The sensational road to Formentor Lighthouse in Mallorca
Spain, europe
10.9 km
119 m
extreme
Year-round
# Far de Formentor: Mallorca's Most Breathtaking Drive
Perched at 119 meters (390 feet) above sea level, the Far de Formentor lighthouse sits like a crown jewel at the northern tip of Mallorca's Formentor peninsula. Built back in 1863 to guide ships safely through the night, this stunning beacon marks the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.
The 10.9-kilometer (6.77-mile) journey on the perfectly paved MA2210 road starts at Platja de Formentor and is nothing short of spectacular. Sure, the lighthouse itself has a bar and shop for post-drive refreshments, but honestly? The real attraction is the road itself.
**Buckle up—this isn't for the faint of heart.** The route climbs a serious 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) with gradients typically around 7-8%, though you'll hit some gnarly 10%+ sections. But here's the kicker: the road hugs the edges of dramatic limestone cliffs with absolutely jaw-dropping drop-offs over the sea. Vertigo sufferers, skip this one.
Engineer Antonio Parietti designed this serpentine masterpiece in 1925 with pure genius—where the slope got too steep, he curved. The result? A road that winds around the mountains like an abandoned silk ribbon, with pine trees seemingly defying gravity as they sprout from the rocks.
**Here's the catch:** Summer access is limited. From June 15th to September 15th, private cars are barred between 10 am and 7 pm. Your only options then? Walk, cycle, or hop on the public shuttle from Port de Pollença. Outside peak season? You've got the road mostly to yourself.
Plan for 20-30 minutes of driving, but honestly, set aside way more time. With those breathtaking viewpoints of 400-meter cliffs and the rugged Mallorcan coastline unfolding before you, you'll want to linger and soak it all in. It's legitimately one of the world's most scenic drives.
Where is it?
The sensational road to Formentor Lighthouse in Mallorca is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.1184, -4.1832
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 119 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.1184, -4.1832
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Colletto Campanino?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Nestled in the southwest of Piedmont, in the northern reaches of Italy, lies Colletto Campanino. Forget smooth asphalt, this road to the summit is unpaved and ready to rumble. Don't expect a Sunday drive! Think challenging – like navigating the iconic road to Colletto Pramand. It’s the kind of drive that tests your mettle, but the views? Oh, the views are worth every bump and grind. You'll be climbing to a significant elevation, so prepare for some serious alpine scenery. Just keep your eyes peeled for any tricky spots along the way. It's a wild ride, but one you won't soon forget!
hardPico Almadén, a tough and stunning road to the summit
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pico Almadén: A Mountain Adventure in Andalusia Ready for a serious climb? Pico Almadén towers at 2,031m (6,663ft) in Jaén province, deep in the heart of southern Spain's stunning Andalusia region. The journey up? Pure mountain magic. The route, aptly named Carretera del Repetidor, kicks off from Mancha Real and stretches a solid 23.4 km (14.54 miles) with an elevation gain of 1,289 meters. Buckle up for an average gradient of 5.50%, with some gnarly 15% ramps to keep things interesting. Here's the breakdown: the first section up to Mojón Blanco Pass is paved and in great condition, though it's tight and narrow—no room for error. Once you pass the summit, things get real. The pavement ends, but don't worry; the unpaved surface is well-maintained and totally doable for 4x4s and mountain bikes. The whole adventure happens within the breathtaking Parque Natural Sierra Mágina. The summit itself hosts a communication station, and the road stays open year-round. Just know that winter can throw curveballs—occasional closures happen when snow decides to party. Fair warning: this isn't a casual Sunday drive, but the payoff? Absolutely worth every twist and turn. Welcome to one of Spain's most rewarding mountain experiences.
hardWhere is Alpage d'Eison?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Swiss Alps, Canton of Valais, headed to Alpage d'Eison, a legit high-altitude pasture where the cows chill all summer. We're talking classic Swiss vibes here, people! This place is tucked away in the Val d'Hérens, southwest of Sion, hanging out on the slopes above the village of Saint-Martin. Think postcard-perfect Pennine Alps with 4,000-meter peaks all around. Once you reach the top, it's like stepping back in time. Think old-school stone and wooden buildings, including the super cute Chapelle de L'A Vieille (you gotta snap a pic!). Some of the huts have been turned into cozy little guesthouses. Plus, there's a shop slinging local goodies – cheese, anyone? – and a snack bar to refuel after the drive. Speaking of the drive, buckle up! The road is unpaved and narrow – like, squeeze-by narrow. In fact it's practically a one-lane track. Get ready for some serious technical driving because you'll be navigating about 12 hairpin turns on a bumpy, rugged surface. The climb starts in Saint-Martin and stretches for about 10.7km. It’s a solid ascent of 952 vertical meters, with an average gradient of almost 9%. But keep in mind, some parts are steeper than others!
extremeMorkaya Road is one of the most demanding drives in the world
🇹🇷 Turkey
# The Road to Morkaya: Turkey's Ultimate White-Knuckle Adventure Tucked away in the Yusufeli District of Artvin Province in northeastern Turkey, the route to the tiny village of Morkaya has earned its fearsome reputation—and honestly, it deserves every bit of it. This 8km shortcut connecting the scenic paved Erzurum-Artvin highway to Morkaya has humbled countless drivers and isn't exactly the route you'd recommend to your grandmother. Fair warning: this isn't your average mountain drive. You're looking at crawling along at around 15km/h through what can only be described as dreadfully maintained terrain. The road is insanely narrow—literally too tight for two cars to pass each other—and it drops off hundreds of meters on either side without the comfort of guardrails. If heights make you queasy, this definitely isn't your jam. The journey kicks off with a brutal 15% gradient on concrete, testing both your vehicle's capabilities and your nerve. Most of the route shifts to loose gravel, which means traction is basically whatever you can negotiate with your tires. The hairpin turns are relentless, often so sharp you might not make them in one pass. Add dense fog and rain—which are practically permanent residents here—and you've got a recipe for serious slickness and mud. This is legitimately a road for experienced mountain drivers only. Bad weather can turn it from challenging to genuinely treacherous in minutes. Unless unpaved mountain roads are your specialty, steer clear during poor conditions. Your heart (and stomach) will thank you.