Where is Crête de la Pendine?
France, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Crête de la Pendine, nestled way up in the Hautes-Alpes department of France! Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in the country, smack-dab in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Now, heads up, it's not exactly a Sunday drive. Part of the "road" is actually a chairlift access trail! The route to the peak is long. You'll be climbing a serious amount, so get ready for those hairpin turns. This one's definitely a summer adventure, though – think snow-covered wonderland in the winter! But hey, the views from the top? Totally worth it. Trust me.
Related Roads in europe
moderateM6 is said to be Britain's most haunted road
🇬🇧 England
The M6, the UK's longest motorway, stretches a whopping 233 miles from near Rugby all the way up to Carlisle, practically kissing the Scottish border. They call it the "Backbone of Britain," and it definitely feels like it when you're cruising along it. This fully paved, six-lane highway isn't just a road; it's apparently a hotspot for the paranormal. Drivers have reported some seriously spooky stuff over the years, from Roman soldiers marching along the sides to phantom hitchhikers vanishing into thin air. Some even claim to have seen ghost cars and lorries driving the wrong way! Whether it's restless Roman legions from almost 2,000 years ago or just overactive imaginations, the M6 has earned a reputation as Britain's most haunted road. Keep your eyes peeled, and maybe say a little prayer – you never know what you might encounter on this legendary stretch of asphalt!
hardConquering Theodul Pass on the Swiss-Italian Border
🇮🇹 Italy
# Theodulpass: Europe's Ultimate Alpine Challenge Want to experience one of Europe's most extreme mountain routes? Theodulpass sits at a jaw-dropping 3,336 meters (10,944 ft) on the Switzerland-Italy border, straddling the Valais canton and Valle d'Aosta. It's seriously high—and seriously intense. The pass goes by several names—Colle del Teodulo, Col de Saint-Théodule, Theoduljoch—but no matter what you call it, this is peak Alpine adventure. There's even a historic mountain hut, Rifugio del Teodulo, built back in 1920, waiting just above the summit. Here's the thing: this route is completely unpaved, and motorized traffic has been off-limits since 2009. But cyclists? You can still make it to the top if conditions are perfect and you're tackling it in midsummer. Before the ban, this was actually the highest motor-accessible point in the Alps. Talk about bragging rights. Starting from Breuil-Cervinia down in the Aosta Valley, you're looking at 10.5 km (6.5 miles) of pure climbing. You'll gain 1,308 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 12.45%—but here's where it gets gnarly: the steepest sections hit 30% gradient. The terrain? Loose stones that transition into increasingly rocky, unforgiving slopes as you climb higher. Nestled in the eastern Pennine Alps, this route demands respect and timing. You've got a narrow summer window—realistically only late August—when conditions are passable. This isn't a casual spin; it's the ultimate test for serious mountain enthusiasts.
moderateWhy is Estrada Nacional 2 famous?
🇵🇹 Portugal
Calling all road trip enthusiasts! Ditch the autostrada and embrace the open road on Portugal's very own "Route 66" – National Road 2! This epic adventure stretches a whopping 738km (458 miles) from Chaves in the north, practically kissing the Spanish border amidst the rugged Trás os Montes landscape, all the way down to Faro in the Algarve, where the turquoise waters of the Atlantic await. Get ready for a fully paved, soul-stirring journey through the heart of Portugal, as you conquer 4 mountain ranges, meander across 11 rivers, and cruise through 29 unique municipalities. Forget boring highways; this is about slow travel at its finest! Picture this: stunning vineyards, charming medieval villages, rejuvenating river beaches, and a landscape so diverse it'll leave you breathless. You'll discover Portugal's hidden gems, from UNESCO World Heritage sites and majestic mountains to elegant spa towns, pristine lakes, and those picture-perfect villages that seem straight out of a postcard. While the N2 isn't known for being particularly dangerous, be prepared for some winding sections and keep your eyes peeled for local traffic. Built between the late 19th century and 1945, this iconic road is calling your name! Are you ready to answer?
extremeWhere is Mount Profitis Ilias?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're on Santorini, that postcard-perfect Greek island, and you're itching for an adventure. Forget the beaches for a bit and head towards Mount Profitis Ilias, the island's highest point. This peak sits pretty between Pyrgos and Kamari on the southeast coast. At the top you will find an old monastery founded in 1711 and some military installations. Now, the road to get there? It's an experience. Think paved, but seriously twisty and narrow – barely wide enough for a single car! If you get carsick easily, maybe pop a Dramamine. In the summer, it’s bustling, with big tour buses adding a fun level of "will we make it?" to the drive. Throw in a windy day, and, well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Starting from Pyrgos Kallistis, the climb is around 5.5 km (3.4 miles) long, and you'll gain about 565m (1,853ft) in elevation. That's an average gradient of 10.3%, so hold on tight! So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views from the top are insane! You get a full-on, panoramic vista of Santorini unfolding beneath you. Trust me, the scenery is spectacular – a real "wow" moment. Pro tip: go early, before the tour buses show up, to really soak it all in. You won't regret it!