretches for about 19.3 kilometers (that's roughly 12 miles), cruising from the town of La Palud-sur-Verdon to the seriously gorgeous Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which is officially one of the "most beautiful villages of France." Seriously, you won't regret this drive!
moderateThe old and abandoned road to Puerto de Rañadoiro
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in northern Spain, in the gorgeous Asturias region, ready for an adventure. You stumble upon what used to be the epic Puerto de Rañadoiro, a mountain pass soaring to 1,178m (3,864ft). Now, heads up, the old road over the top is currently a no-go for vehicles as it's being dismantled – a tunnel bypasses it now! But back in the day, this paved road, nestled in the Sierra de Rañadoiro mountains, was a stunner, and super steep. Think hardly any traffic and stunning views for 11.3km between Cangas del Narcea and Degaña, with an average gradient of 5.3%. Known as ‘Camino Real del Trayecto’ this route was a medieval hotspot. Whilst technically open year-round, winter could throw a curveball with short closures due to bad weather. Nowadays you can whizz through the Rañadoiro tunnel, a 1.924m tunnel that’s part of the 3,930 meters bypass of the AS-15 that replaced the old 11.3km route over the port. Still, if you're into history, imagining what it was like on this old medieval highway is pretty cool, right?
hardMonte Cimonasso
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Cimonasso Nestled in the province of Imperia in Liguria, Italy, Monte Cimonasso sits at a breathtaking 2,085m (6,840ft) elevation. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an adventure. The road to the summit is basically a gravel track that demands respect. We're talking steep, narrow, and relentlessly winding hairpins that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. Sections are heavily rutted and washed out, with a surface of loamy, grassy terrain that turns sketchy the moment rain rolls in. Pro tip: save this one for dry weather only. Fair warning—this ancient military route is completely impassable from September through June thanks to heavy snow cover. Summer is your window. The bumpy, grueling ascent isn't for the faint of heart, but the raw, dramatic scenery makes every jolted spine worth it. If you're looking for a genuine mountain challenge in Italy, this is exactly what you're after.