Taking on the Twists and Turns to Col du Val d'Ese in Corsica
France, europe
15 km
1,615 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Val d'Ese
Nestled in the heart of Corsica, Col du Val d'Ese sits pretty at 1,615 meters (5,298 feet) above sea level in the Corse-du-Sud department. This mountain pass sits right between the Prunelli and Taravo valleys, making it a scenic gateway to some seriously impressive terrain.
The real magic happens at the summit, where you'll find the charming Ski resort Val d'Ese. But here's where it gets exciting — this pass is basically your launching pad to Col de Scaldasole, Corsica's crown jewel and the island's highest drivable road at a jaw-dropping 1,938 meters (6,358 feet).
Now, let's talk about the drive itself. The D27A road is fully paved (though fair warning: it's seen better days), but what it lacks in pristine asphalt, it makes up for in character. This route is seriously curvy, impressively steep in spots — we're talking 13.3% grades — and it's refreshingly narrow with countless hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes.
Starting from the village of Bastelica, you're looking at a 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) climb that'll elevate you 859 meters. The average gradient sits at a manageable 5.7%, but those steep sections definitely add some spice to the experience. It's a thrilling ribbon of road that showcases Corsica's dramatic alpine landscape at its finest.
Where is it?
Taking on the Twists and Turns to Col du Val d'Ese in Corsica is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.4953, 1.9156
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,615 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.4953, 1.9156
Related Roads in europe
extremeCat and Fiddle Road is the British Widow Maker
🇬🇧 England
Cruising between Macclesfield and Buxton, right in the heart of Cheshire, you'll find the legendary Cat and Fiddle Road. This stretch of the A54 and A537 spans about 10 glorious miles, winding its way from Macclesfield in Cheshire to Buxton in Derbyshire. Picture this: smooth, paved roads climbing high into the Peak District National Park. Built way back in 1823, this route gets its name from the famous pub perched at the summit - supposedly the second-highest in England! Get ready for some elevation, hitting a peak of 1,689 feet above sea level! Those climbs can be steep, with gradients reaching up to 8% in some spots. Expect tight bends, dramatic drop-offs, and charming dry-stone walls lining almost the entire way. While tourists flock here, so do heavy trucks and fast bikes. Winter can be especially tricky, with snow and ice common. It’s got a reputation, alright. This road has seen its share of incidents, earning itself a pretty serious nickname. The speed limit is 50mph, and cameras are in place to keep things in check, especially among motorcyclists. Allow about 20-30 minutes to soak it all in. This stunning (but notorious) drive serves up incredible views across the Greater Manchester area, the Peak District, and the Cheshire Plain, all while navigating a ton of twists and turns. Fun fact: it even made a cameo in the Bond flick, "The Living Daylights"!
moderateHow long is Aukstaitian Road?
🌍 Lithuania
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central Lithuania on the Aukstaitian Road, a seriously cool historic route stretching 180 km (112 miles) from Kėdainiai up to Biržai. This isn't just any road; it's got stories etched into its asphalt, dating back to the pre-World War II era when it was built to link Kaunas with the heart of the country. You're basically road-tripping through lands once ruled by the Radvila clan, which is pretty epic. Think castles and tales of old Lithuanian power! And the best part? The road's fully paved, so no need for a monster truck – any car will do. Along the way, you'll hit up some must-see spots. There's the fortress in Biržai, a relic from the 17th century, and the charming old town of Kėdainiai. It's a journey through time, from the interwar period right through World War II, with plenty of historic towns and Radziwill castles to explore. Seriously, if you're into history and scenic drives, this road needs to be on your list.
hardTransalpina is the highest paved road of Romania
🇷🇴 Romania
# Transalpina: Romania's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive Ready for an adventure? Transalpina is calling! This legendary 148 km (92-mile) stretch winds through Romania's stunning Carpathian Mountains, connecting the charming town of Novaci in Gorj County to Sebeş in Alba County, and it's absolutely worth the hype. What makes this drive special? For starters, it's completely paved and packed with hundreds of curves that'll keep you on your toes. Plan for about 3 hours of pure driving bliss (longer if you stop to snap photos—and trust us, you will). The fully paved road climbs high into the Parâng Mountains, crowned by the dramatic Urdele Pass at 2,145m (7,037ft), making it Romania's highest paved road. You're surrounded by nature at every turn, and the scenery is absolutely unreal—honestly, some say it even rivals the famous Transfagarasan route. The road's got serious history too. Built under King Carol II and inaugurated in 1938, locals call it "The King's Road." It was revamped by German troops during World War II and remained mostly off-limits until recently. After a major modernization project (completed in 2009), it finally opened to the public in 2012. **Here's what you need to know before you go:** Transalpina isn't open year-round. Heavy snow typically closes it from November through early May, with daytime-only access (8am-20pm) once it reopens around mid-May. Even in summer, bring a light jacket—at 2,000+ meters, the wind bites and weather can be moody. Want the best experience? Visit in mid-to-late autumn when the deciduous forests explode in color—think vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and browns against endless mountain vistas. Absolutely magical.
moderateWhere is Puerto Camacho?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Andalusia, in southern Spain, headed for the Sierra de Lújar mountains. You're about to tackle Puerto Camacho, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,126m (3,694ft). This isn't just any drive; it's an experience. The road, A-4131, carves its way for 16.3 km (10.12 miles) from Órgiva to Haza del Lino, offering views that’ll make your jaw drop. Trust me, you’ll want to take your time! While the road to the pass itself is in decent shape, if you're feeling adventurous, at the summit, a beaten-up road winds its way up to Los Pelaos - Repetidor Lújar, a peak soaring to 1,873m (6,145ft). Be warned: this stretch is rough, with potholes, stones, and a bumpy ride all the way. Back on the main road, get ready for a twisty adventure! Think narrow sections, hairpin curves galore, and gradients that average 7%, but can crank up to 12% in spots. It's a challenging but rewarding drive, with views of the Alpujarra Granadina that are totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable Spanish road trip!