Shaitan-Merdven: an old Roman military road to the summit
Ukraine, europe
7.7 km
623 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Shaitan-Merdven, or Devil's Stairs, is a must-do if you're exploring the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a rugged, unpaved Roman military road winding up to 623 meters (that's over 2,000 feet!).
Stretching for almost 5 miles through the Crimea Mountains, this track can get seriously muddy and slick after a rain shower, so be prepared for a challenge. In fact, after a storm, it might be impassable, even for 4x4s. But trust me, the views are worth it!
Bring your camera because you'll want to capture the incredible panoramic vistas of the coastline. You can see everything from Cape Sarych, the southernmost tip of Crimea, almost all the way to Cat Mount. Seriously, the photo ops are insane. Just make sure your batteries are charged and your memory card is empty – you'll need it! You get there travelling through the T2709 road to Baidarsky Pass.
Road Details
- Country
- Ukraine
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 623 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving to Puerto de Valdelinares: The Highest Town in Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Valdelinares: Spain's Alpine Challenge Craving a high-altitude adventure? Head to Puerto de Valdelinares in Teruel, where this mountain pass sits pretty at 1,837m (6,026ft) above sea level in Spain's Aragón region. It's part of the charming Valdelinares—claim to fame: Spain's highest town on the peninsula! The 25.3 km (15.72 miles) route runs north-south between Allepuz and Linares de Mora, cutting through the stunning Sierra de Gúdar range. It's fully paved (though the pavement has definitely seen better days), and you'll encounter narrow sections, steep climbs, and those hairpin curves that'll keep you on your toes. The road is officially called TE-V-3, and it's legit enough to have been featured in the Spanish Vuelta cycling race. The scenery is absolutely worth it, but come prepared: while the pass typically stays open year-round, winter can throw curveballs with sudden closures thanks to gnarly weather conditions. Plan accordingly, and you've got yourself an epic drive through some seriously beautiful mountain terrain.
hardWhat’s at the summit of Mount Voras-Kajmakčalan?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the road up Mount Voras-Kajmakčalan. Perched right on the border between Greece and North Macedonia, this baby clocks in at a whopping 2,524 meters (that's over 8,280 feet!). Forget pavement, because this 20km stretch is all about that rugged, unpaved life. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 with some decent clearance to tackle this climb. The route winds its way from Petalino (North Macedonia) up to the Voras –Kaimaktsalan ski resort in Greece. Think switchbacks, gravel, and views that just keep getting better and better. Up top, you'll find two small churches: one dedicated to Serbian soldiers and another named Profitis Ilias on the Greek side. Word to the wise: this road is a summer-only kind of thing. When the snow flies, it's pretty much impassable, so plan accordingly! Get ready for some seriously epic mountain vibes!
hardAn iconic paved road to Llac d'Engolasters
🌍 Andorra
Okay, so you're heading to Andorra? Make sure you check out Llac d'Engolasters, a stunning mountain lake nestled high up in the Encamp parish. Getting there is half the fun! The road, CS-200, is a smooth asphalt ribbon that winds its way up from the CG-2. It's only 6.5 km long, but don't let that fool you. You'll be grinding up some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of up to 12.3%! Get ready for 13 hairpin turns as you climb 482 meters. That’s an average incline of 7.41%, so be prepared to drop a gear or two! The road itself is usually in great shape, and you won't find too much traffic, except maybe on weekends or during peak season. It's generally open year-round, but be aware that winter weather can sometimes cause temporary closures. The climb is a popular (and very challenging!) cycling route, with incredible views awaiting you at the top.
hardLes Ecouges is a scenic balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Les Ecouges: France's Most Vertigo-Inducing Alpine Drive Buckle up, because Les Ecouges isn't your average scenic drive—it's an absolute adrenaline rush through the French Alps that'll have your palms sweating and your heart pounding. Located west of Grenoble in the Isère department, this 20.4 km (12.67 miles) stretch of Route Départementale 35 winds its way north-south from Rovon to the mountain village of Rencurel. And let me tell you, this isn't a road for anyone afraid of heights. The "balcony section" clings to the mountainside with barriers that feel laughably inadequate—it's simultaneously terrifying and absolutely stunning. The crown jewel? A 500-meter tunnel blasted through solid rock at Pont Chabert that emerges onto a road literally hanging above a waterfall before plummeting down toward the Isère Valley. Fair warning: until 2021, this tunnel was pitch-black (cyclists especially got an unwelcome surprise). The ancient route that existed before the tunnel has been sealed off due to rockfall danger—it was apparently even scarier than what you get today. Built in 1833 and finished by entrepreneur J Serratrice in 1883, this engineering marvel was originally designed to haul timber down from the mountains to supply a cannon foundry. The road itself is architectural poetry—its slope mirrors the natural limestone layers, and the sculpted ceiling creates this mesmerizing geometric effect. The drive snakes through lush mountain pastures with grazing cattle, dense forests, and switchbacks that demand your full attention. It's slow, winding, and utterly magnificent—perfect if you love roads that challenge both your driving skills and your nerve. Winter? Forget about it. The road closes seasonally due to snow, and oversized vehicles like trucks are banned year-round. Perfect for adventurous drivers and thrill-seekers ready to conquer one of France's most dramatic alpine passages.