
When Was Caha Pass Built?
Ireland, europe
27 km
320 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the N71, straddling the border between Cork and Kerry in southwest Ireland. This is the Caha Pass, and it's an absolute stunner!
Built way back in 1842, this 27-kilometer (16.77 mile) stretch of road climbs to a modest 320 meters (1,049 ft) above sea level. Starting in Glengarriff (County Cork) and winding its way to Kenmare (County Kerry), you'll want to budget way more than the quick 25-30 minute drive it *could* take. Trust me, you'll be stopping for photos!
This route serves up massive doses of that wild Irish beauty we all crave. The road itself? Let's just say it keeps things interesting. Perched high in the Caha Mountains, this ribbon of asphalt, nicknamed "The Tunnels," is wonderfully curvy and cozy. Keep an eye out for gradients up to 9%! Oh, and about those tunnels? Prepare for some seriously cool moments squeezing through rock-carved passageways, especially on the Kerry side. If you catch a foggy day, even better – instant atmosphere! Just be prepared for more traffic during the summer months; everyone wants a piece of this scenic pie.
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 27 km
- Max Elevation
- 320 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeBella Vista Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Bella Vista Tucked away in Italy's stunning South Tyrol region, Rifugio Bella Vista sits at a seriously impressive 2,887 meters (9,471 feet) above sea level. Getting there? That's half the adventure—and then some. The road up is definitely not your typical mountain drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and plenty of challenging terrain that demands respect. It's actually a chairlift access trail, and yeah, you'll absolutely need a 4WD vehicle for this one. The slope is relentlessly steep, littered with loose stones that get progressively gnarlier and rockier the higher you climb. Expect your vehicle to work hard. The summer window is your best bet—typically from early June through early October, weather gods permitting. But even during the "good" season, don't underestimate this place. The extreme altitude and unpredictable mountain weather keep things interesting year-round. And fair warning: the wind up here is seriously no joke, howling through pretty much every season. If you make it up here, you'll be driving one of Italy's highest accessible roads. That's bragging rights right there. Just come prepared, respect the conditions, and make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge.
extremeWhere is Jezerski Vrh?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: You're in Montenegro, cruising through Lovćen National Park, heading for Jezerski Vrh. This ain't your average Sunday drive! The road's a twisty, turny 12.4 km ribbon of asphalt that clings to the mountainside, climbing to 1,660 meters (that's 5,446 feet!). The journey starts off the main Cetinje to Kotor road, and trust me, it’s worth it. The road itself? Paved, but narrow – think classic European mountain pass vibes. Once you get near the top, you'll find a parking area (which can get packed!), a little souvenir shop, and a restaurant. But the real magic happens at the summit. After tackling 461 steps, you'll reach the mausoleum of Petar Petrovic Njegoš, a Montenegrin legend. Perched way up high, they say it’s the highest mausoleum in the world! The views? Unreal. You can see half of Montenegro, the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the distance, Skadar Lake, and mountain peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. It's a Montenegrin must-do!
extremeDriving One of the Steepest Roads in Europe to Llano de las Animas
🇪🇸 Spain
# Llano de las Ánimas: La Palma's Brutal Mountain Beast Want to test your driving skills? Head to the Canary Islands and tackle Llano de las Ánimas, a seriously gnarly high mountain plateau sitting at 2,036m (6,679ft) that'll make your palms sweat and your legs burn. This road is absolutely relentless. Starting from Puntagorda, you're looking at a 7.6 km (4.72 miles) slog that climbs a jaw-dropping 1,252m with an average gradient of 16.47%. But here's the kicker—the final 3 km? That's where things get absolutely mental, with gradients hitting 19-20%. Yeah, some say it's one of Europe's steepest roads, and honestly, the numbers don't lie. Located in the western part of La Palma in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the plateau sits just west of the iconic Roque de los Muchachos. The good news? The entire road is paved. The catch? The last 3 km narrow to a concrete ribbon that cuts through a firewall, and "narrow" doesn't even begin to describe it. You'll be white-knuckling through some of the tightest, steepest switchbacks imaginable. At the summit, there's a water raft waiting to greet you—a nice reward for conquering one of the most brutal climbs you'll encounter anywhere. If you're into extreme driving experiences, this one's a must-do. Just bring your A-game and nerves of steel.
hardWhere Are Lagos de Covadonga?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain, heading towards the legendary Lagos de Covadonga – a pair of breathtaking glacial lakes. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure! The road is totally paved, so no need for a monster truck, but don't think it'll be a walk in the park. It's a climb, baby! We're talking seriously steep inclines, making it a famous route for pro cyclists. It winds its way up, reaching a cool elevation of above sea level. The whole shebang is long, gaining in elevation along the way, which translates to an average gradient of . There's even a particularly brutal stretch called with sections hitting , 7km from the top! But trust me, it’s SO worth it. The scenery is absolutely unreal – picture-postcard perfect. And when you finally get to the top, take some time to explore the lakes and check out the interesting . You won't regret it!