What are the best roads in Mallorca? Top 5
Spain, europe
12.2 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
# Mallorca's Mountain Roads: A Driver's Paradise Beyond the Beach
Forget everything you think you know about Mallorca. Sure, the beaches are stunning, but hidden in the Serra de Tramuntana—a UNESCO World Heritage site—lies some of the most thrilling driving in the entire Mediterranean. This is where the real adventure happens, and honestly, it's absolutely worth the detour.
## Sa Calobra Road: Engineering Meets Art
This 12.2 km ribbon of asphalt is pure genius. Built way back in 1932 by Antonio Parietti without a single tunnel, it tackles elevation through an iconic spiral bridge called the "Nus de sa Corbata"—the Tie Knot—that'll make your jaw drop. The narrow, steep descent to the sea is no joke though; those legendary hairpins demand your full attention, especially when you're squeezing past tour buses coming the other way. It's intense, but unforgettable.
## Far de Formentor: Cliffs and Drama
The 10.9 km drive to this historic 1863 lighthouse sits on the northernmost tip of the island, perched 200 meters above the sea. The views are absolutely epic, but here's the catch—during summer, they restrict private cars to manage the crowds. Expect relentless wind, wild goats wandering freely, and some of Spain's most jaw-dropping coastal scenery.
## The MA-10: The Ultimate Mallorcan Road Trip
Ready for the long haul? This 110 km beast stretches from Andratx to Pollença and is basically one continuous adrenaline rush. Mountains, tunnels, forests—it's all here, and driving it properly takes at least 2 hours of pure concentration. Watch out for cyclists and the surprisingly bold goats that claim the asphalt as their own. This is where you'll see Mallorca's wild, unfiltered side.
## Puig Major: High-Altitude Thrills
At 6.9 km, the climb to Mallorca's highest accessible point doesn't sound long, but those 8 massive hairpins and 11% gradients will keep your hands firmly on the wheel. Built in 1958, this technical masterpiece acts as a gateway between lush valleys and stark, rocky terrain—the tunnel at the top marks where everything changes.
## MA-1131: Valldemossa to the Sea
If tight, nerve-wracking descents are your thing, this 5.7 km plunge from Valldemossa to its port is calling your name. With a brutal 16% gradient and 9 hairpins squeezed into a claustrophobically narrow road, there's barely anywhere to pull over and catch your breath. The Mediterranean views are stunning, but yeah, your passengers might be gripping their seats.
Where is it?
What are the best roads in Mallorca? Top 5 is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.0323, -2.4178
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.2 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 41.0323, -2.4178
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col de La Buffere?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Buffère: Picture this, you're cruising through the Hautes-Alpes department of France, and you stumble upon this beast of a mountain pass. We're talking a whopping 2,431m (7,975ft) above sea level! You'll find it nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in the southeastern part of France. This road has some serious history, dating all the way back to the early 1900s when it was built for military use. Up at the top, you can still spot remnants from World War II—part of the old Maginot Line. Pretty cool, right? Now, don't get me wrong, the Piste du Col de La Buffere is gorgeous, with killer views of the Écrins National Park. But it's not for the faint of heart. It's unpaved the whole way, think gravel and rocks, with some crazy steep sections hitting up to 20% gradient! You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. The fun starts from the D234T, clocking in at about 5.1 km (3.16 miles) with a 314-meter climb. That’s an average gradient of 6.15%, so get ready to work those gears! Heads up, though: this route is usually closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. You can drive part of it, but private vehicles aren't allowed on the very last stretch to the summit. It's all about keeping things safe and preserving the area because the road gets super narrow with some serious drop-offs. Honestly, the views are worth it, offering epic panoramas of the surrounding peaks. Plus, you get a dose of history with the military fortifications.
moderateWhere is Karakaya Hill?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna hit one of the highest roads in Turkey? Head to Erzurum Province and set your GPS for Karakaya Hill. This peak punches way up there at 3,148 meters (10,328 feet)! What awaits you at the top? Only Turkey's largest and first infrared telescope, housed in the Doğu Anadolu Gözlemevi (Eastern Anatolia Observatory) – a seriously cool astronomical research center. Think cutting-edge tech, space exploration vibes, and maybe even a peek at the cosmos (weather permitting!). The road itself? It’s an 18.8 km (11.68 miles) climb, so buckle up. You'll gain a whopping 1,206 meters in elevation, giving you an average gradient of 6.41%. The road is paved and in excellent condition till Ejder 3200 Ski Resort. But hold on! The section from the resort to the observatory turns into a bumpy, unpaved beast. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here. Keep in mind, this is high-altitude territory. Expect heavy snowfall, low humidity, and freezing temperatures, especially during winter. But hey, those are the *perfect* conditions for stargazing! So, if you're up for a challenging drive with stellar views (pun intended), Karakaya Hill is calling your name.
moderateIs Kitzbüheler Horn paved?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're in the Austrian Tyrol, ready to tackle one of the most intense climbs in cycling history. I'm talking about the Kitzbüheler Horn! This baby sits at almost 2,000 meters high! The Kitzbühel Horn Alpine Road is paved, yes, but don't let that fool you. We're talking seriously steep – like, up to 22.4% gradient in sections, and the road gets pretty narrow in spots. You'll be winding your way up past charming alpine huts with switchbacks galore. Heads up though, this road is usually closed from late October to May due to snow. And the last 2.2 km? That's where things get *really* interesting. It's privately owned, with a little gate, and trust me, it's the toughest part – narrow, steep, and the road surface isn't the greatest. Starting in the sweet little town of Kitzbühel, this panoramic beauty stretches for almost 11 kilometers, climbing over 1,200 meters. The average gradient is over 11%, but that last kilometer before the top? Hold on tight, because that’s where you hit that crazy 22.3% slope! Is it worth it? Absolutely! At the summit, you're rewarded with a restaurant, a chapel, and this huge TV tower – the Sendeturm Kitzbüheler Horn. The views are insane! Get ready for an unforgettable ride (or drive!).
hardWhere is Teglia Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Want a taste of the Italian Alps? Then you NEED to check out the Teglia Pass in the Province of Imperia. Nestled in the northwest of Italy, this beauty sits pretty high up at 1,387 meters (that's 4,550 feet!). You'll find it hugging the region, a stone's throw from the . The road itself? It’s the Strada Provinciale 17 (SP17), and let me tell you, it’s an experience. We're talking narrow sections that'll test your nerves, and more turns than you can shake a stick at – around 32 hairpin bends, to be precise! This isn’t a Sunday drive for the faint of heart; best to avoid it if you’re not super confident behind the wheel. But if you ARE, prepare for some seriously epic scenery.