
Travelling through the Demirkapı-Ballıköy road
Turkey, europe
19.1 km
2,927 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I just tackled the Demirkapı-Ballıköy road, straddling the border of Trabzon and Rize in Turkey’s Black Sea region, and WOW. This isn't just a road; it's an *experience*.
We're talking seriously high elevation here – peaking at a cool 9,603 feet! The entire 11.86 miles is pure, unadulterated, unpaved mountain track. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Seriously, you absolutely NEED a 4x4 for this one. And plan your trip for summer, folks, because winter closes this baby down faster than you can say "mountain pass."
Starting near Demirkapı, a tiny mountain town in Trabzon, you'll wind your way east toward Ballıköy, a remote village tucked away in the Rize Province. Expect incredible scenery, but also a serious dose of isolation. This is a road for those who truly want to get off the grid and into the heart of the Turkish mountains!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,927 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardA narrow road to Cow Green Reservoir in England
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: Cow Green Reservoir, perched high up on the border between Cumbria and County Durham in England, about 1,673 feet above sea level. This isn't your average lake; it's a massive body of water, holding back a whopping 40,000 million liters! It was built back in the late '60s and early '70s by a crew of around 300 people to keep the industries down in Teesside humming. Getting here is an adventure in itself. The road is paved, but it's a bit of a squeeze, so be prepared for some tight spots if you meet another car. It's a pretty steep climb too, with gradients hitting 9% in places, so give your engine a little pep talk before you start. From the village of Langdon Beck, it’s about 2.9 miles up to the car park. From there, a private road (gated, unfortunately) leads another 2 miles to the dam. Good news: it's usually open year-round! Bad news: winter weather can be a real bummer, so expect closures. Even on a sunny day, pack a jacket because it can get chilly up there. In the winter, the water regularly freezes over – brrr! But oh, the views! This drive rewards you with stunning panoramas of Cross Fell, Great and Little Dun Fells, Meldon Hill, and Mickle Fell – all those epic North Pennine peaks spread out before you. Trust me, it's worth the climb!
hardTorcal de Antequera, an awe-inspiring drive in southern Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright adventurers, buckle up! We're heading to Torcal de Antequera in sunny southern Spain, a bizarrely beautiful nature reserve in Málaga, Andalucía. Get ready to climb, because the road to the visitor's center tops out at a cool 1,226 meters (4,022 feet) above sea level! The route to the Torcal Alto Visitor Center is all paved, but be warned, it's a bit on the narrow side. Parking at the top is limited, and they shut down private vehicle access when it's full, especially on weekends and holidays. So plan accordingly! Nestled in the Sierra del Torcal mountains, this is one of Málaga's most popular spots. The visitor center has everything you need: info, a gift shop, grub, and even an observatory! The 9.1 km climb from Villanueva de la Concepción gains 635 meters in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 7%, with some ramps hitting a lung-busting 14%! The weather here can be intense, so spring and fall are the best times to visit. Winter brings cold, rain, and fog, while summer can be scorchingly hot.
An Iconic Paved Road to El Retamar in the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# El Retamar: A Mountain Adventure in Tenerife Ready for some seriously scenic elevation? El Retamar is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,100m (6,889ft) on Spain's Canary Islands, specifically on the island of Tenerife. You'll find it tucked away in the south-central part of the island, just south of the iconic Teide volcano. The 21-kilometer (13-mile) drive along TF-21 runs north-south between Paradores Cañadas del Teide and Vilaflor, and trust us—it's not your average Sunday drive. The entire route is paved, which is great news, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a smooth cruise. You're looking at plenty of hairpin turns, some seriously narrow stretches, and steep sections that max out at 11.9% gradient. Your hands might be white-knuckling the steering wheel, but the payoff? Absolutely worth it for the incredible mountain scenery surrounding you the whole way up.
The wild road to Picon del Fraile in northern Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Picón del Fraile: A Thrilling Alpine Challenge in Northern Spain Ready for a serious mountain adventure? Picón del Fraile is a stunning 1,590m (5,216ft) peak sitting right on the border between Cantabria and Castile and León in Spain's north. It's nestled within the gorgeous Collados del Asón Natural Park, deep in the scenic Soba Valley. The summit's crowned by a military radar station (EVA 12) that's been keeping watch since 1997—pretty cool to see up close if you make it that far! The road up, nicknamed Las Motas, is fully paved, but don't let that fool you. It's a gnarly, twisting climb with some seriously steep pitches hitting 17% gradient. Starting from Portillo de Lunada on the BU-572 road, you're looking at a 4.5 km (2.79 miles) push uphill with 308 meters of elevation gain and an average 6.84% gradient. Fair warning: the final stretch is off-limits to regular vehicles—only official traffic gets through. Here's where it gets real: the weather up here is absolutely brutal and wildly unpredictable. Back in February 2013, the road became completely impassable for over a month straight, buried under snow walls exceeding 20 meters. Helicopters were the only way to resupply the base. So pick your timing carefully and respect Mother Nature—she's not messing around on this mountain.