
Road trip guide: Conquer the drive from Lefkes to Kamari on Paros island
Greece, europe
12 km
593 m
hard
Year-round
# Lefkes to Kamari: A Hidden Gem in the Cyclades
Ready for a stunning drive through Greece? Head to Paros island and tackle the scenic 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) route connecting the charming villages of Lefkes and Kamari. This north-south stretch is pure magic, especially if you're craving those postcard-perfect Aegean Sea views.
The real star of this drive? The winding ascent to Mt. Agios Pantes, the island's highest peak. You'll climb to 593 meters (1,945 feet) on a mostly unpaved road with just a few concrete sections thrown in where things get steep. Fair warning: the path narrows in spots and feels genuinely rustic, but that's part of its charm. Most regular passenger cars and RVs can handle it without too much trouble.
The whole experience feels like you've discovered something the masses haven't quite found yet. Narrow roads, elevation gains, and those killer views of the sparkling Aegean make this one of those drives you'll be talking about long after you're back home.
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquer the drive from Lefkes to Kamari on Paros island is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 38.5505, 22.2578
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 593 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.5505, 22.2578
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the tricky 570 Road around the Snaefellsjökull glacier
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for a wild ride on Route 570 (Jökulshálsvegur) in western Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's an off-road adventure across the western edge of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle it. Hidden inside Snæfellsjökull National Park, this road is seriously steep and the surface is covered in loose gravel. Expect potholes, blind turns, and surprise hills that will keep you on your toes. Seriously, you NEED a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for this one. The road can be pretty rough, with plenty of big rocks to navigate. And if the clouds are low, you might find yourself driving right through them! But the views! You'll be surrounded by an almost lunar landscape that's as bumpy as it is beautiful. Don't expect to see many other cars out here – it's a pretty secluded route. So, it’s best not to travel alone. Even though Route 570 has been improved, it still feels like an F-road adventure. Google Maps might even still mark it as F570. You won't have to ford any rivers, but remember this is a mountain road, and snow can linger for a long time. This 18.3km (11.37 miles) stretch connects Arnarstapi (or Stapi) on the south side of the peninsula to Ólafsvík on the north side, running between Faxaflói bay and Breiðafjörður fjord. The views are insane, especially of Snæfellsjökull, the 700,000-year-old glacier-topped volcano. Lava is everywhere, in every shape and texture. You’ll feel like you’ve landed on another planet! As one of Iceland's highest roads, topping out at 658m (2,158ft), it usually only opens during the summer months (late June to early September). This one's not for the faint of heart if you're afraid of heights, but once you reach the top, the panoramic views of the entire Snæfellsnes peninsula are absolutely worth it.
hardPeña Caballera
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a dirt road gem for you tucked away in sunny Andalucia, Spain. We're talking the Sierra Nevada National Park in Granada province, where the Ruta de los Tres Valles winds its way up to a lofty 2,187 meters (that's 7,175 feet!). Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive in your sedan. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to tackle this unpaved beast. The road is seriously steep in sections, pushing a 15% gradient in places! Snow is a regular visitor, so late spring through early fall is your best bet. But trust me, the effort is worth it. Imagine cruising along, surrounded by jaw-dropping views of Mulhacén and Veleta, their peaks capped with shimmering snow. Just keep in mind that this twisting beauty has a LOT of curves – think over 1,300!
hardA curvy paved road to Col de Perty
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Perty: A Scenic Alpine Challenge in Southeast France Ready to tackle one of the Drôme's most thrilling mountain passes? Col de Perty sits pretty at 1,302 meters (4,271 feet) above sea level in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and the journey to the top is absolutely worth your time. The route follows the D65, a completely paved but delightfully narrow road that snakes its way across 19.8 kilometers of stunning Alpine terrain. Heads up though—this pass doesn't mess around, with grades hitting a jaw-dropping 12% in some sections. Buckle up for the adventure! You've got two main approaches to choose from. Coming from the west via Montauban-sur-l'Ouvèze, you're looking at a 12.5-kilometer push from La Combe, climbing 600 meters at a manageable 4.8% average gradient. If you're coming from the east at Laborel, it's a shorter but punchier 8.5 kilometers, gaining 475 meters with a steeper 5.6% average grade. Whichever way you approach, expect those classic Alpine switchbacks, breathtaking valley views, and the kind of tight curves that make for an exhilarating drive. The narrow pavement means you'll want to take it steady and enjoy the scenery—which, trust us, is absolutely stellar. This is the real deal for mountain road enthusiasts.
hardPuerto de Ibañeta is a classic road trip in northern Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Ibañeta If you're looking for a seriously scenic mountain crossing in Spain, the Puerto de Ibañeta is your answer. Sitting pretty at 1,063m (3,487ft) in Navarra, this pass has been welcoming travelers since Roman times—talk about staying power! You might hear it called by a bunch of different names (Paso de Roncesvalles, Col de Roncevaux, and a few others), but they all lead to the same epic mountain experience. The pass itself stretches 16.4 km (10.19 miles) from Roncesvalles in the north down to Luzaide/Valcarlos in the south, carving its way between the Nive valley and the Irati valley. The main road up here is the N135, and here's the good news—it's completely paved and well-maintained. The not-so-good news? It's seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting up to 15%, so pack your driving patience. The road stays open pretty much year-round, which is impressive for a Pyrenean pass. Once you reach the summit, you'll spot the modern Ermita de San Salvador de Ibañeta church marking your arrival at the top. Want to push even higher? The NA-2033 branches off from here, a narrow paved mountain road that climbs another 6km to Ortzanzurieta at a breathtaking 1,570m (5,150ft). The whole area is pure Pyrenean magic—rugged, dramatic, and absolutely worth the drive.