Kurubaş Geçidi
Turkey, europe
N/A
2,236 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Kurubaş Geçidi! This awesome mountain pass sits way up high in eastern Turkey's Van Province, clocking in at a cool 7,335 feet above sea level.
The good news? It's paved, so no need for a monster truck. You'll find it winding between Van and Gürpınar. But hold on tight — it's a pretty intense climb with some seriously tight hairpin turns. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather, as it can get hit with some nasty winter storms.
While you're in the area, be sure to check out Topuzdüzü Tepesi for an ultimate 4WD experience, or embark on a wild adventure to Tobamızga Lake!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,236 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardA narrow road to Col de l’Espaul in the Mercantour
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Espaul Nestled in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France, Col de l'Espaul is a seriously steep mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,752 meters (5,748 feet) above sea level. This one's tucked away in the stunning Mercantour Massif, right within Mercantour National Park—so you know the views are going to be incredible. The route up, called Route de la Colle, is a gloriously narrow and twisty affair that'll get your adrenaline pumping. We're talking some gnarly 10% gradient sections that demand respect, especially if you're driving something a bit larger. Fair warning: the asphalt is looking a little rough around the edges—the road got paved back when they developed a golf course at the summit, so it's seen better days. But that's half the charm, right? The whole drive is mercifully short at just 2.9 kilometers (1.80 miles), starting from Rue Saint-Jean in Péone. Once you make it to the top, you'll find a huge parking lot where you can catch your breath, stretch your legs, and soak in those panoramic Alpine views. Definitely worth the white-knuckle drive up.
hardCol de la Bataille
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Bataille: A Thrilling Alpine Climb Tucked away in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de la Bataille is a mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Sitting at 1,313 meters (4,307 feet), this beauty is all asphalt—you'll be cruising on the D199—but don't let that fool you. The road is seriously steep with plenty of hairpin bends to keep things interesting. Fun fact: the actual highest point hits 1,336 meters right inside the Tunnel du Col de la Bataille, so you'll literally reach the peak while driving through! Ready to tackle it? You've got options depending on where you're starting from: **From Saint Jean en Royans**: This is the long game—30.3 km of climbing with 1,063 meters of elevation gain. You're looking at a mellow 3.5% average gradient, perfect if you want to take it easy and soak in the scenery. **From Oriol en Royans**: A solid middle-ground route at 23.7 km with 1,028 meters of elevation gain and a 4.3% average grade. Still challenging but more manageable than the first option. **From Leoncel**: The hardcore route. Just 8.3 km but absolutely punchy—400 meters of climbing with a steep 4.8% average grade. This one'll test your nerve. **From Les Trois Routes**: The gentle approach at 16.6 km and only 1.2% average gradient—basically a warm-up compared to the others. However you approach it, Col de la Bataille delivers an unforgettable Alpine experience.
easyThe Only Road on Asinara Island: Scenic Drive from Fornelli to Cala d’Oliva
🇮🇹 Italy
# The Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road: Sardinia's Hidden Gem If you're hunting for one of the world's most stunning coastal drives, look no further than the Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road on Asinara Island. This 21.1 km stretch is literally the *only* paved road on this remote Italian island in the Mediterranean, making it pretty special. Tucked into the northwestern corner of Sardinia near the Province of Sassari, Asinara was kept under wraps until 1999 when it finally opened to tourism. The concrete road itself blends beautifully into the landscape, connecting the southern town of Fornelli (where a former maximum-security prison stands as a historical landmark) with the charming northern settlement of Cala d'Oliva, complete with whitewashed houses and buildings that once housed prison staff families. What makes this drive absolutely magical is the incredible biodiversity and scenery you'll encounter. As you wind along the road, you'll pass through the island's most important habitats, catch glimpses of unique wildlife, and witness dramatic coastal panoramas. The route connects several picturesque towns—Fornelli, Tumbarino, La Reale, and Cala d'Oliva—each with their own charm. Spring and autumn are the perfect times to visit, when you can soak in those dreamy turquoise and azure waters, pristine white sand beaches, and some of the Mediterranean's most breathtaking seascapes. Here's the catch though: don't plan on renting a car. Private vehicles are strictly off-limits for visitors. You'll need to hop on a guided tour, rent a bicycle or e-bike, or take an electric cart provided by the park. Parking is limited to designated areas near key spots, and rules are enforced seriously—so respect them!
hardVeliko Rujno
🇭🇷 Croatia
Okay, picture this: You're in Starigrad, a cute little harbor town in northern Dalmatia. Get ready for an adventure because you're about to head up to Veliko Rujno, a ridiculously scenic plateau sitting pretty at almost 3,000 feet! The road is about 8 miles long and twists its way up with eight seriously sharp hairpin turns. The first half is paved, taking you 4 miles to a parking lot. But don't stop there! The real fun begins as the asphalt turns to gravel and you rumble through another 4 miles inside the stunning Paklenica National Park. Now, a little heads-up: this road is not for the faint of heart! It's super steep, narrow, and has some serious drop-offs. But the views? Totally worth it. You'll be gazing out at the sparkling Adriatic Sea and catching glimpses of the charming Sveta Bogorodica church along the way. The final stretch gets a little wild with bigger, sharper rocks on the road. Starting at sea level, you'll climb almost 3,000 feet in just over 8 miles, making for an average incline of around 6.7%. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!