
Where is Col de Creu?
France, europe
27.8 km
1,712 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found a killer route in the French Pyrenees: Col de Creu! This stunner sits way up high at 1,712 meters (that's 5,616 feet!), offering insane views in the Occitania region, close to the Spanish border.
This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about the D4 Road, one of those incredible balcony roads clinging to the mountainside. It's fully paved, but parts are super narrow, and those barriers? Let's just say they're...minimalist. Expect some serious climbs, with gradients hitting 12% in spots!
And get this: you'll pretty much have the place to yourself. This is a lonely stretch, untouched by major improvements for ages. Sun and wind? Yep, you'll get plenty! Keep an eye out for gravel after rain or wind, and be aware that snow can shut things down entirely.
The whole shebang is about 27.8 km (17.27 miles) of pure bliss, stretching from Formiguères to Olette. It’s the perfect escape for bikers and motorcyclists, especially on those sunny summer days and weekends. Seriously, if you're looking for an epic ride, this is it!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 27.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,712 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeThe breathtaking road through Serrai di Sottoguda in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Serrai di Sottoguda: A Hidden Gem in Italy's Dolomites Tucked away in the heart of the Dolomites within Belluno province in northeastern Italy, the road through the Serrai di Sottoguda gorge is seriously something special – we're talking one of the world's narrowest stretches of asphalt. Here's the thing though: vehicles are actually forbidden here now. Only pedestrians and cyclists can experience this magical corridor through the rock. Welcome to the Veneto Alps, where nature does things on an epic scale. The gorge itself is absolutely stunning – towering walls of bare rock rise up to 50 meters on either side, while the passage between them narrows to just 8-10 meters wide. The whole canyon stretches roughly two kilometers, and the Pettorina river flows beneath you, its waters literally carved these dramatic cliffs over time. The current route you'll walk or cycle today is actually a First World War relic, complete with two old ammunition galleries and a small chapel honoring fallen soldiers from Malga Ciapela. If you venture along the abandoned original path, you'll spot a carved image of the Sacred Heart – a blessing carved into the rock face back when crossing this gorge was genuinely perilous. The paved walkway features twelve small bridges and winds alongside the river for roughly 1.7 kilometers. The atmosphere is genuinely otherworldly – so little light penetrates these narrow walls that you can't help but feel wonderfully tiny against nature's raw power. The air echoes with rushing water, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel like you've stepped into another world entirely. It's absolutely worth the detour.
hardN232 Road is not suitable for those who get dizzy
🇵🇹 Portugal
# N232 Road: Portugal's Wild Mountain Ride Ready for a serious adrenaline rush? Head to central Portugal and tackle the N232 Road, a gloriously twisty mountain route that'll test your driving skills like nothing else. This isn't for the faint of heart – we're talking about a road with so many hairpin turns and switchbacks that most drivers wisely give it a wide berth. The good news? The pavement is solid and well-maintained, with some genuinely fun fast corners thrown in. The catch is that it's narrow in places, which adds to the intensity. You'll climb up to 1,427 meters (4,681 feet) of elevation, navigating gradients that reach 8% – those ramps really make you feel the climb. Stretching 86.6 kilometers (53.81 miles) from Mangualde to Belmonte, this scenic loop will gobble up about 2 hours of driving time if you're pushing through without breaks. But honestly? You'll probably want to stop and soak in the views. The real showstopper is the 37-kilometer (23-mile) stretch between Gouveia and Manteigas in the Guarda District. This section alone packs in over 100 turns while winding through the stunning Serra da Estrela Mountains. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking – dramatic peaks, sweeping vistas, and some seriously photogenic curves that'll make your followers jealous. If you crave curves and can handle a challenging mountain drive, this is your calling.
moderateColl de Melanell
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer route for you nestled high in the Spanish Pyrenees, practically spitting distance from France. It's called Coll de Melanell, and it hits a dizzying 1,971 meters (6,466 feet) above sea level! This isn't your typical Sunday drive, mind you. We're talking about the Camí de Fontlletera (GIV-5265), a mostly unpaved, 28.9-kilometer dirt track connecting the charming villages of Ribes de Freser and Tregurà de Dalt. Think epic high-mountain scenery, the kind that makes you want to yodel (even if you can't). Best time to go is late spring to early fall to avoid the worst of the snow. A SUV or all-road vehicle is definitely your friend here – you'll need the clearance to tackle this beast! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.
hardWhere is Geminbeli Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Geminbeli Geçidi is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,020m (6,627ft) above sea level, located in Sivas Province of Turkey. Where is Geminbeli Geçidi? The pass is located in the central part of the country, in the eastern part of the Central Anatolia region. Is Geminbeli Geçidi paved? The road to the summit is fully paved but in bad condition. It’s called D865. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey, as adverse conditions are common. How long is Geminbeli Geçidi? The pass is 55.9km (34.73 miles) long, running from Zara to Suşehri. The road is very steep, with a maximum gradient of 12% through some of the ramps. The climb features a series of sharp hairpin turns on the northern side of the pass. An epic road to Agziacik Gecidi in Turkey The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Through Cukuryurt Gecidi Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.