Where is Collada Verda?

Where is Collada Verda?

Spain, europe

Length

13.9 km

Elevation

1,611 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Collada Verda in the Girona province of Catalonia, Spain! This mountain pass clocks in at a cool 1,611m (5,285ft) above sea level.

Nestled in the Pyrenees, specifically in the Ripollès area of northeastern Spain, it's the link between the Camprodon and Ribes valleys. History buffs, take note: this road started life as a route to an antimony mine (closed in 1923). You can even spot the abandoned Refugi Pla de Satlla mountain hut near the top!

Now, for the nitty-gritty: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The entire road to the summit is unpaved, and super narrow. Think you can squeeze past another car? Think again! It's called Camí de la Collada Verda, and a 4x4 isn't just recommended—it's essential.

Stretching 13.9km (8.63 miles) through the Caballera mountains from Pardines to Llanars (east to west), the views are guaranteed to be epic. Get ready for a wild ride!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
13.9 km
Max Elevation
1,611 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

How to get by car to the summit of Mount Ainos in Kefalonia?hard

How to get by car to the summit of Mount Ainos in Kefalonia?

🇬🇷 Greece

# Mount Ainos Road: Kefalonia's Thrilling Summit Drive Ready for some serious mountain driving? Head to Ainos Oros, the towering 1,615-meter (5,298 ft) peak dominating southeastern Kefalonia in Greece's Ionian Islands. This is the island's highest point, and trust us—the journey to the top is just as impressive as the destination. Starting from the village of Agios Eleftherios, you're looking at a fully paved 8.9 km (5.53 miles) climb that'll test your driving skills. The road hugs the mountainside with plenty of twists, turns, and some seriously narrow sections—so don't expect to cruise faster than 30 km/h. With 708 meters of elevation gain, you're tackling an average gradient of nearly 8%, but the paved surface keeps things manageable for regular vehicles. What makes this drive worthwhile? On a clear day, the panoramic views from the summit are absolutely unreal. You can see practically all of Kefalonia spread out below, most of Ithaka, plus chunks of Zakynthos, Meganissi, Levkas, and even the mainland coast near Kyllini. The summit area has a parking lot and relay towers, making it a popular spot for photographers and tourists alike. Fair warning though: there's a rough 4x4-only track on the eastern side heading toward Arginia that looks tempting but comes with serious risks. We'd skip it unless you're an experienced off-road driver—dangerous drops and winter hazards make this one a hard pass for most visitors.

Where is the Road F578 in Iceland?extreme

Where is the Road F578 in Iceland?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because F578, aka Arnarvatnsvegur, is NOT your average Sunday drive! This "road" (and I use that term loosely) claws its way through the Western Highlands of Iceland, north of the mighty Langjökull glacier. Think you're prepared? Think again. You're gonna need a serious 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling this 79km (49 mile) beast that stretches between Road 704 (Miðfjarðarvegur) and Road 518 (Hálsasveitarvegur). We're talking bone-jarring potholes, ruthless ruts, and boulder fields that'll test your off-roading skills to the absolute limit. And remember that bumpy ford on Norðlingafljót? Yeah, it's still there, and it's waiting for you. The northern stretch near Arnarvatn large can be rocky and wet, with treacherous mud holes ready to swallow your tires whole. It's so remote that some rental car companies outright ban this road, even for 4x4s. Consider travelling with a buddy for safety. But the payoff? Epic. This track winds through stunning lava fields on its way up to 589m (1,932ft) above sea level. F578 is famous for giving you access to many fishing lakes that are mainly located in the middle of the route. The biggest of them is called Arnarvatn Stóra. Just remember, this road is only open during the summer, usually from late June to early September. And keep an eye on the weather – rain and warm temps can turn those streams into raging rivers in a heartbeat. Glacial rivers swell as the day goes on. Are you brave enough to take on the challenge?

The road to Fontana Amoroza beach: Do not enter - dangerous for carsextreme

The road to Fontana Amoroza beach: Do not enter - dangerous for cars

🌍 Cyprus

# Fontana Amoroza: Cyprus's Most Thrilling Coastal Adventure Want to experience one of the world's most exhilarating coastal drives? Head to Fontana Amoroza, a secluded beach tucked into the Akamas Peninsula on Cyprus's northwestern tip. Fair warning: the entrance sign says "Do not enter - dangerous for cars," and it's not kidding. This 5.9 km (3.66 miles) route stretches from the Baths of Aphrodite southward to Fontana Amoroza, and it's absolutely wild. You'll need a sturdy 4x4 vehicle—seriously, don't even think about attempting this in a regular car unless you're in the market for a new one anyway. The unpaved track starts off innocently enough, hugging the coastline with stunning sea views, but it quickly transforms into a rocky, narrow nightmare that climbs steeply toward the dramatic limestone cliffs of Moutti tis Sotiras. Expect sharp drop-offs, hairpin turns, and a vertiginous ascent to the ridge at the halfway point before descending back down to the bay. Most drivers need 30-45 minutes to complete the drive without stopping, white-knuckling the whole way. The payoff? A pristine 400-meter-long beach with crystal-clear, shallow waters and magnificent views across Chrysochous Bay and the Bay of Polis. Fair warning though: July and August bring crowds, so plan your visit accordingly if you prefer solitude with your adrenaline rush.

A wild paved road to Lago dei Cavagnööhard

A wild paved road to Lago dei Cavagnöö

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Lago dei Cavagnöö: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Ticino, Switzerland, Lago dei Cavagnöö sits at a breathtaking 2,352 meters (7,716 feet) above sea level. This stunning high-altitude lake is surrounded by dramatic primary rock formations and crystal-clear waters that'll make you forget you're driving on one of the most intense roads in the Alps. The route itself? Totally worth it, but definitely not for the faint of heart. The asphalt road is narrow and relentlessly steep, with endless hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. You'll be constantly switching between climbing and descending, twisting left then right, navigating exposed sections with minimal guardrails. Even seasoned mountain drivers will find this one challenging. Fair warning: this road is only passable from roughly July through September, weather permitting. Come October, snow and ice take over, making access nearly impossible until late spring rolls around again. The lake itself was created when the reservoir was completed in 1968, and the journey to reach it is nothing short of exhilarating. Those endless switchbacks and narrow passages aren't just obstacles—they're part of what makes this drive so memorable. If you're the type who lives for winding mountain roads and stunning alpine scenery, this is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.