Katara Pass is an epic road trip in Greece

# Katara Pass: Greece's High-Altitude Mountain Gem

Perched at a breathtaking 1,705m (5,594ft) above sea level, Katara Pass—also known as Metsovo Pass—sits right on the line between Epirus and Thessaly in northern Greece. This is seriously one of the country's highest roads, and the views alone make the drive worthwhile.

The fully paved route stretches 22.6 km (14.04 miles) from Panagia to Metsovo Ski Center, running east-west through the stunning Pindus mountains. You're looking at roughly 30-40 minutes of driving time if you don't stop, though honestly, you'll probably want to pull over for photos. The road is flanked by gorgeous pine and spruce forests, with panoramic vistas of the Aoos and Pineios valleys spread out below you.

Here's the thing though—this road has had quite the journey. Once a major route (especially from the 1960s through early 2000s), traffic plummeted after the Metsovo Tunnel and Egnatia Odos opened. By 2011, the pass was in rough shape, with asphalt damage and deteriorating conditions forcing a closure. Fortunately, it got a much-needed makeover in 2022 and is now open to the public again.

Winter is when this road demands respect. Expect seasonal closures from January to March due to heavy snow. Even when open, narrow sections with grades hitting 7.5% make overtaking tricky—and even trickier if you're driving a truck. Snow transforms this into seriously treacherous territory, so caution is essential.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, a challenging gravel road branches south toward Anilio Ski Center for those seeking an even wilder experience.