Is the road to Coll dels Reis paved?
Spain, europe
12.2 km
658 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up road trip fans, because Coll dels Reis on the northwest coast of Mallorca is an absolute MUST if you're on the island! This baby clocks in at 12.2 km (about 7.6 miles) of pure, winding bliss, taking you up to a sweet 658m (2,158ft) above sea level. The road, officially the MA-2141, is totally paved, so no need to worry about that. Built back in 1932, this route kicks off near a picturesque aqueduct and winds its way up to a parking area super close to the gorgeous Sa Calobra beach.
Now, don't get *too* comfy. This isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. Expect it to be narrow with hairpin turns galore – one even does a full 270-degree spin! The short straights and constantly changing gradients, with some seriously steep sections hitting up to 11%, will definitely keep you on your toes (or testing out those gears!). But trust me, the views are SO worth it. This road is super popular with cyclists, and for good reason. Get ready for some serious scenery overload!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 658 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardSkihaus Schöneben Fraiten
🇮🇹 Italy
# Skihaus Schöneben Fraiten Tucked away at 2,105m (6,906ft) in South Tyrol's stunning alpine landscape, this high mountain refuge sits right where Italy, Switzerland, and Austria meet. It's one of those magical border locations that makes you feel like you're on top of the world. Getting there is half the adventure. The road is paved but don't let that fool you—it's narrow and seriously steep. Weather here is unpredictable, so the route can shut down without warning when snow rolls in. You'll definitely want to check conditions before heading up. Want to push even higher? A gravel road continues climbing to 2,379m, marking the absolute peak of the ski resort. It's a thrilling drive through some of the Alps' most dramatic terrain, with every hairpin turn revealing another jaw-dropping view. Just make sure you're prepared for the elements—this is serious mountain driving territory.
extremeTravel guide to the top of Gara-Bashi station (Mount Elbrus)
🌍 Russia
# Gara-Bashi: Europe's Wildest Mountain Adventure Perched at a jaw-dropping 3,883 meters (12,739 feet) on the southeast slope of Mount Elbrus, Gara-Bashi is the highest ski lift station in all of Europe. This isn't your typical alpine resort—it's a serious mountaineer's playground tucked between the Black and Caspian Seas, just 20 km from the Georgian border, deep in Russia's Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The journey starts in Terskol, a small mountain town at the base of the Baksan Valley, and climbs 10.5 km (6.52 miles) to reach the lift station. Buckle up: you're gaining 1,695 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 16.14%, and some sections hit a brutal 33% incline. This isn't a road for your regular sedan—4x4 vehicles only, and even then, it's rough going. Along the way, you'll spot the quirky Garabashi (Botchki) huts—barrel-shaped structures lying on their sides that serve as base camps for climbers. Push a bit further and you'll find 11 more barrel huts near the ski lift station, offering cozy (if sparse) accommodations for six climbers each. The Terskol Observatory sits nearby at 3,092 meters, while ambitious snowmobilers have ventured even higher to 4,486 meters. Access is limited to certain summer days only, and the entire route is unpaved. Here's the kicker: in 1997, Russian adventurer Alexander Abramov drove a Land Rover Defender to Mount Elbrus's 5,642-meter summit—the highest peak in Europe. After 45 grueling days battling glaciers, ice, and mechanical failures, he made it. The vehicle stayed at the top; his team made it back safely with a Guinness World Record in hand.
extremeWhy is Alto de Velefique so famous?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alto de Velefique is a must-do if you're cruising around Almeria, Spain! This high mountain pass tops out at 1,793m (that's 5,882ft!) in the stunning Andalusia region. What makes it so special? Well, it's famous for its insane number of hairpin bends – cyclists even call it the "Spanish ," and honestly, the comparison is pretty spot on! Just north of the pass, the road even climbs to 1,827m (5,994ft). The AL-3102 is in fantastic condition, winding for 24.7 km (15.34 miles) from Velefique to Bacares. Don’t let the smooth surface fool you, though, this road is challenging! Get ready for 29 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections that hit a maximum gradient of 17%. The climb is super scenic, thanks to all those switchbacks. You'll also get incredible views of the Tabernas desert, which is actually Europe’s only desert! Keep in mind summers can get scorching hot. Perched high in the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains, Alto de Velefique (also known as Puerto de Velefique) is usually open year-round, though winter weather can sometimes cause closures. Expect unreal desert-like scenery along the way!
moderateWhere is Bellecombe?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're carving through the Alps, right on the French-Italian border, heading for Bellecombe. This peak sits way up high at 2,602 meters! Forget paved paradise, though; this 12-kilometer stretch is all rugged, unpaved adventure. You'll be linking Savoie in France to the Aosta Valley in Italy, with Mont Blanc looming in the distance. Word to the wise: you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this one. Oh, and pro tip: don't even think about it in the winter – this road is buried in snow. But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery, with views for days!