Where is C31 Road?
Spain, europe
N/A
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hard
Year-round
Cruising the C31 in Catalonia, Spain, is a must-do if you’re anywhere near Barcelona! This old coastal road hugs the Mediterranean Sea southwest of the city, and it’s a wild ride.
This stretch, particularly between Castelldefels and Sitges, will test your nerves if you're prone to car sickness. You'll be winding along cliffs right above the sea, navigating tight curves as the road snakes its way through Parc Natural del Garraf.
It's not a long drive, but those curves come at you fast and furious. Plus, it's a single lane each way, so patience is key, especially since it gets super crowded on weekends and holidays. Trucks from the Vallcarca cement company add to the fun on weekdays! Overtaking is pretty much impossible.
But oh, those views! The ocean vistas are incredible, and there are several viewpoints with parking where you can safely pull over, soak it all in, and snap some photos. Just remember to keep a cool head, as there's no shoulder to give you any margin for error. It's scenic, bendy, and often congested, but totally worth it for the views.
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hardWhere Does the Sumba Old Road Lead?
🌍 Faroe Islands
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a real mountain road? Then picture this: the old road in Sumba, Suðuroy, Faroe Islands! This isn't just any drive; it's a 9.5 km (5.9 miles) rollercoaster that'll test your skills and reward you with views you won't believe. We're talking about climbing to the top of a massive 470-meter (1,542-foot) sea cliff. Trust me, the vistas from up there are absolutely jaw-dropping. Now, a word of caution: this road isn't for the faint of heart. It winds and climbs, with some tight spots where you'll definitely need to watch out for oncoming traffic. The elements can be fierce here, with avalanches and snowfall possible, making navigation tricky. Here's the insider tip: most folks now zoom through the modern 3,240-meter (10,630-foot) Sumbatunnilin tunnel. But if you're seeking a true driving adventure, take the old road! You won't regret it.
moderateWhere is Col de la Faucille?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because Col de la Faucille is a *stunner* of a mountain pass! You'll find this beauty perched high in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France. We're talking summit views from way up high! The road itself is completely paved and winds its way through the mountains with hairpin turns galore - get ready to put those driving skills to the test! Clocking in between Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux (in the Jura department, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region) and somewhere in the Ain department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it's a fairly popular route for cyclists. Plus, because it’s a shortcut for drivers, expect to share the road! Keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the ride! It has been featured in the Tour de France, so you know it's iconic.
moderateWhere is La Caldera Refuge?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so you're in Granada, Spain and itching for an adventure, right? Then listen up! You NEED to experience the Camino de los Franceses (or Camino del Mulhacén if you're feeling fancy). This trail winds its way up, up, UP to the Refugio Vivac de la Caldera, perched at a whopping 3,053m (that's over 10,000 feet!). We're talking serious altitude here, making it one of the highest routes in Europe. Starting near Capileira, this 31km (19-mile) path throws you right into the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. But here's the thing: it's completely unpaved. Think rugged, natural beauty, and incredible views. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for stunning alpine lakes along the way! Be warned though, this trek is impassable in winter. This road is closed to motor vehicles, but is a great hike! The refuge itself sits beside a crater lake in a stark, breathtaking landscape. It's a bit eerie, but totally unforgettable.
extremeA road through Çakıt Vadisi for drivers with strong nerves
🇹🇷 Turkey
# Çakıt Valley: Turkey's Heart-Pounding Mountain Pass Straddling the border between Adana and Mersin in Turkey, the road through Çakıt Valley has earned its reputation as one of the world's most nerve-wracking drives. Carved into the dramatic cliffs of the Taurus Mountains, this 24.47 km (15.16 mile) stretch connects Belemedik to Kiralan while hugging the Çakıtsuyu River below. What makes this route so intense? It's entirely unpaved, brutally narrow, and literally blasted out of the mountainside—with serious cliff drops just begging your attention. While it's technically open to cars, motorcycles, and even hikers, rockslides are a constant hazard you'll need to watch for. The valley's dramatic history adds to its mystique. German engineers built this service road back in the 1920s to support construction of the Baghdad-Hijaz railway, an ambitious project that ultimately took until 1940 to complete. That section of track included 12 tunnels carved through 15 km of mountain—an engineering feat that required this very road to haul workers and materials. **Fair warning though:** The road currently has some serious rockslide activity. While smaller slides might be navigable, major boulder blockages have been reported in the middle section that can completely bar passage for both vehicles and bikes. Before you attempt this adventure, definitely check on current conditions—this isn't a route to wing it on.