Is the road to Varbitsa Pass paved?
Bulgaria, europe
35 km
900 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! I just conquered Varbitsa Pass, and let me tell you, it's a hidden gem nestled right on the border of Burgas and Shumen provinces in beautiful Bulgaria. This paved ribbon of asphalt, also known as Road 7, climbs up to a cool 900 meters (2,953 feet) above sea level.
Stretching about 35 kilometers (22 miles) between Varbitsa and Beronovo, this north-south route winds you through the heart of the Balkan Mountains. Be warned, though, some sections get seriously narrow! But don't let that deter you – the views are totally worth it. This is a must-do for any road trip aficionado exploring Bulgaria!
Road Details
- Country
- Bulgaria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 35 km
- Max Elevation
- 900 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardThe iconic climb to Luz Ardiden
🇫🇷 France
# Luz Ardiden: A High-Alpine Climb Worth the Drive Nestled at 1,720 meters (5,643 feet) in the stunning Hautes-Pyrénées, Luz Ardiden is one of the Pyrenees' most iconic ski destinations. And here's the cool part—this place has serious cycling credentials, having hosted multiple Tour de France and Vuelta a España summit finishes. The paved road up to the resort opened back in 1975, and it's a thrilling roller coaster of hairpin bends and steep pitches. What makes it special? It's a dead-end road, so you'll never deal with heavy traffic—just you, the mountains, and those incredible panoramic views waiting at the summit. Cyclists absolutely love this place, and once you drive it, you'll understand why. The scenery is genuinely spectacular. **Coming from Luz Saint Sauveur?** Expect a 14.7 km climb gaining 1,010 meters of elevation. The average gradient sits at a manageable 6.9%, though you'll hit steeper sections maxing out at 10%. **Starting from Viscos or Saligos?** This route stretches 14.27 km with a 1,059-meter elevation gain. The average push is 7.4%, but watch out for that brutal 16% maximum slope—it'll definitely test your nerves on those hairpin turns. Either way, you're in for an unforgettable alpine adventure.
moderateDriving the scenic Col de la Core in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Core: A Scenic Pyrenees Classic Tucked away in the Ariège department of the French Pyrenees, Col de la Core sits at a breezy 1,395m (4,577ft) and connects the charming Bethmale Valley to the Salat Valley. This isn't some dramatic high-altitude monster—it's a pastoral gem that's become a Tour de France favorite for good reason. The 31km D17 route running north-south from Audressein to Seix is fully paved and takes you through some seriously gorgeous terrain. We're talking dense beech forests, green rolling hillsides, and cattle casually hanging out by the roadside. The plateau at the top opens up to stunning views of the Mont Valier massif, and you'll feel like you've stumbled onto someone's secret getaway. The whole region sits within the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees, which has this wonderfully lush, isolated vibe compared to the more dramatic central peaks. Now, here's the real talk: the road itself is narrow and winding with plenty of hairpin turns and sketchy stretches without guardrails. In dry conditions, it's totally manageable, but you'll want to stay sharp—especially on those blind curves where cyclists or grazing animals might appear. Autumn gets tricky when wet leaves coat the asphalt, turning those tight bends into slippery surprises. Summer fog can roll in and mess with visibility too, particularly in the forested sections near the valley. Winter brings occasional closures during heavy storms, and you'll need snow tires or chains when conditions warrant it. The sweet spot for driving? Late spring through early autumn when everything's at its best and the road is reliably open.
hardAn epic road to Clermont Carn in Ireland
🌍 Ireland
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Have you heard of Clermont Carn, a peak straddling the border between County Louth in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland? This beauty, also called Black Mountain or Carnan Mhaighreid, tops out at 495m (1,624ft) in the Cooley Mountains. The road to the summit? Paved, yes, but hold onto your hats – it’s super narrow! Think "squeeze-by" territory, so drive carefully and maybe say a little prayer that you don’t meet anyone coming the other way. Seriously, if you're not confident reversing, maybe skip this one. Get ready for a serious climb! The road is STEEP, with gradients hitting 15% in places! You’ll start your 6.3km (3.91 miles) ascent from the R132 road, climbing a whopping 383 meters. That's an average gradient of over 6%. The views from the top are...well, slightly dominated by a massive TV mast and its associated gear, built back in '81. Still, worth the trek for the bragging rights, right?
moderateN2 (Estrada Nacional 2)
🇵🇹 Portugal
# Portugal's Epic North-to-South Road Trip: The EN2 Want to experience the *real* Portugal? The Estrada Nacional 2 (EN2) is your answer. This legendary 738-kilometer stretch runs straight from Chaves near the Spanish border down to the sun-soaked beaches of Faro in the Algarve—basically Portugal's own Route 66, and honestly, it might be even more scenic. This isn't a highway kind of drive. The EN2 curves and winds through Portugal's genuine heartland, cutting across 35 municipalities and 11 districts while revealing some of Western Europe's most hidden gems. You'll roll past the dramatic terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, lose yourself in endless cork oak forests of the Alentejo, and climb through the granite villages nestled in the Serra da Estrela (mainland Portugal's heavyweight at 1,993 meters). Then comes the shift to gentle rolling plains as you drift toward the south. Here's the magic: this road has been around forever—we're talking centuries of traders and pilgrims walking this very route. It's nothing like those sleek motorways rushing tourists between coastal hotspots. Instead, you're looking at a slow-burn journey through small villages, family-run eateries where grandmas are still cooking, and landscapes that honestly feel frozen in time. This is the Portugal that actually exists when you step away from the tourist brochures.