How long is the Cedar Valley Road?
Cyprus, europe
16.5 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Cyprus, cruising through the Nicosia District on a road trip. You absolutely HAVE to hit Cedar Valley Road. It's like driving through a postcard!
This paved beauty clocks in at about 16.5 km (or 10.25 miles for my American friends), connecting to the E740 road at both ends. Now, don't let the smooth pavement fool you; this ain't your average Sunday drive.
We're talking a windy mountain road with views that'll make your jaw drop. BUT – and this is a big but – it's also pretty twisty-turny. If you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. It's narrow too, so be prepared to hug the edges a bit.
The upside? Zero traffic usually. The downside? Winter can bring fog or even snow to the higher elevations.
Speaking of high, this road climbs! Located on the southern slopes of Paphos Forest, the whole drive, non-stop, will eat up 40-50 minutes, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The Cedar Valley itself is one of Cyprus's natural wonders, and this road is the gateway. Whether it’s sunny summer or snowy winter, the views are always incredible!
Road Details
- Country
- Cyprus
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 16.5 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Col de la Couillole?
🇫🇷 France
Col de la Couillole, sitting pretty at 1,678m (5,495ft), is a must-drive in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. You'll find it snaking through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, smack-dab in the Mercantour National Park. This beauty is part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, and the entire 23.4km (14.54 miles) stretch from Beuil to Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée is paved – just follow the D30, which magically transforms into M30 after you conquer the col towards Saint Sauveur sur Tinée. Prepare for a steep and curvy adventure! Expect some narrow sections, hairpin turns, and charming tunnels. But trust me, the scenic views more than make up for it. Cyclists, take note: this climb is a real workout. Starting from St. Sauveur-sur-Tinée (504m), it’s a 15.7 km grind with a whopping 1,174 meters of elevation gain, averaging a 7.5% gradient. It's consistently steep, barely dipping below 6%, with stretches hitting 8% and peaking at 11%! Pro tip: make a detour to Roubion, a ridiculously picturesque village near the pass. It’s literally the end of the road, but totally worth the detour! Coming from Beuil, you won't see signs for it, so keep your eyes peeled.
hardWhere is the road to Colle Ciarbonet located?
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle Ciarbonet, nestled high in Italy's Piedmont region (Cuneo province), is a real hidden gem! This old military road climbs to a whopping 2,290 meters (7,513 feet) and offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure through the stunning Unerzio Valley, right near the French border. Forget smooth asphalt—this route is all about rugged gravel and dirt! It's a proper unpaved climb from a village that will put your driving skills to the test. Think tight hairpin turns and a narrow track carved into the mountainside. Starting from the tiny village of Chialvetta, the road climbs. Over that stretch, you'll gain some serious altitude, with an average gradient of around 9.5% and some sections hitting nearly 13%! A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here – the road can be steep and rocky. Keep in mind, this route is typically closed from September to June due to snow. The best time to tackle it is during the summer months when the gravel is dry. But the views? Absolutely worth it! Prepare for breathtaking Alpine scenery, jagged limestone peaks, and those classic lush green Italian valleys. Reaching the summit feels like escaping to another world, a tranquil spot far from the crowds!
hardCroix de Toulouse
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've just conquered the Croix de Toulouse, a crazy-high mountain pass chilling at 1,962 meters (that's 6,437 feet!) in the French Alps. Seriously, Hautes-Alpes is showing off with this one. Let me be real – the road up is rough. Think potholes and gravel towards the top. It's super narrow and crazy steep (hitting almost 13%!), with hairpin turns galore – I counted 27! Starting from the N 91, it's only 6.3 km to the top, but you climb a hefty 622 meters. That's almost a 10% average grade, so get ready for a workout! The views? Totally worth it. You'll be driving along the Gorges du Terme Inférieur, which is basically a mind-blowing balcony road carved into the mountain. Just go slow, keep your eyes peeled, and enjoy the ride!
moderateWhere is Col de l’Holme?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Col de l’Holme! This beauty sits high in the French Alps at about 3,959 feet, nestled in the Isère department of France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The road, known as the D212, stretches for just over 3 miles between Saint-Michel-en-Beaumont and Sainte-Luce. It's paved the whole way, so no need for the off-road tires, thankfully. The climb is pretty steady, nothing too crazy, but you will hit a few spots where the gradient kicks up to 10%. Expect incredible panoramic views as you wind your way up. The pass is generally open year-round, making it an accessible escape whenever the wanderlust hits. It's a short and sweet climb, perfect for a quick thrill and some serious photo ops. Get ready to make some memories!