
Is the road to Lago del Narèt in Ticino paved?
Switzerland, europe
21.9 km
2,310 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're carving through the Swiss Alps in Vallemaggia, headed for the unbelievably gorgeous Lago del Narèt. We're talking a crystal-clear reservoir perched way up high at 2,310 meters (that's 7,578 feet!). The entire route to this alpine paradise is paved, so no need for the 4x4... though you'll still feel like you're on an adventure.
Starting in Lavizzara, this epic 21.9-kilometer (13.60-mile) climb is a real leg-burner. You'll gain a whopping 1,570 meters in elevation, averaging out to a 7.16% gradient. But don't let that fool you; get ready for some seriously steep sections – we're talking bursts of up to 18% as you snake your way up! The road is tight, twisting and turning through a dense evergreen forest, hairpin after hairpin. Just when you think you've conquered it all, there's even a cheeky little downhill section right before you reach the dam itself.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane, especially as you get higher and closer to the dam. And the fun doesn't stop at Lago di Narèt. In the final stretch, you'll pass three more stunning little lakes – Lago di Sassolo, Lago Superiore, and Lago Scuro – before finally reaching your destination. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,310 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardCan you drive to Mam Tor?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the High Peak of Derbyshire in England, heading for Mam Tor, aka "The Shivering Mountain." This mountain pass climbs to a cool 461m (1,512ft), and trust me, the views are worth it. You can totally drive up Mam Tor Road, which is part of the A625. It's paved, but be warned – it gets narrow and steep! Seriously steep – think a 20% gradient in places. That's why buses, coaches, and heavy vehicles aren't allowed. The road itself is an experience. It slices through this gap, hemmed in by these crazy limestone formations. The eastern side of the mountain is constantly shifting, creating all these cool, mini-hills from past landslides. It’s this instability that gave Mam Tor its nickname. The whole pass stretches for about 17.54km (10.9 miles), running from Chapel-en-le-Frith to Hope. Cyclists love this road, and it's a regular feature in the Tour of the Peak, where it really tests the riders with its tough climbs and maximum 10% gradients. Fun fact: there used to be another road here, built way back in 1819. But the unstable ground meant constant landslides and repairs. They finally gave up on it in 1979, so you won't be driving that route! Get ready for some incredible scenery and a proper driving adventure!
extremeThe sensational road to Formentor Lighthouse in Mallorca
🇪🇸 Spain
# Far de Formentor: Mallorca's Most Breathtaking Drive Perched at 119 meters (390 feet) above sea level, the Far de Formentor lighthouse sits like a crown jewel at the northern tip of Mallorca's Formentor peninsula. Built back in 1863 to guide ships safely through the night, this stunning beacon marks the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. The 10.9-kilometer (6.77-mile) journey on the perfectly paved MA2210 road starts at Platja de Formentor and is nothing short of spectacular. Sure, the lighthouse itself has a bar and shop for post-drive refreshments, but honestly? The real attraction is the road itself. **Buckle up—this isn't for the faint of heart.** The route climbs a serious 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) with gradients typically around 7-8%, though you'll hit some gnarly 10%+ sections. But here's the kicker: the road hugs the edges of dramatic limestone cliffs with absolutely jaw-dropping drop-offs over the sea. Vertigo sufferers, skip this one. Engineer Antonio Parietti designed this serpentine masterpiece in 1925 with pure genius—where the slope got too steep, he curved. The result? A road that winds around the mountains like an abandoned silk ribbon, with pine trees seemingly defying gravity as they sprout from the rocks. **Here's the catch:** Summer access is limited. From June 15th to September 15th, private cars are barred between 10 am and 7 pm. Your only options then? Walk, cycle, or hop on the public shuttle from Port de Pollença. Outside peak season? You've got the road mostly to yourself. Plan for 20-30 minutes of driving, but honestly, set aside way more time. With those breathtaking viewpoints of 400-meter cliffs and the rugged Mallorcan coastline unfolding before you, you'll want to linger and soak it all in. It's legitimately one of the world's most scenic drives.
hardWhere is LZ-67 Road?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down LZ-67, also known as the "Mountains of Fire Road," on Lanzarote. This isn't just any drive; it's a trip through a volcanic wonderland in Timanfaya National Park! The road is in tip-top shape, so no worries there. This paved beauty snakes its way through the heart of the island, cutting through a rocky landscape that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. Think barren, otherworldly, and totally Instagrammable. Trust me, the views are mind-blowing and so worth the drive! Just keep an eye out for those influencers chasing the perfect shot in the middle of the road, and get ready for some serious volcanic vibes.
hardWhere is Colle di Valcavera?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the northwestern corner of Italy, practically spitting distance from France, and you stumble upon Colle di Valcavera. This mountain pass climbs to a cool 7,926 feet and it’s a real beauty, if a bit of a beast. The road’s all paved, thankfully, but don’t expect a smooth ride – it's got its fair share of rough patches. What it *does* have in spades is curves. Hairpins for days! This baby’s been featured in the bicycle race, so you know it's got some serious elevation gain. And speaking of steep, some sections max out at a pretty intense gradient. Clocking in at just over 29 miles, this stunner winds its way and is the same road you'd take to reach. Just a heads up: winter slams the door shut on this road, so plan your trip accordingly. The scenery is unreal, though, so totally worth braving the climb!