How long is the road from Paos to Kontovazaina?
Greece, europe
13.1 km
1,157 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride from Paos to Kontovazaina, deep in the heart of Greece's Peloponnese peninsula! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think of it as a rollercoaster on pavement, winding 13.1 km (8.13 miles) north to south through the mountains.
The road's paved, but let's just say it's seen better days – watch out for puddles and the occasional pothole! This route is a serious challenge, packed with 23 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections (up to 12%, yikes!). And hold on tight – you'll be hugging cliffs with no safety barriers as you climb to 1,157 m (3,795 ft) in the Afrodisia Mountain.
Definitely not one for the faint of heart (or those prone to car sickness!). Parts of the road are super narrow, making it feel like you're flying even when you're crawling. Be prepared to play chicken with oncoming traffic, as one of you will probably have to pull over to let the other squeeze by. But hey, the views are incredible, making the white-knuckle drive totally worth it – if you dare!
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,157 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateAn old military road to Cima di Morissolo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Cima di Morissolo: A Historic Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Piedmont's Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, right near the Swiss border, sits Cima di Morissolo—a 1,311m (4,301ft) peak that's basically a time capsule of WWI military history. The summit is crowned with the Fortificazione del Morissolo, and you're surrounded by the remnants of the Cadorna Line, an entire defensive network of trenches, artillery positions, and mule tracks built in 1916 to guard against a potential German invasion through Switzerland. The 1.7 km (1.05 miles) journey from Piancavallo to the top takes you along the Sentiero Strada Cadorna—an unpaved military road that feels authentically rugged and atmospheric. Just heads up: it's closed to regular cars, and those old unlit tunnels carved into the mountainside add a genuinely eerie vibe to the experience. Once you reach the summit's famous "three crosses," you're rewarded with absolutely stunning views stretching across Lake Maggiore. On a clear day, you can take in Cannero, Luino, and the entire southern shore of the lake—a view that definitely justifies the trek through that historic, tunnel-laden path. It's the kind of drive that blends adventure, history, and natural beauty into one unforgettable experience.
easyWhere is Passo della Costazza?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps in the Autonomous Province of Trento, heading for Passo della Costazza. This beauty tops out at 2,181 meters (that's 7,155 feet!), tucked inside Parco Naturale Paneveggio Pale di San Martino. The views from the top? Unreal! You'll be staring at the majestic Cimon di Pala. Plus, there's a cool little shepherd's cottage, Baita Segantini, where a 19th-century painter once lived, plus a monument to Alfredo Paluselli. The climb itself is only about 2.9 km (1.8 miles) along Strada Statale 50 (SS50), but don't let the short distance fool you. You'll gain 222 meters in elevation, so it's a decent climb! Keep in mind, though: this road is totally impassable in winter, so plan your trip accordingly. And get this: to get here, you'll be driving a winding paved road from Sospirolo to Gosaldo in Belluno, passing Portella Femmina Morta. Basically, you're in for a serious treat of winding roads and breathtaking Alpine scenery!
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering La Rinconada de Nigüelas
🇪🇸 Spain
# La Rinconada de Nigüelas: A Mountain Pass Adventure If you're craving an adrenaline rush in the heart of Andalusia, the La Rinconada de Nigüelas pass is calling your name. Perched at 2,174m (7,132ft) in Granada's stunning Sierra Nevada National Park, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. Starting from the charming village of Nigüelas, you'll tackle a rugged 16km (9.94 miles) of completely unpaved terrain that'll test your driving skills—and your nerve. The road is a thrilling maze of narrow stretches, steep climbs, and seemingly endless curves. We're talking 27 hairpin turns that'll keep you gripping the wheel and your passengers gripping their seats. This is raw, unfiltered mountain driving. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking, but don't underestimate the challenge. Winter conditions make the pass practically impassable, so timing is everything. Summer and early fall are your best bet for attempting this beast. Ready to conquer it? Just remember: this isn't for the faint of heart or the casual driver. But if you're up for the challenge, the views and the bragging rights are absolutely worth it.
hardGet behind the wheels for Mam Tor
🇬🇧 England
Get ready to experience Mam Tor, nicknamed the "Shivering Mountain," a mountain pass chilling at 461m (1,512ft) in the High Peak of Derbyshire, England. This route, known as Mam Tor Road (part of the A625), is entirely paved but be warned: it gets narrow and steep! Due to these conditions, plus a serious 20% gradient, it's off-limits to buses, coaches, and heavier vehicles. As you wind through a cleft, keep your eyes peeled for towering limestone pinnacles. The eastern face is prone to landslips, creating a landscape of unique 'mini-hills' below. These landslips are caused by unstable shale layers, hence the mountain's nickname. Spanning 17.54km (10.9 miles) from Chapel-en-le-Frith to Hope, this pass isn't just for cars. Cyclists tackle it annually in the Tour of the Peak, where it's known as a leg-buster with a maximum 10% gradient! Dating back to 1819, the original road was built to bypass the super-steep Winnats Pass. But, thanks to the local geology, the road almost immediately started to sink. For 160 years, it underwent constant repairs, eventually leading to single-lane traffic in 1977. By 1979, the cost of keeping it open became too high, and the Old Mam Tor Road was permanently closed.