What are the highest roads in Turkey?

What are the highest roads in Turkey?

Turkey, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

# Discover Turkey's Epic Mountain Roads

Turkey is an absolute beast when it comes to dramatic geography. Straddling Europe and Asia, this country is basically all mountains—seriously, one glance at the map and you'll see why. Sure, there are some gorgeous coastlines along the Black Sea and Mediterranean, but the real action happens inland on those towering peaks.

The Anatolian Peninsula is sandwiched between two absolute giants: the Pontic Alps hugging the north and the Taurus Mountains dominating the south. Between them? Vast, sprawling high-altitude plateaus that'll take your breath away. This wild terrain means the roads here aren't your typical highway cruises—they're engineering marvels that twist and turn through some of the world's most stunning (and challenging) mountain passes.

If you're a road-tripping adrenaline junkie, Turkey is calling your name. These routes will test your driving skills while rewarding you with some of the most incredible scenery on the planet.

Ready to find out which stretches rank as the highest asphalted roads in the country? Explore our interactive map and dive into an adventure across some of the world's most spectacular drives.

Got a killer road you think deserves the spotlight? We're always hunting for hidden gems. Share your suggestion with us—your next favorite drive might just make it onto our collection!

Where is it?

What are the highest roads in Turkey? is located in Turkey (europe). Coordinates: 39.5054, 34.6172

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Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
39.5054, 34.6172

Related Roads in europe

Where is Kepa-Mittagskogel?moderate

Where is Kepa-Mittagskogel?

🌍 Slovenia

Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Slovenia and Austria, way up in the Western Karawanks, on a mountain called Kepa-Mittagskogel. This rocky pyramid of a peak hits an altitude of about 2,145m (7,037ft), and getting there is half the fun. There's this incredible 7.8km (4.84 miles) dirt road winding its way up from the Slovenian village of Belca, dating back to the pre-WWII era. It climbs to a saddle right on the border, topping out around 1,600m. Heads up, though – that's where the driving ends. Now, on the Austrian side in Carinthia, a road *used* to lead to Bertahuette, a cozy mountain hut not far from the peak. But it's been closed since 2006, with a parking spot at 1,180m being your final destination by car. So, lace up those hiking boots and get ready for some killer views!

The Challenging Road to Pian del Re in the Cottian Alpsmoderate

The Challenging Road to Pian del Re in the Cottian Alps

🇮🇹 Italy

# Pian del Re: A High-Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Italy's Piedmont region, Pian del Re sits pretty at 2,020m (6,627ft) in the Province of Cuneo, nestled within the stunning Valle Po. This high mountain plateau is basically the real deal for alpine enthusiasts—you'll find a spacious parking lot, a cozy mountain refuge, and a handful of buildings waiting for you at the top. The Rifugio Albergo is genuinely your go-to spot for launching epic adventures, especially if you're tackling the legendary Giro del Monviso loop. Fun fact: the plateau's name supposedly dates back to when French forces hung around during Francis I's reign, before things got complicated with the Duchy of Savoy. ## The Road Itself The 11 km (6.83 miles) climb from Crissolo is totally paved and pushes you up 878m with an average gradient of about 8%—definitely a workout, but totally doable. You're cruising on Strada Provinciale 234, which stays in solid condition the whole way up. The road's wider and more forgiving between Crissolo and Paesana, but heads get real narrow in those final 3 km leading to the plateau. Traffic's light (trucks aren't allowed anyway), which is awesome for enjoying the scenery. ## What You Need to Know The road only opens between June and October, so plan accordingly. Because you're deep in the Cottian Alps, chains or snow tires might be necessary even during the open season. Bring your best driving skills and respect the mountain—it's absolutely worth it.

A paved road to Chalet Hotel du Gioberney in the heart of the Ecrins Parkhard

A paved road to Chalet Hotel du Gioberney in the heart of the Ecrins Park

🇫🇷 France

# Chalet Hôtel du Gioberney: A Mountain Adventure Worth the Drive Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Chalet Hôtel du Gioberney sits at a breathtaking 1,649 meters (5,410 feet) within the stunning Cirque du Vaccivier. This historic refuge, built back in 1942, is nestled right in the heart of Écrins National Park and has become the go-to launching point for serious hikers exploring the region. Getting there is half the adventure. The road to the refuge—D480T—is fully paved but don't let that fool you. It's narrow, winding, and includes some seriously steep sections that climb up to 10%. Starting from the N85 near Saint-Jacques-en-Valgodemard, you're looking at a 26.2-kilometer (16.27-mile) drive with a 784-meter elevation gain. The average gradient sits at about 3%, but those final stretches? They'll get your heart pumping. Here's the real talk: fuel up at the petrol station at the valley entrance because the refuge is roughly 30 km away, and options are non-existent once you head up. The last section is actually off-limits to private vehicles anyway, so plan accordingly. This is serious Alpine territory. Winter brings heavy snowfall and seasonal closures, so time your visit carefully. Rockslides are also a hazard to keep in mind. But if you manage to tackle this road in good conditions, you'll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery France has to offer.

Base del Teide is one of the most sensational roads in the Canary Islandshard

Base del Teide is one of the most sensational roads in the Canary Islands

🇪🇸 Spain

# Base del Teide: Spain's Sky-High Cable Car Gateway Want to experience Spain's highest peak without breaking a sweat? Head to Base del Teide, perched at a jaw-dropping 2,356 meters (7,729 feet) above sea level in Tenerife's Canary Islands. This isn't just any mountain stop—it's your ticket to the top of an actual volcano. The cable car station sits at kilometer 43 along the winding TF-21 road, and yeah, it's fully paved—but don't let that fool you. This 13-kilometer stretch from Las Cañadas del Teide to Paradores Cañadas del Teide is seriously curvy, with some sections hitting a brutal 10% gradient. It's steep, it's challenging, and it's absolutely worth it. Once you arrive, you'll find a free parking lot with space for 220 cars (open 9 am to 6 pm), plus a rest area, coffee shop, and self-service restaurant that serve up incredible views of Teide National Park. There's also a shop and public restrooms to round things out. The real magic happens when you hop on the cable car—it whisks you up to the volcano's summit without requiring the grueling hike that would otherwise eat up your entire day. Pro tip: Get there early, right at 9 am. You'll dodge the crowds, catch the best views, and actually enjoy your time exploring one of Spain's most spectacular landscapes.