
MA-1131 is a narrow high shelf road in Mallorca
Spain, europe
5.7 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
# Carretera MA-1131: Mallorca's Most Thrilling Coastal Drive
Ready for one of the world's most exhilarating road trips? The Carretera MA-1131 in Mallorca is an absolute beast of a drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping. This jaw-dropping route snakes down from the Tramuntana Sierra mountains all the way to the Mediterranean coast, and let me tell you—it's not for the faint of heart.
Starting at the MA-10 near Valldemossa (home to the stunning 14th-century Royal Charterhouse where the philosopher Ramon Llull once lived), this 5.7km stretch descends to the hidden gem of Port de Valldemossa. This tiny beach is refreshingly under-the-radar and beloved by locals who want to escape the tourist crowds.
What makes this drive truly epic is how it transforms the moment you leave Valldemossa. That seemingly normal road quickly narrows to barely one car width, with only occasional pullouts for passing. You'll navigate nine wickedly sharp hairpin turns while climbing gradients up to 16%—that's seriously steep. The elevation gain of 365 meters might not sound like much, but trust me, you'll feel every meter of it.
This is a snail's-pace kind of drive (rarely exceeding 30km/h), and you'll want to honk your horn navigating those blind corners. Some sections are genuine single-track roads with heart-stopping drops to the coast. Plan about 20 minutes for the complete journey, and make sure you're paying full attention—there's only one spot to safely stop for photos.
But here's the thing: those vertiginous sea and cliff views? They're absolutely breathtaking. You might even spot mountaineers scaling the rocks overhead. Just keep your eyes on the road, grip that wheel, and savor the ride.
Where is it?
MA-1131 is a narrow high shelf road in Mallorca is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.8014, -4.5755
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.7 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.8014, -4.5755
Related Roads in europe
hardA paved curvy road to the summit of Campolongo Pass in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo Campolongo sits pretty at 1,875m (6,152ft) elevation, straddling the border between Veneto and South Tyrol in northern Italy. This beauty connects the Province of Belluno with the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, and it's become something of a legend among cycling enthusiasts—the Giro d'Italia has tackled it, and it kicks off the legendary Maratona dles Dolomites. Talk about making an entrance to the Dolomites! The 10km (6.21 miles) route, known as Strada Provinciale 244, runs entirely on asphalt from Varda up to Corvara, with the road generally staying open year-round (though winter can throw some curveballs with occasional closures). Now, about that climb: it's no joke. Coming up from Arabba, you're looking at a 4km push with 295m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 7.4%—steep enough to get your legs burning. From the Corvara side, the 6.15km ascent is a touch gentler at 5% average gradient, but that's still a solid 307m of elevation to conquer. The real magic? The first section hits you with those signature Dolomites hairpins and dramatic mountain views that'll have you gasping (both from effort and scenery). As you pass the golf course, things mellow out a bit, and those final 3km serve up gorgeous Alpine meadows that feel almost gentle compared to what came before. It's the perfect blend of challenging climbing and stunning scenery that makes the Dolomites so special.
extremeWhere is Newby Head Pass?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Newby Head Pass in North Yorkshire, England, a hidden gem sitting pretty at 1,443 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling the Craven and Richmondshire districts in the northern part of the country. Why "Newby Head?" Legend says it's named after a Drovers Inn that used to sit right at the top. The B6255 is your paved path to glory – a winding stretch of road that clocks in at around 16.5 miles, linking Ingleton and Hawes. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Some sections get seriously steep, with gradients hitting almost 10%! The views? Totally worth it. The road's generally open year-round, but winter can throw a curveball with ice turning those bends into a slippery challenge. So, buckle up, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
hardHow is the ascent to Paso del Reventón?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure time! Picture this: you're straddling the line between Segovia and Madrid, smack-dab in the heart of Spain. Specifically, the stunning Sierra de Guadarrama. You're about to tackle Paso del Reventón. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking 14 kilometers of pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your perspective). Starting near Puerto de Cotos, you'll climb nearly 800 meters. Don't let the average gradient fool you – the real kicker is the terrain. Think loose gravel, packed dirt that turns into a muddy slip-n-slide, and hairpin turns galore. High clearance is your BFF here. Heads up: winter turns this pass into a snow globe. We're talking deep snow from December to late March, potentially even later. Even when the snow melts, you might be dealing with some serious mud, so 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. Keep an eye on the weather around Rascafría or La Granja – storms roll in quick. Hazards? Oh, we've got 'em. Steep drop-offs and a surface that loves to play tricks on you. Those 16 hairpin turns? They come with zero guardrails. The road's narrow, making passing a delightful game of chicken with oncoming traffic (or hikers). "Reventón" literally means "burst," which tells you something about the effort it takes! The biggest modern threat? Flat tires on the sharp rocks. Trust me, you'll want a good set of tires for this adventure. Pro Tip: there are zero services up here. Zip, zilch, nada. Fill up the tank before you leave the M-604 or those cute little towns nearby. Cell service? Spotty at best. And pack a spare tire and some recovery gear – this road isn't exactly well-maintained, and a good rainstorm can change everything in a heartbeat. Now get out there and explore!
hardCol Sud des Lacs
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up adventure-seekers, because Col Sud des Lacs in the French Alps is calling your name! Situated way up in the Savoie department of southeastern France, this pass tops out at a lofty 2,484 meters (that's 8,149 feet!). Now, don't expect a smooth cruise. We're talking a rocky road with plenty of loose gravel, so hold on tight for a bumpy ride! It's steep, pretty deserted, and generally snowed in from October to June (weather depending). This one's definitely for experienced off-roaders only. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a must-have, and if heights make you queasy, you might want to reconsider! At the summit, you'll find Refuge de l'Etendard, a mountain refuge where you can take a break. Just be prepared for a seriously steep climb!