Where is Maloja Pass?
Switzerland, europe
23.8 km
1,819 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the Maloja Pass! This beauty winds through the Swiss Alps in Graubünden, practically kissing the Italian border at an altitude of 1,819m (5,967ft).
Dating back to Roman times (and maybe even earlier!), this route really came alive in the 1800s as a crucial link between Northern Italy and Engadin. While tunnels later diverted heavy traffic, the Maloja Pass remains a classic.
Clocking in at 23.8 km (14.78 miles), Route 3 twists and turns from Silvaplana to Bregaglia. Don't let the "pass that never was" nickname fool you; its unique geography offers a thrilling drive. Expect some steep climbs (up to 11%) and tight hairpin turns that demand your full attention, especially if you encounter a truck heading the other way. Motion sickness sufferers, you've been warned!
While usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball. Snowfall can lead to temporary closures, so winter tires are a must. Chains might be a good idea, too!
Set aside about 30 minutes for this drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views of Lake Sils (Silsersee) and Lake Silvaplana (Silvaplanersee) are simply breathtaking. Plus, you're super close to the swanky resort town of St. Moritz, making this a perfect side trip.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,819 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the scenic EM513 Road to Alto de Vaires
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through northern Portugal, Vila Real District to be exact, and you stumble upon Alto de Vaires. This mountain pass climbs to a cool 1,288 meters (4,225 feet), offering some seriously stunning views. The road itself? Paved and in decent shape, making for a smooth ride. It carves right along the ridge, which means incredible scenery practically the whole way. Just be aware, there are some narrow spots! One of the coolest parts is definitely crossing this super long, slender bridge – photo op alert! The pass stretches for about 17.4 kilometers (10.81 miles), taking you on a north-south adventure from near the Spanish border (think Calvos, a charming town in Galicia, Spain) all the way to Covelães. Trust me, this is one drive you won't forget!
hardA gravel road to the virgin Verodal beach in Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventurers, listen up! Ever dreamt of escaping to the edge of the world? Then picture this: El Hierro, the tiniest, most remote Canary Island, chilling in the Atlantic off the African coast. Here, you'll find Playa del Verodal, a beach with sand the color of fire. Getting there is half the fun! The road to this almost-untouched paradise is a 1.2 km (0.74 mile) unpaved beauty that begins after the popular road to Pico Faeda. Be warned, though – it's a bit of a squeeze, especially during peak season when everyone's chasing that volcanic sunset. But trust me, the drive is SO worth it. Imagine winding through a landscape sculpted by volcanoes, with views that'll blow your mind. Just keep an eye out for potential closures due to volcanic activity. And while you're there, admire the powerful sea from afar – swimming isn't really recommended due to the wild waves and strong currents.
hardRoute de Presles is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Route de Presles: France's Most Thrilling Alpine Drive Nestled in the heart of the French Alps in the Isère department, Route de Presles (D292) is an absolutely jaw-dropping mountain drive that'll make your palms sweat—in the best way possible. This 8.9 km stretch winds its way north from Pont-en-Royans up to the charming village of Presles, and it's nothing short of spectacular. What makes this road so wild? It's basically carved right into the mountainside. We're talking dramatic open tunnels, passages hewn directly from rock, and lanes so tight and low you'll feel like you're driving through a secret passage. Blind corners? Check. Hairpin bends? Absolutely. The real kicker: if you meet another car coming the other way, one of you is backing up. It's also off-limits to larger vehicles, so you'll be sharing the road with smaller cars and, importantly, plenty of hikers and cyclists snapping photos for their Instagram feeds. Fair warning—keep your eyes peeled for fallen rocks and fallen debris that could throw you off course. The road is also prone to landslides and occasional closures, so definitely check conditions before you head out. Use your horn liberally in tight spots to warn others of your presence, and take it slow. The sweet spot for visiting? Late May through September, when the weather cooperates. As you climb, you'll be surrounded by Scots pines, boxwood, and young oaks, with Mediterranean scents wafting up from the microclimate created by the towering cliffs. The road hugs the stunning Gorges de la Bourne before climbing through the gorgeous Nugues hamlet and reaching the Col de Toutes Aures—a legendary viewpoint that opens up to panoramic views of the south Vercors and the Isère plain. The finale? The breathtaking Gorges du Nan. This is genuinely one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
hardIs N232 Road paved?
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Portugal's N232! This mountain road, nestled in the heart of central Portugal, is not for the faint of heart. We're talking twisty-turny to the MAX. Seriously, some sections are switchback city! The road's paved and generally in good nick, offering some surprisingly fast corners. Just be warned, it gets pretty narrow in places. You'll climb to a whopping 1,427m (that's 4,681ft!) above sea level, with some ramps hitting an 8% gradient! How long is this epic drive? It stretches for 86.6 km (53.81 miles) from Mangualde (off the A25) to Belmonte (connecting to the N18). Budget about 2 hours to soak it all in. And is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be cruising through the stunning Serra da Estrela Mountains, with views that'll blow your mind. The most intense section is a 37km (23 miles) stretch between Gouveia and Manteigas, boasting over 100 turns! Get ready for a white-knuckle ride with incredible scenery.